On The Court: Player Analysis - Austin Rivers

Austin Rivers

6’4”, 189 lbs, class of 2011

Highschool: Winter Park High School

Signed:  Duke University

Player Position:  Shooting Guard

          The prodigy of Doc Rivers himself, Austin Rivers is about to bring the Blue Devils an arsenal of offense.  After an astonishing high school season leading Winter Park High School to two state championship, this highly ranked player has the swag and the skills to be a very impacting rookie for Duke.  But how much of an impact will this prospective player be this upcoming season?  Allows us to evaluate!

Athleticism:

For a skinny shooting guard, Rivers' possesses a lightening quick first step with agile footwork.  With an uncanny vertical, he is able to shoot over most shooting guards, maintain balance and stabilize his shots when he fades or pulls up.  Not to mention his capability to throw down huge dunks, “posterize” players, and finish oops with ease.  Ironically his weakness is his strength.  He has big enough body, weighing 189 llbs, to prevent being tossed around but entering the next level will truly put this to the test.  As a shooting guard, he doesn’t necessarily need to body up or post up but additional strength will improve his finish above the rim and his body control during in-air traffic.

Grade: A

Scoring:

Averaging 28.8 point per game in his final season with Winter Park, Rivers is classified as the top scorer of his class.  His shooting range currently extends to a couple feet behind the arc.  With this range, he is already creeping to the NBA three-point line.  As defenders are forced to step up on his shot, Rivers is able to use his ball handling skills and sudden jab step to freeze up any opponent and drive to the net.  Mostly a right hand finisher, Rivers pulls off powerful dunks, finesse lay ups, and cheeky floaters that he knows when to use.  On top of all this, his basketball IQ makes him a threat without the ball as well.  Knowing where and when to be combined with deadly cuts to rim and off screens, he is an offensive threat at all times.

Grade: A+

Passing:

As a guard, Rivers is comfortable with play making.  His basketball IQ – being the son of one of the NBA’s top coaches – is nonetheless advance, allowing him to make the smart pass.  His prolific offense forces the defense to focus on him, allowing teammate cutters to be open when he drives to hole.  However, as a scorer, that is exactly what he looks to do; as a result, this is reflected in his high school statistics of only 2.2 assists per game.

Grade: B

Ball handling:

As a guard who can score anywhere on the floor, his dribbling skills allows him to create his own shot.  Complimenting one of his best moves (the pull up three) he can keep players on their heels with multiple crossovers, through the legs, step backs and pull up on a defender’s face for a three point facial!  Whether he is breaking a press, taking an opponent one on one, or even setting up a play, Rivers' has the ball handling skills of a point guard who’s looking to score.

Grade: A

Rebounding:

Rebounding is one of the stats that are hidden in the shadows for a shooting guard, however Rivers boarded on average 6.1 rebounds per game in high school.  This high number is accomplished by his height, athleticism, basketball IQ and tenacity for the ball.  I believe as he bulks up and gains more strength; he may become an expert rebounding guard that is comparable to Rajon Rondo or Jason Kidd.

Grade: B+

Defense:

Using his athleticism, defense comes natural to Rivers.  However, it is an area where improvements can be made.  He simply needs to be a committed defender all forty minutes of a game.  Nonetheless, his accomplishments as a defender shows through his 0.7 blocks and 2.0 steals per game leading to one handed “cock-backs” on the other side of the court.

Grade: B

          Overall this offensive shooting guard has proved to be a top prospective player of his class.  A factor that was not evaluated but is largely a part of Rivers’ game is his confidence.  Rivers has been comfortable being in the spotlight and has delivered when the pressure is on him to win the game.  I’m anxious to see what role he takes under Coach Krzyzewski’s offense and see how he plays with the other Duke players.  No doubt offense will come naturally but the higher level will test his defense, his strength and size, and his ability to take over games.  A gifted player like Rivers, playing with veteran Blue Devils, under the coaching staff of Legendary Mike Krzyzewski, in a world renowned basketball university; Duke is once again a strong contender for the national championship!