Devin Vassell appeared on draft radars this season during the impressive Florida State run to an ACC Championship. He is an intriguing prospect but will definitely be a project at the next level. The question is, will he stay in the draft or come back to school?
Devin Vassell 2020 NBA Draft Profile
College Career
Vassell is a 6’6 sophomore guard from Georgia. His second season under Leonard Hamilton has been an impressive one. In Vassell’s freshman year, he only played 10.7 minutes per game and was mostly just a three-point shooter.
Vassell has taken off in his sophomore season, averaging 12.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. He also continued his hot shooting from distance. Vassell earned Second Team All-ACC honors this season and put himself on the map.
Strengths
Vassell is a lights out shooter. He averages 42 percent from three taking three attempts per game. His ability to stretch the defense is why he is such an intriguing prospect and a good college player. Additionally, Vassell’s effective field goal percentage is 56 percent, which demonstrates his ability to shoot, especially from deep. Vassell also demonstrated a solid midrange game this season.
Another key characteristic is Vassell’s defensive ability. All of his defensive statistics point to his defensive prowess, including defensive box plus-minus. He averaged 1.4 steals per game on a team full of robbers (Trent Forrest). Additionally, he averages one block per game which is impressive for a two-guard. Vassell averages 5.1 rebounds per game, which is also impressive for a guard. Florida State is a deep team and the minutes are quite spread, so these numbers are more impressive than they may seem.
Finally, Vassell is a superb athlete. He is quick, agile, and explosive. Obviously, at the next level, every player is going to be quicker and stronger, so this athleticism will ensure Vassell is not at a disadvantage.
Weaknesses
There were times this season when Vassell disappeared. The argument can definitely be made that he had subpar games because of the depth of the Seminoles and lack of opportunity. However, an NBA player cannot have four games under six points. It seemed like if Vassell started out relatively cold, he would just stop playing on offense every now and again which can’t happen. As a shooter, he needs to have a short memory and always hunt his shot.
Vassell can definitely improve as a playmaker. Shooters are not typically known as playmakers, but Vassell can be more than just a shooter. He needs to use his skills to create for his teammates and make the game easier.
NBA Player Comparison
Gary Harris. Both have a lot of potential as two-way wings. Harris has not quite reached that potential yet. Either way, both are very serviceable NBA wings.
NBA Draft Projection
Mid to late first.
Main Photo
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