Case File No. 34: Domantas Sabonis

Domantas Sabonis. Photo Credit: The Canadian Press.

Today, I open the case file of Domantas Sabonis. A walking double-double, some nights a triple double, he's the son of Hall of Famer Arvydas Sabonis, and "Domas" could join him there someday if he continues to play at the level he's playing.

Team: Sacramento Kings

Position: Center/ Power Forward 

HT: 6-10 WT: 240

Credentials:

3x All-Star

2x All-NBA Third Team

2x NBA rebounding leader 

Strengths:

-Strong post player

-Very good ball handler 

-Excellent passer

-Excellent rebounder

-Good mid-range game

Weaknesses:

-Foul prone

-Not the best defender 

-Shaky free-throw shooter 

Final Analysis:

One of the few who still utilizes the low post game, this is perhaps Domantas' greatest asset, taking advantage of his size and strength with an array of low post moves.

A good ball handler for a big man, this is another method he uses to attack the basket. Also known as one of the best passing big men, he has good court vision and timing with his passes, especially from the high post. Combined with his ball handling, he plays a point center role similar to Nikola Jokic.

An excellent rebounder on both ends, he has led the league in rebounding in back-to-back seasons.

As a shooter, his strength is from mid-range. He can make shots from beyond the arc, but it's not his forte.

Although he's not as bad as he was when he played for the Pacers, he still struggles with staying out of foul trouble. 

He has been heavily criticized for his defense. I started to put an asterisk here because I know he's not a great defender, but the games I watched when he played for Indiana, he gave effort on that end, I didn't see a lot of players abusing him, so to speak.

He's inconsistent at the stripe. He goes on streaks where he'll make 10 in a row, then miss four out of his next five.

Domantas has become one of the best big men in the league. He can play the center and power forward positions, but I think he's better at the 5.

Case File No. 33: Jason Moore

Jason Moore (6). Photo Credit: Scott Taetsch/Washington Post.

Today, I dive into the file of 2023 Ohio State recruit, Jason Moore. He was a four-star recruit coming out of high school in 2023. He finished as a Top 100 player in the 247 Sports rankings, and the No. 2 player in the state of Maryland. He didn't play his Freshman year--my analysis will be based off his high school tape--but I'm sure he's looking to change that moving forward.

Position: Defensive End

HT: 6-6 WT: 305

College: Ohio State 

Class: Sophomore 

Credentials:

Top 100 player in 247 Sports rankings 

Rated 6th best defensive lineman (2023)

Ranked 2nd best player in Maryland (2023)

Strengths:

-Specializes in bull rushing

-Disruptive against the run

-Elite, non-stop motor

-Relentless effort, won't give up on plays

-Can line up on the inside or as an edge rusher

Weaknesses:

-Doesn't have an array of pass rush moves

-Needs to work on basic techniques

-Hand usage was adequate at times

 

-Sometimes struggles to shed blocks when the lineman gets in his pads

Final Analysis:

There were plays where he pushed the lineman back into the quarterback or running back. A non-stop motor and relentless effort, he won't give up on plays. Hustled to make tackles after the running backs reached the second level. Has the versatility to line up on the inside or as an edge rusher.

Needs to work on basic techniques and adding more pass rush moves. Hand usage was adequate at times, and he sometimes struggles to shed blocks when the lineman gets in his pads.

A very good player with a high ceiling. His lengthy frame reminds me of Julius Peppers. He can line up as a 4-3 end or as an edge rusher in the 3-4, but is better suited as an end. Doesn't have enough burst to consistently rush off the edge. Can be dominant with the right coaching.

Case File No. 32: Tua Tagovailoa

Tua Tagovailoa. Photo Credit: Associated Press.

Today, I open the case file of Tua Tagovailoa. He has had his share of accomplishments as well as criticism in his young career, but I think he's coming along and is gradually playing up to the fifth overall pick status.

Team: Miami Dolphins

Position: Quarterback

HT: 6-1  WT: 227

Credentials:

NFL passing yards leader (2023)

Pro Bowl (2023)

NFL passer rating leader (2022)

CFP champion (2017)

First-team All-SEC (2018)

Strengths:

-Accurate passer

-Great character

-Good pocket presence

-Accurate, very good timing and anticipation 

-Makes plays with his feet when he needs to

Weaknesses:

-Arm strength isn't ideal

-Injury prone

-Will telegraph his throws at times 

Final Analysis:

Tua is player with immense potential if he can stay healthy. Amidst the criticism and questions of his arm strength--I'll get to that in a little bit--there has been questions and criticism of his durability. To his credit, for the first time in his career since becoming the Dolphins starting quarterback, he played the entire season last year.

Where he lacks in arm strength, he more than makes for in timing, accuracy and anticipation. He's working with a staff that's able to maximize his strengths and circumvent his weaknesses as a passer, although I think the best way is to improve in that area, but there are ways around working with a quarterback who doesn't have a strong arm.

Working in an offense that plays to his strengths of timing can also be his weaknesses because he will telegraph his throws at times, which led to some of the interceptions he threw last season. The defense knew exactly where he was going with the ball before he threw it.

While he prefers to operate from the pocket, he can make plays with his feet if he needs to. Overall, I think Tua is good with the upside to get better. He hasn't arrived yet, but I think he's getting there. I think he's turning the corner.

Case File No. 31: Hannah Hidalgo

Hannah Hidalgo. Photo Credit: Andy Lyons/Getty Images.

Before I begin, I've decided to change the name of the blog from the S-Files to Eye for Talent. Along with the name change, I intend to recreate the background of the page in the future as well. I'll still view my reports as case files, but the blog page will be under a new name moving forward.

Today, I'll dive into the case file of Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo, who had a phenomenal Freshman season, to say the least, winning ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and helping guide her team to a Sweet 16 appearance.

Position: Point Guard

HT: 5-6

College: Notre Dame

Class: Freshman 

Credentials:

First-team All-ACC

ACC Defensive Player of the Year

ACC All-Defensive Team

ACC Rookie of the Year

ACC All-Freshman Team

Strengths:

-Lightning quick

-Excellent ball handler 

-Can make shots on all levels 

-Doesn't waste time or motion with her dribble

-Good court vision and timing on her passes

-Shadows players defensively 

-Very good at locating the ball

Weaknesses:

-Demure size can lead to being overwhelmed by bigger players 

-Her aggression can be used against her

Final Analysis:

As I mentioned in my Freshman Fe-nom post, I was impressed with what I saw. She’s lighting quick; can make shots on all levels: off the dribble, attacking the basket, using screens, and spotting up. She doesn’t waste a lot of time or motion, whether it’s getting the offense set up or getting her own shot, making her almost impossible to stop. 

Some compared her to Chris Paul, but (offensively) she reminds me of Tim Hardaway Sr. with the quickness and effortless way she moves handling the ball and getting into her shot.

She practically shadows players on defense and is attentive to where the ball is going, which enables her to get a jump on the ball in passing lanes.

Although she’s a feisty defender, at 5–6, she could get overwhelmed by players or they could simply shoot over the top of her. Her aggression on defense could also be used against her, which could lead to her getting into foul trouble or overplaying a passing lane.

I think Hannah is WNBA-ready, the only thing stopping her is the league’s age limit.