D’Angelo Russell 6’5 193 lbs PG/SG 6’10 Wingspan Ohio St. Fr. 19 years old
2014-15 Stats: 35 games 34 mpg 19.3 ppg 5.7 rpg 5.0 apg 1.6 spg 3.0 tpg 45 % FG 41% 3pt 76% FT
#3 on the Big Board
Grade: Top 5 Pick
Strengths: Russell has great height and length for a lead, combo guard. He has the skills to play either guard position. He’s a very good passer, a part of his game that’s overlooked by the casual fan. He sees the floor very well, whether it be in transition or in half court situations. He’s a able and willing passer. Very efficient in pick and roll situations, a threat to hit the jumper if his man gets caught under the screen, he can get in the lane, getting a shot for himself, or drop off accurate passes to the big for easy layups and dunks. Russell scores in a medley of ways: In transition, catch and shoot, and off the bounce in the mid range area. He has a smooth, quick, compact release on his jump shot. Plays well off of the ball as well, using screens to get open looks. Creates space and gets to the rim with a crafty handle. He changes speed and uses in and out and hesitation dribbles.
Weaknesses: Offensively Russell needs to work on his right hand, he flashes the ability to go right, but needs more work. He’s not an explosive, twitchy athlete that finishes above the rim. He needs to get in the weight room, develop his body so he can finish through traffic at the rim more consistently. Since he’s not an explosive leaper, he must develop a floater. Defensively, he needs to focus and give an better effort consistently. I don’t think he’ll ever be a great defender, but he could be solid as he gets stronger and learns the game.
Muslim Football Scout 