Arizona
Lauri Markkanen
7-0, PF, Freshman
16 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks, 9-10 FT
Markkanen had his ups and downs in this game on both ends. Markkanen's biggest question at the next level is always going to be how well he can move and defend in space. He runs up and down the floor with short strides and is always a step behind in guarding ball screens. He doesn't really sit well in a stance which makes it hard for him to make fast and reactive moves. He also gets buried underneath due to his frame and poor stance. Landale had his way with Markkanen in the post a few times. Lauri always seems a step behind and almost lost, not knowing how to see man and ball but always turning his head a lot of different directions.
The biggest question for the team that wants to draft Lauri is if his offensive upside and potential outweighs the negatives on defense. Lauri has been one of the best shooters in the NCAA this year (43.3% on 4.4 attempts per game). Even though the shot wasn't falling this game, its quick and smooth. He can get off whenever he wants. He also showed the ability to create his own shot off of one or two bounces. He has great footwork getting to his spots when it comes to off the dribble shooting.
He looks awkward posting up and doesn't seem to be sure of himself when it comes to the block. He does play extremely hard and crashes the glass. He has decent enough athleticism vertically that helps him go up and get the ball amongst other bigs. Lauri definitely has a future as a potential stretch four or five and with the right defensive pieces around him, he could thrive.
Allonzo Trier
6-5, SG, Sophomore
14 points, 6 rebounds, 4-10 FG
Trier was pretty hot and cold this game. He is a tough shot taker and a tough shot maker. He has the quick first step and athleticism to get to his spot and create for himself, but a lot of times it didn't come in the flow of the offense. His basketball IQ could improve, and at times he shows some playmaking potential.
His effort on both ends comes and goes. Defensively, he looks locked in at times and does a good job locking down his man and other times, he is a spectator and doesn't go all out. He crashes the glass hard and has the capability to go up and grab boards with bigs due to his plus athleticism. With how rocky of a year Trier has had on and off the court, it would be a smart decision for him to come back to school so that he can have a sort of fresh start.
Kadeem Allen
6-3, PG, Senior
12 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, 5-9 FG
Allen is a bull in a china shop. His motor is constant and never stops. He has no fear with whatever he is doing. He competes hard on defense and uses his thick body and length to blow stuff up. He can guard both ones and twos with success as well as hold his own on the glass. He is a smart defender as well, digging in for steals on post ups and swiping the ball away when guys aren't looking when they drive to the hoop. He is going to impress somebody with his defense.
His jumper doesn't look good but he shot it well this year (41.7% from three). As a point guard, he doesn't seem to have the playmaking skills needed to run a team. He plays north/south a lot and doesn't have much shake to his game. As an off guard, he could be a sort of 3-and-D guy who guards ones and twos and doesn't need the ball at all. He might not get drafted with how deep of a point guard class this is, but it wouldn't surprise me if he makes a team.
Rawle Alkins
6-6, SF, Freshman
6 points, 2 steals, 3-7 FG
Alkins has a lot of similar traits to Allen, only he is more of a wing than a guard. Alkins has some tools to like offensively. He is a bully trying to get to the rim but he actually has balance when he drives, spinning or side stepping his way to the hoop. He gets in his own way sometimes trying to do too much and score but when he settles down, he can do some stuff out of ball screens. He is a capable three point shooter (37.9%) and his mechanics don't look broken. He flashed a lot of potential on the offensive end.
Defensively, his measurables and athleticism show that he could some day be a lock down defender. At 6-6, 220 with long arms, Alkins at times shows how elite he can be defensively. Sometimes, however, his effort isn't there and he will get blown by on drives or closeouts. He at least crashes the glass and has the body to be a stopper across multiple positions. There is potential in there for him to be a plug and play wing at the next level. The motor needs to be consistent and he needs to continue to improve all the areas of his game.
St. Mary's
Jock Landale
6-11, C, Junior
19 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 turnovers, 8-14 FG
Landale was quite impressive in this game. He scored in the post against all of Arizona's bigs and dominated the glass. He has a little more agility and bounce than he looks. Combine that with his huge 255 pound frame and he's a load to deal with on the glass and with his back to the basket. He made some great passes out of the post, even though he did try to be a hero with some of the passes he threw and ended up turning it over. With his back to the basket, however, he has phenomenal touch and showed some quick moves. He knows how to read his defender and read the floor to know which of his moves he can go to.
Defensively, Landale gives effort, sits in a stance as best he can, and competes hard. He can move for the first step or two out on the perimeter and he can push guys off their spot in the post. There were times, however, where he was too slow to keep up with either Markkanen or Ristic. That's where his struggles will come at the next level, where the bigs and perimeter players are even more athletic and stronger than Arizona's guys. Landale seems like he's scratching the surface of how good he can be. Expect him to be one of the best bigs in the country next season.
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