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Draft Talk & MPJ Championship Chatter

Mizzou Links for Wednesday, June 14

By Karen Steger
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Countdown to the Draft

Now that the Finals are over and a champion has been crowned — GO NUGGS! — it’s time to celebrate a bit and then focus on the NBA Draft, which takes place in 8 days (June 22) in Brooklyn on ESPN.

Before I share with you entirely too much MPJ content, let’s check in on some Kobe projections & news tidbits about both KB and D’Moi, shall we?

  • No Ceilings NBA v.8 Big Board (June 7) $$: #50 overall prospect (+5)
  • HoopsHype (June 8)- Presents an aggregated ranking of the player based on rankings found elsewhere. Listed immediately ahead of KSU’s Keyontae Johnson, who has the same super-agent, Mark Bartelstein

Previous rank: 41 on May 28 (-4) / Best rank: 36 / Worst rank: NR <— idiots

Kobe Brown was one of the most efficient scorers in college basketball, averaging 15.8 points on 55.3 percent shooting and 45.5 percent from downtown. His improved three-point shot made him a viable NBA prospect after shooting 23.7 percent in his first three years at Missouri. Brown has already worked out for the Pacers and Blazers.

Competitor who blends the strength of a forward and the finesse of a guard. Shades of Paul Millsap, David Roddy

PLUSES

Patient at-rim scorer who leverages his size and strength to generate space for layups.

Post presence with the ability to score over either shoulder. At the next level, he could thrive against switches.

Steady playmaker who minimizes mistakes. Missouri used him as a passing hub around the elbows. NBA teams could similarly rely on him in dribble handoffs, and he brings the versatility to handle pick-and-rolls.

Active rebounder who can crash the boards and jump-starts offense with coast-to-coast possessions.

Anticipatory defender who snuffs out opponents’ plays and constantly communicates with his teammates.

MINUSES

Is he a reliable 3-point shooter? Brown went from making a dismal 23.7 percent of his 3s over his first three seasons on 207 attempts to an outstanding 45.5 percent on 112 attempts as a senior.

Bully ball was Brown’s go-to way of creating offense in college, but he’ll be facing bigger, stronger players in the NBA, making it a hard transition for him.

The Grizzlies need more depth out on the wing with Dillon Brooks’ exit on the way. Kobe Brown fits the mold of a strong forward who is capable of shooting threes in Memphis. They drafted a guy like this in David Roddy a season ago, which is why Brown fits the mold of what the Grizzlies look for in the NBA Draft.

Brown will likely have to lose some weight from his 252-pound frame, but his shooting and passing skills point to an NBA fit and second round. (RUDE. Kobe, you’re perfect)

Scouting Report: Kobe Brown— Brown has a unique skillset for a combo forward. Given he played point guard in high school, he has facilitation and passing skills that are rare for a prospect of his size. While he doesn’t play lead guard full time, he’s certainly capable of ensuring an offense runs smoothly and he surveys the floor well. He isn’t an offensive hub but can be a catalyst of success on that end even when he’s not scoring himself.

Scouting Report: D’Moi Hodge— There’s a stark difference in projected gravity and production between Hodge’s 40% clip from deep at Missouri and the 32% clip (318 attempts) in his two seasons at Cleveland State. If teams believe he’s an above average 3-point shooter to pair with his disruptive defense (3.1 stocks), he should be considered in the second round and would be a priority undrafted free agent.

Overall, Kobe Brown has a unique skillset and frame, and an overall unique situation that most seniors don’t face. With strong intel, Kobe Brown could be one of the more immediate impact players if his game translates and his star senior season ends up being seen in hindsight as a trend, and not a fluke. Look for him to have some defensive impact, shooting ability, and finishing ability at the rim while earning trust to run on-ball reps as he develops his handle.

Expected role: Versatile two-way forward | Similar to: Robert Woodard, Tari Eason, De’Andre Hunter

Kobe Brown is a big guard/wing with good scoring instincts and unique size/skill combination. Has a much improved 3pt shot and has become a legit threat from 3. Is a quick and nimble athlete for his size but isn’t much of a vertical leaper. Rebounds the ball well and has a nose for the ball.

D’Moi Hodge is a wiry 6-4 athlete who has emerged as a potential second round pick after transferring to Missouri from Cleveland State. He’s a standout defender with great hands, good instincts and a knack for getting steals. He moves his feet very well, has good anticipation and can really lock-up ball-handlers. Spaces the floor well and has range on his jumper (hit 40% from 3 as a senior). Can also get his own shot and shoot off the dribble. Crafty in the lane and can score over length.

More Kobe & D’Moi News

Kobe Brown is a do-it-all forward who can contribute in multiple ways on both ends of the floor. He has a powerful build and a long wingspan that help him absorb contact and alter shots. He also has a high basketball IQ and a competitive fire that make him a valuable teammate and a fierce opponent.

In an NBA that continues to trend toward big men being more positionless and needing to be able to play beyond the arc, Brown’s increased 3-point ability massively helps his draft stock.

In OKC, Brown would fit in OKC as the team continues to work on improving shooting and size he helps fill in both needs. At No. 50, Brown presents solid upside and value late in the second round.

I’m ready to stamp my name to it and have seen enough to call it. Kobe Brown is worthy of a first-round grade. I hope to illustrate how his versatility, quick processing feel, and fit into those Celtics-Heat style possessions gives me that confidence, why the defense isn’t a major area of concern due to fit, and how one specific portion of his jump shot has me buying into it long-term.

HE IS THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD!

Here’s some news links to check out:

“Shout out to Mike,” Jamal Murray said of Porter afterward. “He’s gone through so many different injuries, and to see him constantly locked in, be a team player, grow his game in different aspects, have an all-around game even if he’s not shooting well. It’s just really great to see the growth of this team.”

“I just stayed with it. Even tonight, it wasn’t my best shooting night, but I just kept playing hard,” Porter said. “That’s all you can control is your effort. I could have scored zero points. I don’t care, we won a championship. Can’t nobody tell me nothing.”

Porter showed a willingness to attack the middle of the floor with pace, allowing him to see the floor and distribute. He also attacked close-outs, taking outside jump shots only when he had adequate space.

“This is a great experience for him because I think he realized, as I continue to tell our team, there are no specialists allowed on this squad,” Malone said. “If your jump shot is not falling, do something else to help teammates. Not yourself, help your teammates — defending, rebounding, hustling, whatever it may be.”

Throughout the Finals, Nuggets coach Michael Malone defended Porter’s performance. He said the Nuggets don’t have specialists who do one thing only, such as score. He said the Nuggets have basketball players, guys who can do multiple things so if that they’re not scoring, they’re contributing in other meaningful ways.

“It’s a maturation, a continued maturation,” Malone said. “We all know that Michael didn’t shoot the ball as well as we know he can. That’s going to happen at times. This is a great experience for him because I think he realized, as I continue to tell our team, there are no specialists allowed on this squad. If your jump shot is not falling, do something else to help teammates. Not yourself, help your teammates: defending, rebounding, hustling, whatever it may be.”

On to the Links!

Yesterday at Rock M

More Links:

Hoops

Football

  • LB3 hard at work:
  • In the lab...

Other Mizzou Sports, Etc.

  • Congrats, Dennis Gates! And Dr. Spain! (more here)

From the release:

University of Missouri men’s basketball coach Dennis Gates was awarded the Charlyn Y. Law Memorial Award for compassion, commitment and resolve. This award is presented to an individual or group in the community who promotes activities and special events that enhance and improve overall quality of life.

Gates selected Read Across Columbia as the beneficiary of the Fight for Literacy effort with Mizzou men’s basketball and raised more than $20,000. He was also the keynote speaker at the United Way’s Pacesetter Breakfast.

More Mizzou in the Pros / Former Tigers News

  • SOPH had a good game, but the Merc continues to struggle, only 2-6 this season. Cunningham scored a team-high 21 points in 30 minutes on 7-16 FG (2-6 from 3PT). She also had 4 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 3 TO and 3 PF. She was -11 (not her fault!)
  • A rare social media post from the man himself
  • :)
  • Congrats to former Tiger softballer Megan Schumacher, who has chosen to continue her career as a grad transfer at Grand Canyon.

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