Anzejs Pasecniks is a late blooming big man coming into his own in his draft eligible year for Gran Canaria. He formed a dynamic duo with Kristaps Porzingis for Latvia’s U18 Team at the FIBA U18 European Championship back in 2013. Pasecniks is among the most improved players in Europe as he averaged 7.2 points and 3 rebounds over 15.8 minutes per game against excellent competition in the Eurocup and Liga ACB while posting gaudy scoring efficiency numbers.

Has tremendous size listed at 7’2 to go along with a reported 7’3½ wingspan. Has improved his frame, but still has some room to pack on muscle. Handles physicality far better now than he did even a year ago as he has learned to use his size to his advantage. Very mobile center who gets off his feet quickly for lobs.

Played a key role this season as a regular starter for one of the better clubs in Spain. Scored at a terrific rate around the rim with much of his offense coming on Cuts, Rolls to the rim, and Put Backs. Also showed some ability to spread the floor and use his length to convert playing with his back to the basket.

PlayType Analysis

Was most efficient finishing in close. Almost 70% of his shots came inside within Gran Canaria’s half court offense which he converted for a terrific 1.503 points per shot around the rim in half court [96th percentile] . Has great hands and likes to finish everything with two-handed dunks in close making him an exceptionally reliable catch and finish option. Mobility really shines as does his touch weaving around defenders. Used to crumble against physicality early in his career, but looked like a different player absorbing contact this season.

. Has great hands and likes to finish everything with two-handed dunks in close making him an exceptionally reliable catch and finish option. Mobility really shines as does his touch weaving around defenders. Used to crumble against physicality early in his career, but looked like a different player absorbing contact this season. Flashes some ability to put the ball on the floor and make shots from the perimeter. Has a pretty high skill level for a player his size, even if he is still developing as an offensive weapon. Will attack closeouts and make set shots with some consistency. Only 19% of his shot attempts in the half court came from the perimeter. He can make a three, but scored only 0.929 points per jump shot in the half court [57th percentile] . Fairly accurate from midrange and still developing his range.

. Fairly accurate from midrange and still developing his range. Only 11% of his possessions were Post Ups which he converted for 0.744 points per Post Up possession [39th percentile] as he made shots at a decent rate and drew fouls effectively. Flashes budding footwork and soft touch on his hook shot while struggling with turnovers. Settles for turnaround jumpers.

as he made shots at a decent rate and drew fouls effectively. Flashes budding footwork and soft touch on his hook shot while struggling with turnovers. Settles for turnaround jumpers. Not much of a passer, but seems to have a pretty obvious role at the next level similar to the one he filled this season and could evolve further if he improves as a shooter.



%RANK = Percentile ranking among players in international professional leagues %RANK = Percentile ranking among players in international professional leagues

Defensive Analysis

Has some impressive moments defensively blocking shots with length and timing. Works hard to hedge in the Pick & Roll and holds up well for his size.

Still gets pushed around a bit and appears flat-footed at times defending the midrange, but makes a great effort to find a body and box out on the glass, sometimes to the point that it limits his own numbers.

Remains quite foul prone which makes it difficult for him to stay on the floor at times.

Rankings