Gonzaga Basketball: 2019 NBA Draft profile of forward Rui Hachimura

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Rui Hachimura #21 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs dunks the ball against Mfiondu Kabengele #25 of the Florida State Seminoles during the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament West Regional at Honda Center on March 28, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 22: Rui Hachimura #21 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts in the first half while taking on the Florida State Seminoles in the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament West Regional at Staples Center on March 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Weaknesses

Whilst there is plenty of upside to Hachimura, and plenty of potential, there are a few things that teams need to be wary about before making the decision to draft him. The number one area of concern is his defense. Over his college career, Hachimura has shown that his current defensive game is nowhere near the level of his game on the other end of the floor.

His lateral quickness is also a cause for concern. In the big league it’s going to be a hell of a lot harder than it was in the WCC to guard his opposing match-up. His lack of acceleration will bring flaws on both ends of the floor. It could have a big impact on his scoring ability, as he faces tougher opposition, with his lack of speed, and could have major implications on his ability to face up to his opponents. I’m sure that’s one of the key areas he’ll be focusing on this summer, however it’s something to keep an eye on.

His defensive game will obviously come along, hopefully hugely, as he enters the league. It’s just whether or not he has the ability to become a productive defender – which will impact his future in the league very specifically.