Vans Hollerein

Vans Hollerein is the antithesis of most European players; he possesses top notch athleticism which includes blazing speed, a 39' inch vertical and a long wingspan. He likes to run the transition game and streak out for highlight-reel caliber dunks. He has a fine build at 230 lbs as well as very nice ballhandling skills for the forward position, which gives hope that he can develop into a versatile player in the near future. His potential guard skills plus his freakish athleticism already makes him a prospect which has NBA scouts salivating. His long arms help him block and alter many shots from the weakside as well. He is only beginning to scratch the surface of his potential as he has proved recently against bigger and better competition. He hasn't had much experience but he is starting to prove himself. Don't forget he is only 18 years old as well, and he is by no means a soft player.

Hollerein's all-around game still needs to be polished, because he hasn't had much experience against top competition. Has a tendency to get very turnover prone at times, overhandling the ball and abusing his nice ballhandling abilities. Most of his offensive game as of yet is only the ability to dunk and make layups around the basket, he hasn't shown much else. His jumpshot looks horrible, and although he continually keeps taking them, it's certainly not helping his percentages (shoots only 45% from the field against poor competition). Free throw shooting is an absymal 48%, so he severely needs a good shooting coach. Not an ultimate scorer as of yet but many scouts feel that he will thrive in the more up-tempo NBA game with his gifts. Also, it's hard to define his actual NBA position right now. He can't be a PF because he is a bit undersized at 6'8", and he has been at that height for the past two years so he probably has stopped growing. He will probably be mostly SF but he lacks the requisite shooting skills for it, and that would be even worse for SG. He is just an all-around versatile player as of now and his position will be determined with due time. He has also had some off-the-court problems in the past, like having clashes before with regular German citizens and causing chaos, so he can be a potential for distraction in the locker room.

Notes: Hollerein plays on the same team with his hustling, scrapping big man, Paulus Jeffny. Both are essentially good fits for each other, because this is the first year where Hollerein is starting to get meaningful playing time, and he is showing off his flash and ability whereas Jeffny is showing off his hustle.