Freshman Report (Davidson)

Peyton Aldridge Davidson basketball

 

Game Scouted: Davidson vs George Washington

Davidson wins 77-66

Box Score

Davidson College was able to win its 21st game of the season Saturday night at home, which put them in a tie for 1st place in the highly competitive A10. The Wildcats have not had any trouble making the transition from the SoCon Conference to the A10. Part of the reason Davidson has enjoyed such success is the contributions several of their freshman are making. Peyton Aldridge, Oskar Michelsen, and Nathan Ekwu play about 62 minutes a game combined and have averaged close to 20 ppg during those minutes combined. Good times should continue for this Davidson program as they will return every player but two, to next years team. 

Here is a detailed look at each of these newcomers and what they have brought to the table this year.

Peyton Aldridge, F, 6’7″, 205 lbs

Peyton plays the most minutes of any freshman (30 min) and also provides the most production (10 ppg, 5 rpg, 1 bpg). He is a terrific 3 pt shooter who has a quick release. He is shooting over 40 % from 3 this season while attempting over 3 threes per contest. He is comfortable playing on the perimeter and is what you would consider to be a skilled big. He is an underrated passer who can hit cutters with timely on target passes. He is impressive on the defensive end and is able to guard several possessions. He is an active shot blocker and showed he could close out well on shooters and slide feet decently on the perimeter.

Peyton needs to continue to improve his lower body strength, as he is vulnerable to getting posed up deep inside. He also needs to work on his ability to create his own shot and his overall quickness and athleticism. He would be considered a stretch 4 at this point, but needs to continue to work on his SF skills if he is going to have a shot at the next level.

Overall, Peyton has had a spectacular rookie season and should find himself on the A10 All-Freshman team.

Oskar Michelsen, F, 6’9″, 210 lbs

The SF from Finland has a terrific overall skill set that allows him to be a mismatch nightmare on the perimeter. He is an underrated athlete and has a terrific shooting stroke. Oskar is averaging 6 ppg, 2 rpg, and 1 aspg in 18 min per game this year. He can use either hand equally well and is also a good passer. He needs to get stronger and once he gets used more accustomed to the physical play of the A10, he will be fine. He is an intriguing prospect and a player to watch.

Nathan Ekwu, F, 6’7″, 235 lbs

Nathan is by far the strongest and most athletic out of this group. He has the look of a senior not a freshman, and is a chiseled 235 lbs of muscle. He has produced in limited minutes (3.5 ppg, 3 rpg, 13 min) and has had several break out games (11/6 vs UCF, 8/6 vs UVA, and 7/10 vs Stetson) this season. Ekwu is a solid rebounder and defender who plays hard. He needs to improve his overall skill set, but has potential.

 

 

James Blackburn has scouted all levels of basketball, including high school, college and the pros, as well as international competitions such as the FIBA World Cup. Want more scouting notes from James? Follow him on Twitter @jamesjunior21, right now!

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