Tacko Fall Scouting Report

At 14, Garuba was the second youngest player in the tournament. He was the mvp of the tournament and the most dominant big man as well. Garuba’s body is that of a 20 year old. He has a big frame and great length. Strong and explosive athlete for his size. He runs the floor at an elite level for size and can handle the ball on the break as well.

His shooting form is ok, but his rotation needs work. He must improve his free throw shooting, which was just 35% in the tournament. He is a force down low so he will continue to get fouled the older and bigger he gets. He needs to develop a mid range jumper. He is a bit one dimensional, scoring mainly in the paint. He is very effective in the pick and roll. Garuba dives hard to the basket and no one could challenge him. Very strong around the basket. Great hands and scored a lot on put backs. Will finish with dunks around the rim. Uses the spin move well on post ups, but needs to develop more offensive moves out of the post. Solid passer especially out of the post.

Solid overall defender. Moves very well and is quick laterally. Elite shot blocker. Uses his length to his advantage without fouling. Active on both ends of the boards. Gets great position. Soft hands that coral rebounds with ease. He plays well above his age. Most intriguing prospect in the tournament.

Statline: 16.3 ppg. 12.4 rpg. 2 apg. 1.9 spg. 2.9 bpg. 72% fg.

Garuba would be a surefire high level division 1 player in the U.S. His ability is mind blowing at his age. He plays like he is in his 20’s and the other players are U 16, but he is only 14! My gut tells me Garuba will probably stay in Europe and turn pro until he is eligible for the NBA draft in 2024. Watch tape and see how he makes other players 2 years his older look like little kids.

Robert Carter Jr. Scouting Report

Robert Carter Jr. has signed a deal to play in Italy

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Robert Carter Jr. has signed a deal with Enel Basket Brindisi of Serie A in Italy. This is the top basketball league in Italy. Brindisi struggled last year and finished in 10th place failing to qualify for the league playoffs.

Robert Carter Jr. vastly underperformed with the Golden State Warriors in summer league play. Carter finished summer league play averaging just 6.2 ppg, 2.4 reb, while only shooting 22% from the field in 11 mpg. Not to mention, Carter who has solid stretch 4 type potential and versatility on offense went 0-11 from three during summer league play. That fact alone is why Carter is not getting an invite to any teams training camp.

Carter does have other areas he must improve if he wants to play in the NBA someday. He is a shaky on ball defender. His stance is very upright and he lacks good lateral foot movement. He is adequate in the post. His length helps him inside to bother shots, and he even can get a few help side blocks occasionally. Carter does not provide consistent effort on defense. He is more of a one way player at this stage in his career.

Another area where Carter needs to improve is his body. He shed a lot of weight when he transferred from Georgia Tech to Maryland, but its still a work in progress. He still has some weight on him that he could turn into muscle that would vastly improve his conditioning and overall strength.

Carter Jr. has all the tools to succeed in Italy or in the NBA. He may even end up playing some of the 5 this season. His skill set fits the Euro style very well. I would not be surprised to see him draw some interest for teams next season. There might even be a possibility, if he plays well, to come to the NBA D-League or earn a 10 day contract this season. This is all dependent upon what his deal was with Brindisi. Terms have yet to be released.

Scouting Report: RobertCarterJr.