NBA Draft Watch: College Basketball Game of the Day, February 6th (#21 LSU at Mississippi State) Recap/Prospects of Note
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| Reggie Perry, Mississippi State and Naz Reid, LSU battle for a rebound (Photo Credit: Rogelio V. Solis/Associated Press) |
On Thursday night 21st ranked LSU traveled to Mississippi State in an SEC contest between two of the top teams in the conference. In an overtime decision, the Tigers took down the home team, Bulldogs by a score of 92-88, improving to 18-4 on the season and 8-1 in-conference. The loss dropped the Mississippi State to 16-6, with a 4-5 record in the SEC.
The game itself was filled with plenty of possessions and numerous changes of momentum during both halves, as each team competed with valor, having various players step up to make plays during the action-filled game.
LSU leaped out to an early 16-8 lead with 11:52 in the first half, before Mississippi State went on a 17-0 run over the next 4:45 to take a 25-16 advantage at the 8:02 mark. The Bulldogs remained out in front heading into halftime, 42-34.
Falling behind by 10 points with 15:35 in the second half, the Tigers worked their way back into the game throughout the remainder of the period. Trading baskets and responding to each play that was made by Mississippi State with a few of their own, the Tigers were able to take an 82-80 lead with 1:38 to go in the latter half, before the game went into overtime tied at 83 — with each team taking turns going 1-2 at the free-throw line with a minute in regulation.
The overtime period began with Mississippi State assuming an 85-83 advantage on the initial basket before the two teams traded possession of the lead until a three-point shot with 11 seconds remaining gave LSU the upper-hand 92-88, which would end up as the final result.
Of the numerous players participating in the game, there was a handful who stood out as prime prospects to play professionally, perceptible by their positive performance — with a specific few whose talent look near NBA-ready.
Below, are mention of the players who showcased certain skills in their play during the game, providing insight into their performance and future potential as a pro.
Prospects of Note
Naz Reid, LSU
Following a sluggish start in the first half, as he shot 1-4 from the field, scoring 4 points while turning the ball over twice, Reid was nothing short of outstanding in the second half and overtime periods. Scoring 25 of his game-high 29 points in the final 24 minutes, the 6'10, 250-pound freshman exhibited his exhilarating skill that has drawn the attention of scouts in his direction.
The talented big man showed off a series of offensive moves, being able to pin defenders and spin out of the post to finish with either hand, operating comfortably on both pick and roll and pick and pop actions, stepping outside the three-point line in displaying his range, pump-faking from the perimeter against out of control closeouts by defenders before pulling up for a one-hand floater, and flashing ability to face-up from the free throw line.
While his lackluster first half saw him force a few shots and look generally uncomfortable within the flow of the offense, Reid's activity and productivity during the second half and OT looked like that of a lottery pick of which he has the potential to be.
Finishing with both finesse and power, Reid was able to put down a couple of assertive slams while also having the soft touch around the basket to sink shots when contested by the defense. The final made basket in the game showed displaye his dexterity as a tantalizing talented young big, slipping a screen out on the perimeter and stepping into a pass in the final seconds of the shot clock before releasing a shot that bounced off the rim softly in the air and through the basket, effectively sealing the game for LSU at 92-88.
For the game Reid would finish shooting 10-17, including 2-3 on 3-pointers, 7-8 at the free throw line, grabbing 9 rebounds (4 offensive), along with 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block.
The talented big man showed off a series of offensive moves, being able to pin defenders and spin out of the post to finish with either hand, operating comfortably on both pick and roll and pick and pop actions, stepping outside the three-point line in displaying his range, pump-faking from the perimeter against out of control closeouts by defenders before pulling up for a one-hand floater, and flashing ability to face-up from the free throw line.
While his lackluster first half saw him force a few shots and look generally uncomfortable within the flow of the offense, Reid's activity and productivity during the second half and OT looked like that of a lottery pick of which he has the potential to be.
Finishing with both finesse and power, Reid was able to put down a couple of assertive slams while also having the soft touch around the basket to sink shots when contested by the defense. The final made basket in the game showed displaye his dexterity as a tantalizing talented young big, slipping a screen out on the perimeter and stepping into a pass in the final seconds of the shot clock before releasing a shot that bounced off the rim softly in the air and through the basket, effectively sealing the game for LSU at 92-88.
For the game Reid would finish shooting 10-17, including 2-3 on 3-pointers, 7-8 at the free throw line, grabbing 9 rebounds (4 offensive), along with 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block.
Tremont Waters, LSU
Providing a promising start to the game and offering steady productivity throughout the entirety of the contest, arguably no player was more pivotal to the win for LSU than Waters. Using his natural speed and quickness, Waters was able to affect each end of the floor early on as he drove past the defense and into the paint without issue, as well as exhibiting his active hands and defensive awareness to swipe the ball away from Mississippi State guards both as on-ball defender and in anticipation as a help defender — scoring 6 points and tallying 3 steals by the under 12-minute timeout in the first half.
Throughout the game, the 5'11, 170-pound point guard was nearly unstoppable in high pick and roll action, while also finding his way to the basket on a few isolated drives as well. Once in the paint, Waters provided a number of ways which to convert, flashing both a floater and a running one-hand shot, as well as other nifty finishes at the rim, creating favorable angles to factor in the use of the backboard.
On a breakaway fastbreak, created by a steal of his own on the other end, Waters went up and lightly lifted up off the ground for a 2-hand finish above the rim. While he was aggressive in his attack of the basket, allowing him to score the ball, the sophomore also sought out teammates while penetrating the defense on some select dishes leading to 5 assists and a few other finds that led to free-throws for his fellow Tigers.
Though Mississippi State found it difficult to keep Waters out of the paint, he too showed that he could step outside the painted-area and score the ball, sinking a deep three-pointer on a step-back that was well-contested and following that on the next possession on a quick stop and pop that allowed him to create space on the defender to rise up and drain the shot from the free-throw line.
Waters would finish 26 points, shooting an efficient 11-18 on his field goal attempts, including 1-2 on his 3-point attempts, and 3-4 from the free throw line. The diminutive though dynamic point guard also added 5 assists against 4 turnovers, while collecting 4 rebounds and 5 steals. His play on the night showed me why he is one of the best point guard prospects in college basketball and could decide to enter the NBA Draft following the season with a strong chance to being taken with one of the 60 picks.
Throughout the game, the 5'11, 170-pound point guard was nearly unstoppable in high pick and roll action, while also finding his way to the basket on a few isolated drives as well. Once in the paint, Waters provided a number of ways which to convert, flashing both a floater and a running one-hand shot, as well as other nifty finishes at the rim, creating favorable angles to factor in the use of the backboard.
On a breakaway fastbreak, created by a steal of his own on the other end, Waters went up and lightly lifted up off the ground for a 2-hand finish above the rim. While he was aggressive in his attack of the basket, allowing him to score the ball, the sophomore also sought out teammates while penetrating the defense on some select dishes leading to 5 assists and a few other finds that led to free-throws for his fellow Tigers.
Though Mississippi State found it difficult to keep Waters out of the paint, he too showed that he could step outside the painted-area and score the ball, sinking a deep three-pointer on a step-back that was well-contested and following that on the next possession on a quick stop and pop that allowed him to create space on the defender to rise up and drain the shot from the free-throw line.
Waters would finish 26 points, shooting an efficient 11-18 on his field goal attempts, including 1-2 on his 3-point attempts, and 3-4 from the free throw line. The diminutive though dynamic point guard also added 5 assists against 4 turnovers, while collecting 4 rebounds and 5 steals. His play on the night showed me why he is one of the best point guard prospects in college basketball and could decide to enter the NBA Draft following the season with a strong chance to being taken with one of the 60 picks.
Kavell Bigby-Williams, LSU
While it was Reid and Waters who were often in possession of the ball and led the way with their scoring and play-making ability, Bigby-Williams came up big for the Tigers in contributing to the win with his activity on the boards.
The 6'11, 260-pound senior center collected 13 rebounds, including 4 offensive, which led to a couple of immediate second chance points opportunities of which he converted on. He also showed strong hands in not only grabbing a hold of tough rebounds amongst multiple bodies but also in catching a couple of passes for which he was able to go up with and finish at the rim with success — sinking all 6 shot attempts from the floor, scoring 14 points.
Bigby-Williams was able to work his way open and slam home a dunk off a finely executed pick and roll, and also exhibited a stellar left-handed hook from in front of the basket in one of his opportunities.
Though the majority of the LSU offensive-sets rarely end up with him receiving a touch, Bigby-Williams works for position on the offensive glass to get his own and was excellent with the opportunities he did have on Thursday as he has been all season in shooting 69.8 FG%, which would lead all players in college basketball, if his amount of attempts qualified for that category.
While the transfer from Oregon will likely have to find his way into the NBA playing in the Summer League and possibly earning a spot through G-League, his combination of size, productivity, and capability as a legitimate paint presence could be of benefit to a team in search of a quality reserve big to develop.
The 6'11, 260-pound senior center collected 13 rebounds, including 4 offensive, which led to a couple of immediate second chance points opportunities of which he converted on. He also showed strong hands in not only grabbing a hold of tough rebounds amongst multiple bodies but also in catching a couple of passes for which he was able to go up with and finish at the rim with success — sinking all 6 shot attempts from the floor, scoring 14 points.
Bigby-Williams was able to work his way open and slam home a dunk off a finely executed pick and roll, and also exhibited a stellar left-handed hook from in front of the basket in one of his opportunities.
Though the majority of the LSU offensive-sets rarely end up with him receiving a touch, Bigby-Williams works for position on the offensive glass to get his own and was excellent with the opportunities he did have on Thursday as he has been all season in shooting 69.8 FG%, which would lead all players in college basketball, if his amount of attempts qualified for that category.
While the transfer from Oregon will likely have to find his way into the NBA playing in the Summer League and possibly earning a spot through G-League, his combination of size, productivity, and capability as a legitimate paint presence could be of benefit to a team in search of a quality reserve big to develop.
Quinndary Weatherspoon, Mississippi State
Leading Mississippi State in scoring with 27 points on the evening, Quinndary Weatherspoon was highly-impressive in accumulating the output without forcing the issue offensively. Opening his scoring on the night with a lay-up off a beautiful back-cut, Weatherspoon would go onto putting the ball in the basket in more than a few ways to account for his 11 made field goals on the evening.
During the first half the 6'4, 190-pound senior put points on the board, converting on a layup in transition, getting a driving layup to go on an attack down the middle of the lane, and ending the period by calmly dribbling and creating his own shot, stepping into and sinking a three from out past the top of the key as the last few seconds ticked off the clock.
Weatherspoon continued to count multiple ways which to get shots to fall in the second half, dropping in a catch and shoot three-pointer from out near the left wing, draining another trey off the dribble from out past the top of the key, in addition to finding different spots to attack the defense on drives to the paint, where he finished through contact on a couple of occasions, including drawing an and-1 finish and splitting a double-team from the wing to get to the rim for another layup.
Weatherspoon looked the part of a seasoned scorer on Thursday whose ability to craft various ways to put the ball in the hoop portends a potential place on an NBA roster.
Having initially entered the draft last year before deciding to return to Mississippi State for his senior year, Weatherspoon could possibly surface as a second-round pick with continued strong performances that he's consistently put together this season.
However, even if he goes unselected the combo guard is better equipped to enter 'the League' now than he was last year and has the capability to carve out a role on in the right spot.
During the first half the 6'4, 190-pound senior put points on the board, converting on a layup in transition, getting a driving layup to go on an attack down the middle of the lane, and ending the period by calmly dribbling and creating his own shot, stepping into and sinking a three from out past the top of the key as the last few seconds ticked off the clock.
Weatherspoon continued to count multiple ways which to get shots to fall in the second half, dropping in a catch and shoot three-pointer from out near the left wing, draining another trey off the dribble from out past the top of the key, in addition to finding different spots to attack the defense on drives to the paint, where he finished through contact on a couple of occasions, including drawing an and-1 finish and splitting a double-team from the wing to get to the rim for another layup.
Weatherspoon looked the part of a seasoned scorer on Thursday whose ability to craft various ways to put the ball in the hoop portends a potential place on an NBA roster.
Having initially entered the draft last year before deciding to return to Mississippi State for his senior year, Weatherspoon could possibly surface as a second-round pick with continued strong performances that he's consistently put together this season.
However, even if he goes unselected the combo guard is better equipped to enter 'the League' now than he was last year and has the capability to carve out a role on in the right spot.
Reggie Perry, Mississippi State
Playing against a couple of competent big men from LSU in Kavell Bigby-Williams and Naz Reid, Reggie Perry proved that he is capable of performing at a high level against quality competition with his performance.
Standing a solid 6'10, 245 pounds Perry played to his listed size often jostling for position with Bigby-Williams and Reid to come away with 10 rebounds. Four of his rebounds came on the offensive end, as the McDonald's All-American from last year, along with Reid, instinctively tracked down shots that came off the rim.
Also, on the offensive end, Perry played with a palpable inside-out attack effectively sealing the post providing an opportunity for an easy entry pass which he converted for a dunk, as well as showing the willingness to consistently play through the body of defenders in drawing multiple fouls, for which he was able to shoot 16 free throws on the evening. Though he converted on just over half his attempts from the free throw line, making 9 attempts.
In stepping out to the perimeter, Perry made a couple precise entry passes into the post from the top of the key, in the midst of a high/low action, as well as drawing a foul on a drive to the basket from out near the wing, looking comfortable in putting the ball on the floor. The freshman filtered between a few different spots on the floor, making timely cuts to the basket and setting sturdy screens before effectively rolling to the rim on multiple moments which led to layups or dunks and added attempts at the free throw line as he drew fouls against the defense.
In addition to his 10 rebounds, Perry finished with 19 points, shooting 5-8 from the floor, and tallied two steals and a block. While it would likely be most beneficial for him to return to school in order to achieve his highest draft potential, the young budding talent may decide to enter his name into the draft in order to go through workouts with NBA teams and receive feedback on which parts of his game they'd like for him to focus to on to soar his stock as a prospect before a potential return to Starksville.
Standing a solid 6'10, 245 pounds Perry played to his listed size often jostling for position with Bigby-Williams and Reid to come away with 10 rebounds. Four of his rebounds came on the offensive end, as the McDonald's All-American from last year, along with Reid, instinctively tracked down shots that came off the rim.
Also, on the offensive end, Perry played with a palpable inside-out attack effectively sealing the post providing an opportunity for an easy entry pass which he converted for a dunk, as well as showing the willingness to consistently play through the body of defenders in drawing multiple fouls, for which he was able to shoot 16 free throws on the evening. Though he converted on just over half his attempts from the free throw line, making 9 attempts.
In stepping out to the perimeter, Perry made a couple precise entry passes into the post from the top of the key, in the midst of a high/low action, as well as drawing a foul on a drive to the basket from out near the wing, looking comfortable in putting the ball on the floor. The freshman filtered between a few different spots on the floor, making timely cuts to the basket and setting sturdy screens before effectively rolling to the rim on multiple moments which led to layups or dunks and added attempts at the free throw line as he drew fouls against the defense.
In addition to his 10 rebounds, Perry finished with 19 points, shooting 5-8 from the floor, and tallied two steals and a block. While it would likely be most beneficial for him to return to school in order to achieve his highest draft potential, the young budding talent may decide to enter his name into the draft in order to go through workouts with NBA teams and receive feedback on which parts of his game they'd like for him to focus to on to soar his stock as a prospect before a potential return to Starksville.
Aric Holman, Mississippi State
Entering the game early off the bench at the 18:14 mark, Aric Holman went right to work from the block making a confident move leading into a quick jump hook that fell off the rim. His next attempt would also not connect as he shot an open in-rhythm three out near the top of the key that also missed the mark.
In spite of his couple misses early on Holman was active in the first half, in particular with his defense against Naz Reid, using his length (7 foot 2 wingspan) to effectively deny him the ball in the post and force him out near the wing to receive an entry pass and on another occasion tipping the ball away from the talented freshman while in the post and coming away with the steal.
The 6'11, 220-pound forward displayed instincts and ability as a passer, making a few timely dishes to teammates on the perimeter for open looks from three while pivoting from the post. Holman would score his first basket of the evening with 6:47 to go in the first half, going up to grab an offensive rebound and putting the ball right back up in between multiple bodies in the paint to convert on the contested putback layup. He would follow that in the second half with similar results scoring on a couple of other instances off offensive rebounds, including one where he grabbed the ball after it was tipped coming off the basket and went up for a forceful two-hand slam.
Versatile enough to make plays both in the paint and out on the perimeter, Holman also showed his ability as a slasher, catching the ball out on the wing and utilizing his length and athleticism to put the ball on the deck and calmly arrive at the rim for an easy layup. Playing 27 minutes, he finished with 12 points, on 4-8 shooting from the floor (0-2 on 3-point shots), and 4-4 on free throws, also adding 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal.
There may have been other players on the floor who had a more noticeable stat-line, though it is arguable that Holman may have been the most intriguing prospect on the court with his physical profile and versatility in being able to affect the game in various ways from each end of the floor.
Some may be curious as to why he didn't start, still, Holman showed what positive attributes he could bring to an NBA team in a similar role to what he played in Wednesday's game. He looks the part of a player who could be a value pick in the second round due to his strengths as a player translating to what 'the League' is currently looking for, and could be a steal if undrafted for a team to develop into a respectable role player.
In spite of his couple misses early on Holman was active in the first half, in particular with his defense against Naz Reid, using his length (7 foot 2 wingspan) to effectively deny him the ball in the post and force him out near the wing to receive an entry pass and on another occasion tipping the ball away from the talented freshman while in the post and coming away with the steal.
The 6'11, 220-pound forward displayed instincts and ability as a passer, making a few timely dishes to teammates on the perimeter for open looks from three while pivoting from the post. Holman would score his first basket of the evening with 6:47 to go in the first half, going up to grab an offensive rebound and putting the ball right back up in between multiple bodies in the paint to convert on the contested putback layup. He would follow that in the second half with similar results scoring on a couple of other instances off offensive rebounds, including one where he grabbed the ball after it was tipped coming off the basket and went up for a forceful two-hand slam.
Versatile enough to make plays both in the paint and out on the perimeter, Holman also showed his ability as a slasher, catching the ball out on the wing and utilizing his length and athleticism to put the ball on the deck and calmly arrive at the rim for an easy layup. Playing 27 minutes, he finished with 12 points, on 4-8 shooting from the floor (0-2 on 3-point shots), and 4-4 on free throws, also adding 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal.
There may have been other players on the floor who had a more noticeable stat-line, though it is arguable that Holman may have been the most intriguing prospect on the court with his physical profile and versatility in being able to affect the game in various ways from each end of the floor.
Some may be curious as to why he didn't start, still, Holman showed what positive attributes he could bring to an NBA team in a similar role to what he played in Wednesday's game. He looks the part of a player who could be a value pick in the second round due to his strengths as a player translating to what 'the League' is currently looking for, and could be a steal if undrafted for a team to develop into a respectable role player.
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