Ahmed Khalaf

#3) Ahmed Khalaf, 6'9, Center, 17.3 years old, Egypt

EWA: 2.2
PER: 29.9
TS%: 54.8%
17.0 PTS, 14.0 REB, .7 AST, .7 STL, 4.4 BLK, 3.9 OREB, 53.2 FG%

Khalaf, who goes by “Bebo”, was a bright spot on an Egyptian team that finished the U17 tournament dead last in 16th place, with only 1 win and 6 losses. Khalaf's calling card was on the glass and on the defensive end posting a tournament best 5.1 blocks per 40 minutes and 17 rebounds per 40. He showed excellent instincts and timing on the defensive end, allowing him to control the paint. Offensively Khalaf's game appears to be a work in progress, despite the gaudy scoring totals he posted in Zaragoza. He showed some improving footwork in the post and decent touch around the rim but struggled to finish against length and often shied away from contact even though he was typically one of the bigger players on the floor. Khalaf doesn't run the floor well and isn't a particularly explosive athlete. He finished effectively around the basket on dump offs and offensive rebounds, but the rest of his offensive game is not very polished.

Khalaf is no stranger to the FIBA setting, as he has played up consistently in age groups in the past, competing in the U19 tournament in 2015 and the U17 tournament in 2014. This time around playing guys his own age, Khalaf was much more effective and you could see glimpses of what makes him effective as a shot blocker and rebounder. Khalaf started his pro career playing in the Egyptian Super League, but has since moved to Manresa's junior team in Spain where he has a chance to develop against strong competition. His lack of athleticism may prove to be a hindrance as a NBA prospect, but his outstanding timing as a shot-blocker and rebounder/along with his soft touch around the basket, gives him a chance to carve out a strong career at the international level.

Jonathan Givony

Strengths:
-Long arms. Big standing reach
-Frame not toned, but should fill out nicely in time
-Terrific instincts as a rim-protector
-#1 shot-blocker at the U19 (5.2 per-40)
-#2 rebounder (15.4 per-40)
-Only born in 1999. Three years younger than many of the players at the tournament
-Very active on offensive glass
-Nice touch from free throw line (75% at U19s, 77% at U17s)

Weaknesses:
-Very limited offensively. Shot just 43% from 2-point range
-Not particularly explosive
-Doesn't run the floor very well
-Struggles to finish around the basket in traffic
-Doesn't love contact inside the paint
-Struggles to finish with touch and feel when presented with opposition inside the paint. Tends to just throws ball up on rim and hope for best
-Limited footwork
-Feel for game offensively is a work in progress. Not a great passer
-Intensity level comes and goes at times

Outlook: Goes by “Bebo.” Had an intriguing tournament in Dubai last summer playing up at the U17s. Again played up by a few years at the U19s, and had some nice moments as a rebounder and shot-blocker. Struggled against better competition but was productive per-minute overall. Somewhat stuck between the 4 and the 5. Needs to continue to grow and improve his athleticism to stay interesting for the highest levels. Timing as a shot-blocker/rebounder gives him a chance.