Post by jhb on Apr 1, 2021 13:22:04 GMT -5
Bryon Russell
SF
6'7"
225
22
Cal State Long Beach
Russell is a prospect most teams have been sleeping on but several scouts have begun to ring the bell about him. He never put up eye-popping numbers in his college days but scouts say he is a winning player who brings a very diverse game that will help any team looking to compete at the highest level. While he's just a good athlete and not a great one, he has the requisite quickness and strength to hang at the next level and he is a hard worker who will get the most out of his natural ability.
Offensively, Russell takes care of the ball, makes smart passes, and only takes really good looks. He's got great shot selection and does a good job working off the ball to create good looks for himself and also to get himself into a position where he can receive the ball and then swing it on to a teammate who'll have an even better look. He's a master of the backdoor cut and does a good job creating second chance points on the offensive boards. He finishes well in the paint even though he isn't a volume scorer there, never forcing anything or taking undue risks. His jumper is serviceable but he's not a volume shooter by any means and he certainly doesn't fall in love with shooting from distance. But he'll be a great role player and make his teammates better at the next level.
Defensively, Russell is an effort player. He played outstanding team defense in college and has a natural instinct for proper positioning and footwork to always be in a position to recover and bother his assignment. He's got a knack for separating opponents from the ball and he gets his hands on a few shots for a wing player. He is also a good rebounder for a wing player and will do the work to help his team on this end of the floor.
Russell is never going to have the ceiling of an All-League talent, but he is well rounded and some team should find a role for him and find he'll help them win ball games.
