Post by Handsome Pete on Mar 25, 2022 15:22:52 GMT -5
Sam Perkins
PF
6'9"
235
23
UNC
Sam "Big Smooth" Perkins comes into TMBSL after a highly decorated collegiate career. He was named a consensus All-American in 3 consecutive seasons and helped lead the Tar Heels to a national title in his sophomore season.
As the nickname suggests, Perkins has a silky smooth touch on the offensive end. He is a creative scorer in the low block who relies more on finesse than brute strength to find his points inside. Scouts love his jump shot, which allows him to score easily in the mid-range, and he's shown a willingness to stretch his game past the three point line, although his consistency from distance is still a work in progress. Perkins is cash money from the free throw stripe, averaging nearly 80% for his career and improving in each of his four seasons. If there's a knock on his offensive game, it's that he can be too passive at times, preferring to hang out on the perimeter and defer to his teammates. That tendency to hang on the perimeter can also hurt his offensive rebounding, as he's not in a great position to crash the boards. Sam is not a ball stopper by any means but he also won't rack up assists. He generally takes good care with the basketball and avoids turnovers, although that may be a function of his off-ball role on offense.
Defensively, Perkins is a mixed bag. He is a capable shot blocker, averaging close to 2 blocks per game, but there are questions about his slight frame and lack of quickness at the next level. He'll likely still add value as a rim protector but may get bullied against stronger opponents in the low post. An opposing guard's eyes will light up if they can get Perkins to switch onto them, because he's an easy blow-by on the perimeter. Despite his shortcomings on the offensive glass, Perkins is a very good rebounder at the other end and should be able to hold his own against TMBSL competition.
Scouts are excited about Perkins' ability to contribute from day 1, but after 4 seasons of elite-level college ball, he's at or near his ceiling as a player.