2016 NBA Draft Watch List: Fred VanVleet
By Ed Isaacson
Fred VanVleet, Senior, Wichita State, Guard, 6’0, 175
(2014-15, 31.5 mpg) 13.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 5.2 apg, 1.7 tpg, 1.9 spg
43.0 FG%, 79.6 FT%, 35.7 3FG%, 55.2 TS%, 48.7 eFG%
24.0 USG%, 3.1:1 A/TO, 35.0 AST%, 3.9 STL%
DOB: 2/25/1994 (21)
2015 1st Team All-MVC
2015 Honorable Mention AP All-American
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After a breakout sophomore season, VanVleet solidified himself as one of the nation’s top point guards as a junior. VanVleet is a very good ballhandler and he gets the team into their offense quickly. He has great vision and is an excellent passer in all kinds of situations, including post-entry passes, drive and dish, and pick-and-rolls. VanVleet makes very good reads off of screens, and when he looks to go to the basket, he turns the corner well on the screen and shows good acceleration, forcing help defenders to scramble VanVleet also uses screens well to set up his long-range jumper, which he sometimes needs because of his size. When he gets into the defense, he uses his body very well to protect the ball and get to the basket or hit an open teammate off the help rotation. If the help defense drops on him, he can hit the mid-range jumper or a floater in the lane. VanVleet makes very good decisions in transition, and he shows a nice speed burst to beat defenders to the basket. He is also a smart transition defender, knowing how to try and slow up the break by stopping the ball. On defense, VanVleet has very good awareness, moves his feet well, and is strong on and off the ball. He does a good job denying passing lanes when pressuring, or sitting back a bit and jumping lazy passes.
What he needs to show this season: VanVleet had a very good season, but last year did show a lot of his limitations on both ends of the floor. He could make his reads quicker in high screen situations, and he can work on being a stronger finisher around the basket, though he does a very good job drawing contact. He does need to build his strength, especially to be able to take his jumper quicker. VanVleet seemed to force more shots last year, though the offense often seemed out of sync. He needs to create a lot of space and time because of his size, and when he does miss, it is often short. On defense, VanVleet adding strength will also help him defend more physical point guards, as well as helping him when dealing with screens on the perimeter. VanVleet is a smart player, but I’m not sure yet if he has the physical ability to defend at the next level.
Where he fits at the next level: In terms of skill and IQ, VanVleet is a coach’s dream, though his size and lack of top-level speed may relegate him to the second level of point guards in next year’s draft. Still, the rigidity of the Shockers’ offense may leave VanVleet not being able to show all he can do; often he makes a pass and runs for the corner as the set plays out. If he can show he can be a stronger creator off the dribble, I think teams will be very interested in having him on their team next year.
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