Post by Yawn of the Dead on Mar 23, 2022 15:34:37 GMT -5
As a five foot tall high school freshman few would predict John Stockton would go from a bulldog pup at Gonazaga Prep school to averaging twenty points a game and being named West Coast Athletic Conference player of the year for 1983-84. The man known as "Stock" to friends increased his scoring output each year in college to average over 20 points a game his senior year. Averaging over 50 percent on field goals his entire college career, Stockton looks to be an efficient scorer with both his inside and jump shot. Curiously he has only averaged 70 percent from the charity stripe, so there is some room for growth. Although the college game curiously did away with the three point stripe - Stockton has range to be a threat from the outside. Scouts think he has enough in his scoring game to make it in TMBSL.
Even though he is only 6'1 Stockton is not afraid to put his body on the line. He can read passing lanes well and plays bigger to force his opponents into mistakes. Stockton doesn't play above the rim but his highlight reels of screens (where he uses his strength to great effect) and layups will make any hard ass fundamentals first coach cackle with glee. His sneaky quickness is an asset on both the offensive and defensive end.
As a ballhandler Stockton is fundamentally sound but astonishingly aggressive and when that is combined with his extraordinary vision it sometimes leads to unnecessary turnovers as his middling Gonzaga team couldn't keep up. Scouts expect growth in handling but it may not be humanly possible for Stockton to become a more voluminous passer.
Defensively scouts are drooling at the numbers he put up, albeit against poor competition, averaging over three steals a game, showing excellent fundamentals in his defensive assignments, and even throwing in a few blocks. He's not afraid to use his body and strength to make his opponents know he is on the floor. Even if he struggles early with turnovers his solid jumper, ability to find the pass, and plus defense should get him on the court early in his career.
Any coach will find a place for Stockton on the roster day one due to his work ethic, fundamentals and above average defensive play, although he'll need teammates to pick up his significant slack on the boards. The question remains - can the point guard from tiny Gonzaga make it in the TMBSL? He has enough potential where if things go right he could become an all league defender averaging more than 11 assists a game on efficient scoring.
Even though he is only 6'1 Stockton is not afraid to put his body on the line. He can read passing lanes well and plays bigger to force his opponents into mistakes. Stockton doesn't play above the rim but his highlight reels of screens (where he uses his strength to great effect) and layups will make any hard ass fundamentals first coach cackle with glee. His sneaky quickness is an asset on both the offensive and defensive end.
As a ballhandler Stockton is fundamentally sound but astonishingly aggressive and when that is combined with his extraordinary vision it sometimes leads to unnecessary turnovers as his middling Gonzaga team couldn't keep up. Scouts expect growth in handling but it may not be humanly possible for Stockton to become a more voluminous passer.
Defensively scouts are drooling at the numbers he put up, albeit against poor competition, averaging over three steals a game, showing excellent fundamentals in his defensive assignments, and even throwing in a few blocks. He's not afraid to use his body and strength to make his opponents know he is on the floor. Even if he struggles early with turnovers his solid jumper, ability to find the pass, and plus defense should get him on the court early in his career.
Any coach will find a place for Stockton on the roster day one due to his work ethic, fundamentals and above average defensive play, although he'll need teammates to pick up his significant slack on the boards. The question remains - can the point guard from tiny Gonzaga make it in the TMBSL? He has enough potential where if things go right he could become an all league defender averaging more than 11 assists a game on efficient scoring.