Talaki Shorei

Strengths: Strong big man who has a soft touch in his perimeter game and nimble moves in the post...Currently prefers the perimeter game more than his post game, likes the pick-and-pop rotation game to free himself for open looks...Already possesses NBA three point range and can hit at a good clip (36%) especially for a big man...Looks nifty on the court, can hit some contested jumpshots because he normally has a height advantage over other bigs...Solid mid-range game...In the post, can back his man down due to his fairly developed strength, looks burly out there, and score around the post, although he doesn't do it enough...Currently more of an outside shooter, but can develop into a nice inside-outside player if he makes it to the NBA...Decent rebounder...Physically (in terms of height and weight) mature for the NBA level...

Weaknesses: Beside his already mature body, he lacks great speed. Very slow-footed on the court, doesn't run the floor well, looks awkward on defense trying to catch up with smaller players in rotations...Team defense generally becomes worse whenever he is on the court, although is offense somewhat makes up for that...In terms of post defense, lacks the athleticism and great strength to hold down the NBA's post players...Not an intimidator...On offense, tends to play below the basket. Doesn't high-rise, just burns the opposition with jumpers and the occasional layup...Doesn't play around the basket much considering his effectiveness from there, rarely dunks anyway...Poor ballhandling skills and coordination, can be turnover prone whenever he puts the ball on the floor...Needs guards to make plays for him currently...Only an average rebounder in part due to his lack of speed, physical tools and tenacity. Doesn't pursue them the way most NBA bigs do...Very foul prone in games, barely plays over 30 minutes due to constant foul trouble...Some attitude problems because he plays for a losing team...Quite physically mature already for his competition, and at age 23, might not be too much potential left to improve...

Nice Russian talent who hails from St. Petersburg, Russia. Currently in the Russian League he is averaging 8.3 points in 26 minutes per game, on 45% shooting, 33% 3FGs. Likes to shoot the ball from distance, and has nice mechanics and a soft touch to hit them. Can really spread out the defense, exemplifying the typical Euro shooter with his stunning offensive ability. On the inside, also possesses nice moves and craft to get his shot off, usually resulting in layups. He is only starting to get meaningful for Tariev Valstok this season so it may be his turn to shine soon. Scouts have continually watched several of his games trying to find the next Russian big thing after seeing what success Andrei Kirilenko has had in this league. Shooting big men are at a premium these days so he can really become a nice prospect down the road.

Big man with a nice offensive game, can really hit shots from anywhere given daylight. A big burly body who can make an impact in the EuroLeague with his strength and shooting ability, especially for his height. His tenacity for the game is still something to be desired, but with his talent he's already a notch above most of the EuroLeague. Definitely one of the top young prospects to watch out for in terms of making it to the NBA.