SO Johnny Juzang – UCLA Bruins – 6’6, 210lbs
The Kentucky transplant has been indispensable in UCLA’s three-game winning streak in the tournament. He has shown a mix of shot-making off the dribble and catch. The Bruins have relied on him in late-game scenarios and he’s come through, averaging over 22 points.
Juzang’s raw numbers don’t suggest he’s a lethal catch-and-shoot player (just 35% on the season) but three-point percentage can be misleading. Juzang has a pure stroke and a relatively quick release with his size. Still, Juzang struggled to put pressure on the rim. His 17.5 free throw rate is subpar and when he gets to the rim, Juzang is not a plus finisher.
A lot of that stems from his lack of strength, both core, and upper-body. But those are fixable with an NBA strength program. Juzang is also relatively young for a sophomore. The tools and flashes of an NBA player are there, and while he may need G-League time, Juzang showed this weekend what he is capable of and why he was once a five-star.