The San Antonio Spurs have officially begun their quest for championship No. 6 and that means it is also time for a prospect watch post.
Our first prospect of the season is from the Pac-12 in Colorado forward Tyler Bey.
The 6-foot-7, 218-pound junior should be asked to do slightly more than last season despite this team returning 90 percent of its minutes in players. He will have to show an improved jump shot and a little more strength, but should be a fun player to keep an eye on this season.
Here are his stats from last season (to be updated at the end of the season):
- 13.6 PPG, 1.2 BPG, 9.9 RPG
- 54.1 FG%, 22.7 3P%, 78.2 FT%
- 113.1 ORtg, 89.2 DRtg
Bey is still a bit raw as a shooter, but has such a high shooting percentage because he gets so many shots near the rim. He can shoot in the mid-range a little bit if he is left wide open there, but it is not a consistent shot for him yet (although that could change this season with the Buffs).
He gets so many shots at the rim because he roams the baseline and has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. He’s a great cutter who has good hands in traffic and he tries to finish with a dunk when possible.
His post-up game is also solid as he usually has a mismatch when he goes down there. He uses either his speed on bigger guys or his strength on smaller guys, but always uses his supreme athleticism and jumping ability to shoot over the outstretched hands of his defender. Those bunnies also let him fly in for putback dunks and offensive rebounds, of which he had just over two a game last season.
Bey became a more willing three-point shooter last season after only attempting six in his freshman campaign. He attempted 22 last season, but that number should go up again this season. What will be more telling of course, is if he hits more of those shots as his form needs some tweaking to become more consistent.
He is an excellent defender though and can guard the small or power forward position. He is quick enough and strong enough to guard either position without giving up any major advantage. He is a high effort player who is relentless on the boards and could be an excellent role player should he expand his shooting range.
