Post by jhb on May 26, 2021 10:19:03 GMT -5
Drew Gooden
PF
6'10"
230
21
Kansas
The biggest word that jumps out in Drew Gooden's profile from scouts is soft. He's got a soft touch around the basket and a soft touch with his jump shot. He's also just a little soft. He has the physical tools to be a much more imposing player, with the leaping ability, quickness, and explosiveness to be a shot-blocking menace, but he's merely average in that regard. He's got an expansive array of post moves and finishes fairly well from the low block, but he doesn't have great strength and he can get pushed around a bit. Sometimes he prefers to hang around the perimeter and shoot the 15-20 foot jumper or even test three point range because he doesn't appear to want to bang around on the inside.
Despite that big question mark about him, Gooden has traits that TMBSL GMs will love. As mentioned, he's got a very varied and effective low post game and can also beat you out to the perimeter with his jump shot. That should make him a dangerous guy as a pick and roll or pick and pop option. Despite his smooth shot, he's got to be more consistent as a free throw shooter, he made 75% of his free throws as a senior but was somewhat inconsistent the prior two seasons. He also needs to continue to add strength so he can fight through contact better and get to the line more frequently. He's an above average handler of the ball and has good court vision and awareness, doing a good job of passing out of double teams when needed. Overall, Gooden plays a little bit like a small forward who just got too big to play the position, but with the added benefit of having a very advanced low post arsenal...he's a highly skilled player. Despite being knocked for being a little passive and soft, he's a very good rebounder and hustles to get rebounds out of position. He's been especially lauded for his work on the offensive boards. Defensively, he is very good about being aware and in position at all times. While you'd like for him to become the shot-blocker he's capable of being, he's still at least average and a good post defender.
Gooden is a very skilled player for his age and at this point, shows the potential to improve, especially if he adds strength and becomes more assertive. The question is does he have that in him and is the absence of that trait why he hasn't maximized his potential yet?
