The NBA Draft is in November, and Syracuse forward Elijah Hughes is an early entrant for the draft.
Here is The Juice Online’s scouting report on Hughes:
Strengths: Versatile three-level scorer with ability to finish above the rim… Can score in isolation or in catch and shoot… Ability to finish with both hands around the rim… Possesses NBA range with a quick release on his perimeter shot… Involved teammates (3.4 apg) despite being top scorer… Ball handling improved significantly in redshirt junior season… Proved to be decent rebounder (4.9 rpg) and help side shot blocker (0.8 bpg) in SU’s 2-3 zone.
Weaknesses: Lacks elite athleticism… Lacks NBA explosiveness and first step to consistently get to the rim… A bit small at 6’6″ for an NBA small forward… 3-point shooting percentage dipped from 36.9 to 34.1 when he became team’s top offensive option… Limited upside as a 22-year old.
NBA Comparison: Jeremy Lamb. Lamb lacks the elite athleticism of some of his contemporaries, but carved out rotation spots in Oklahoma City, Charlotte and Indiana by being a solid 3-point shooter (33.9 percent) and defender. He’s been a starter the last three seasons, and he’s showed the ability to create for his teammates when needed (2.2 apg in the last three years) while also averaging over 4 rebounds during that time.
Vitals:
- Birthdate: March 10, 1998
- Hometown: Beacon, NY
- Position: Guard/Forward
- School: Syracuse ’21
- Height, 6’6″
- Weight, 215 lbs
» Related: Syracuse basketball and ACC likely to compact schedule
Projection: Late first round to mid second round.
- NBADraft.net: Second Round, 32nd overall (Charlotte Hornets)
- NBA Draft Room: First Round, 30th overall (Boston Celtics)
- The Ringer: Second Round, 47th overall (Boston Celtics)
College Highlights: Hughes was a first team All-ACC Selection after leading the conference in scoring (19.0 ppg) and minutes played. His 33 points against Georgia Tech were a career high, and he finished his career with a 27-point effort in an ACC Tournament win over North Carolina.
Overall: Hughes doesn’t possess a plus-plus NBA skill. He’s a decent shooter, possesses good athleticism, and has some solid defensive traits. Drafted into the right system, Hughes can be a long-term contributor as a bench player, but he might spend his first few seasons proving himself in the G League.
For more Syracuse coverage, Like our Facebook page and follow us @TheJuiceOnline.
