By Eurohopes

Ukrainian guard Oleksandar Lypovyy (’91) has been on the NBA draft radar for long time, however he still seems an obscure prospect compared to his draft-eligible counterparts.

After moving to BC Donetsk in 2011 year, Lypovyy has an opportunity to present his skills on full display competing in demanding Eurocup as well as VTB League competitions and in still improving Ukrainian top division. Needless to say, his NBA stock immediately has risen after 21 years old guard has been named MVP of last edition’s Adidas Eurocamp. Nonetheless Lypovvy stills seems an obscure prospect due to seeing precious little playing time at a senior level. He’s averaging so far 1.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1 assist in 14:55 minutes in VTB League as well as 3.3 points, 1.3 assists and 1.3 rebounds in 18 minutes in Eurocup, respectively.

Turning from above average all-around player at junior level, Lypovyy is an oversized point guard in BC Donetsk. Standing at 6-6’5 he’s multi-positional with wiry-strong frame and a terrific wingspan for his size. However, Lypovyy’s upper-body is quite narrow, what creates a major problem for him because of physical, slow-paced and half-court oriented competition he plays in. On the other hand, his body seems “young” and possesses upside. It is believed, once matured, despite his limited frame, Lypovyy should find his NBA niche, as Alexey Shved did, thanks to size and athleticism.

Well-known for his scoring instinct and shooting form at junior level, Ukrainian is still learning how to play his game with professionals. In deep BC Donetsk roster he’s used mainly as a back-up playmaker, subbing ex-Santa Clara and European standout Doron Perkins. Lypovyy is at his best when he puts the ball on the floor and attacks the rim. He displays his talent particularly in ability to play pick-and-roll and operate in a transition. Although he’s only an average athlete, he’s typical Euro-style slasher, getting his man off balance relying on pace, shakes, crossovers, change of speed and hesitation move. He uses crafty Eurosteps to get to the line and shows nice court vision finding open shooters.

Lypovyy’s passing skills are accurate - he makes smart and simple passes within the flow of the offense, while receiver gets it in the shooting pocket. While at his only second pro season, 21-years-old still acts sometimes too conservatively, especially being trapped in pick-and-roll avoiding risky, but profitable skip passes. He’s capable of finishing above the rim in transition and sometimes even tries to take advantage of his size posting up being matched up by smaller guard, however he isn’t strong enough to finish around the basket in traffic.

Lypovyy does a nice job chipping with a pull-up jumper from time to time. His release is somewhat long, slow, but at the same smooth. Sometimes his lack of physicality forces him to rely on jumper in mid range game, however Lypovvy elevates well and shows nice follow-through and form on his shot off the dribble. Despite quite sluggish release, it’s an area of the game, where 21 years old Ukrainian could take much more advantage in NBA, particularly thanks to spacing in spot-up situations. So far this season he is struggling, making only 21.4% field goals, including 25% from beyond the arc in VTB League, nonetheless he’s much better shooter than these numbers suggest. Major issue behind poor efficiency is a weak poor selection - Lypovyy takes jumpers with a hand in his face, decides for fade-away jumpers while being closed out.

Defensively, Lypovyy is ready to become a major impact right off the bat. Possessing promising frame as well as more than average wingspan, he’s great ball defender, showing terrific toughness and aggressiveness. Despite his limited athleticism, Ukrainian is effectively guarding all backcourt positions at demanding VTB League level. The biggest issue for Lypovyy in term of making NBA transition is ability to hold his own in one-on-one isolations: biting on pump fakes and letting opponents get by him too easily. In that kind of situations Lypovyy tries to rescue with a personal foul, but if he wants to see significant playing time, he must improve - according to in-the-game.org he needs 30 minutes to commit 5 fouls in average!

Despite putting poor numbers this season and still looking for his own game, Lypovyy caught an attention of all NBA executives being named MVP of Adidas Eurocamp 2012, the 3-day camp for best available international prospects for NBA draft. This lead us to believe that some NBA team will keep Lypovyy’s outstanding performance in Treviso in mind, especially when it will come to select someone promising in mid-second round. 

Photo: bc.donetsk.au

Note: statistical chart made by sJacas from in-the-game.org