2018 NBA Draft: Next man up, Michigan’s Jordan Poole

1 Dec 2001: Michigan Wolverines fans watch the NCAA basketball game against the Boston College Eagles at the Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Boston College defeated Michigan 83-74. Mandatory Credit: Danny Moloshok/Allsport
1 Dec 2001: Michigan Wolverines fans watch the NCAA basketball game against the Boston College Eagles at the Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Boston College defeated Michigan 83-74. Mandatory Credit: Danny Moloshok/Allsport
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Skills That Need Work:

Adding muscle

As most can see from these videos, Jordan Poole is far away from having an NBA body. Watching those videos it’s easy to tell Poole does not have a wide frame. Standing at 6-foot-4 and only weighing 190 pounds, it would be nice to see Poole come in next season around 200-205 pounds. Adding about 10-15 extra pounds of muscle should help him fight through contact better. However, it could make him less explosive since he doesn’t have a great frame.

Playmaking ability

Poole is averaging less than one assist a game, and even though he only plays about eleven minutes he doesn’t do really anything in terms of creating for others. However, Jordan Poole could have this skill he just can’t show it. With Poole getting limited playing time along with limited time with the ball in his hands he doesn’t get a chance to show his playmaking. It is worth noting that he does average more turnovers than assists a game though.

Showing more shot creation

Jordan Poole is only shooting about 26 percent on jump shots off the dribble on 27 attempts, according to Synergy Sports. Much like Poole’s playmaking ability this could just be a product of Poole’s low usage rate. However, even in limited possessions he hasn’t shown enough. Often Poole takes a one dribble pull up from 3 that he makes, but next year Poole needs to get a little more creative, and work on creating space for his own shot.