By Rafal Juc
Although Clint N’Dumba-Capela (’94) was not selected the MVP of NIJT qualifications in Kaunas or even was not scoring, rebounding and blocking on clue, scouts were in agreed about his future. Swiss forward thanks to his mobility, great size, athleticism and aggressiveness is undeniably one of the top Europeans from 1994 generation whit change to get spot in NBA. Since Capela was averaging 20.4 points as well as 16.1 rebounds per game on European Championship U16 in Division B last summer, what allow him to be named MVP of tournament, Swiss forward is followed by many scouts. In addition he was shining in youth French league playing for Elan Chalon, where moved in 2010 year from his hometown, Geneva (Switzerland). In 2011/12 is averaging so far 11 points and 7.3 rebounds in just 21.5 minutes per game.
"He has got really interesting athletic ability and joined really good club, so the light is green for him to do big international career. Even NBA? Don't know. Many players are in orbit of this league, but only few were chosen. Thabo Sefolosha showed that it is possible. He was trying to get spot in this league two or three years, but finally did it. In Capela case the most decisive should be change of position", thinks Sebastian Roduit, head coach of Switzerland National Team.
Swiss prospect has already occasion to show up at international level against top 1994-born players. In 2011 he participated in Adidas Nation, where he faced top American prospects like Andre Drummond, who is now in Connecticut college or still undeclared about future school Winston Shepard from class 2012. As we were told Capela is going to take part in this year’s Nike Hoop Summit, so it will be another tough challenge for him.
Qualification tournament of Nike International Junior Tournament 2012 in Kaunas was a great chance for Eurohopes team to take a closer look at Swiss sensation. Worth to admit that Capela was observed by many international scouts, including NBA employees. Despite fact that athletic forward was struggling in offence for all tournament and finished with averages of 10 points, 8.5 rebounds as well as 1.5 assists, he just confirmed promising opinions about him.
"You don't have suggest to much with his stats or way how he was playing at NIJT. He plays as a center in youth Elan Chalon team, but it will not happen in future. His future is on small forward position. Honestly, it is hard to find as good athletes as he is not only in Europe, but also in States. Maybe he is struggling in offense a bit, but in NBA he would be role-player, not a scorer", explains us a reputable international scout. Capela undeniably presents potential, which allow him to play at highest level. Really hard to find suitable comparison among well-know European plays, but because of his excellent psychical tools he bears some resemblance to Johan Petro, french center of New Jersey Nets. Capela as his older countrymen is tall, long, moves on a court well and possesses impressive dynamite in legs as well as brilliant wingspan and vertical explosiveness.
Seems that listed at 6'8'' 17-years old Capela will grow up more, but definitely not too much to be able to play on frontcourt position at highest level. "I know about it, so now I’m working to become forward. I need to improve my shot from long distance for sure. Honestly, I play now further from the basket. I was for all career center, but I might even enjoy new role more", says the prospect. Athletically, he moves extremely well, running the floor really quickly with excellent coordination, what make him undeniably the best athlete in 1994 european generation. What is more, Capela impresses with brilliant wingspan and jumping, what he confirmed at NIJT in Kaunas, blocking in help from weak-side, grabbing balls from high "floor" and making some incredible dunks.
Offensively, Swiss is somehow inconsistent. Can surprise with ugly air-ball from free-throw line and in another action delight with delicious dunk after steal, what happened to him in Kaunas once. Apparently is still in transition-mode when it comes to his target position. Using mainly as a power forward or even center avoids typical fighting for position on low-post under the basket. Definitely prefers to get ball on high-post to start action being face-up to rim. Remembering the way, how was used to play 2-3 years ago, it is noticeable that Capela is more willing to going out to perimeter. His natural flow, dynamic and explosiveness allow him to playing more and more one-on-one on ball, where swiss sensation always looks for contact. Posses rather good jumper and his release is really fast, but needs to work on hands composition, especially on wrist movement.
To be honest, Capela is much better in defense, where he is capable of defending actually all types of players. Because of excellent body-building, pure foot-work, jumping ability, but mainly aggressiveness is really tough defender under the basket. However, can be noted that Capela possess skills, which allow him to be great role-player, especially in defense, where will be able after some additional work to face dangerous opponents. Right now, he presents as a more than average in stealing the balls, generally thanks to his long hands, fluidly moves on court and brilliant foot-work. Worth to admit that Capela always box-out and fight for a rebound as well in defense as in offense.
Difficult to picture how Capela’s game will look in 2-3 years, especially taking into account that he is still maturing, growing and learning skills typical for backcourt players, but it is certain that his main weapon (athleticism, jumping ability, wingspan, length) are gifts. His psychical tools undeniably allow him to serve as a defensive role-player, but at higher level will be unproductive without stabilized shoot. All in all, worth to admit his development. NBA? We will see.
Twitter of the author: @rafjuc
Photo: Genevashop
