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Al-Farouq Aminu, Wake Forest -- 2010 NBA Draft Profile
Position: Small Forward / Power Forward | Height: 6-9 | Weight: 215
Class: Sophomore | Age: 19 | Hometown: Norcross, GA
2009 Stats: 15.8 points | 10.7 rebounds | 1.4 blocks | 1.4 steals | 1.3 assists | Game Log
NBA Mock Draft Ranking: 8
Al-Farouq Aminu on Twitter: @AlFarouqAminu | Al-Farouq Aminu Video Highlights: YouTube
Al-Farouq Aminu Scouting Report
Strengths: Aminu's best attributes are his scoring (in transition, on the block, coming off screens), insane athleticism, and of course, that little thing called upside. Playing in the rugged ACC, he showed us flashes of pure brilliance, taking over games down the stretch, locking down on defense, and always giving a ton of effort. He is coachable, willing to work, and only going to get better. Aminu is one of the best open floor guys in the draft in that he flies toward the rim with precision and speed and will finish just about anything. He has a really solid frame that doesn't need much altering and his attacking mentality to get to the rim is a huge plus. He plays hard and always gives max effort, so the maturity factor for a 19-year-old kid seems to be in check. Further, he is an outstanding defensive weapon who can shut down a driving game with his quick feet and long arms, but also help an interior defense because he is versatile enough to guard opposing fours. What's perhaps most exciting about Aminu is his love of rebounding. For such a young player, he is vicious on the glass, as his 10.7 rebounds per game clearly show.
Share Weaknesses: To be sure, Aminu is a raw talent with huge potential ... and serious bust concern. While there is a lot to like, there are a lot of holes in his game for a projected lottery pick. The most evident issue is a lack of range on his jumper. Once he hits 16 feet, Aminu just cannot make shots. And on the 3-point line? Forget it. In 31 games this season, he shot just 27.3 percent from three.
Secondly, he doesn't handle the ball well. As previously mentioned, he likes to get in the lane, but right now, he does so purely on natural ability. As a pro, he will have to shoot pull-ups off the bounce. While he possesses a good first step and has a strong frame, he doesn't have the aptitude to counter defenses because he lacks ball-handling skills and the necessary footwork. This is fixable in the gym, of course, but even though you have to feel good about his work ethic, it's a concern. Then again, Rashard Lewis can't handle the ball and look at the career he's had as a 3-4 combo man stretching defenses and scoring with his back to the basket. If Aminu further develops his range, he could be a better, more versatile version of Lewis.
Forecast: At the next level, where Aminu will mostly play small forward, his initial ability to score out of the block will be instrumental to early playing time. Because his jumper is still very much a work in progress, expect to see him posting up on the block a ton, where he generally makes decisive moves and appears comfortable. Undoubtedly, he will struggle offensively in the early stages of his career, but his splendid defensive repertoire along with his rebounding prowess ensure that Aminu will see the floor a lot during his rookie season. DeMar DeRozan -- a freshman in 2009 and similar type of athlete and player as Aminu -- was taken ninth last year by Toronto, and started much of the season. I think Aminu is already ahead of him with a potentially higher ceiling.
Al-Farouq Aminu Articles:
3/18: NCAA Eye for the NBA Guy
More Scouting Reports: DraftExpress | NBADraft.net
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