When it comes to scouting players either for your program, or to prepare for your opponents, there are many key tools I like to keep it mind when evaluating talent either on the high school or collegiate level. Here are a few key tips you can keep in mind this season with respect to how you should evaluate your players, or assess their future potential. Players should also use this as a template for what college and/or professional scouts may be looking for in determining your future potential.
- Do they have a natural flow on the court, or do they lean on either set plays or on the effectiveness of others? What I mean by this is does this player have a loose, confident nature to his game? Or does this player seem to be thinking two steps ahead and play “tight” when it comes to the offensive sets? Many times players play too tentatively, which results in the player not being able to grasp the flow of the game because he is too worried he will make a mistake. However, if the player can run the offense while being able to let the game come to him and make quick impromptu decisions, then you have a player that can continue to improve at a high level, and might be able to help your program in the future.
- Find their favorite places to shoot on the court. Are they a three-point threat? Do they like to take the shot from the elbow? Or, do they like to take their man off the dribble to the hoop? Also, find where they like to receive the ball. At the top of the key? In the low post? Off a screen baseline? Make sure to be specific in your scouting so you will be able to determine where players will catch the ball before the ball gets to them.
- Describe his/her physical build. Make sure to include notes on their strength, speed, jumping ability, stamina, and quickness. When evaluating, scouts usually use a 20-80 point scale when grading prospects.
- Observe all the essentials. These basics seem to be overlooked at times, but make sure to include them in your reports: shooting, rebounding, passing, dribbling, and driving skills. Again, use an 8-point scale or a more basic method with excellent, good, average, poor ratings. When looking at their shot, make sure to determine if they have a natural look to their shot and point out any flaws and/or different variables. For example: John's shot is unorthodox. Instead of finishing at the top of his release, he releases his shot towards the shoulder which gives him a quick release, but an average shot at best. Or, Lawrence's shot is not fluid because he extends his shot from the left hip area instead of bringing his shot straight up, which results in more block shots and inconsistencies from the 3-point arc.
- Watch the player on defense closely. Do they play solid defense? Or, do they take it easy on defense to conserve energy on offense? This is the key to many players' success and whether they will become solid players at the collegiate level. If the player is more concerned with getting steals or the crowd pleasing blocked shot, you may have a problem on your hands. Also, observe what kind of defense they were playing while you're scouting them. Were they in a 2-3 zone? Man-to-Man? Box-and-1? The key is to find a player that plays the fundamentals of defense well. This player should be able to stay in the three-point stance, move his feet well, anticipate set plays by breaking up passes, and once again stay within himself and not try to always make the highlight play.
- How do they play without the ball? Are they trying to get open or use set screens to get the open jump shot or dribble drive? Or do they stand around and wait to get the ball back? As a scout you need to see how they get open and move without the ball. If they consistently stand in one place on the court waiting for the ball, you may have a work ethic or attitude problem to deal with. But, if they are trying to make plays by using screens, setting screens, or being productive without the ball, you have an unselfish player who is usually willing to work not only for himself, but also for others on the court.
- How do they involve their teammates? Do they seem selfish? Is it all about them? Make sure to see how others flow with the player you are scouting. More than likely, if a player is not respected by his teammates at the high school level, he will have a tougher time getting acclimated to the collegiate level, as he won't have the trust of his fellow teammates or coaches. When looking at this, also take a look at the player while he is on the bench. Does he interact with his teammates on the bench? Is he encouraging others? Or, is he blaming others for mistakes on the floor? Does he keep to himself while taking a breather on the bench?
- Make sure to compile all of your notes into a specific advanced scouting report. When it comes to scouting, the term “advanced” means coming up with a game plan to play against an opponent. Describe everything there is to know about a particular player's offensive and defensive game. How are you going to try to defend the player? If the player likes to dominate in the post, prepare your defense for a trap zone to consistently make him pass the ball or put up a poor shot. If he likes to move away from the ball, put in some type of zone or hybrid defense such as the Box-and-1 or Triangle-and-2.
- Lastly, when writing up your reports, make sure to be SPECIFIC when it comes to everything. Don't just say they have a good post game; describe why they have a good post game. Avery excels in the post because of his upper body strength and exceptional footwork in the key. Or, Sam does a good job of coming off screens on the left side of the floor. He also runs the floor well and gets in the lane with his hands ready to receive the ball for the lay-up, or kick the ball out to a teammate on the perimeter for a three. Joey tends to get stuck under the hoop because he likes to drop baseline in his post moves instead of facing up the defender. These are just a few examples of how a specific scouting report will help in preparing for the competition or determining if a player is deserving of a scholarship offer or professional contract.
