2016 NBA Draft Watch List: Kyle Wiltjer

Kyle Wiltjer, Senior, Gonzaga, Forward, 6’10, 240

(2014-15, 27.6 mpg) 16.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.9 apg, 0.5 spg, 1.1 tpg

54.0 FG%, 78.9 FT%, 46.6 3FG%, 63.8 TS%, 61.6 eFG%

27.6 USG%, 6.5 OREB%, 18.4 DREB%, 13.1 TRB%, 14.1 AST%, 1.1 STL%

DOB: 10/20/1992 (22) Hometown: Portland, Oregon

2015 Third Team All-American

2015 First Team All-WCC

2015 WCC Newcomer of the Year

2015 Pan American Games – Canada

The Watch List is not meant to replace full scouting reports and is only meant as a guide for who and what to watch for this upcoming season

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After sitting out a season following his transfer from Kentucky, Wiltjer, a former McDonald’s All-American, made a major impact, leading the 35-win Bulldogs in scoring. The 6’10 Wiltjer has been known for his shooting stroke for his size, but last season, he showed more last season, making him a good complement to the guard duo of Kevin Pangos and Gary Bell, as well as frontcourt mates Przemek Karnowski and Domantas Sabonis. He can score from different spots on the floor, knocking down jumpers, sometimes from NBA three-point range, posting up, and attacking off the dribble when he has the right match-up. Last season, Wiltjer shot 46 percent from three-point range, among the best in the nation, and with his size and quick release, it’s tough for defenders to close on him quick enough. He is a good option in pick-and-pop sets, setting good screens and opening up quickly to get set for either the mid- or long-range jumper. Wiltjer is able to post-up on either side of the lane, and though he doesn’t have many moves, he has a solid hook shot from the right block, and a nice turnaround jumper from either side. His footwork is average, but if he gets deep enough position, he can be tough to stop from scoring around the rim, where he can finish with either his left or right hand. While not exceptionally quick, Wiltjer’s shooting ability draws defenders out, and combined with a good shot-fake, and he uses long strides to try and beat his man to the basket off the dribble, though he often has to pull up for a short jumper due to that lack of speed. He is a decent ballhandler for his size, but he has a tendency to dribble high, making it easier for a defender to get a hand on the ball. Wiltjer uses angles and the backboard well to score around the basket, but he doesn’t often go at the basket strong, especially with a rim-protector in position to help, and will hesitate to go right at him. As expected, Wiltjer doesn’t draw a whole lot of fouls on offense, but he is a good free throw shooter when he does get to the line. Wiltjer sees the floor well and has improved as a passer, having a good understanding of floor spacing, and using his size to see and make passes over the defense, especially from the high post in high-low sets. Defensively, Wiltjer has his moments, but he just doesn’t have the speed to guard many on the perimeter, or the strength to be consistently effective in the post. His movements can be awkward on the perimeter, though he does show some nice foot-movement in the post. Wiltjer’s length can be disruptive on the perimeter, but he can be slow to react to off-the-dribble moves, so he will often lay-off his man, giving them space for a jumper. Wiltjer has the same problems when defending the pick-and-roll, not being agile enough to hedge well, so he plays back a bit, putting more pressure on his teammate to get over the screen quickly. He can be a decent help defender, and he does a good job positioning himself to move between a variety of spots quickly on the floor. Wiltjer isn’t particularly strong, but he can be a solid rebounder, tracking the ball well, boxing out, and going after the ball instead of waiting for it to fall to him.

What he needs to show this season: In terms of offensive skill, Wiltjer has a lot going for him, especially with his shooting ability, but areas like ballhandling and developing better footwork in the post, are still places where he can take it up another level in improvement. Defense is where Wiltjer will need to take a bigger leap, including working on his physical skills and body to help him. He does have good fundamentals, but his awareness on defense isn’t very good, as he can get caught either focusing too much on the ball or his man. He also can have some problems when defending an active player off the ball, and he can have a tendency to get turned around as he tries to maneuver through screens, or chasing through the lane area, but he does work hard and never gives up on a play. Added strength will also help Wiltjer become a more effective rebounder, especially on the defensive end.

Where he fits at the next level: Wiltjer’s offensive skill set will automatically conjure up the image of a stretch 4, and there’s no doubt he is a legitimate long-range threat. The versatility to his offense does help him, but his physical deficiencies, and how they affect him on defense, is the main thing separating him from being a true NBA prospect. Wiltjer will certainly get looks for his size and shooting ability, and the areas he needs to improve on are fixable, so he can’t be counted out yet, but he’s going to need to put a lot of work in. Now, if he was to look internationally, there will be a demand for his abilities, but a big senior season will keep solidly in the NBA conversation for now, and if he makes the improvements noted, there is a lot to like about what he can bring to a team.

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