On the offensive end, Gui is a versatile weapon, who utilizes high ball screens to either rise up for a jumper or create for himself off the dribble. Gui has improved considerably as a shooter off the dribble this season, displaying consistent mechanics and a high release point, and connecting on 36.4% of his three point attempts. He already shows good spatial awareness to free himself for open shots in high ball screen scenarios, only requiring a little bit of daylight to get his shot off.
In some sets off the ball, Santos camps out in the corner, waiting for his teammates to look opposite out of these same pick-and-roll sets. Importantly, he is capable shooting off the catch as well, and utilizes good spatial awareness to opportunistically move into gaps in the defense.
While Gui is still developing his mid range shot, this area of improvement will considerably add to his game, providing a veritable counter when defenders chase him off the line (but also are in position to help at the rim). If Gui Santos continues to improve his outside shooting marksmanship, while simultaneously developing his mid range stroke, the threat of his shot will open up the rest of his game.
Where Gui excels and is ahead of most of his class is in his craftiness and basketball IQ driving to the rim, especially on the break. While his first step would be average to slightly above average at an NBA level, Santos sports a solid handle and is able to split pro defenders, finishing through contact. His in-and-out dribble is particularly lethal in transition against NBB opposition.
In time, he should continue to develop his stop and go hesitation moves, to keep defenders off balance. In addition, Gui impressively boasts an advanced Euro step (relative to his development), and he utilizes his spatial awareness to avoid offensive fouls on the move.
Despite being just 18, Gui is strong with the ball and this facet of his game is only improving as he physically develops. The work he put in on his physique has really accelerated this aspect of his development. Ultimately, these tools enable him to blow by NBB defenders and either finish through contact at the rim or draw fouls inside. Most of his transition buckets come after he has secured a defensive rebound. Transitioning to basketball in the US, if Gui learns to become more horizontal on his basket drives, this would further his ball security and enable him to draw even more fouls at the rim. As it stands now, Gui is already drawing 5.17 fouls per 40 minutes against professional competition. To put this into perspective, these numbers would rank him ahead of Zags' super prospect Jalen Suggs (4.5 FD per 40 mins).
He must continue to work on his free throw shooting (65.5%), but his excellent mechanics and work ethic portend significant improvement in this area. Also, Santos finishes well through contact, and this should continue to improve as he physically develops. In terms of specific movements, Gui's step through shot off of one foot and his turnaround jumper are very advanced.
With all that said, when Gui gets in the lane, he is not just a threat to score. Despite his 1.5 apg statistical average, Gui's vision has improved significantly this season and he is a very good facilitator. Santos is already proficient operating as a ball handler in pick-and-roll sets.
When he gets in the lane, Gui habitually passes on the move to open three point shooters or finds his streaking big inside.
Gui is highly unselfish and is able to anticipate how plays will develop due to great spatial awareness. With more experience, Santos will probably experience the most growth in this area of his game. On the offensive glass, Gui has an excellent nose for the ball and utilizes his improved strength and plus length (6'11.5 wingspan) to create extra opportunities for his team.
Coupled with his advanced spatial awareness is Gui's best greatest strength at this stage: his movement without the ball and intelligence to back cut when he is overplayed. This aspect of his game will translate at the next level.
On the opposite end, Gui is a highly intelligent and versatile defender (projects to be able to guard 1-4) with excellent fundamentals and good, but not elite lateral quickness. He does a nice job anticipating his opponent's next move and challenges shots without fouling. He is most impressive closing out on three point shooters, where his length and quick leaping ability enable him to contest jump shots and disrupt shooting rhythm. He exerts maximum effort on the defensive end, and will chase down open shooters even when it appears to be a broken play for his team's defense. In the passing lanes, Gui does an excellent job anticipating. And, he is a good help defender at the rim, where he prides himself on blocking shots. His awareness and knowledge of defensive rotations are very good and he can beat offensive players to the spot. Gui also does a nice job of guiding slashers away from the basket with his body. With all of this said, Gui is still a bit foul prone at the moment, though he does not reach. He will have to watch out for intelligent pros swiping through his hand on three pointers, and limit his tendency to body check players driving the lane. Instead, he needs to put himself in a position to draw charges. In the post, Gui competes and does a nice job of 'chesting' his man outside of the lane. Finally, Gui is also excellent on the defensive glass and this nose for the ball should translate at the next level.
All in all, Gui Santos is one of the best international players in his age group and is thriving against grown men. His team is at the top of the NBB at the moment and his playing time only continues to increase, as the coaching staff is recognizing his positive (+/-) and putting him in at critical junctures of the game. Given his physical tools, basketball IQ, and formidable work ethic, look for Santos to rise on draft boards as the season goes on.
(Video Courtesy of Minas Tenis Clube, Picture Courtesy of https://basquetetododia.com.br/)
No comments:
Post a Comment