2023-24 Scouting Notebook: No. 16 Dayton vs. George Mason

Future NBA players in DaRon Holmes II and Keyshawn Hall highlighted my in-person scout of Dayton-George Mason. What are the top takeaways from a game that ended in a court storm?

I was in for a real treat for my in-person scout of an Atlantic 10 clash between No. 16 Dayton and George Mason, led by DaRon Holmes II and Keyshawn Hall. It was an electric atmosphere that helped rally the Patriots to a comeback victory (71-67) and court storming end. Let’s get into who and what stood out in one of the best Atlantic 10 games of the season:

DaRon Holmes II | Big | 6-foot-10 | 235 pounds | Junior | Dayton

Getting eyes on potential All American and 2024 1st round pick, DaRon Holmes II. Averaging 20pts, 8rebs, 2.5asts and 3 stocks per game while shooting 36% from three pic.twitter.com/tGZmTY0q1I

— Jam Hines (@jamontheboards) February 22, 2024

• I saw nearly everything that I wanted from him: confident 3-point shooting, post scores with both hands, vertical spacing, rebounding effort, defensive playmaking and rim protection (on ball block on Henry and several rim contests in help to force misses).

• The only thing I didn't get to see was hard floor runs for finishes or early post seals. Mostly due to the pace of the game and Dayton not looking to get out in transition. Holmes has proven to be a capable floor runner and it should still be an asset for him in the NBA.
• I’m buying the shooting improvement and him being a capable 3-point shooter with some shooting versatility. Connected on a mid-post turnaround jumper on his first attempt. Later, knocked down a pick-and-pop three and a relocation catch-and-shoot three (2-4 3PA).
• One of his 3-point misses went in and out. The other was a fluid one dribble attempt after getting the defender in the air with a shot fake.
• 8-9 FTA only adds to my belief in his shooting touch and 3-point shooting. Walked up to the line locked in and ready to shoot each time.
• His most impressive offensive score was a screen reject crossover attack into an and one rim finish. His comfort handling on the perimeter is something I want to see more of and gets me excited about him being able to operate dribble handoffs and zoom actions.

• The playmaking popped WAY more than expected. This was highlighted by a closeout attack off a pick-and-pop into a spin and drop off pass that drew a shooting foul. His ability to shoot the three has now opened up opportunities for him to add and showcase important ancillary skills like closeout attacks.
• Recorded multiple post assists, sometimes after drawing a double team. Strong side kick out to Elvis three, skip pass assist to a Cheeks three later, found the cutting Jack down the lane for a dunk and another cutting teammate later but no assist.

• Consistently communicated in the middle and back end of Dayton’s zone defenses.
• Often sought to find a body to box out before rebounding.
• Long and lean frame, but noticeable mature muscle and definition on it. Projectable frame that should continue to add the requisite NBA strength.
• For what it’s worth, walks with a bit of a waddle that’s also evident in some of his on court movements. It can make him appear stiff, but does not project to limit him much functionally.

Koby Brea | Wing | 6-foot-6 | 205 pounds | Junior | Dayton

• Getting to see Brea’s smooth, effortless shooting stroke in person did not disappoint. He’s one of college basketball’s top 3-point shooters and it showed both in warmups and in the game.
• Drained his first shot attempt, a 3-pointer of course, running around a stagger screen under control and with tremendous shot prep and elevation on his jumper.
• Hit a couple of corner catch-and-shoot threes in the second half over closeouts.
• Essentially a shooting specialist that will need to add ancillary skills or take a step forward defensively to elevate his draft status. Regardless, his wing size and shooting warrants NBA interest.

Keyshawn Hall | Wing | 6-foot-7 | 230 pounds | Sophomore | GMU

• Continues to ease any shooting concerns evaluators might have because of the funky release on his jumper.
• Drained a couple of corner catch-and-shoot threes against Dayton’s zone (2-4 3PA) and was nearly perfect from the line (9-10 FTA). Shooting 35% from deep on the year (4.3 3PA) and 85% from the line (127 FTA).
• Had a noticeable limp after missing a jumper at the 5:30 mark in the first half. Came down a bit awkwardly and limped throughout the rest of the game. Appeared to wave off the bench/trainer after it happened.
• Still was aggressive despite being limited, mostly getting downhill and drawing fouls. Enjoyed seeing him gut through the game and help lead the team to the win. Adds to his list of intangibles.
• Had difficulty finishing at and around the rim in traffic, didn't have much lift after the injury. Some of the missed shots were due to Holmes II length and contests before the injury.

Baraka Okojie | Lead Guard | 6-foot-3 | 175 pounds | Freshman | GMU

• Quiet first half, but sparked GMU’s comeback win in the second half.

• 0 points, 0-1 FGA in 10 minutes in the first half. Finished with a career- high and team leading 19 points (5-6 FGA, 0-1 3PA, 9-9 FTA) while chipping in 4 rebounds.
• First bucket came on a tough step through and-one rim finish in semi transition. That got him going, became more confident and aggressive right after it with an appealing blend of burst and craft.
• Pick-and-roll mid range pullup over Holmes II’s contest. The middy pullup is a must have, especially for below the rim guards like him.
• Passing lane deflection then gets on floor for the loose ball. Gets a stop on Elvis and is fired up afterwards, yelling at himself.
• This game furthered my belief that Okojie is GMU’s second best NBA prospect after Hall and will be a future all Atlantic 10 performer.

Amari Kelly | Big | 6-foot-9 | 225 pounds | Graduate Student | GMU

• One of the things I’ve enjoyed about watching Kelly this season is his competitive nature and it was on display early. Went right after Holmes II in the post for positive results. Jump hook, drop step, quick face-up rip through attack that drew the foul and a running sweeping hook finish.
• Battled Holmes II defensively for post position throughout, but was limited to 22 minutes due to foul trouble and eventually fouled out.
• A little more skilled than what he’s given credit for. Pivot, fadeaway jumper in lane.
• 12 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks in what could have easily been a high teens double-double effort without foul trouble.

Ronald Polite III | Guard | 6-foot-2 | 185 pounds | Senior | GMU

• The arrivals of Hall, Maddox and Okojie into the program has led to Polite playing off the ball more and needing to find ways to be productive off the ball. This game was an illustration of that as Politte delivered 13 points, primarily off the ball.
• Made a couple of catch-and-shoot threes, hit a couple of floaters (one after attacking a closeout and the other cutting down the lane) and curled off the screen to deliver a lob assist to Henry for the dunk.
• Does not have a true NBA skill, but should have the interest of overseas teams. 

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