Arvydas Sabonis (C)

[Berlin]

(I wanted to find a youthful Sabonis, not the Sabonis that was already weathered by the time he reached the NBA)

Name: Arvydas Sabonis
Position: C
Height: 7'3"
Weight: 290 lbs
DOB: 12/19/2001

www.abcalegends.com/players/player466.htm

Pros: Late entries always change the draft board a bit, but the introduction of 18-year-old Arvydas Sabonis sent shockwaves through the league when he was announced today. Sabonis comes into the league incredibly green, but his skillset projects to be unique and special for a man of his size. A 7'3" player that can hit the jumper, pass the ball, shoot free throws and still do everything that is expected of a center? The sky is literally the limit for Sabonis...especially since he can already play some decent defense as a rookie if you need to plug him in for a few minutes a game.

Cons: While Sabonis looks like a future superstar, that future is still at least a couple seasons off. Teams that need to win now (or even in a couple seasons) will find prospects that are developing now or are far closer to be productive in the short term. Plus, there have been several players before who have had great looking potential before that never reached that potential.

Overall: Without a doubt Sabonis' late entry in the draft changes the entire landscape of the draft this season. Suddenly, draft boards reshuffle everywhere, as Sabonis is a lock to go in the top 5, with the #2 selection not out of the realm of possibility. With a varied skillset and nothing but time on his hands to improve, Arvydas might be the most interesting prospect not named Magic coming out this season.

Projection: #2-#4

(FYI, since Sabonis went up without the chance for a bio, here is a quote about Sabonis from Clyde Drexler on if he had played in the NBA for Portland when originally drafted rather than playing abroad: "We would have had four, five or six titles. Guaranteed. He was that good. He could pass, shoot three pointers, had a great post game, and dominated the paint. And he would have been younger. He was very effective in the NBA as an older player who had suffered an ankle injury.")

[Tel Aviv]

Arvydas Sabonis
C | 7'3 | 290lbs | 18 years Old


abcalegends.com/players/player466.htm

Pros: The bigman from Lithuania has already made a big impression in Europe and his decision to enter the ABCA draft has got a lot of teams excited. Only 18 years old at the time of the draft, the first thing you notice with him, is his size, at 7'3 and 290lbs Sabonis has great size to match up with any center in the league. Sabonis has a unique skill set for a 7-footer, he has impressive passing abilities and also has a very effective jumpshot, which makes him difficult to guard. He comes into the league already a good post defender and most scouts believe that will improve even further as he adapts to the ABCA level. Sabonis is also a talented rebounder; particularly on the defensive end and with his size and instincts he should pick up a lot of rebounds.

Cons: Sabonis isn't the best athlete and doesn't have great quickness or leaping abilities that could see him have some problems guarding quicker, more athletic centers in the league. He is also a little raw in some areas of his game and will need to be developed in order to fulfil his potential.

Overall: Sabonis is a unique player with a great skill set and size, and he is only 18 years old. His entry to the draft has general managers around the league reshuffling their draft board, but with other great talent around the top of the draft it will be interesting to see where Sabonis is eventually picked.

Projection: Top 4