NBA Draft 2023: Standouts from Continental Tire Main Event games
Baylor
Keyonte George – Guard – 6’4, 185 pounds – November 2003
George was probably the highest-rated player in the event from an RSCI and mock draft standpoint, and I think I got the full experience.
He was a little bit thicker than I last remember seeing him. Strong in his lower body, but also some baby fat he could lose. I thought he shot it well with good elevation and release point in warm-ups.
George had some growing up to do in game one, as he was visibly upset after being pulled at the first media timeout. His mindset seemed pretty score-first early on, and I didn’t love his body language. But. I thought he played with more competitive fire in the second half and showed his microwave-scoring ability. George does have a pretty special handle in tight spaces, and can hit some really tough shots. It wasn’t his best weekend shooting the ball, but I am a believer in the jumper long-term.
His 6’3-6’4 measurement seemed accurate, so it’d be ideal if George could learn to be more of a true lead initiator, than a scorer. I think he’s got some passing upside because when willing, he can make some pretty good reads and use his handle to create space. Becoming a combo instead of a two would make his NBA fit a lot easier. It was his first real test against high-major competition, so I am willing to give George a bit of a pass for the inconsistent production. He grew up a bit over the course of the Virginia game and at least competed.
At the beginning of the week, I had George a few spots ahead of Cason Wallace. I think it’s an interesting philosophical debate: the score-first guard, or the defensive-minded one? After seeing them both live, I now lean Wallace as the second-best freshman guard in the class, but George is still a late lottery talent to me. He’s talented for sure, I just don’t love the way he goes about things at times.
Adam Flagler – Guard – 6’3, 180 pounds – December 1999
There aren’t many guards in college basketball better than Flagler. He’s a legit 6’3 with smooth shot mechanics off the bounce and catch. He’s an elite shot-maker, who hit big ones all weekend. I think he’s tough, tries on defense is well-built, and has general game sense. Has been a winner his whole career.
He’s older, not the best athlete, and kind of a tweener between a one and two-guard, so I don’t think he’s someone I’d necessarily target in the second round. But I think he helps any G-League team immediately with his shot-making and could compete for a two-way spot.
LJ Cryer – Guard – 6’1, 185 pounds – September 2001
The winner of the weekend for the “most likely to lead the Euroleague in scoring” award. Cryer shot the crap out of the ball in both games. He’s got a picture-esque shot, with good elevation and real versatility as a shooter. He doesn’t do a ton in terms of rim-pressure or playmaking, but draws so much gravity as a shooter.
Being a 6’1 two-guard without elite tools will make it an uphill battle for Cryer to become an NBA player, but he should be a pretty dynamite scorer at any other professional level.