Post by jhb on Apr 20, 2021 10:19:43 GMT -5
Serge Ibaka
PF
6'10"
235
19
Republic of the Congo
Ibaka is a tantalizing prospect who is every bit breathtaking athletically as he is green fundamentally. He is close to TMBSL-ready body strength-wise and has already reportedly put up vertical leap numbers that are best in class, which is insane for a man at 6'10". He is a transplant in Spain from the NBA Africa program and while that always begets questions about if he's truly as young as they say, he is so new to the game that he is likely to make huge leaps while playing at the next level regardless.
Unlike other NBA Africa guys who didn't make it to college ball, Ibaka is green but at least showing some development along the way to becoming a complete TMBSL player. He has a knack for the footwork needed to thrive in the post and play with his back to the basket and he has a soft touch, but that hasn't turned into consistent finishing inside to this point. His jump shot has rapidly improved and is fairly sound and he's showed the ability to shoot all the way to the three point line, where he's becoming more consistent and confident. His handle is lacking behind those aspects and he probably won't be able to make any offense for himself right off the bat, though he isn't likely the kind of guy you want playing with the ball in his much anyone, more like a pick and roll/pick and pop type option who cleans it up after others do the heavy lifting.
Defensively, Ibaka is still learning the finer points of defensive play but he has a knack for sending shots in the other direction. His leaping, quickness, and length will mean he's a threat to block a fair amount of shots right out of the box and with more development on defensive positioning and how to cover from the help-side he could become a truly fearsome shot-blocker. Ibaka is always a hustle player so he gets his fair amount of rebounds on both ends of the court and with continued work on his body in the weight room he has a lot of upside as a rebounder.
Any team that selects Ibaka will need to be patient as he learns more about the game, but he has a lot of tools at his disposal and at worst some skills that are already TMBSL-ready that may have him push for a spot in the rotation immediately.
