Malik Pope
Page updated as of 4/12/2020, scouting report written by Alan Lu.
2018 rankings were finalized on 6/21/2018.
Height: 6-10
Weight: 215
College: San Diego State
Classification: Senior
Birthdate: 7/25/1996
2018 Top 100 Prospect Rank: 80
Projected Draft Range: 2nd Round to Undrafted
Pros:
Solid finisher around the basket
Excels at scoring on the move
Adequate scorer off the dribble
Decent shooter from all over the floor
Decent low post scorer
Decent playmaker that handles the ball well
Adequate rebounder
Adequate defensive player
Adequate shot blocker
Excellent athlete
Cons:
Streaky shooter
May need to tweak his shooting mechanics
Can struggle to score in traffic
Does not draw enough free throws
Does not always commit himself to the boards
Can be too inconsistent in games
Must get stronger
Questionable motor
Did not play enough in his first two years of college basketball
Has had multiple leg injuries
Summary:
Malik Pope is an athletic combination forward that may be able to play all three frontcourt positions.
He is a player that possesses promising inside-outside scoring skills. Pope can attack the basket to garner scores in the paint, and his size and shooting ability allows him to shoot over the top of most defenders.
Also, he is a very good shot blocker that has the ability to protect the paint for his team. But Pope was very streaky with his jump shot last year, and has not played as much as anticipated, which may have hurt his draft stock a little bit.
He was once considered a potential first round prospect, and he had some really good games this year to show off his skills, but he has put forth relatively underwhelming production throughout his collegiate career. It may be tough for NBA scouts and teams to reconcile his vast talent level with his overall lack of productivity in college, but Pope has an intriguing skill set that may allow him to excel as a role player in the NBA, as that could enable him to get picked in the second round this year.
Links:
Games Scouted:
12/21/17 San Diego State vs. Gonzaga
1/13/18 San Diego State vs. Boise State
3/15/18 San Diego State vs. Houston
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