Scouting Report: Tai Odiase
When I started this blog on Medium, the plan was to write scouting reports on players that are flying under the radar and, in my opinion, have the potential to “climb the level ladder” in Europe.
I decided to start with Tai Odiase, a player that caught my attention in preparation matches before the season started but played good in first league matches too. The best part of his game is definitely his defensive game, especially rim protection and interior defense but has something to offer on the offensive end too.
BACKGROUND INFO
Position: C
Height: 206 cm (6 ft 9 in)
Date of Birth: 21/09/1995
Nationality: American
Previous clubs:
2018 — Iberostar Tenerife
2018/19 — Lavrio
2019/20 — Greensboro Swarm
Played college for University od Ilinois Chicago (UIC) and averaged 9.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.1 blocks during his senior season. He was also chosen twice as “Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year” and finished three times in the “Horizon League All-Defensive Team.” Tai also holds the record for most blocks in UIC school history (361 in four years).
After his college career he signed his first profesional contract with Iberostar Tenerife and played in six games for them. In 2018/19 season he played for the Greek team GS Lavrio and joined Greensboro Swarm in the G League in December 2019. He signed a one year contract with BG Göttingen for the 2020/21 season.
VIDEO REPORT:
OFFENSE
Pick & rolls: Important part of his game. He sets good and hard screens, goes in the body of defenders but he is standing still and rarely making offensive fouls. After the screen he rolls directly to the rim and if deep enough goes for dunks. When dunks are not possible, his decisions could be better. Sometimes he struggles when rotation from the weakside comes on time which usually results in a bad shot or unnecessary turnover. With the athleticism and high reach that Odiase possesses, he can play as above the rim target and hard to stop when he is in the air. His hands are solid but slippery. If the passes are not accurate, he can struggle with catching the ball. Sometimes he tries to catch the ball with one hand but that usually doesn’t end well.
Post up: Plays a lot as a post up player too even though his post up technique is limited. Mostly he depends on his strength and moves bodies withouth much feel. He can turn around both shoulders and finish with both hands. Occasionally losses compas which leades to some bad misses.
Offensive rebounding: Averages 2.2 offensive rebounds per game and is amongst the best offensive rebounders in the league. Has high motor and is an active rebounder. Even after his own misses, he goes for offensive rebounds and doesn’t give up on plays. Showing some good instincts and capable of making putback dunks.
Shooting: Pretty bad shooter so far. Not a shooting threat but he is taking mid range shots if left open and putting some work on improving his mid range game. Not a consistent shooter and release but can sink some shots here and there. Bad free throw shooter too, so far shooting only 55.3 % (21/38) from the charity stripe this season.
DEFENSE
Rim protection: Great rim protector and one of his main selling points. Averages 1.3 blocks per game and contest basically every shot around the rim. Has great anticipation and instincts for blocks, usually jumps at the right time and blocks the ball at it highest point. Good runner and can make some chasedown blocks too.
Pick & roll — drop: Defends cleanly, showing some good footwork in backpedaling and usually not going for reach-in steals. Sometimes he is even too passive and could be more aggressive. Moves his feet well. Occasionally lacks commitment and can be found in no-mans land, neither defending the operator or the roller.
Pick & roll — switch: His athleticism and quick feet help him a lot in switching on pick & rolls. Has no problems to follow guards and stay in front of them. With his good hips he can turn smoothly and moves good laterally. Always switching in late clock situations and even the top 1vs1 players have some hard time getting by him.
Pick & roll — hedge: Probably the area in his defensive game where he has the most room for improvement. Not hedging aggressive enough and leaving too much space to operator. Also usually needs too much time to get back to his man.
Post up defense: Has a strong stance and is not moved easily. His hands and legs are active and usually having a good body control and balance. He contests shots and not a player that should be targeted on post ups.
SUMMARY
His defensive game is on high level already but has some space for improvement too. Elite shot blocker and rim protector, his feet are quick enough to switch on perimeter and offers a lot on the defensive end.
In offense he can offer a lot as a screen setter and roller, improving as a post up man while also adding mid range shots to his offensive arsenal. Not really a game changer in offense like he can be in defense but can bring some points to the table on the offensive end too.
Definitely an interesting player for many teams in Europe that are looking for a defensive big that is fighting for every ball, hustling for rebounds and bringing a lot of energy to the floor.
