Post by jhb on Apr 2, 2021 13:53:30 GMT -5
Sam Cassell
PG
6'3"
185
23
Florida State
Sam Cassell is one of the older members of this class and was a JUCO transfer to FSU, and played for only two years. He quickly became a crowd favorite for his high-flying, high-scoring antics, as well has for his agressive defense. Playing next to Charlie Ward when healthy, he was able to slip into his more natural role as a shooting guard, but his limited height means that he's likely going to have to function as a point guard at the next level.
He's a natural off-the-ball player and moves well without it in his possession to create opportunities for himself and others. But even with the ball in his hands, Cassell could light it up on any given day. In this year's NCAA tourney, Cassell set the record for three point shots made, with 6. He can play both inside and out, and has exceptionally quick hands and feet. One of his biggest assests, however, is his defense. Cassell was one of the leading thiefs in the ACC, and is very good in a trapping and pressing D.
Because of Ward's commitment to the football team and some issues with injuries, Cassell did get some time running the offense at Florida State. He performed well in the role, mainly due to his athleticism, but he continued to play with a shooter's mentality, thus causing the team success to suffer at times. As the year went on, Cassell did improve, and managed to become a very solid, if not great, point guard for FSU.
Cassell's good shooting and defense will make him an asset to any team, so long as they can figure out a way to incorporate him into the rotation so that his lack of natural PG abilities doesn't hurt the team or they work with him to further develop him as a passer and playmaker.
