Thirteenth 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'' Spanish forward Javier de la Blanca ('95), from Real Madrid. Here we go.
BODY/ATHLETICISM: De La Blanca has good size and strength for his age. He has a strong upper body and uses that well inside when trying to score against contact. He lacks great athleticism and quicks, but makes up for that with his smarts. Whether he grows much taller than 6’7” will be a big factor in his potential but his frame definitely has the ability to put on more size.
SHOOTING: Has good technique on his jump-shot from mid-range and free-throws which he shoots quite a lot of. Did not show any 3 point range and was only shooting out as far as 18 feet off a pick and pop situation. His shot is quite slow and will need to quicken this up if he is to be an effective shooter at the next level. Has great touch around the basket finishing off drive and dishes with both his right and left hands equally as well.
POSITION OFFENSE: Has a good feel for the game and uses his smarts well in reading whether to roll or pop after a ball screen. Runs the floor extremely well for a 6’6” 4 man and got a lot of his points in transition this way. Not overly athletic but got two dunks in transition against Italy that showed he can play above the rim if given space. A good offensive rebounder, he fights for position well and attacks the glass at every opportunity. Is patient with the ball and plays with the poise of someone a lot older than he is.
DEFENSE/REBOUNDING: De La Blanca is a good rebounder at the 4 spot and boxes out his opponent well to give himself the best position possible. Is very active defensively and does a great job denying the ball in Spain’s full court pressure defense which lead to him averaging 3 steals against both Italy and Germany. For not being a great athlete he moves his feet well in defense and really reads the game well. His quickness will probably be tested as he gets to the next level and he must guard more athletic and quicker players on the perimeter which he will need to improve to be successful.
MISCELLANEOUS: De La Blanca’s touch around the basket combined with his court smarts on both ends of the floor, definitely out way his lack of quickness or explosiveness at the U16 level where he had a stunning game against Italy scoring 31 points, on 13/16 FG combined with 8 rebounds and 4 steals. He does a lot of the little things well which really help him be an efficient player on the court.
OVERALL RATING: 6 – At 6’6” and a strong frame he has great PF body at the U16 level in Europe. Whether he continues to grow and get stronger and quicker will determine how high his potential really is. Competes hard and plays smart and this makes him one of the best U16 4 men in Europe and a player to watch for the future.
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