The Quick Scout: George Mason vs. Richmond
This A10 showdown features a potential selection in the 2023 NBA draft, a long-term NBA prospect to monitor, one of the top bigs in the conference and several names to track as G-League and overseas candidates. Let’s get you ready to scout George Mason-Richmond
George Mason Top Prospect(s): Justyn Fernandez (Wing, Freshman), Josh Oduro (Big, Senior)
Others of Note: Victor Bailey Jr. (Guard, Grad Student), DeVon Cooper (Guard, Grad Student)
Richmond Top Prospects: Tyler Burton (Wing, Senior)
Others of Note: Matt Grace (Big, Grad Student), Aidan Noyes (Wing, Freshman)
Although he is more of a 2024 or 2025 draft prospect, Justyn Fernandez is still my top overall prospect in this game. His flashes of explosive athleticism, rim attacks, disruptive defense and both a smooth and reliable jumper (37% three-point shooter on 69 attempts), should have NBA scouts tuned in.
Fernandez is only logging 13.4 minutes, but since the start of January, he’s seen an uptick in minutes, starting in 10 of Mason’s past 15 games and playing at least 17 or more minutes in all but three games over that span. With more time and experience, Fernandez should have every opportunity to turn those flashes into consistent substance. He’ll be a prime breakout candidate in the A10 next season. His tools and evolving skillset point to an eventual 3-and-D role prospect with two-way upside. The likely matchup between Fernandez and Richmond’s top prospect, Tyler Burton, is one that I’ll be focused on.
Burton’s mix of opportunistic scoring, defensive playmaking, positional size and three-point shooting on an NBA ready body, has put him firmly on the draft radar over the past couple of cycles. In his final campaign for the Spiders, the 6-foot-7 wing is averaging career highs in points (18.6), assists (1.4) and steals (1.5) while pulling down 7.6 rebounds a game.
He’s also attempting a career high 5.8 attempts from deep, but at a career low 29% clip, down from his 36% mark over the past two seasons. The fact that Burton could be more of a capable shooter instead of a true shooting threat is concerning and could heavily affect his draft stock. Shooting well in the pre-draft process will be vital as he works to solidify himself as a draftable prospect.
Over the past two seasons, Oduro has established himself as one of, if not, the best, big in the A10. His furthered that notion the season with a line of 15.7 points per game, 8 rebounds (2.5 offensive), 2.6 assists and 1.8 stocks. At 6-foot-9, he’s an effective post scorer thanks to his feel, beautiful footwork, touch, and craft.
Equipped with a functional handle and underrated passing ability both in stationary and live dribble situations, Oduro has aspects of the modern big that’s coveted in the NBA outside of the most crucial one, shooting. With a career 24% three-point mark on 101 attempts, the results haven’t been promising. It’s more likely Oduro can develop into a reliable mid-range shooter than from three but will have his chance during pre-draft workouts to show teams that he can make a leap as a long ball shooter.
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