NCAA UNDERGROUND: take note for your team in Europe... Akoon-Purcell - Illinois State

From CC in Oklahoma to Rupp Arena with 22points and 20 shots. He’s got talent and personality. Let’s get to know DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell, 6-5 scoring wing senior from Illinois State.

 

WHERE HE PLAYS – Illinois State plays “4-guards out” system offensively and defensively because of their lineups they switch everything. In this system, Akoon-Purcell plays as a 3 man who also can be seen as a PF in some situations. At the next level, he would be the most comfortable as a pure wing player.

 

PHYSICAL SKILLS – Very athletic and long. Really good leaping ability, good speed (with and without the ball).

 

WHERE HE RECEIVES THE BALL AND HOW HE FINISHES – He will try to score in transition every time he has opportunity. He has got decent handles and will push the ball up the floor after getting defensive rebound or receiving an outlet. On the half court offense, Akoon-Purcell wants to drive the ball and score around the basket. He can create his own shoot; not overly created with his dribble, but uses his speed, explosiveness and length in order to get in the paint and score around the basket. After he catches the ball on perimeter he looks to drive the basketball and create opportunities from the paint. Moreover Akoon-Purcell is more than capable of posting up smaller/similar size players. He has decent post technique and can definitely score from the low post. Things to improve: Outside shot – he has good shooting form, however he is not consistent shooter and this really misses in his offensive repertoire; he doesn’t look to pass the ball too much, and every time he puts the ball on the floor he will try to finish by himself (shot selection); can get out of control on his drives which leads to charges/travel violations; has to be more present on the glass on both ends, considering his athleticism and position he plays.

 

WHERE AND HOW HE DEFEND – decent defender. Good speed and length. Can defend players on perimeter position (2-3). Has potential to be very good defensive player if improves his lateral movement, and most importantly has to have better “willing-moment”(desire) to play defense.

 

HOW HE PLAYS PICK AND ROLL – offense & defense – in the system his team plays, Akoon-Purcell uses some ball screens, but this is not his strength. Coming out of ball screens he will try to score/drive every time; not creative and doesn’t look to involve his teammates. Ball screens are not his strength – he is more effective from 1 on 1 situations from perimeter positions and post up situations. Defensively, his team would switch most of ball screens.

 

RIGHT FIT FOR HIM – fast pace team

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