Marc Gasol, Substance Over Spectacle - By Luis Fernandez / DraftExpress.com

[V2M]

Roundup: Marc Gasol, Substance Over Spectacle

by: Luis Fernández - Director of International Scouting
April 19, 2007

Marc Gasol - Current Team: Akasvayu Girona, International
Physicals:
H: 7' 1"
W: 265 lbs
Bday: 1/29/1985
(22 Years Old)

Positions:
Current: C
NBA: C
Possible: C

Rankings:
Round: 2 Pick: 2 in 2007 Mock Draft
Rank 3 in International '85
Rank 7 in Top-20 '07 Centers

Comparisons:
Best Case: Mehmet Okur
Worst Case: Marc Jackson

Misc:
High School:
Hometown: Barcelona, Spain
Earliest Draft Class: 2005
Last Updated: 9/27/2004

He might not be the most spectacular guy on a basketball court and he will rarely display eye-popping moves, but you will hardly find a more consistent youngster than Marc Gasol in all of Europe. Consistency was what he again delivered in the FIBA EuroCup Final Four, helping his team Akasvayu Girona win the title. In a rather quiet week for young prospects, Gasol gets the edge for our Player of the Week nomination, over another remarkable showing by Tiago Splitter.

Player of the Week: Marc Gasol

As usual, he didn’t make much noise, nor did he capture the headlines in his team’s victory in the FIBA EuroCup. But he was again an important foundation in Akasvayu’s game. Gasol has emerged as a guy you can count on in every game, whether your routine regular season visit or a crucial appointment such as the EuroCup Final Four. He did well in the semifinal, with 9 points and 6 rebounds as his team routed MMT Estudiantes. Something more was needed in the final against Azovmash, and something more he delivered: 12 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists, scoring some clutch points in the final minutes of the game to build a decisive lead in the score.

Skill wise, Marc stuck to his usual repertoire. If anything, he surprised in the final putting the ball on the floor with his right hand to attack his rival, and eventually got a trip to the free-throw line. Obviously his limited quickness is what prevents Gasol from using this kind of option more often, as he enjoys nice ball-handling skills for a seven footer. On the negative side, this Final Four again exposed that he could certainly use a better left hand. He loses space and effectiveness going for an orthodox right-handed short shot instead of a left-handed jump-hook whenever he attacks a rival from the left. At least he’s nicely developing the right-handed jumphook. He will certainly need it to overcome big athletic defenders at the next level while playing in the low post.

Although we have dealt it before, it deserves to be stressed again the way he contributes to his team’s offensive fluidity, showing a high basketball IQ and excellent court vision--always being aware of his teammates’ position. That fluidity comes both in the set offense, particularly they way Gasol ships the ball quickly to the weak side, and in transition, as he’s automatic sending the ball to a guard after a defensive rebound to ignite the offense.

How much will Gasol’s lack of athleticism get exposed in the NBA? I guess that’s the question every single decision maker will be asking himself when it comes to evaluating the big Spanish center. With much more individual oriented defenses, it’s a very legit concern. In the ACB League, he relies on his excellent positioning to emerge as a very solid defensive presence. It’s not going to be the same in the NBA. Still, his size, smarts and nice skill set might draw him a first round spot come draft night.

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Could be a nice pickup at #34... thoughts?

[SeriousSummer]

I'd compare him to a young Fabricio Oberto. I think he could be a rotation player and would be a decent pick up at #34.