NBA Draft Scouting Report: UAB's Eric Gaines
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Eric Gaines
Guard | UAB
Height: 6'2” | Weight: 165 lbs
2024 Draft Age: 23.43
Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Prospect Profile
After spending two seasons at LSU, Gaines took his talents to UAB. This came with increased responsibility, which has been no problem for the high flying guard.
As it relates to year-over-year improvement, it starts with the facilitation. His assist numbers were at all all time high as a junior, partially due to his success as a pick-and-roll ball handler.
Gaines was also a much improved perimeter shooter, improving his efficiency in a big way, even if it’s on low volume. With that in mind, he’s not an efficient scorer overall. His field goal percentage is lower than most guards with NBA upside, which is somewhat concerning.
From a physical standpoint, Gaines is undersized. Not only is he just 6-foot-2, but he’s also very slender. However, he gets the most out of what he’s got, most notably on defense. He’s a pesky on-ball defender and a pest at the point of attack. He’s not afraid to get physical with his assignment in effort to make them uncomfortable.
He’s also great at jumping passing lanes, which leads to transition opportunities. Gaines is known for generating steals and going coast-to-coast for a highlight finish. He can sometimes be too aggressive defensively and gamble too much. It’s about finding that balance for him on when it’s worth taking a risk defensively.
Gaines is known for being a very crafty scorer, especially at the rim. As electric as some of his finishes are, this willingness to take tough, advanced shots is part of the reason his efficiency is low. Furthermore, his flashy style of play and sometimes loose handle has led to a high number of turnovers this season.
As it relates to his size, Gaines is likely too small to play off-ball, so ensuring he cleans these things up will he key in proving to NBA teams that he can play true point guard. He's also set to be 23 years old ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft.
A former four-star recruit, Gaines will hope going back to school for another season will pay off in form of being selected on draft night.
Highlights
Draft Projection
Potential Second-Round Pick in 2024 NBA Draft.
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