By James Blackburn

Game Scouted: UVA vs Davidson at the Time Warner Cable Arena (Charlotte)
Virginia Wins 70-57
Box Score

De’Mon Brooks (F, 6’7”, SR)

Stats
36 min, 4-15 FG, 2-3 3 pt, 3-4 FT, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 TO, 1 blk, 1 steal, 13 TP

Strengths
High motor undersized PF who has a nose for the ball. Solid rebounder who is better then his final rebound total stated today in the box score. Solid post defender who has a good base and defends with out fouling. Quick hands defensively for a player his size. Tremendous help defender who drew several charges this game. Understands proper defensive positioning. Very impressed with his defense this game.
Offensively, Brooks struggled for most of the game, before finding some success late. His teammates didn’t do a great job of getting him the ball early on in the post. Solid agility and good strength inside on the block. Loves to go into the spin move- where he can spin either direction and finish w/ either hand. Drew the double team in the post most of this game, and did a solid job of not turning it over and getting it out early to the open perimeter player. Good ball handler with either hand, actually went right more times then he went left. Does a good job of finding the right angle and using creativity around rim to finish. Uses pump fakes and the glass to his advantage. Uses his body well to shield and create space to finish lay-ins. Draws contact well. Good footwork in the post.

Showed the ability to stretch the floor out to 3 point range. Can hit the open 3- lefty but has an unconventional stroke. Above average FT shooter – has improved in this area every year at Davidson. Good rotation on his shot. Has the ability to be a stretch 4 with his pick and pop ability
Weaknesses

His lack of athleticism and height hurts him the most and this hurt him on both ends today. I thought he could have demanded the ball more inside when he had post position. Struggled to finish in this game around the rim- couldn’t get anything going. Having a hard time finishing and scoring over the more athletic and taller Akil Mitchell and Mike Tobey.
I thought he could of run the floor better and he looked a little out of shape this game- could be an effect of him playing major minutes and having to battle bigger players on both ends. Although Brooks does an unbelievable job of being in the correct defensive position, his lack of height doesn’t allow him to adequately defend taller post players when they get position. “Tweener” – what position is he?

Overview
Brooks struggled this game scoring the basketball, but he continued to battle and play hard. Big issue is his lack of a true position. He is not quick enough to guard a SF, but is undersized to play the PF at next level, at least the NBA level. Not the best game Brooks has played as he struggled to score over taller defenders most of the game and battled repeated double teams, but he should dominate his conference this season and is poised for a breakout year. It would be nice to see Brooks at the PIT this season and see how he stacks up there- has a good chance in my opinion. Will definitely watch again this season. Will be a tremendous get for an overseas team as his rebounding and agility are covetable assets.

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By James Blackburn

Game Scouted: WSSU vs Concord Winston-Salem wins 76-73 Preston Ross, III (F, 6’5”, SR) Stats 37 min, 6-15 FG, 2-6 3pt, 5-6 FT, 5 reb, 1 assist, 3 TO, 1 blk, 1 steal, 19 TP

Strengths
Physical defender who bumps cutters. Closes out with high hands. Active and quick hands defensively-makes plays- got multiple deflections tonight and guards the inbounds. Made the proper defensive rotations and has good bball IQ. Looks to make contact and box out on all rebounds. Hustles and plays hard. Incredible offensive rebounder because of hustle, vertical leap, and timing. Relentless motor.
Secures rebounds strongly with 2 hands.

Excellent athlete who runs the floor well and has good hands. Quick jump. Excellent in transition, gets out quickly. Very good slasher who can finish with contact. Head hunts on screens. Strong frame. Shot has good rotation and he has solid mechanics with a nice follow through. Showed he was capable to knock down the open corner 3 off the pick and pop play- hit back to back 3′s at a critical point in this game with under 4 min to play. Has a smooth FT stroke. Team player who shares the ball and does not force shots. Is in great physical condition- played a game high 37 minutes in this contest. Good high-low passer and is an underrated passer in general- better then his assist numbers would indicate. Does a good job of sealing inside.

Weaknesses
Struggles to change directions with the ball off the dribble. Needs to improve ball handling overall, dribbles with head down. Inconsistent shooter from 3 and needs to speed up release. What position is he on the floor? Struggled to finish around the rim tonight but hustled and was able to board most of his own misses.

Went for too many ball fakes when defending the perimeter and needs to improve lateral quickness.

Overview
Another solid performance tonight from the senior forward. Had 20 pts and 10 rebounds in his 1st game and led his team in scoring tonight in another win. Transfer from D1 Western Carolina, where he started last season. Should have a big year on a young team that needs his toughness, leadership, and competitiveness.
Needs to improve body language when things are not going his way, showed visible frustration on missed shots and fouls. Is supportive of teammates on bench and in game and listens to his coaches.

Needs to communicate more on the floor. Calls out screens but would like to see him talk more in general, but is a winner and a competitor.
Ross shouldn’t have a problem finding a role to play at the next level, either in a 2nd division European country or in another country/continent. His athleticism, strength, and rebounding ability will be highly coveted by a pro team.

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ST. LOUIS (USBWA) - The U.S. Basketball Writers Association has selected ten outstanding first-year players for its 2014 Integris Wayman Tisdale Freshman of the Year Award Preseason Watch List. Members of the association’s board of directors chose the players to be included on the list as initial contenders for the national freshman of the year award. All NCAA Division I freshmen are eligible to win the award.

The award is to be presented to the national freshman of the year at the Devon Energy College Basketball Awards on April 14, 2014, at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. The Oscar Robertson Trophy and the Henry Iba Coach of the Year Award will also be presented at the gala to be held annually the Monday following the NCAA Men’s Final Four.

Kansas guard Andrew Wiggins, the association’s preseason selection for Freshman Player of the Year, is joined by teammate Wayne Selden on the watch list. But it’s Kentucky that dominates the list with four players — twin guards Aaron and Andrew Harrison, forward Julius Randle and guard James Young.

Rounding out the list are Syracuse guard Tyler Ennis, Arizona guard Aaron Gordon, Florida guard Kasey Hill and Duke forward Jabari Parker. The Southeastern Conference boasts five of the 10 players on the list. Seven of the 10 players are guards.

Following is the complete watch list:

2014 WAYMAN TISDALE AWARD PRESEASON WATCH LIST
Pos. Player, School (Ht., Wt., Yr., Hometown)
G Tyler Ennis, Syracuse (6-2, 180, Fr., Brampton, Ont.)
F Aaron Gordon, Arizona (6-9, 225, Fr., San Jose, Calif.)
G Aaron Harrison, Kentucky (6-6, 218, Fr., Richmond, Texas)
G Andrew Harrison, Kentucky (6-6, 215, Fr., Richmond, Texas)
G Kasey Hill, Florida (6-1, 181, Fr., Eustis, Fla.)
F Jabari Parker, Duke (6-8, 235, Fr., Chicago, Ill.)
F Julius Randle, Kentucky (6-9, 250, Fr., Dallas, Texas)
G Wayne Selden, Kansas (6-5, 230, Fr., Roxbury, Mass.)
G Andrew Wiggins, Kansas (6-8, 200, Fr., Vaughan, Ont.)
G James Young, Kentucky (6-6, 215, Fr., Rochester Hills, Mich.)
By conference: SEC (5) ACC (2) Big 12 (2), Pac-12 (1).

The USBWA has chosen a national freshman of the year since the 1988-89 season when LSU’s Chris Jackson was the recipient. Last season, Oklahoma State’s Marcus Smart became the third winner of the Wayman Tisdale Award. Other notable previous winners of the national freshman of the year award include Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Jason Kidd and Chris Webber.

The Tisdale Award winner will receive a statuette designed by nationally-recognized sculptor Shan Gray. The April 14 banquet will also honor the recipient of the Wayman Tisdale Humanitarian Award.

The late Wayman Tisdale was a three-time USBWA All-American at the University of Oklahoma. Following a stint on the 1984 U.S. Olympic basketball team, he played 12 seasons in the NBA before retiring in 1997 to focus on a blossoming jazz music career. In March 2007, he was diagnosed with cancer and, following a courageous and difficult battle that included the amputation of his right leg in 2008, he passed away in May 2009.

The Integris Wayman Tisdale Freshman of the Year Award is produced by Access Sports, an Oklahoma City-based 501(c)(3) not-for-profit foundation responsible for creating the Wayman Tisdale Freshman of the Year Award. Access Sports produces all events associated with the award, including the annual awards dinner. Proceeds from the activities affiliated with the award are used to support various worthy charitable causes, including providing opportunities for disadvantaged youth to participate in basketball leagues, clinics, and training throughout the state. In addition, Access Sports supports the Wayman L. Tisdale Foundation which helps fund prosthetics for those who cannot afford the cost on their own and may not be covered by insurance.

Tickets and sponsorship information for the Devon Energy College Basketball Awards are available at collegebasketballawards.com or by contacting Scott Hill (405-749-1515, scott.hill@access-sports.net).

The U.S. Basketball Writers Association was formed in 1956 at the urging of then-NCAA Executive Director Walter Byers. With more than 900 members worldwide, it is one of the most influential organizations in college basketball. It has selected an All-America team since the 1956-57 season. For more information on the USBWA and its award programs, contact executive director Joe Mitch at 314-795-6821.

Related links:
* Integris Wayman Tisdale Award
* Integris Wayman Tisdale Award Logo

Photo Source: Orlando Sentinel

By James Blackburn

Game Scouted: Florida State @ Wake Forest

Wake Wins 71-46

Box Score

Michael Snaer (6’5”, G, SR)

Stats

36 min, 4-13 FG, 1-5 3pt, 4-5 FT, 5 reb, 2 assists, 3 TO, 2 steals, 13 TP

Strengths
Florida State struggled to score the ball today as they came into today’s game winners of 2 of their last 3. Snaer, however, has not struggled to score the ball. Although he did struggle shooting today, he still led FSU in scoring and also helped on the boards, grabbing 5 rebounds. Snaer is a solid all-around scorer, not just a catch-and-shoot 3-point shooter. He uses his size and strength to score and create space off the bounce. Also showed the ability to change speeds and directions off the dribble drive-Had several creative finishes at the rim. Doesn’t waste his dribbles or over dribble. Everything he does is with a purpose.  Michael is a good shooter off the catch and can also shoot it off the dribble using on the ball and off the ball screens very effectively as he does a great job of moving off the ball and setting his man up. He has good shooting mechanics and shoots a straight ball. Terrific FT shooter- good mechanics, excellent rotation and arc. Is shooting over 80% from the line this season.

Unselfish player who is willing and able to play within the system-team player. I was impressed with his passing ability and ability to see the floor in the half-court off the dribble drive.

Solid defender who does a nice job of staying between his man and the basket and is in the right position to help on the drive- jumps to the ball. Always aware of where his man is and where the ball is. Plays just as hard on the defensive side of the ball as he does on the offensive side.

Snaer has a high basketball IQ and good court instincts. I like the fact that he played hard even when his team was losing- competed on the defensive end and kept a positive attitude. He is the vocal leader on the floor- talks and communicates. Huddles the players together and an extension of the coach on the floor. Great poise- doesn’t get rattled, even when his team is losing.

Weaknesses
Struggled to score over longer and more athletic defenders. Lack of athleticism and speed is a concern. Got his shot blocked more then once. His ball handling isn’t bad for being a 2G, but he didn’t look extremely comfortable handling the ball with pressure.

I thought he should have been more aggressive looking for his shot and to score this game, especially in the first half. I don’t see him being a big scoring threat at the next level. I question whether his jump shot is NBA level at this point or if he can hit the NBA three. Just didn’t do anything this game to make you say Wow! Doesn’t do any one thing extremely well or anything that is NBA level.

Overview
The one word to describe his game is solid. He doesn’t do anything really flashy- plays in the system and does not force the issue. He understands the game and knows his limitations. He has had an excellent career and has already surpassed 1,000 career pts earlier in the year.

Came into today’s game ranked first in the ACC in game-winning, buzzer-beating shots, fifth in FT %, fifth in 3pt % (39%), and 12^th in scoring (13.9 ppg).

All-though some draft websites have him pegged as a second round pick in this years draft, I see him more as a D-League guy, who goes undrafted. He would be a good option for the right team for a 10-day call-up. He would be a true professional in my opinion and you know he will work hard and not complain. Even though he struggled shooting the 3 today, he has a nice stroke and could become a corner three specialist who also works hard on the defensive end.

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James Blackburn is the Director of Scouting for Basketball Elite and shares his reports with several NBA teams. You can follow James on Twitter right this second.

ST. LOUIS (USBWA) – The U.S. Basketball Writers Association has selected Miami guard Shane Larkin as itsOscar Robertson National Player of the Week for games ending the week of Sunday, Feb. 3. The USBWA’s weekly honor is presented by Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook and will be handed out each Tuesday through Feb. 19 this season.

Larkin

As the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Week, Larkin was nominated for the weekly award, which was chosen by a representative of the USBWA board of directors from a list of Division I conference players of the week.

Larkin, a 5-11 sophomore from Orlando, Fla., averaged 19.0 points, 4.0 assists, 4.0 steals, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 38.5 minutes for the Hurricanes, who scored a pair of road conference wins to climb to No. 8 in the Associated Press poll. Larkin hit 60.9 percent (14-23) from the field, including 7-15 (.467) from 3-point range. In a 73-64 win at Virginia Tech last Wednesday, he scored 25 points, hitting a career-high five 3-pointers. Then, on Saturday at No. 19 N.C. State, Larkin had five steals and five assists while pulling down three rebounds. He scored 13 points in the 79-78 win.

This is the fourth season that the USBWA has selected a national player of the week. The weekly Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week will be considered for the Oscar Robertson Trophy watch list, which will be released at mid-season.

Since the 1958-59 season, the USBWA has named a National Player of the Year. In 1998, the award was named in honor of the University of Cincinnati Hall of Famer and two-time USBWA Player of the Year Oscar Robertson. It is the nation’s oldest award and the only one named after a former player.

At the conclusion of the regular season, the USBWA will name finalists for the award, which is voted on by the entire membership. The winner of the Oscar Robertson Trophy presented by Aflac will be presented by its namesake, Oscar Robertson, at the Devon Energy College Basketball Awards on April 15, 2013, at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. TheHenry Iba Coach of the Year Award and the Integris Wayman Tisdale Freshman of the Year Award will also be presented at the gala to be held annually the Monday following the NCAA Men’s Final Four.

The U.S. Basketball Writers Association was formed in 1956 at the urging of then-NCAA Executive Director Walter Byers. With some 900 members worldwide, it is one of the most influential organizations in college basketball. It has selected an All-America team since the 1956-57 season. For more information on the USBWA and the Oscar Robertson Trophy, contact executive director Joe Mitch at 314-795-6821.

Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook, the most comprehensive college basketball publication in the world, returns for its 32nd season, bigger and better in 2012-13. Blue Ribbon – long-known as “The Bible of College Basketball” – gives its readers the most thorough, up-to-date and timely evaluations of every Division I team in the country. For more information about Blue Ribbon Yearbooks, visit blueribbonyearbookonline.com.

2012-13 Oscar Robertson National Players of the Week
• Week of Dec. 9: Brandon Paul, Illinois (Big Ten Conference)
• Week of Dec. 16: Doug McDermott, Creighton (Missouri Valley Conference)
• Week of Dec. 23: Victor Rudd, South Florida (Big East Conference)
• Week of Dec. 30: Shabazz Muhammad, UCLA (Pac-12 Conference)
• Week of Jan. 6: Trey Burke, Michigan (Big Ten Conference)
• Week of Jan. 13: Elston Turner, Texas A&M (Southeastern Conference)
• Week of Jan. 20: Roosevelt Jones, Butler (Atlantic 10 Conference)
• Week of Jan. 27: Darrun Hilliard, Villanova (Big East Conference)
• Week of Feb. 3: Shane Larkin, Miami (Atlantic Coast Conference)

By James Blackburn

Game Scouted: Duke @ Wake Forest

Duke Wins 75-70

Box Score

Seth Curry (6’2”, G, SR)

Stats
7-17 FG, 1-6 3 pt FG, 6-7 FT, 2 reb, 2 assist, 1 TO, 1 blk, 21 TP

Strengths
Came out and really impacted the game on the defensive end, which I did not expect. Defended well overall this game, as he was active in the passing lanes, took some charges as the help defender, moved his feet, and even blocked a jump shot. Did a decent job of staying in front of C.J. Harris for Wake and contesting shots (C.J. was not 100% tonight and looked hampered with the goggles he has been wearing after an eye injury sustained against NC State). Most of Curry’s defensive contributions did not show up in the box score tonight, but he held C.J. to 4-12 shooting from the field and was active. Did not take any plays off on that end of the floor tonight.

Offensively, he was looking for his shot early on. He showed the ability to create his own shot by pulling up on the perimeter and had several drives to the basket as well, that he finished with lay-ups. Quick first step, better then I had thought coming in. Tremendous overall shooter, who is shooting better then 40 % from the field and from three, and is a plus 80% FT shooter for his career. Has a great release, rotation, follow through, he squares up nicely and is on balance and he can get it off against good defense with a quick release and by shooting the ball in rhythm. He showed he could hit shots from catch and shoot situations, coming off screens, off the dribble, and with feet set. When he misses, he follows his shot, and his misses are usually straight and off the back of the rim. Not just a 3 point shooter- hit several Rip Hamilton like mid range pull-ups from pin-down screens. Although he didn’t hit his first 3 until 2:45 remaining in the game after missing his previous 5 attempts from deep, he had the confidence to hit a huge 3 to put his team ahead at a critical part of the game.

Wouldn’t classify him as a playmaker, but he did show nice touch on an alley-oop pass to Plumlee when help came on a drive to the basket. Solid frame- looks bigger in the arms then the last year- is stronger.

Weaknesses
Although it was not a big problem for Curry in this game, the fact that he is an under-the-rim type player with average athleticism at best, is going to hurt his ability to finish inside at the next level, similarly to what Duke alum Austin Rivers is experiencing now. He needs to improve his ball handling skills overall, is not capable at this point to advance the ball with pressure defense. Although he is a decent passer, he is not is not a PG and is not a playmaker, needs to develop in both of these areas. Questions then arise about what position he will play and defend at the next level.

Defensively he is content to switch all off the ball screens, which leads to him having to guard a bigger player- not going to work at next level. He did a decent job of staying in front of C.J. Harris this game, but C.J. was clearly not 100 % and I question his ability to defend NBA caliber PG’s.

Struggled shooting the three ball this game-missing his first 5 attempts from beyond the arc, but is a good shooter who Wake had to respect the entire game.

Overview
Curry struggled with his 3-point shot this game, but he played very well overall in my opinion, and was able to show off other parts of his game besides shooting because the Wake defenders ran him off the line. Played well despite suffering an ankle injury a couple weeks back against NC State. Curry did a solid job on the defensive end and his mistakes were minimal. Is having a career best year at Duke, averaging 16 ppg, which is second on team in scoring, and has helped Duke to 18-2 record. I believe he would be a solid pick for a team late in the second round. He will have trouble defending quicker PG’s and bigger SG’s but at worst he could be a knock down set shooter, and nearly every team could use one of those.

Although Curry is an undersized shooting guard with average speed and athleticism, all legit NBA concerns, he does bring consistent perimeter shooting, he comes from a good program, and he is going to work hard to improve every year, just like his brother did. He is a player you don’t have to worry about, as he is a high character guy, comes from a great family, and had a solid, consistent career for Duke for the past couple of years, after shining at Liberty as a freshman.

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James Blackburn is the Director of Scouting for Basketball Elite and shares his reports with several NBA teams. You can follow James on Twitter right this second.

ST. LOUIS (USBWA) – The U.S. Basketball Writers Association has selected Villanova guard Darrun Hilliard as its Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week for games ending the week of Sunday, Jan. 27. The USBWA’s weekly honor is presented by Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook and will be handed out each Tuesday through Feb. 19 this season.

Hilliard

As the Big East Conference Player of the Week, Hilliard was nominated for the weekly award, which was chosen by a representative of the USBWA board of directors from a list of Division I conference players of the week.

Hilliard, a 6-6 sophomore from Bethlehem, Pa., led the Wildcats to wins over a pair of Big East foes ranked among the top five. Last Saturday, he delivered a sensational performance in a 75-71 overtime win over then-No. 3 Syracuse. After scoring 13 of the Wildcats’ first 25 points, he finished the day with 25 points and added career highs in rebounds (7) and assists (6) while not committing a turnover.

Last Tuesday, he was among five players in double figures as Villanova upset then-No. 5 Louisville, 73-64. Hilliard scored 11 points and grabbed four rebounds to average 18.0 points per game and 5.5 rebounds for the week.

This is the fourth season that the USBWA has selected a national player of the week. The weekly Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week will be considered for the Oscar Robertson Trophy watch list, which will be released at mid-season.

Since the 1958-59 season, the USBWA has named a National Player of the Year. In 1998, the award was named in honor of the University of Cincinnati Hall of Famer and two-time USBWA Player of the Year Oscar Robertson. It is the nation’s oldest award and the only one named after a former player.

At the conclusion of the regular season, the USBWA will name finalists for the award, which is voted on by the entire membership. The winner of the Oscar Robertson Trophy presented by Aflac will be presented by its namesake, Oscar Robertson, at the Devon Energy College Basketball Awards on April 15, 2013, at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. TheHenry Iba Coach of the Year Award and the Integris Wayman Tisdale Freshman of the Year Award will also be presented at the gala to be held annually the Monday following the NCAA Men’s Final Four.

The U.S. Basketball Writers Association was formed in 1956 at the urging of then-NCAA Executive Director Walter Byers. With some 900 members worldwide, it is one of the most influential organizations in college basketball. It has selected an All-America team since the 1956-57 season. For more information on the USBWA and the Oscar Robertson Trophy, contact executive director Joe Mitch at 314-795-6821.

Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook, the most comprehensive college basketball publication in the world, returns for its 32nd season, bigger and better in 2012-13. Blue Ribbon – long-known as “The Bible of College Basketball” – gives its readers the most thorough, up-to-date and timely evaluations of every Division I team in the country. For more information about Blue Ribbon Yearbooks, visit blueribbonyearbookonline.com.

2012-13 Oscar Robertson National Players of the Week
• Week of Dec. 9: Brandon Paul, Illinois (Big Ten Conference)
• Week of Dec. 16: Doug McDermott, Creighton (Missouri Valley Conference)
• Week of Dec. 23: Victor Rudd, South Florida (Big East Conference)
• Week of Dec. 30: Shabazz Muhammad, UCLA (Pac-12 Conference)
• Week of Jan. 6: Trey Burke, Michigan (Big Ten Conference)
• Week of Jan. 13: Elston Turner, Texas A&M (Southeastern Conference)
• Week of Jan. 20: Roosevelt Jones, Butler (Atlantic 10 Conference)
• Week of Jan. 27: Darrun Hilliard, Villanova (Big East Conference)

By James Blackburn

Game Scouted: NC State @ Wake Forest

Wake Wins 86-84

Box Score

CJ Leslie (6’9”, F, JR)

Stats
18 min, 5-9 FG, 3-6 FT, 5 reb, 2 TO, 1 blk, 4 PF, 13 TP

Strengths
Despite playing just a little over half of the minutes he averages, Leslie made the most with his time on the floor and scored several key baskets for State. On the offensive side of the ball, Leslie was virtually unguardable in one-on-one situations. He is a big time above-the-rim athlete with good quickness and explosiveness for a PF. He uses his quick first step to drive around most defenders his size where he can score around the rim. He showed an array of mid-post moves using jab steps, spin moves, fakes, and sweeping through, to get by his defender and to the rim where he was able to score at a good rate because of his athleticism. At his best offensively in isolation situations in the mid-post and short corner areas where he can face the basket and has room and time to create offense for himself. Wake had to send the double team after scoring with single defender several times. Also showed a nice high half-hook late in the second half. Went 3-6 from FT line this game, made his first two. He does a nice job of using his legs on the line and shot has good arc.

Defensively, he has the tools to be good defender. Played last 10 minutes of game with 4 fouls without picking up 5th and even had a blocked shot in that stretch. Has potential to be good shot blocker at next level with his length and athleticism. Solid rebounder, especially on the defensive end, where he is averaging over 5 rebounds a game on that end of the floor.

Weaknesses
Defensively is where Leslie struggles the most. This is not because of lack of speed, quickness, or size, but is mostly due to lack of effort (low motor), strength, and positioning. On the games opening defensive series he didn’t close out on an open perimeter shot and let Moto have a wide open 18’ shot. Doesn’t seem to exert any more energy then he has to. Low motor on both ends. Not effective with out the ball in this game tonight. Poor screener. Needs to get lower in his defensive stance- got beat off the dribble several times this game partly because he was not low enough or didn’t stay in good defensive stance. He tends to fall for too many fakes and gets thrown off balance too easily. This contributed to his foul troubles tonight. He picked up his 4th foul with 17 minutes to go in the second half, after picking up his first 2 half way through the first half. He also tends to get into foul trouble because he is too often out of position and tries to recover late and go for the block or highlight defensive play. Was called for two goal tending violations in the second half- both were obvious and were not smart decisions on his part.
Offensively, he was excellent in the mid post area, but struggled to secure deep post position mainly because of poor lower body strength. He was getting pushed and bumped off line too easily in the paint and needs to get stronger. Ball handling needs to improve also, handle is too loose. Had a couple of TO’s early in the game and showed visible frustration.

Did not attempt any shots outside of 10 feet this game, besides FT’s. Is shooting 55% from the field so far for the season, which is mainly because most of those shots are coming in the paint. Has only attempted 4 three-pointers on the season and has made 1. He is shooting under 30% from beyond the arc for his career with just under 50 total attempts. He needs to improve his range and his outside shooting consistency. FT shooting needs to improve a bit as well. To his credit he is shooting 64% for the year , which is almost 5 percentage points better then last year. He missed 2 FT’s this game with under 30 seconds to with a chance to go up 1. His elbow sticks out to a degree which leads to inconsistent misses on both sides of the rim.

His motor needs to be higher. Body language was poor during most of game. Argued with officials on several calls and showed visible frustration at several points. Looked like he was coasting and going through motions at several points.

Overview
One of the worst games I have seen Leslie play, but he still managed to score in double figures and grab 5 rebounds in under 20 minutes of playing because of foul trouble. He did impress however with his performance in last 4 minutes of game…playing with 4 fouls during which he had several big baskets and rebounds.

When Leslie plays hard and with determination, he is one of top draft prospects in country. He has the tools, solid upside, and the offensive arsenal to contribute at next level as a PF. His athleticism, quickness for his position, and ability to face the basket in the mid-post will translate to the next level, and is part of the reason he is considered to be a first round pick in several mock drafts. It will be interesting to see if his motor and effort improve as the team enters conference play.

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James Blackburn is the Director of Scouting for Basketball Elite and shares his reports with several NBA teams. You can follow James on Twitter right this second.

By James Blackburn

Game Scouted: Michigan @ Minnesota

Michigan Wins 83-75

Box Score

Trey Burke (6’0”, PG, SO)

Stats
36 min, 5-15 FG, 3-6 3pt FG, 5-6 FT, 1 reb, 9 assist, 1 TO, 1 Blk, 1 ST, 18 TP

Strengths
Trey is emerging as one of, if not, the best PG in the country. He leads his team in both points (18) and assist (7.2) per game and does not turn the ball over much (1.9) considering he plays over 33 minutes a game and has the ball in his hands a large portion of his time on the floor. Burke has several qualities and skills that make him an intriguing prospect to NBA teams.

The first thing and the most obvious is Burke’s passing ability and court vision. He keeps his eyes up and is consistently scanning the floor looking to make something happen on offense with the pass. Terrific overall passer who showcased just about every pass a PG can possibly make this game. Showcased bounce, alley-oop, passes in transition, drive and kicks, no-look ,European passes on the baseline, the ability to get by initial defender and using creativity to dump it to open teammate, hit cutters, fed players on back door cuts, and entered the ball to the post. He gets rid of the ball quickly and showed me more and more of his terrific passing skills as the game went on. Had 9 assists this game, but should have had 10 or more as several of his passes that led to wide open shots were missed by teammates.

Another aspect of his game that makes him a complete PG is his speed, quickness, and ball handling ability. Excellent speed with the ball in his hands on the break. Showed the ability to go both directions with the ball- can also change speeds and directions. Showed a nice hesitation dribble and the ability to finish with either hand. Has an excellent crossover dribble move and has many other dribble moves to get by defender and into painted area.
Besides his passing ability, speed, and ball handling, Burke also can score the basketball. Burke is shooting over 50% from the field, 40% from 3, and 80% from FT line for the season and leads his team in scoring per game with 18. Good shooter who has solid form, good arc, rotation, and elevation. Excellent pull up shooter from midrange or from 3. Answered one of my concerns I had by showing he could hit the set 3 off the kick out and did so from a couple of feet behind the arc (NBA range). Can create his own shot and is a solid 1 on 1 player. FT stroke looked solid- poised and patient on the line.

Defensively he has excellent lateral quickness and quick hands. Understands defensive positioning off the ball and jumps to the ball when ball moves. Matched up with Minnesota’s Andre Hollins for most of game and did a decent job of staying in front of him and making not letting him get easy scores. Even had a block on one of his jump shots and did a good job of contesting others.
Overall, he did a good job of directing Michigan’s offensive attack and putting players in the correct spots, waiving players through, and using hand and verbal signals. After struggling to a degree for the first 10 minutes of game he played a tremendous second half and seemed to have either assisted or scored on the majority of Michigan’s field goals in last 15 min or so in 2nd half.

Weaknesses
Struggled with defensive pressure from Andre Hollins at beginning of game and looked a little rattled. Forced a few passes in this game- that he never should of thrown- tried to force the ball several times- most of these coming early in first half. Also seemed to be a little loose and careless with the ball at this time as the defense got multiple tips on his dribble and passes. To his credit, bounced back and played a strong second half against a top 10 team and on the road and finished with only 1 TO.

Size definitely hurts him as he barely 6’0” tall. He struggled to score inside the painted area tonight and this will only become more of an issue at the next level. While he does have a nice pull-up jumper, he lacks a floater, which would be useful at his size. Has the quickness to get to rim-but is more likely to pass if he gets there- if he is going to score- he will pull-up before he gets all the way there. Must get stronger with ball when driving to rim.

Defensively I would of liked to see him pressure the ball more then he did as he possesses good quickness – did it only a couple of times. Got caught on screens too easily and didn’t go ball side on the off the ball screen. Size makes him nearly invisible on the glass on both ends of the court. I question his ability as a help defender- gets bumped out of position by bigger players off the ball- tended to stand beside opponent in help position instead of getting in front of him.

Overview
Good game tonight for the sophomore PG on the road against a Big 10 rival. Even though he struggled shooting the ball for the most part (5-15), he did hit his 3’s and FT’s at a high rate and also dished out 9 assists to help lead team to a big win on the road. Matched up with Minnesota’s Andre Hollins for majority of game- his strength was giving Burke problems to start, but Burke did a better job in the second half and held Hollins to 13 points on 5 of 12 shooting.

Most draft boards have Burke going mid to late first round, although one mock draft had him going as high as number 13. I see him as a back-up PG in the league who can come in and provide quickness, shooting, and run the offense. I wouldn’t pick him as high as 13, but would justify a team picking him late in the first round (25-30) or early in the second round. This is not a big draft for PG’s, so you may see his stock go higher, possibly getting picked up in the lottery, depending on how he does in March and depending on if a team is looking for a back-up PG.
Note :Burke played the majority of the game as #12, because his first jersey (#3) got torn.

ST. LOUIS (USBWA) – The U.S. Basketball Writers Association has selected Texas A&M guard Elston Turner as its Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week for games ending the week of Sunday, Jan. 13. The USBWA’s weekly honor is presented by Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook and will be handed out each Tuesday through Feb. 19 this season.

Turner

As the Southeastern Conference Player of the Week, Turner was nominated for the weekly award, which was chosen by a representative of the USBWA board of directors from a list of Division I conference players of the week.

Turner, a 6-5 senior from Sacramento, Calif., became just the third opposing player to score 40 points in Kentucky’s Rupp Arena, leading the Aggies to an 83-71 win over the Wildcats. Turner’s 40-point outburst allowed him to join LSU’s Chris Jackson and Navy’s David Robinson as the only players to reach the 40-point mark at Rupp. Meanwhile, the win lifted the Aggies to a 2-0 start in their first season in the SEC.

On the afternoon, Turner scored 25 points in the first half and finished 14-19 from the field and 6-10 from 3-point range. The 40-point game was also the first by a Texas A&M player since Don Marbury on Jan. 5, 1985. Earlier in the week, Turner scored 15 points in A&M’s SEC debut, a 69-51 win over Arkansas.

This is the fourth season that the USBWA has selected a national player of the week. The weekly Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week will be considered for the Oscar Robertson Trophy watch list, which will be released at mid-season.

Since the 1958-59 season, the USBWA has named a National Player of the Year. In 1998, the award was named in honor of the University of Cincinnati Hall of Famer and two-time USBWA Player of the Year Oscar Robertson. It is the nation’s oldest award and the only one named after a former player.

At the conclusion of the regular season, the USBWA will name finalists for the award, which is voted on by the entire membership. The winner of the Oscar Robertson Trophy presented by Aflac will be presented by its namesake, Oscar Robertson, at the Devon Energy College Basketball Awards on April 15, 2013, at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. TheHenry Iba Coach of the Year Award and the Integris Wayman Tisdale Freshman of the Year Award will also be presented at the gala to be held annually the Monday following the NCAA Men’s Final Four.

The U.S. Basketball Writers Association was formed in 1956 at the urging of then-NCAA Executive Director Walter Byers. With some 900 members worldwide, it is one of the most influential organizations in college basketball. It has selected an All-America team since the 1956-57 season. For more information on the USBWA and the Oscar Robertson Trophy, contact executive director Joe Mitch at 314-795-6821.

Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook, the most comprehensive college basketball publication in the world, returns for its 32nd season, bigger and better in 2012-13. Blue Ribbon – long-known as “The Bible of College Basketball” – gives its readers the most thorough, up-to-date and timely evaluations of every Division I team in the country. For more information about Blue Ribbon Yearbooks, visit blueribbonyearbookonline.com.

2012-13 Oscar Robertson National Players of the Week
• Week of Dec. 9: Brandon Paul, Illinois (Big Ten Conference)
• Week of Dec. 16: Doug McDermott, Creighton (Missouri Valley Conference)
• Week of Dec. 23: Victor Rudd, South Florida (Big East Conference)
• Week of Dec. 30: Shabazz Muhammad, UCLA (Pac-12 Conference)
• Week of Jan. 6: Trey Burke, Michigan (Big Ten Conference)
• Week of Jan. 13: Elston Turner, Texas A&M (Southeastern Conference)