NCAA UNDERGROUND: take note for your team in Europe...Darnell Harris - MIDDLE TENNESSEE

WHERE HE PLAYS – 6-8, 220 pounds 4-man who’s able to stretch the floor thanks to his confidence on outside shooting. He loves Football and brings that NFL tough approach to the game.

PHYSICAL SKILLS – decent athlete; long arms, good mobility for his size, average leaping ability, good upper body strength

WHERE HE RECEIVES THE BALL AND HOW HE FINISHES – Harris is versatile Forward who can bring variety on the offensive end. His strength on the half court is his ability to hit shots from behind the arc, as well as to put the ball on the floor or score from the low post. This year, Harris shot 40% from behind the arc (4 attempts per game). He is the most effective from catch and shoot situations, either from pick&pop, or kick out passes after guards penetrate – will shoot the ball every time he is open; has good range on his shot. Moreover this season, Harris showed his ability to put the ball on the floor and drive to the basket if slower Forward defends him. He has decent speed and will take advantage if slower defenders are next to him (not overly creative off the dribble, but could definitely cause matchup problems). One of Harris’ strengths is that he plays hard and doesn’t back off from contact. Every time he can, Harris will go strong trying to finish around the rim. He is not an outstanding finisher around the rim, however he has decent moves and will go strong, trying to get in the middle of the paint and finish.
NEGATIVES: at the next level, playing in the low post vs taller and longer defenders could be a problem since he is not great finisher over length; Considering his long arms and how aggressive he plays, we expect him to become a better rebounder.

WHERE AND HOW HE DEFEND – usually defended opposing man in the low post – he plays hard, and gives good defensive effort; Hard worked with his body on the defensive half of the court. Has to improve footwork when defending players on the perimeter. 

HOW HE PLAYS PICK AND ROLL – offense & defense – Very useful in ball screens since he is versatile player who can create problems after pick and pop (very good in shooting from pop situations), but could also roll to the basket, trying to face up or play with his back from the low/mid post. Definitely gives his team an option to spread the floor, and as said, useful player in ball screen situations. Could switch on the defensive end – not great on ball defender but could use his length and decent speed; or stay in drop/flat position when defending pick.

RIGHT FIT FOR HIM – slow pace team with half court sets (ball screens; good floor spacing where he can also take slower guys off the dribble, or knock down 3s).
(SCOUTING BY NIKOLA KNEZEVIC)

Sportando PRO is your personal assistant in scouting the next undrafted players ready to have impact in FIBA leagues around the globe. For info and subscription: sportandopro@gmail.com