Senior Spotlight – KT Harrell

After transferring from Virginia after eleven games in 2011 in 2011, KT Harrell found a home at Auburn which allowed him to showcase his scoring ability. This season, under new coach Bruce Pearl, Harrell finished up as one of the nation’s top scorers, averaging 18.5 points per game, including 43.4 percent from three-point range (98-226). Though it was a tough season for the Tigers, going 15-20, they made a surprising run to the SEC semifinals before losing to Kentucky. Harrell, who will be 23 years old in July, was named All-SEC Second Team, as well as being named to the SEC All-Tournament Team.

With his college career over, let’s take a look at Harrell’s game and how it translates to the professional level:

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Offense

Harrell was one of the nation’s top scorers this past season, and though he took more than half of his shots from beyond the arc, he did show a versatile offensive skill set. Harrell is a very good spot shooter, with a quick release and near-NBA three-point range. He gets into his motion quickly off the catch, and he does a good job being in position to shoot from any spot on the floor. Because of his ability to hit consistently from long-range, Harrell knows how to draw defenders out to him, and with a nice shot fake, he is able to create space either for the mid-range jumper off the dribble, or an attempt to get to the basket. He is an average ballhandler, but he uses his dribble well to create space, and he can attack the basket going left or right. Harrell is solidly built, and he doesn’t shy from contact as he attempts to get to the rim. Though he doesn’t have great speed off the dribble, he uses his body well to shield ball, and he does a good job going strong to the basket. Harrell could have some problems scoring against longer defenders, but he knows how to go right at shot blockers to either get his shot off or draw a foul.

Because of Harrell’s ability to create space, he draws help defenders very well, and he is capable of hitting open teammates rolling to the basket or spotting up on the perimeter.  He does make some good passes, but he can also be late making the right reads.  Harrell’s first priority has seemed to be getting his own scoring opportunity first, but the ability is there for him to be a good distributor, especially in pick-and-roll situations.

Harrell doesn’t have great speed in transition, and though he will sometimes try and push the ball himself, his handle can get a bit shaky in the open floor. When he does have control, he is very good at getting to the basket, as well as being able to stop and knock down the jumper off the dribble. Harrell is a better option running one of the wings in transition, where he can get a clean look at the basket and often an easy three points.

Defense

Harrell is a below-average to average on-ball defender. He positions himself well, and he does show good lateral movement over short distances, but he can be slow to react to his man, and can have some problems adjusting to changes in direction. Also, Harrell’s lack of foot speed can cause him to play on his heels, especially when defending a player who likes to drive to the basket. Off the ball, Harrell is a bit better, showing better anticipation and the ability to disrupt passing lanes. Harrell isn’t a great rebounder for his position, but he does a good job putting a body on someone, and he will battle for the ball if he has a shot at it.

The Next Level

Harrell’s shooting ability will be what pro teams will look at most when it comes to his game, but he has done a good job becoming more versatile on the offensive end. His improving ability to score and pass as a pick-and-roll ballhandler will serve him well at the next level, and his accuracy from deep will allow teams to run sets to get him good looks. Harrell uses his strength well to attack the basket, and being a very good free throw shooter allows him to add up points quickly. Defensively, he will need to improve almost every area of his game, but he can be a physical defender, which he can hopefully use to his advantage. Harrell’s scoring ability, especially from long-range, should translate well to many leagues, but it will be how he adjusts defensively that may determine his long-range career arc.

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