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NBA Mock Draft 2016: Impact of the NCAA Tournament

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 1, 2016; Houston , TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) during practice day prior to the 2016 NCAA Men
Apr 1, 2016; Houston , TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) during practice day prior to the 2016 NCAA Men /
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26. Ante Zizic, Cibona Zagreb

Position: Center

Age: 19 (1/4/1997)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’11”, 254 pounds, 7’3″

Slash Line: .639/.000/.700

Season Averages: 25.7 MPG, 13.4 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.4 ORPG, 1.4 BPG

Key Strengths

  • Physical profile. Size, length, and a strong frame.
  • Offensive rebounding. Works for loose balls and welcomes the physicality of fighting for position.
  • Pick-and-roll offense. Soft hands. Good finisher around the basket.
  • Can drive when a lane presents itself.
  • Competes defensively.

Key Weaknesses

  • Once he gets the ball, he’s shooting. Needs to see the floor better.
  • Gets by on his effort and physicality. Reacts to plays defensively rather than anticipating the outcome.
  • Lacks versatility in post game. Needs to develop secondary and tertiary moves when first attempt is cut off.
  • Subpar creativity when creating in isolation.

Analysis

Centers who crash the boards and score off of the pick-and-roll will always have a place in the NBA. That’s exactly what makes Ante Zizic a valuable player, as he can set hard screens above the break, dive off of screens, and finish in traffic.

Zizic is also one of the better offensive rebounders in Europe, which is a skill that generally translates well from one level to the next.

Zizic’s flaws are existent, but he has a great motor and a body that meets the prototypical standards of a modern center. His 7’3″ wingspan should help compensate for the fundamental flaws in his game, as he currently gets by on his size, length, strength, and mobility.

Zizic is gaining quality experience in the Adriatic League and should succeed in the NBA.

Next: Does Size Still Matter?

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