NBA Draft 2023: December scouting notes on Judah Mintz, Arthur Kaluma and others

NC State v. Vanderbilt – Saturday, December 17th

Terquavion Smith – NC State – 6’3.75, 165 lbs – December 2002

Smith was the headline prospect Saturday and it was my first time seeing him in person. He is noticeably skinny in his arms and legs. It was a pretty standard game for Smith. He hit some tough shots off the bounce and showed some good explosion getting downhill with the ball. Smith started out shooting well but missed his last eight shots (NC State still won).

Evaluating Smith can be a bit of a mental exercise. His shot selection has never been great, but NC State’s offense requires him to take a high-usage and relies on him to take those. In turn, his shooting percentages will never be great. But I do question whether he’s an elite shooter or tough shot-maker. Smith’s assists numbers are way up this year and I was impressed with the passes he made, when willing to share off the gravity he creates.

Smith gets compared to Bones Hyland given the size, role they played in college, and both had strong combine showings. In the right context, players like Smith have worked before. I’m just not sure he is as talented as a Bones Hyland, Jordan Poole, Tyrese Maxey type of player. Hyland has had a nice start to his career and still gets picked on on defense in the regular season. Smith has talent, is a late-bloomer from a development standpoint, and should be drafted. I just walked away less confident in him succeeding long-term and he might end up as an early second-round pick guy for me instead of first, but I certainly understand the appeal.

Myles Stute – Vanderbilt – 6’7, 215 lbs – March 2002

Stute has good wing size and a sturdy build. He shot it pretty well, going for 16 points. I like his mechanics and shot-prep on that end. He even hit a three off the move and one off the dribble. There isn’t a ton more to his game as he’s not an elite athlete and doesn’t really dribble. Stute has two years of eligibility left, but his size and shooting could put him on a Summer League roster. He’s probably best served as a three-and-D guy overseas though.