Eleventh episode of U-16 Pasqua Barocca Tournament scouting reports sent by Australian Danny Mills, assistant coach and director of coaching and youth teams of UPEA Orlandina Basket. In this article he analyzes 6'6'' Greek forward Sokratis Gkelios ('95), from Kavala. Here we go.
BODY/ATHLETICISM: Gkelios has a very mature body for only being 16. He has a strong upper body and although only having average athleticism, he runs the floor very well and competes hard on the glass for rebounds inside.
SHOOTING: Only showed range out to 18 feet in this tournament due to him playing the 4 position as the Greeks played 3 guards at all times, but can shoot the 3 when he is open. His shooting form is not great and he doesn’t follow-through well on his jump-shots causing to hit back-iron instead of following the ball through the basket. Has a nice mid-range game and can consistently hit the 10-14ft jump shot off of a pass from penetration. Shows a soft touch inside using both left and right hands equally well around the basket.
POSITION OFFENSE: At the U16 level he has good size and great strength for a PF and uses this to his advantage. He creates good separation off of the ball-screen action and can either pop for the mid-range jumpshot if the defense traps or he rolls well to the basket and does a good job of pinning and sealing close to the basket if the defense hedges. Has a good handle for his size and if the defense gives him a driving lane he will attack. Has a tendency to attack the middle with his left hand and then spin back to his right and finish with a lay-up/floater off the glass. Possesses good vision offensively and makes good decisions when passing the ball.
DEFENSE/REBOUNDING: Gkelios hustles on the defensive end and will scrap and fight to get the best position. His strong upper body allows him to defend the post well at the U16 level and push the offensive player out of position, but as he gets to the next level this wont be as much of a factor. Has ok foot speed on the perimeter but as he gets older and he will need to guard the perimeter, this will be a cause for concern. Good rebounder for his size at both ends and is very active in creating contact first before pursuing the ball.
MISCELLANEOUS: Was the leader of this Greek team that went 3-0 in the tournament. Is a great team player and doesn’t take plays off on either end of the floor. Does the little things well and even though he is not the most athletic guy on the court he makes up for it with his hustle and smart plays.
OVERALL RATING: 6 – Gkelios has nearly reached his full maturity and wont get too much taller which means that at 6’6” he’s going to need to learn how to play on the perimeter to still be a factor on the next level. How quickly and smoothly he can make the transformation from playing the post to the perimeter will be a key for ultimately what level he can play at in Greece/Europe as he gets older.
Photo: Sfera Sports
