2015 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Willie Cauley-Stein



Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
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2015 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Willie Cauley-Stein


Position: Center

Size: 7-0, 240

School: Kentucky, Junior


Strengths:
  • Size
  • Length
  • Athleticism
  • Shot-blocking
  • Rim protector
  • Help-side defender
  • Active on the glass
  • Lateral quickness as a perimeter defender
  • Bothersome in passing lanes
  • Brings constant aggressiveness/energy to the floor
  • Explosive at the rim
  • Runs the floor well




  • Weaknesses:
  • Very raw on the offensive end
  • Mid-range jump shot
  • Back-to-the-basket game
  • Free-throw shooting
  • Ball-handling
  • Needs to get stronger


  • Summary: Cauley-Stein is arguably the best defensive player in college basketball. He is an eraser at the rim who can also use his length and quickness to defend on the perimeter. Cauley-Stein’s offensive game has not developed much during his time at Kentucky, which is a concern. Still, he should be a lottery lock, possibly a top-10 selection, as some team will covet his ability as a defender.

    Player Comparison: Robin Lopez.

    Lopez has made his presence felt in the middle as a rebounder and rim-protector, and that will be Cauley-Stein’s calling card in the NBA as well. He is even more versatile defensively than Lopez. Lopez is still fairly limited on the offensive end, which can also be said of the Wildcat junior.





    RELATED LINKS:


    2015 NBA Mock Draft


    2016 NBA Mock Draft


    2015 NBA Draft Prospect Rankings


    2015 NBA Draft Scouting Reports








    Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
    Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
    All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: [email protected]




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