Next up in our draft preview profiles is Jodie Meeks. Meeks is a Junior from the University of Kentucky, where he played for Tubby Smith and Billy Gillispie. He was borderline on whether to stay in the draft or not, but with Gillispie being let go and John Calipari being hired, he decided to leave Kentucky. He is widely considered a second round pick, which is great for the Spurs.
PROFILE:
Jodie Meeks
No: 23
Position: Guard
Ht./Wt.: 6-4/212
Class: Junior
Hometown: Norcross, Ga.
High School: Norcross
College: Kenucky
2008-09 STATS
PPG APG 3P% RPG BPG SPG
23.7 1.8 .406 3.4 0.1 1.3
While at UK, Meeks was a 2nd team All-American, 1st team All-SEC and USBWA District Player of the Year. He also held the top three scoring games in rgulation last year with games of 54,46, and 45. He currently holds the single game scoring record at Kentucky, the single game three pointers made with 10, and the career three pointers made.
STRENGTHS:
Great scorer and an even better shooter. He isn’t necessarily a volume shooter, meaning he doesn’t need alot of shots to score alot of points. Meeks possesses a very developed offensive game, with the ability to shootthe three from deep, shoot the mid-range, go strong to the bucket, and most importantly he shot 90.7% at the charity stripe last year. He is an above average defender who will not hurt you on defense. Decent athleticism and great basketball IQ.
WEAKNESSES:
Meeks has been questioned mainly about his ability to handle the ball consistently and his ability to create for his teammates on offense. He struggled with this at UK, as he only averaged 1.8 assists per game. On defense, he has been questioned on whether he can guard NBA point guards becuase of his size and some scouts believe this is a huge question mark. His height and weight is a big question mark for Meeks because of his lack of ball handling skills, and being only 6’4, some scouts doubt his aility to play the 2.
HOW THE SPURS CAN USE HIM?
The Spurs could use Meeks as the young, athletic wing we need off the bench to provide that offensive spark when people like Finley, Mason, and Bowen go cold from the perimeter. We can develop him into a good defender and ultimately he could possibly be our long time answer at the Shooting Guard position.
