NBA Comps for Under the Radar Texas Prospects
Athlete comparisons have become a popular tool in the world of scouting, recruiting, and draft coverage. It’s one of the best ways to get a feel for a player’s game. While no comparison is perfect, it is still a worthwhile…
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Continue ReadingAthlete comparisons have become a popular tool in the world of scouting, recruiting, and draft coverage. It’s one of the best ways to get a feel for a player’s game. While no comparison is perfect, it is still a worthwhile practice. With that in mind, I’ve come up with NBA comps for some of the best under the radar prospects I saw this summer. Keep in mind that these are not projections and be on the lookout for more NBA comparison articles in the near future!
Michael Prather – 2021 5’10 PG (3D Eagles Elite) Little Elm HS
NBA Comp – Kemba Walker
This might be my favorite comp. Mainly because both of them are a ton of fun to watch play. Kemba Walker has elite handles and is one of the best pick and roll ball handlers in the NBA. Michael Prather is a great ball handler in his own right, and I loved his decision making and execution as the ball handler in pick and roll scenarios. Prather is an aggressive scorer who uses his quickness to blow by defenders and get to the basket. He’s a good shooter off the bounce too, which is another characteristic he shares with Walker.
Davion Sykes – 2022 6’2 G Duncanville HS
NBA Comp – Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson is regarded as one of the best two-way players in the NBA. He is a lethal shooter on offense and an excellent on-ball stopper on defense. I see a lot of Klay Thompson in Davion Sykes. He was one of the best shooters I saw at The Next Wave camp. His jump shot is gorgeous. Sykes moves well without the ball to free himself up from behind the arc and excels at shooting from the catch, which is another reason he reminds me of Thompson. The sophomore guard also does a really good job at staying in front of his man on defense. It’s nice to see a gifted shooter not neglect his defensive responsibilities.
Austin Benigni Austin Benigni 5'10" | PG The Woodlands Christian | 2022 State TX – 2022 5’11 PG (PB Nation) The Woodlands Christian Academy
NBA Comp – Patrick Beverley
Patrick Beverly is one of the most frustrating defenders to play against. He’s an absolute nuisance on the defensive end. I got some serious Beverly vibes while watching Austin Benigni Austin Benigni 5'10" | PG The Woodlands Christian | 2022 State TX play at The Next Wave camp. Benigni doesn’t give an inch to players he’s guarding. He isn’t as animated as Beverly, but they both have high motors and play with a lot of energy. While Beverly and Benigni shine on defense, they are plenty capable at the other end. Both players are solid three-point shooters and are fearless in regard to taking contact on the drive. These two are throwbacks, and that’s something we need more of in the modern era of high scoring basketball.
Jourdyn Grandberry – 2022 Wing (Texas Impact Elite)
NBA Comp – Khris Middleton
I graduated from Texas A&M University this past May, so comparing someone to an Aggie is high praise coming from me. Middleton has developed into an all-star caliber wing for the Milwaukee Bucks. He is a tremendous shooter from behind the arc as well as from mid-range. The same can be said for 2022 wing Jourdyn Grandberry, who has a solid mid-range game and is consistent from three-point range. These two are more than just shooters though. Both Middleton and Grandberry have the ability to contribute as rebounders and passers. There isn’t a lot of information out there on Grandberry yet, but I have a feeling that won’t be the case for long as he continues to grow and improve.