Scouting Notebook: William and Mary versus George Washington
Takeaways from the top prospects in Williams and Mary's against George Washington
My first of many scheduled trips to Foggy Bottom this season didn't dissapoint. George Washington overcame a late William and Mary second half surge and peskiness to prevail 95 to 89. In a game featuring potential long term NBA prospects and potential G League candidates, what prospects stood out?
James Bishop IV, Ancillary Guard, 6’2, 190 pounds, Senior, GW
- Monster line for one of the most prolific scorers in the country over the past few years.
- 32 points (8-18 FGA, 1-4 3PA. 15-16 FTA)
- Consistently got into the lane, mostly by on ball screens, to score or draw a foul. Buried a couple of floaters. Benefit of William and Mary being in the bonus in the second half.
- Bishop IV’s only made three came off a relocation, which is great to see. His off ball shooting production remains an important element to watch because he won’t be able to play with the ball in his hands nearly on a NBA floor right away.
- Five assists to six turnovers. Reliable playmaking and decision making remain two major swing skills for him in order to be lead guard at the next level.
- Evaluators need to see more of the below pick-and-roll rep where he properly reads the defense and makes the right play. Here, he does a great job of drawing the defense then finding Schroeder on the weak side for a quality 3-point attempt.
Maxiumus Edwards, Wing, 6’5, 215 pounds, Redshirt Junior
- Aggressive early, showing off his shotmaking versatility and confidence. Had a look on his face that read that he felt like he couldn't be guarded. Finished the game with 15 points (5-11 FGA, 2-4 3PA)
- Body looks more toned and defined this season. Already had a naturally strong frame and it’s continuing to add muscle. His strength showed up on an and one finish at the rim after a beautiful spin
- Game-high 11 rebounds. Rebounded in and out of his area including a couple of tough rebounds in traffic. Two grab and goes lead to points. The first, a pull-up triple for himself and the other a push to find Buchanan Jr. for a score.
- Rebounding is shaping up to be a reliable translatable skill for him (5.2 per game last season in 33.7 minutes)
- Want to see him continue to evolve as a playmaker and defender. Drop off pass after passing out of a shot in the pick-and-roll. A couple of big plays at the rim as a help defender: rotates over to contest vertically to force the jump ball and a big help block. Better athlete than given credit for.
- Won A-10 Rookie of the Year last season and should already be on NBA radars
Garrett Johnson, Wing, 6’8, 210 pounds, Redshirt Freshman
- Size and shooting always has NBA appeal. Shooter’s reputation. Connected on a catch-and-shoot three from NBA range.
- Good footwork on a stationary and closeout attack. Drew a shooting foul after attacking the closeout.
- Early candidate for A-10 Rookie of the Year
Jacoi Hutchinson, Lead Guard, 6’3, 185 pounds, Freshman
- Instant impact as a defender with his ball pressure and defensive playmaking. Two defensive possessions that I really loved: comes over in help to get a block on the ball after trying to take a charge and hustles for a strip at the rim to help out Akingbola who was beat on a closeout.
- Consistently engaged defensively. Future A-10 all defensive team and potentially defensive player of the year before he leaves GW.
- Connective lead guard
Darren Buchanan Jr., Wing, 6’7, 235 pound, Redshirt Freshman, GW
- Appears to be a little bit taller and stouter than the last time I saw him in person as a high school senior.
- Mostly played the 4 with small stretches at the 5
- Knows how to use that frame. Plays with physicality, like a freight train when he gets downhill. Multiple contact plus one finishes at the rim. And one finish with his off hand in semi transition.
- Aggressive in the passing lanes, sometimes too aggressive. Did swipe a steal and received a questionable charge call in what should have been another and one finish.
- His passion and competitiveness always pops. Some evaluators might believe he can be too demonstrative at times (visible reactions to a couple of calls), but it doesn't bother me.
- Future all conference team performer. Long-term NBA prospect.
Gabe Dorsey, Wing, 6’6, 215 pounds, Junior, William and Mary
- Remains one of the best shooters in the country. 44% 3-point shooter last season on 6.8 attempts per game. Knocked down 5-of-10 from deep vs with his quick lefty release. Movement and stationary catch-and-shoot threes both in the halfcourt, contested and open makes.
- Favorite possession: misses a 3-point attempt from just in front of the logo then buries a NBA range three after getting the ball swung to him. Shooter’s mentality.
- Positional size at 6-foot-6. I want to see him impact the game more defensively with his size and length. If he can, there is 3-and-D upside.
- How can he affect the game if the jumper isn't falling?
Charlie Williams, Big, 6’10, 220 pounds, Sophomore, William and Mary
- Career game: 12 points, 2 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals and 4-of-7 from three.
- Lacks NBA athleticism, but his blend of size, feel and touch is appealing. Smooth and confident shooting stroke, hit movement threes.
- Led the game in assists. Primarily as a stationary passer, carving up the GW defense by finding backdoor cutters plus a cross court skip pass from the post.
- Can he build off a career performance? First year with a significant role.
Tai Hamilton, Big, 6’10, 195 pounds, Freshman, William and Mary
- NBA positional size and tools. Long and lean frame that of course will need to add mature muscle.
- Jumped too early for a block on the ball, but still got the blocked after seemingly hanging in the air.
Trey Moss, Guard, 6’3, 185 pounds, Sophomore, Williams and Mary
- Helped to lead the way for W&M with his shotmaking.
- Quiet second half
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