Game Scouted: North Florida vs USC Upstate
North Florida wins 73-65
Michael Buchanan (7’0″, C, SR)
Stats: 26 min, 6-15 FG, 1-5 FT, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 1 TO
Strengths
Can score with his back to the basket- showed a variety of post moves and couldn’t be stopped when guarded by 1 guy. Really solid footwork. Loves the drop step, spin move, and right hook. Can score with contact and has great hands. Displayed great patience on the block and makes good reads against the double team. Really efficient scorer inside who is shooting over 60% from the field on the season.
Can rebound the ball on both ends. Rebounds it in traffic and keeps the ball alive with one hand until he can grab it with 2. Leads the country in offensive rebounding %.
Runs the floor pretty well especially for a player of his size.
Controls the paint on both ends. Size is such an issue for opponents to deal with. He is able to secure deep post position and keep players from scoring in the paint at the other end. Solid shot blocker who uses his length to his advantage.
Weaknesses
Plays under the rim. Needs to continue to improve conditioning- Is able to play strong for about 5 minute spurts but starts to tire after (to his credit he played a long stretch to close out the game). Loves to finish over left shoulder and rarely goes over right shoulder.
Upstate plays practically almost all zone while he is in so I wasnt able to see how he would guard the ball screen.
Needs to improve FT shooting- has a hitch on the way up.
Overall
Has been named the ASUN Player of the Week twice this year. Michael is currently one of 26 D1 players who is averaging a double-double and is the only one of the group to do so while playing less than 25 minutes per game. Mike is currently averaging 15.3 ppg and 10.6 rpg in 23.4 minutes.
Upstate runs their offense through Mike and he has done a great job this season of finishing or passing out to shooters when the doubles come.
Professional basketball is definitely in the future for Mike and he should have more then 1 option. I can see him as a possible PIT guy and should receive several NBA workouts. His game would be great in a solid European league.