Prospect Report: Kaleb Tarczewski (Arizona)

Kaleb Tarczewski

By James Blackburn

Game Scouted: Texas-El Paso @ Arizona

Arizona Wins 72-51

Box Score

Kaleb Tarczewski (C, 7’0”, FR)

Stats
25 min, 2-2 FG, 4-5 FT, 6 rebounds, 3 TO, 1 steal, 8 TP

Strengths
Kaleb is a true 7 footer and he is tough to defend when he gets near the basket. He has a a soft touch and is efficient scoring near the rim. He keeps the ball high and scores in simple and efficient ways. Very good FT shooter which makes him that much more attractive for a big man. Takes up space inside and holds off defenders so teammates can drive. Did have a nice put back slam near the end of the second half- but I would not call him an above the rim type player at least not at this stage.

Decent on-ball defender at this point, only a few games into the season. Contests most shots with out fouling and stays straight up so opponents have to shoot over his 7’ frame.

Weaknesses
Has good strength and build for a freshman- but needs to get stronger in lower body- wasn’t able to hold post position against a player with similar size. Needs to demand ball in post- he doesn’t act like he wants the ball- doesn’t really get low/wide and hold his post position. Tries to clear out space for rebounds and posting up with his upper body and doesn’t use his lower body- speaks to the fact that he needs to get better lower body strength. Plays mostly below the rim- average athlete at best. Like his fellow freshman frontcourt teammate Grant Jerrett, he needs to improve his technique setting screens- needs to get wider and lower. I would like to see him become more a presence defensively and block more shots- poor secondary/help defender at this point. Has added 35 lbs since arriving on campus and it shows- doesn’t look like he is used to the additional weight yet and he looks slow on his feet. Is slow to recover to cover and protect the rim. Players were slithering right by him and scoring rather easily. Does not rebound outside of his area.

Overview
Did not influence the game in a big way today like I thought he could have being the biggest player on the court. Would of liked to see more offense from him, but to his credit, Kaleb knows his role on this team especially early in the season and he knows that Arizona does not necessarily need his offense at this point, but his rebounding.

Tarczewski’s size, mobility, and FT shooting makes him an attractive prospect to NBA teams. The question remains though about how effective he can be defending and scoring against other players his size and C who are more explosive.

Did not play poorly today, but was not amazed by his performance. Will have better showings in the future. Will continue to monitor his progress. At this point I see him as a future pro, but it is going to be a couple years before he gets drafted. He is trending as a late first to a mid second round pick in the 2014 draft.

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