Scouting Report: Aubrey Dawkins
I already made a report on Tai Odiase in the beginning of the year and there is another interesting player for higher level in BG Göttingen - Aubrey Dawkins. If Odiase’s strengths are mostly on the defensive end, Aubrey’s are definitely in offense.
BACKGROUND INFO
Position: SF
Height: 198 cm (6 ft 6 in)
Date of Birth: 8/5/1995
Nationality: American
Previous clubs:
2019–2020 Erie BayHawks
Played his first two college years for Michigan Wolverines and was amongst the most efficient shooters in the league in those two seasons, even though he was averaging less than 7 points per game. After his sophmore year he transfered to UFC where his father, Johnny Dawkins, was the head coach. Had a great Junior year when he averaged 15.6 points per game and shooting 40.3% for three on a pretty big sample size (73/181). He declared for the NBA draft at the end of that year but went undrafted.
VIDEO REPORT:
OFFENSE
Shooting: Has a high release with high shooting arc. The release is also quick enough to not be blocked easily. Doesn’t need much space but if he is left open, it’s almost certain that he will sink the shot. Especially in left corner where he is shooting 66.7 %. Takes a pretty high amount of mid range shots even though those shots are not labeled as the most efficient, especially if they are contested.
Off-ball movement & cutting: Reads the defense well and has a great feel when to cut to the rim. With his athleticism he has no problem finishing with dunks, even if the pass comes way above the rim. Moves really good around the screens too and can create separation for an open shot.
Offensive rebounds: He is not just having a great feel for cuts but also for offensive rebounds. When he goes actively for a rebound he will get it on most occasions even against taller guys. Even capable of making some highlight put back dunks. Averaging 1.2 offensive rebounds per game.
Transition: Very good in transition. Likes to run without the ball and can also push forward after getting a steal or grabbing a rebound. His decisions in transition could be better and sometimes takes some unnecessary shots.
Isolation & Post ups: Sometimes he posts up smaller players but doesn’t get any bigger advantage and usually takes a fadeaway shot. He is also not a player that will play a lot 1 on 1 or a player that will get to the rim in iso plays. But as mentioned, majority of his offensive game is off ball and not playing a lot in isolation, post ups or as a pick & roll ball handler:
DEFENSE
Perimeter defense: He is not the worst defender but I expect to see more from him. His reactions and movements could be better for such an athlete. Also gives up too soon when he is beaten and needs to bring more effort on the defensive end in the future.
Off-ball defense: Needs to improve his court awareness and rotations. When he is on the weak side he is usually late in rotations and allowing easy points under the rim. Also losing focus too many times and allowing easy cuts from the offensive player. Defense is definitely an area where he has a lot of room for improvements.
Steals: Showing some great anticipation and instincts for steals. Can intercept passes but, in my opinion, his hands should be more active in on ball defense too. Sometimes he is just too passive and should try to go for some pocket steals when there is an opportunity.
SUMMARY
Aubrey Dawkins is a great shooter that doesn’t need much space to pull the trigger. Limited as a player with ball in his hands and not the best defensive player at the moment but with his body and athleticism I’m pretty sure he has the potential to improve on the defensive end too.
Looking at his body and his game, he has some shades of Austin Hollins from Zenit St. Petersburg in him but I would say that the potential from Dawkins is even higher.
If he gets the right role in his team, he can definitely deliver a lot, even on top level. Also proved in his college days that he can lead the team when his UCF Knigts almost defeated Duke with Zion Williamson, Cam Reddish and RJ Barrett and Dawkins lead his team with 32 points in a 77–76 loss.
Should be on short lists of most teams that are looking for an athletic shooting wing.
