The Quick Scout: Previewing the Top Prospects in the Memphis-Temple Matchup
In this story:
Temple Top Prospects: Khalif Battle (Guard, RS Sophomore), Zack Hicks (Wing, Sophomore)
Memphis Top Prospect: Kendric Davis (Guard, Fifth Year Senior)
Others of Note: Damian Dunn (Guard, RS Sophomore, Temple), Nick Jourdain (Big Wing, Sophomore, Temple), Johnathan Lawson (Wing, RS Freshman, Memphis), Jamille Reynolds (Big, Sophomore, Temple), DeAndre Williams (Big Wing, Fifth Year Senior, Memphis)
This game is headlined by two dynamic scorers that can put points on the board in a hurry, Temple’s Khalif Battle (18.4 points) and Memphis’ Kendric Davis (21.8 points).
At 6’5 with a strong frame, Battle is one of the most confident multi-level shot makers in the country. His confidence rarely, if ever, wavers. He’ll enter the matchup against Memphis coming off a season high tying 27 points versus SMU for his fourth straight game scoring 20 or more points. Battle is more of a shot maker than shooter (34% from three on 5.4 attempts) and his shot selection can get shaky at times, but he’s a surefire G League prospect and potential two-way contract candidate because his size, shot creation and scoring ability.
Davis shares many of the same scoring qualities as Battle, especially their confidence, multi-level shot making and self-creation. Davis thrives off the bounce with a quick and shifty handle, often looking to get to the line (8 attempts per game) or his pullup.
Also, like Battle, there is some concern about if is more of a shot maker than shooter. After shooting 37% from three the prior two years, Davis has a 31% mark on 5.4 attempts per game this season. Considering he’s a smaller guard that’s listed at 6-foot, reliable perimeter shooting becomes even more important to both staying on the floor and limiting contested shots against NBA trees.
The biggest difference between Davis and Battle lies in Davis’ playmaking. He’s dishing out 6.1 assists per game, displaying solid court vision and passing instincts. His ability to make plays for others out of pick-and-rolls alongside self-created paint touches offers more value to teams, especially if the shot isn’t falling.
Davis and Battle are the more NBA ready prospects at the moment, but Zack Hicks might be the best prospect in the game because of his size and shooting, a tool and skill trait that’s ALWAYS coveted by NBA teams. Listed at 6-foot-7, Hicks is shooting at a 36% clip on 330 career attempts. Hicks has such a fluid stroke that you feel great about when the ball is releases from his hands. He’s still getting more comfortable putting the ball on the floor and impacting the game more as a defender with his size and length, which are two aspects of his game to monitor that will impact both his floor and ceiling.