Gonzaga Basketball: 3 takeaways from Efton Reid’s transfer to the Bulldogs
By Tuck Clarry
What Gonzaga’s system does for Reid
It’s important to note how poorly the Tigers fit together as a team last year and how that kneecapped a lot of the things Reid does well. Reid, despite being an NBA-sized center with verticality was known as a skill-based scoring big heading into college. His footwork and touch set him apart, making him the third-ranked center in the class.
That skill around the basket was neutered by poor entry work by LSU’s guards, the pace that Wade liked to run, and the style of play the bigs that he’d be paired with would play. The Tigers averaged 31% from the perimeter, ranked 277th in the country. Their stagnant style of play hampered Reid’s ability to get open or have opponents space their defense to respect their guards and wings.
The Bulldogs’ system is wholly different than that of the Tigers. Where just 49% of LSU’s field goals came off of an assist, the Zags averaged north of 55% this season. Their offensive approach in the continuity offense allows for bigs to get out in transition and in a motion that frees them up for higher quality looks.
Just 17% of Reid’s attempts at the rim last season came in transition despite LSU’s immense talent on defense. Compare that to Gonzaga’s starters, Timme and Chet Holmgren, who had 27% and 29% of their attempts at the rim come in transition. Reid holds a similar efficiency line as Holmgren and Timme in the paint and from two-point range, converting 65% of his attempts at the rim and shooting 46% from two-point.
Reid also was not put in the pick-and-roll often in his time at LSU, but when he was the roller he was effective. He averaged 55% in these plays and could convert at any even higher clip with better guard play. Where he’s truly dangerous and makes himself a great fit is his scoring abilities as a cutter. Reid 1.27 points per possession cutting according to Synergy. Gonzaga’s open lane offense could help him take this scoring to another level with more looks and designed plays to give him motion towards the basket.
Where Reid could truly expand his game with his new team is by improving his three-point shot or playing within a system that gives him increased looks in more convertible spots in the paint. Reid shot 25% from outside last season. How the Zags incorporate these looks into their system should help Reid become more efficient.