By James Blackburn

Game Scouted: UVA vs Davidson at the Time Warner Cable Arena (Charlotte)

Virginia Wins 70-57

Box Score

De’Mon Brooks (F, 6’7”, SR)

Stats

36 min, 4-15 FG, 2-3 3 pt, 3-4 FT, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 TO, 1 blk, 1 steal, 13 TP

Strengths

High motor undersized PF who has a nose for the ball. Solid rebounder who is better then his final rebound total stated today in the box score. Solid post defender who has a good base and defends with out fouling. Quick hands defensively for a player his size. Tremendous help defender who drew several charges this game. Understands proper defensive positioning. Very impressed with his defense this game.

Offensively, Brooks struggled for most of the game, before finding some success late. His teammates didn’t do a great job of getting him the ball early on in the post. Solid agility and good strength inside on the block. Loves to go into the spin move- where he can spin either direction and finish w/ either hand. Drew the double team in the post most of this game, and did a solid job of not turning it over and getting it out early to the open perimeter player. Good ball handler with either hand, actually went right more times then he went left. Does a good job of finding the right angle and using creativity around rim to finish. Uses pump fakes and the glass to his advantage. Uses his body well to shield and create space to finish lay-ins. Draws contact well. Good footwork in the post.

Showed the ability to stretch the floor out to 3 point range. Can hit the open 3- lefty but has an unconventional stroke. Above average FT shooter – has improved in this area every year at Davidson. Good rotation on his shot. Has the ability to be a stretch 4 with his pick and pop ability

Weaknesses

His lack of athleticism and height hurts him the most and this hurt him on both ends today. I thought he could have demanded the ball more inside when he had post position. Struggled to finish in this game around the rim- couldn’t get anything going. Having a hard time finishing and scoring over the more athletic and taller Akil Mitchell and Mike Tobey.

I thought he could of run the floor better and he looked a little out of shape this game- could be an effect of him playing major minutes and having to battle bigger players on both ends. Although Brooks does an unbelievable job of being in the correct defensive position, his lack of height doesn’t allow him to adequately defend taller post players when they get position. “Tweener” – what position is he?

Overview

Brooks struggled this game scoring the basketball, but he continued to battle and play hard. Big issue is his lack of a true position. He is not quick enough to guard a SF, but is undersized to play the PF at next level, at least the NBA level. Not the best game Brooks has played as he struggled to score over taller defenders most of the game and battled repeated double teams, but he should dominate his conference this season and is poised for a breakout year. It would be nice to see Brooks at the PIT this season and see how he stacks up there- has a good chance in my opinion. Will definitely watch again this season. Will be a tremendous get for an overseas team as his rebounding and agility are covetable assets.

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