NBA Comparison: Toni Kukoc
Strengths: A very versatile player with a good feel for the game...Given development in certain
parts of his game, can be made to play all 5 positions on the court...Moves, or rather, flows at ease around the court...Runs
the court well...Excellent ballhandling skills, against his competition he fights continual pressure/trap D and responds well
against it...Brings the ball up the court effectively...Good passing skills. Often finds the open man and has magnificent
court vision...Long arms...High arching jumper and solid shooting mechanics...Rarely do you find big men with such advanced
passing and ballhandling ability...Still very young and has the potential to improve...
Weaknesses: Besides passing and ballhandling, the rest of his game is very raw...Most of his
game is all "potential"...Shooting mechanics look good, but the results often are not...Seems to lack mental toughness at
times, rushing shots even when he is open...Doesn't always trust his jumper...Doesn't have much game around the basket. Finds
it hard to finish layups...Below average defender, even though he has the footspeed lacks athleticism and other physical tools
for NBA defense...Teams would not draft him just for him to handle/pass the ball, still has a long ways to go in developing
the rest of his other game...Needs to add some upper body strength, gets pushed quite easily...
Notes: Came into the spotlight after a very good showing at the International ABCD camps. Played
well against possible future NBA'ers such as Erdrich Tarev, Mojinev Khratstovev and others. Has a unique game which really
impressed scouts; Scout Brian Burkus of the LA Lakers was quoted to say, "That kid is a real gem; with the right development,
he can become a star in the NBA. I haven't seen such marvelous ballhandling and passing skills ever--before."
Bio: Born in Zagreb, Croatia, but later moved...Played basketball at a very young age which contributed
to his vast knowledge of the game...Has had good coaching under Leonid Polzatev...Favorite player is Scottie Pippen...Likes
to eat lasagna after pickup games...Favorite car is the Toyota Supra.
--Alexander Vallegra 4/9
