Andrei Lopatin

Jonathan Givony

Strengths:
-Has great size for a small forward at around 6-9
-Long arms
-Frame is lanky right now, but is well proportioned and should fill out nicely in time, if he works on it
-Moves like a wing. Fluid
-Has a solid first step, particularly driving left
-Throws the ball in the basket occasionally from outside, leaving some hope he may develop this part of his game in time. 16/45 (35%) in 25 games we have logged
-Shows some potential defensively. Moves feet well on perimeter
-Only 16 years old

Weaknesses:
-Extremely limited offensive player. 6.1 points per-40 at U18s, shooting 21% for 2
-Cannot dribble at all. Only shoots jumpers, and doesn't even do that all that well
-Possesses a long, ugly shooting stroke. Needs time and space to get it off
-Fundamentals on defense aren't great
-Lacks the strength to hold his ground inside the post. Gets backed down.
-Somewhat stuck between positions defensively.

Outlook: A Russian version of Winston Shepard? Big, long combo forward who moves well, but is extremely raw on both ends of the floor. Doesn't turn 17 until later this month. Someone to watch to see if he develops his skill-level at all.