Usman Garuba

Updated on 7/31/21.  Written by Alan Lu.
2021 rankings were finalized on 7/29/21.

Height: 6-8
Weight: 225
Country: Spain
Professional Team: Real Madrid
Classification: International ‘02
Birthdate: 3/9/2002

2021 Top 100 Prospect Rank: 24
Projected Draft Range: Mid to Late 1st Round
2021 NBA Draft: Round 1, Pick 23 by the Houston Rockets

Pros:

Decent low post scorer
Excels at scoring on off-ball motion plays
Adequate playmaker for his size
Very good rebounder
Solid defender
Decent shot blocker
Good athlete
Very good motor
Played in some of the toughest professional leagues

Cons:

Can be reluctant to take jumpers
Needs to improve his free throw shooting
Needs to improve his face-up game
Can struggle to score in traffic
Can be too passive on offense
Can be careless on offense, which can lead to turnovers
May gamble too much defensively
May be in between forward positions

Summary:

Usman Garuba is an athletic, energetic combo forward that could be a likely first round pick in the 2021 draft.  He boasts having considerable experience overseas, as he’s played in some of the toughest leagues in pro ball such as the Spanish ACB League and Euroleague.

He is a gifted rebounder that can haul in numerous boards to help his team on the glass, and he is a rangy defender that can play shut down defense.  He also is a solid low post scorer that will take smart shots in games, and he is also an unselfish player that will make the extra pass.

On the other hand, he can sometimes be too passive on the offensive end, and he doesn’t call for the ball enough on offense.  He also will need to significantly improve his jump shot and extend his shooting range.  Still, he is a talented prospect that could project to be an elite defensive specialist in the NBA, and Garuba projects to go in the mid to late first round range in the 2021 draft.

Links:
RealGM Profile
NBADraft.Net Profile
ESPN’s 2021 NBA Mock Draft

Games Scouted:
11/17/19 Real Madrid vs. Bilbao Basket
3/5/20 Real Madrid vs. ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne
9/19/20 Real Madrid vs. Delteco GBC
9/25/20 Real Madrid vs. Zaragoza
9/27/20 Real Madrid vs. Joventut
1/2/21 Real Madrid vs. Iberostar Tenerife
4/4/21 Real Madrid vs. Acunsa GBC
4/29/21 Real Madrid vs. Anadolu Efes
5/23/21 Real Madrid vs. Unicaja Malaga

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