Johnathan Motley
Page updated as of 4/8/2020, scouting report written by Alan Lu. 2017 rankings were finalized on 6/22/2017.
Height: 6-9
Weight: 230
College: Baylor
Classification: Junior
Birthdate: 5/4/1995
2017 Top 100 Prospect Rank: 45
Projected Draft Range: 2nd Round
Pros:
Active finisher around the basket
Excels at scoring on the move
Good low post scorer
Decent scorer off the dribble
Has stretch big potential
Adequate playmaker
Good rebounder
Adequate defensive player
Adequate shot blocker
Great athlete
Has long arms
Cons:
Can miss shots wildly around the basket
Needs to improve his shooting
Does not always roll hard to the hoop
Can be a bit turnover prone
Can have lapses defensively
Plays in a zone defensive scheme
Can be foul prone
Can be too inconsistent in games
Recent knee injury could cause his stock to drop
Summary:
Johnathan Motley is an athletic big man that has been the best player on one of the top teams in college basketball, and he could be a potential first round pick in 2017.
He is a gifted athlete that can defend opponents out on the perimeter as well as in the post, and he is a good shot blocker that can swat shots to protect the paint for his team. However, he also plays in a zone defense, so it may be tough to gauge his man defense for the next level.
Offensively, he is a work in progress, but he does flash some potential. He can get plenty of scores on the move, as Motley will move off the ball to score on hustle plays.
Also, he is an agile ball handling big man that can score in the post or off the dribble, and he can face up to knock down jump shots. However, he is not consistent at scoring on those types of plays. His shooting percentages left a lot to be desired last year, but this time around, he had a solid junior season.
Motley will need to be a more consistent player, but if he can do this, Motley may be able to find a way to elevate his draft stock into the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft.
Links:
SB Nation’s Our Daily Bears’ Article on Motley’s Knee Injury
YouTube Video via alex_sport 1 of a 12-3-16 Game vs. Xavier
Games Scouted:
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