2023-2024 Scouting Notebook: Creighton versus Georgetown

Scouting notes from an in-person scouting trip covering a Big East clash featuring several NBA prospects for 2024 or beyond.

My first in-person scout of the new year was a real treat. Georgetown is a local squad with a few intriguing long-term NBA prospects under new coach, Ed Cooley, who is determined to bring a winner back to the basketball-crazed area. Creighton is a talented squad with multiple draftable prospects and potentially four NBA players.

 Here are some of my raw scouting notes from the matchup.

Baylor Scheierman | Wing | 6’7" | 205 lbs | Senior | Creighton

• Is he Creighton’s top prospect? Instantly brings a translatable, high-level NBA skill in his 3-point shooting. Easily one of the top shooters in this and any class he would enter.
• Buried 3-of-7 attempts, showcasing his 3-point shooting versatility. Movement catch-and-shoot three, deep catch-and-shoot three and a one-dribble pullup three off a handoff.

• Still feel good about his connective passing and pick-and-roll decision-making/playmaking being reliable ancillary skills that will translate.
• Nothing flashy in this one, but a closeout attack to draw the defense before finding Miller open in the weak side corner and a lob assist to Kalkbrenner are amongst the plays that stood out.

• The defensive concerns aren't going anywhere. The hope is that he continues to couple his effort and size to give competitive defensive efforts. Consistently fought through and chased matchups around off-ball screens. Below, he fights through the off-ball screen then gets a stop on Styles with a quality contest. 

• Really value his rebounding. Does it in and out of his area and has translated from the Summit League to the Big East. Pulled down 12 rebounds (three offensive).
• I would take him early in the second round. Could a team justify late first or are the defensive issues/lack of ideal athleticism too much?
• Has a better build than expected. A more solid frame and mature muscle than shown on TV.

Trey Alexander | Small Wing | 6’4" | 190 lbs | Junior | Creighton

• Generally considered Creighton’s best NBA prospect. Put in one of his best performances of the season: 25 points (11-of-17 FGA, 3-of-5 3PA), four rebounds and five assists in 35 minutes.
• In talking with other scouts at the game, the questions about his next-level role are legit. On or off the ball? I categorize Alexander as a 3-and-D plus player, meaning that he’s capable of playing a 3-and-D role plus possesses the potential to impact other areas of the game or roles for his team.

• Alexander offered glimpses of his ability to operate pick-and-rolls as both a scorer and playmaker. Showed some screen manipulation to get to his spots, middy pull ups, rim finishing (encouraging because of his lean frame) and a beautiful drop-off assist to King. 
• Six turnovers, five in the first half. Mix of poor execution and miscommunication. For example, nearly connected with Kalkbrenner on a wrap-around bounce pass out the pick-and-roll, but Kalkbrenner stopped his roll short. It was the right read and pass, just wasn't on the same page with Kalkbrenner. 

• All of his made threes came as off the ball the ball catch-and-shoots.
• What level of a defender and how much switchability considering his frame and lack of ideal quick twitch or explosive athleticism at 6-foot-four? The expectation is that he utilizes his length to be a quality defensive playmaker and disruptor.

Ryan Kalkbrenner | Big | 7’1" | 270 lbs | Senior | Creighton

• Missed both of his 3-point attempts, but shot them with confidence. Has flashed some touch throughout his career, but I’m not buying him as a projectable threatening shooter right now.
• Per usual, did his thing as a play finisher around the rim. Seal and score, post hook, lob finishes.
• Mobile, but best in drop coverage.
• As the anchor of the defense, consistently communicated defensive coverages with his teammates both verbally and physically.

Mason Miller | Big Wing | 6’9" | 190 lbs | Sophomore | Creighton

• Quick and comfortable lefty stroke. Shot 1-of-4 from distance with his lone make occurring on a stepback corner three after a shot fake to get the defender in the air.
• Made a couple of timely cuts in the lane. One resulted in points for him on a push shot.
• Came away with a contested offensive rebound for a score. Seemed to make multiple notable plays by just playing the right way and trying to do the little things. NBA bloodlines might have something to do with it (son of Mike Miller).
• His combined level of 3-point shooting and ball skills as a big wing will ultimately dictate his draft stock as a long-term NBA prospect.

Roman Brumbaugh | Guard | 6’4" | 183 lbs | Redshirt Freshman | Georgetown

• Career high of 19 points. Was his most comfortable as a scorer when operating pick-and-roll, looking to get to the pull-up game.
• Hit a couple of middys and pull up threes out of it, highlighted by a NBA caliber bucket with pull back three that made me perk up a bit.

• Can he create paint touches on his own?
• What kind of athlete and playmaker?
• Good length at the point of attack
• Former top 100 high school prospect that should have every opportunity to play through mistakes and grow with Georgetown. Long-term NBA prospect to monitor. 

Drew Fielder | Big | 6’10" | 216 lbs | Freshman | Georgetown

• Battled with Kalkbrenner in the post despite giving up over 50 pounds. Was scored on a couple of times, but never shied away from the physicality or challenge.
• Posted a block on Alexander’s fadeaway jumper.
• The sell for Fielder as a long-term NBA prospect is the stretch ability and functional ball skills. Hit a movement catch-and-shoot three on a baseline out-of-bounds play. 

Dontrez Styles | Wing | 6’6" | 212 lbs | Junior | Georgetown

• 9 points on 9 attempts. Was at his best getting downhill to finish at the rim and get to the pull-up. Connected on movement catch-and-shoot triple.
• After transferring from UNC, he’s producing in his first opportunity at real minutes and a significant role. Credible wing size, shooting 41% from three on 4.5 attempts per game.
• What kind of a defender? Does he fit or just play the 3-and-D role at the next level?

Ismael Massoud | Big | 6’9" | 213 lbs | Graduate Student | Georgetown

• NBA interest since his Wake Forest time, but will depend on what level shooter he truly is. 1-of-4 from distance. 33% mark on the season, 36% career mark on 434 attempts.
• Pick-and-roll defensive rotation in help at the rim to contest and force this miss on Kalkbrenner.

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