Hoops Habit
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NBA Draft: Buddy Hield, Brice Johnson And The Most Improved

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 2, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) reacts after a play against the Iowa State Cyclones during the second half at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) reacts after a play against the Iowa State Cyclones during the second half at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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International Honorable Mention: Timothe Luwawu, Mega Leks

Position: Shooting Guard, Small Forward
Age: 20
Height & Weight: 6’7″ & 205 pounds
Slash Line: .395/.360/.671
Season Averages: 30.6 MPG, 15.2 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.7 APG, 2.1 SPG, 2.2 3PM
Key Improvement: 3-Point Shooting

French swingman Timothe Luwawu surfaced in NBA Draft circles leading up to the 2015 event. Luwawu opted to withdraw from the annual selection process, but his potential gained notoriety on a number of fronts.

Thus far in 2015-16, the 20-year-old has done exactly what he’s needed to: improved upon his flaws as a shooter.

Prior to the current Adriatic League season, Luwawu was pegged as an explosive athlete who lacked the offensive polish to immediately contribute in the NBA. His defensive upside was and still is heralded as elite, but his offensive game was limited to transition scoring opportunities.

There are still flaws to address, but Luwawu is essentially this year’s Justin Anderson.

Much as Anderson did for the Virginia Cavaliers in 2014-15, Luwawu has gone from a dreadful shooter to a productive 3-point weapon. Thus, the jury is still out about his ability—or lack thereof—to consistently create offense in the half court.

On the upside, Luwawu has already made more 3-point field goals in 18 games of 2015-16—40—than he did in 42 appearances in 2014-15—27—with an increase of 4.9 points scored per 36 minutes.

Next: No Fear