Game Scouted: Delaware State @ NC A & T
Delaware State wins 67-52
Kendall Gray (C, 6’10”, SR)
Stats
34 min, 4-7 FG, 2-2 FT, 12 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 1 TO, 10 TP
Strengths
Terrific shot blocker who controls the paint. Gets most of his blocks from the weak-side partly because of his athleticism but mainly because of his good timing. Stays down and creates a wall until offensive player goes into his shot then he jumps for the block.
Grabs rebounds with 2 hands and controls it. Rebounds in traffic and is strong with the ball. Talks and directs traffic on the back side of the zone. Showed he could close out on shooters and move his feet.
Capable of knocking down the midrange jumper from different areas including the elbow and corner. Has a soft touch and a good looking stroke. Good FT shooter for a big man. Underrated skill level- solid passing skills and is a good shooter for a big man 15′ and in.
Solid back to the basket game. Loves to go into slide dribble moves where he can spin move, right hook, or the up and under.
Unselfish player who will pass out of the double team and then repost. Doesnt complain even when a teammate misses him.
Weaknesses
Is a mobile big man, but doesnt run the floor extremely well, he doesn’t have long strides- is more of a shuffle.
Needs to be more aggressive offensively and demand the ball- allows himself to be fronted and taken away in the post too easily.
Overview
Is currently averaging a double-double to go along with 3 blocks per contest. Skilled bigs who can also block shots and rebound are not easy to find, and that what Gray does. He should receive an invite to the Portsmouth Invitational and with a solid showing could earn an invite to the NBA Summer League.
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!