2017 Watch List: Alec Peters

Alec Peters, Senior, Valparaiso, Forward, 6’9, 235

(2015-16, 32.1 mpg) 18.4 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.7 spg, 1.7 tpg

50.5 FG%, 85.0 FT%, 44.0 3FG%, 65.1 TS%, 60.7 eFG%

24.3 USG%, 8.8 OREB%, 19.5 DREB%, 14.3 REB%, 1.3 STL%

DOB: 4/13/1995 (21) Hometown: Washington, Illinois

2016 Horizon League First Team

2016 Honorable Mention All-American

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

Peters has been an important part of Valparaiso team since his freshman year, averaging double-digit points in each season. Last year, Peters put up some spectacular numbers as a junior, including over 18 points and 8 rebounds per game, while shooting over 50 percent from the field and 44 percent on over 200 three-point attempts. At 6’9, Peters’ versatility on the offensive end makes him a tough defensive assignment, though there is still plenty of room for improvement. As mentioned, Peters is a dangerous long-range threat, even more so with his size. While not a great shooter off the dribble, Peters is very good off the catch, showing NBA three-point range, as well as a compact motion and quick release. He does a great job not dropping the ball down below his waist off the catch, allowing him to get his shot off quickly, often before defenders can react. Peters also does a very good job coming off of screens ready to shoot, and he has improved his ability to read where defenders are leaning on the screens, letting him know whether to curl, fade, or come straight off the screen.

While not as effective shooting off the dribble, Peters does a very good job at his size with using his handle to clear space for his shot, going both to his left and right effectively. His ability to hit from long-range allows him to easily draw defenders out with a shot fake, though once he takes his few dribbles to clear space, he needs to watch a tendency to drift as he shoots. Peters’ size and shooting ability makes him an effective option in the pick-and-roll, often with him popping out for the long-range three. His shot selection is very good, even with the offensive burden he is relied on for. Peters is a good ballhandler, especially for his size, with the ability to attack the basket left or right, and the ability to finish with either hand around the basket. He doesn’t have great speed, but he uses long strides, along with good body control, to get into the lane, and even if he can’t get to the rim, he is effective with a variety of short jumpers or floaters. Peters doesn’t mind contact around the rim, and he has the strength to finish through it. He is a consistent finisher around the basket, though can have some problems around longer defenders.

Peters is also effective as low-post scorer, showing a growing repertoire of moves, along with a nice touch around the basket. He has the ability to set up on either block and make a move over either shoulder. Peters does a good job sealing his defender, and even when battling a bigger defender, he will fight hard for position. He is very decisive with his moves, not wasting a lot of dribbles, though he can often not see the defense shifting, leading to him moving right into a double team. When Peters has the size advantage, he can rely on a quick turnaround jumper, or a quick dribble move or drop-step to the basket.

Peters is a very good offensive rebounder, showing a great nose for the ball, and the ability to maneuver his way into strong position for the missed shot. He can have some trouble getting a good second shot off in traffic, and he doesn’t have the athleticism to play above the rim. Peters can be a good offensive weapon in transition, especially when he spots up behind the arc. He’s runs the floor well, and does a good job reading the floor and finding open spots for a quick shot. Peters also has the ability to take the ball to the rim on the break, using his ability to shoot to draw defenders too far out.

Defensively, Peters works hard, and shows some good fundamentals, but his lack of speed and athletic ability can hurt him. He shows a good defensive stance on the ball, and his lateral movement is strong over short distances, but he can be a bit slow to react, and he has some problems reacting to changes in direction. Also, he needs to work on his positioning, often playing too close his man, allowing him to get beat easily. Off the ball, Peters shows good awareness, and his size can be disruptive on the perimeter, especially when closing on shots. He doesn’t have the reaction speed to play passing lanes tight, but he is smart enough to not take many chances. As on the offensive end, Peters is also a good defensive rebounder, relying on good fundamentals – position, boxing out – to beat defenders to the ball.

As a post defender, Peters is better right now, showing above-average foot work and good use of his body without fouling. He does a good job getting low, with good balance, and setting a solid base.

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What he needs to show this season: Peters has established himself as a versatile offensive threat, but there is some work he can do, especially with his ballhandling ability. He is a good ballhandler for his size, but his first step can be slow, and he can let the ball get a bit away from him. Also, he needs to make sure to keep his head up and watch for help defenders coming in to make a play.

As a shooter, Peters needs to do a better job shooting off the dribble, especially with his ability to go straight up for his shot, and not letting his body drift in the direction of his dribble. Also, he can do a better job moving off the ball, working on moves to create separation without screens.

In the low post, Peters can work on his passing ability, especially with his ability to sense help defenders and knowing where he can find an open teammate. The work on passing should also extend when attacking the basket off the dribble, given his lack of speed and the likelihood of help defenders coming over.

The defensive side is where Peters needs more work. As mentioned, he shows good fundamentals, but his lack of speed and athleticism means he needs to learn to make adjustments, especially when out on the perimeter. Peters should work on his positioning, especially when he is guarding a quicker player, as well as learning to play angles off the dribble, forcing defenders into the help. Working on his foot speed should allow him to show some improvement with his lateral movement, and anticipating/reacting should be an emphasis.

Where he fits at the next level: Peters seems like a natural stretch 4 at the pro level, though he is a much more versatile offensive player than he is often given credit for. Still, at 6’9, and a career 43 percent shooter from three, his real value will come from stretching the floor. Peters will need to work on his strength and quickness to probably make the NBA level, but even then, his shooting ability and basketball IQ will be what attracts teams, and he should get plenty of opportunity to show he belongs in the NBA.

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