Takinje Arraf

Strengths: Tough guard who specializes in defense...Big and burly, has the perfect build to block the opposing point guard's line of vision...Very good at prevent defense, often sticks with his man and cuts off passing angles thus disorienting the opponent's offense...If his man gets the ball, plays good contain defense, displaying solid lateral quickness and good athleticism to stick with his man...Uses a combination of scrap and smarts on defense, even fights through screens well...Above average rebounder for his position, helped with his athleticism...Solid speed despite thick build...Capable of driving to the basket on offense and getting to the line...Improving point guard skills every year, likes the drive-and-dish and likes to draw defenders towards him, making good decisions (whether finishing or passing) in the process...Reliable mid-range shooter...

Weaknesses: Like his teammate Corsey Aljur, his weaknesses reside in his relative lack of point guard skills and his shooting range/ability...Not a totally reliable offensive player or a prolific scorer, doesn't put up good shooting percentages despite hardly taking three pointers...Lacks range in his shot, no NBA three point range...Slow release, shot is relatively inconsistent as well when relatively defended...Not very explosive or flashy on offense. Part of this is due to his lack of good ballhandling skills, relies on his strength, athleticism, first step and speed to get into the lane...Doesn't handle defenders real well...Gets to the line quite a bit but only shoots 67% from there...Doesn't possess good court vision or playmaking skills, offense tends to stagnate when he is in a pass-first mode around the perimeter...Not a really reliable decision-maker...Speed may be an issue...Can be fairly foul prone playing aggressive defense or bodying up too much...Not an overly polished player...

Notes: Shares point guard duties with fellow teammate Corsey Aljur, although none of them are real reliable passers or ballhandlers. Offense tends to run through their wingman SaSean Batswa...Discovered in the U-21 Camps through his impressive defense against NBA-caliber players such as Dmitri Vandervallis and Sumy Vezghev. Realizes his lack of shooting ability and passing skills and vows to improve on it.