2022 Darren Buchanan, Jr.
- Thread starter PointGuardEyes
- Start date
Clicked through the thread and found their full scouting report on him.
Seems that his shooting ability is a major negative. He doesn't even really attempt many jump shots, it seems. Gotta improve that to be a high-major guy.
From what I can see, there's a good reason his high-major offers (Rutgers, SHU, Xavier) came last summer and everything he's getting now is from mid-majors (JMU, Loyola, UNC-G, Richmond, Bona)... Granted those are good mid-majors but still.
I'd probably rather take my chances in the portal next off-season than take him at this point, but that's just me.
I still like him a whole ton, seems exactly like a Pike guy. Really great rebounder and would add a bunch of athleticism to our front court. Nothing about his shot to me makes it unfixable, and he plays hard and is a good defender. Him and Braeden to me seems like a great wing duo. But I can see why some may have concerns.
I am not against Buchanan, he actually played the 5, in a pinch this summer for his AAU team, when they had foul trouble and is a rugged, very determined rebounder. Everyone can't be judged strictly and exclusively on whether he can shoot a 3 pointer. If the player is a A, or A+ rebounder on both ends, you probably can develop the other aspects of shooting.
Some players that are shooters, are afraid of contact and the dirty work necessary to get tough rebounding position. I think Pike and the staff like to coach up kids to become better defenders and hit the glass, but this kid eats glass, full time.
If Mawot Mag sticks and develops, and Aundre Hyatt is what I think he will be for RU, I am not sure you need another similarly sized rebounder. If Mag isn't durable or capable of being that defender or rebounder, then you need Buchanan or someone similar in recruiting for 2023 etc.
Some players that are shooters, are afraid of contact and the dirty work necessary to get tough rebounding position. I think Pike and the staff like to coach up kids to become better defenders and hit the glass, but this kid eats glass, full time.
If Mawot Mag sticks and develops, and Aundre Hyatt is what I think he will be for RU, I am not sure you need another similarly sized rebounder. If Mag isn't durable or capable of being that defender or rebounder, then you need Buchanan or someone similar in recruiting for 2023 etc.
Can he hit FT's? If he is working the offensive boards I assume he gets fouled a decent amount on put backs. I heard several people say that if a player can hit FT there is a chance they can develop a decent shooting stroke.
Buchanan is a player that I thought since last yr would end up here. Hard grind player from the DMV area (we seem to like that area) who seemed really attainable. We already got a shooter in this class, Buchanan would be the slasher
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