The Champions Classic in Chicago on Tuesday night (Duke versus Kansas; Michigan State versus Kentucky) is loaded with elite talent, especially among freshmen. Last week I ranked the freshmen, many of whom will be playing Tuesday night on ESPN at 7:30 pm., ET.
We now take a look at the top first-year players on the floor tonight, and talk to NBA scouts about the best way to stop them -- or in some cases, just try and slow them down.
How would you stop Jabari Parker?
Scout: “He’s tough because he comes at you and is aggressive. He can make jumpers -- and contested ones. The problem with Parker is trying to play him with a power forward because he’s so skilled and is big and strong. He’s got a nice pull-up jumper and can handle it and get to the basket. I’m not sure there’s a great answer to stop Jabari because he’s so well-rounded in his offensive game. He can just pick you apart in different ways.”
Goodman: If I’m an opponent, I’d try and be physical with Parker -- who is still adjusting to the college game. Kansas has a big, strong veteran post player in Tarik Black and also a long and athletic 7-footer in Joel Embiid. I think length might be the best way to try and combat Parker’s skill set.
How would you stop Andrew Wiggins?
Scout: “It’s all about Andrew and his energy level. If he decides he wants to really play, he’s capable of dominating. But you want him to take jump shots. He can knock them down, so you can’t give him too much space. I’d do all I could to make him take long 2-point shots. If he’s making those, you’re in major trouble.”
Goodman: Try and make sure he’s not engaged in the game. Allow -- and even dare him -- to take long jumpers and also be aware of where he is in transition at all times. Don’t allow him to get going, because if he does, he can take over the game. His aggressiveness is the key, and getting up in him too much may help motivate him to fight back and play hard each and every possession.
How would you stop Julius Randle?
Scout: "He’s so tough because once he catches it on the block, there aren't too many guys that can stop him. The other issue is that Kentucky has so many players that it’s tough to double-team him -- and he’s also a good passer. But you need to try and keep the ball out of his hands, because he’s so efficient and so aggressive. He really draws fouls. He’s going to make it tough for you no matter what -- and the thing is he can rebound and push it in transition; he can catch it on the wing. He’s versatile.”
Goodman: Somehow, you have to try and get him to want to showcase his perimeter game. I’d sag off him and dare him to take shots from the perimeter. Because if he goes to work in the paint, there’s few who have an answer. Maybe this early in the season, Michigan State 6-foot-10 senior Adreian Payne can slow Randle down. It will be interesting to see this matchup because the legitimate questions surrounding Payne were that of confidence and his motor.
How would you stop Andrew Harrison?
Scout: "Give him space. Go under ball screens and make him take open shots. You don’t want to allow him to get to the basket with his size and strength. You have to keep him on the perimeter. There’s no reason to really get up in him unless he picks up his dribble. I’d play conservative because he’s so much better going to the basket than he is shooting jumpers.”
Goodman: Harrison is a big, strong point guard, but he’s not an explosive athlete like some of Calipari’s floor leaders in the past (Derrick Rose, John Wall, e.g.). The key is trying to rattle Harrison -- get him to think too much. He’s physically gifted, but the mental part of the game is where he can struggle at times. I’d switch up defenses on him as much as possible, and try to keep him out of the lane.
How would you stop Aaron Harrison?
Scout: "You have to stay with him because he might be the best perimeter shooter on the team. He can also take you off the dribble. He’s a versatile scorer and can really get it going. You have to be aware of him, but he’s tough to guard because of his ability to shoot it and also finish around the basket. To me, you’ve got to almost try and get a feel for what he wants to do and take that away.”
Goodman: He’s a versatile scorer who can shoot it from deep and also beat defenders off the dribble. He has the size, and while he’s not an explosive, above-the-rim athlete, he’s athletic enough and strong enough to finish around the basket. Harrison can make shots from beyond the arc, but he’s streaky. The best way to slow him down is to make sure he doesn't get easy buckets going to the hoop.
How would you stop James Young?
Scout: “He’s an average athlete, but can really shoot it from deep and also has the ability to put it on the deck. I’d probably say to make him shoot it from deep and take my chances, rather than pressing up on him. It’s a tough call, though, because he is really a versatile scorer.
Goodman: Don’t give Young space. Get up in him, and don’t let him get going from long range. If he does, he can string together a bunch of 3-pointers and break the game open. You need length to be able to slow Young down and bother him. He has a tendency to coast at times, so the key for him is making sure he doesn't have space on the catch.
How would you stop Joel Embiid?
Scout: “You have to be physical with him. You can’t let him become comfortable around the basket. Don’t let him post, and try and make him fall into taking jumpers. He can do it, but he’s not a guy who is going to put in on the floor. You just need to really bang him and see whether he responds.”
Goodman: Embiid is all about potential. He’ll have a few moments each game where NBA scouts will gush, but he’s a work in progress -- and rightfully so, since he’s only been playing for a few years. You've got to try and push him around, and not give him anything easy around the basket. Duke doesn't possess a ton of size, but the Blue Devils may need to use 7-footer Marshall Plumlee because of his energy and toughness.
How would you stop Wayne Selden?
Scout: "You want him to take shots from the perimeter, but he’s really improved that part of his game. He’s a tough kid, and is very aggressive. He’ll really benefit with the new rules and will draw a ton of fouls. You’ve got to keep him in front of you and contest every jumper.”
Goodman: Selden is still feeling his way. His shot has come a long way and he’s also a quality passer, but I’d take my chances with making him beat you with long jumpers. That’s really not been his game in the past. He’s a big, strong, physical guard who can make a living from the charity stripe.