Xavier Tillman
Updated as of 11/21/2020, scouting report written by Alan Lu.
2020 rankings were finalized on 11/17/20.
Height: 6-8
Weight: 255
College: Michigan State
Classification: Junior
Birthdate: 1/12/1999
2020 Top 100 Prospect Rank: 44
Projected Draft Range: 2nd Round
2020 NBA Draft: Round 2, Pick 35 by the Sacramento Kings
(Rights traded to the Memphis Grizzlies)
Pros:
Active finisher around the basket
Fairly good low post scorer
Excels at scoring on off-ball motion plays
Decent playmaker for his size
Sets good screens for his teammates on offense
Good rebounder
Adequate defender
Good shot blocker
Above average athlete
Very good motor
Cons:
May not have much of a face-up game
Can be too passive on offense
Can be foul prone
Can struggle to guard players out on the perimeter
Undersized to play inside
Not an elite athlete
Summary:
Xavier Tillman is an athletic, energetic big man that just now has been drawing some draft buzz due to his surprising, 19 points, 9 rebounds, 3-steals, and 2-blocks performance in his team’s Elite Eight upset win over Duke.
He is a very good scorer around the basket, and he can finish numerous plays above the rim. His athleticism, motor, and ability to excel on both ends of the floor really made things difficult for Duke’s big men in that game. Tillman also sets very good screens for his teammates on offense. He had a strong junior season, he could be a likely second round pick in 2020.
Links:
24/7 Sports’ Article Mentioning Tillman
BT Powerhouse’s Article on Tillman
SB Nation’s The Only Colors’ Article on Tillman
Sports Illustrated’s Article On Tillman Returning to School
Games Scouted:
11/22/18 Michigan State vs. UCLA
1/17/19 Michigan State vs. Nebraska
4/6/19 Michigan State vs. Texas Tech
11/5/19 Michigan State vs. Kentucky
12/3/19 Michigan State vs. Duke
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