Dillon Brooks

Oregon small forward Dillon Brooks works out and is interviewed in New York. Video produced by Corey Porter.

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Scouting Report and Video Analysis by Julian Applebome

The Oregon Ducks had their best season in decades, led by a highly successful individual campaign for Junior Dillon Brooks, who shined with his late game heroics en route to earning Pac 12 Player of the year honors. The Mississauga, Ontario native, who played high school basketball at Findlay Prep, was a matchup problem on the offensive end of the floor all season long, punishing teams with his strength, skill, IQ and versatility. He finished second in the Pac-12 in scoring at 25.1 points per 40 minutes, trailing only likely #1 overall pick Markelle Fultz. Brooks is a fiery competitor who at times allowed his emotions to get the best of him, but if he can learn to control his ultra-competitive nature, it will be a significant asset for him at the NBA level.

Measured at 6'6 in shoes and 220 pounds, Brooks has a very strong and physically mature frame that predicates a lot of what he does on the offensive end of the floor. While he has the strength to play both forward spots, he has just an average wingspan (6'6) which effects the impact he can have as a defender and finisher at the rim. He is a good, but not great athlete, generally relying on physical straight line drives getting downhill. He can be a powerful above the rim finisher with momentum going to his right, but for the most part lacks elite finishing ability in a crowd, partially due to his lack of length.

Despite Brooks' just average physical tools, he proved to be a highly skilled, aggressive and versatile scorer at the college level regardless, showing the ability to score prolifically both inside and out. Where he thrived most was attacking the basket out of isolation situations, using his first step and strength to get to the rim on straight line drives. He ranked in the 91st percentile in isolation offense via Synergy, bullying his way to the rim vs smaller wings or using his mobility against slower bigs on the perimeter. There are question marks about how that aspect of his game will translate to the NBA level versus elite athletes on the wing, as he lacks a degree of burst and is just an average ball handler who struggles to create with change of direction or speed. While at Oregon, he drifted towards being a ball-dominant isolation player who held the ball for long periods of time before making an aggressive move towards the basket. At the NBA level he will likely not be given as much freedom and will need to adapt to playing a more compact and efficient role.

A big part of Brooks' offense came around the rim, but he was also a reliable option creating scoring opportunities out of the mid-post. His size, strength, and touch allow him to create clean mid-range looks with his back to the basket. He won't necessarily get the mismatches in the NBA that he had in the post at the college level, but he has the skill set to score over smaller defenders from mid post areas.

For Brooks' game to translate well at the NBA level it will be essential that he continues to build on his already improved perimeter shooting. He fits best playing as a combo forward, and he'll have to be able to space the floor consistently if he wants to find time at that position. He shot a career best 40% from deep this past season on 4.1 attempts per game, up significantly from the 34% he shot as a sophomore, after barely shooting 3s at all as a freshman. He is not yet a knockdown threat, but has shown some dynamic shooting potential, looking comfortable on the catch, on the move, and off the dribble. His shooting hand rests somewhat on the top of the ball, but he has shown a compact release, with a clean follow through that should be able to translate to the NBA 3-point line.

Brooks' improved perimeter shooting skills opens various other offensive options for him. He can impact the game when he is attacking the rim hard off closeouts, stepping in for dribble jumpers, or showing his improved vision out of drive and kick situations. His shot selection was questionable at times at the college level, and he'll need to be more efficient at the NBA level serving more as a catch and shoot threat rather than a primary shot creator.

Brooks almost always found ways to impact the game offensively for Oregon, but the same could not always be said for his defensive consistency. The Ducks played a fair amount of press and zone defense that somewhat covered up Brooks' deficiencies on the defensive end, but there are definitely questions about his ability to defend NBA wings and power forwards. He is a competitive on ball defender when engaged who can use his strength to body up and contain on the perimeter, but he lacks elite length or lateral quickness, which limit his defensive potential. He is often a bit hunched playing off the ball, and can be a step late on defensive rotations. At his size and position it is tough to say who he can consistently defend at the NBA level as he doesn't have the athleticism to contain NBA wings or the size to deal with power forwards. He will have to rely on his strength, toughness, and an improved motor and focus to impact the game as a defender.

Brooks also struggled as a defensive rebounder, posting just 5.1 rebounds per 40 minutes during his Junior year. That number is on the low side for a guy who spent a fair amount of time playing the power forward position. He is not a quick jumper nor does he have the size or length to rely on his physical tools to rebound, so he will have to show an improved motor on the glass if he wants to impact the game as rebounder at the next level.

Dillon Brooks had an excellent junior year and was a huge part of an Oregon team that was just seconds away from reaching the National Championship game. Brooks starred as a versatile offensive threat for the Ducks, and made some improvements to his game that certainly increased his draft stock. If he can continue to hit outside shots, improve his defensive motor, and impact the game with his fiery competitive nature, he has the chance to carve out a role in the NBA.

Julian Applebome analyzes Oregon Junior Dillon Brooks, and the impact he has had as a combo forward for one of the top teams in the NCAA.



Currently posting per-40 averages of 25.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 2.7 made 3-pointers per game (42.7 3P%), Brooks is having an All-American caliber year in his third season under Dana Altman.

The Mississauga native has become one of the most difficult covers in college basketball. At 6'7” and 215 pounds, Brooks has the size and strength to play both forward positions at the college level, and has caused problems for opposing defenses all season. He is shooting a career best 42.7% from deep on nearly 4 attempts per game. His improved shooting (up from 33.8% last year) has opened up other offensive options for him, and he has shown promise as a powerful straight line driver and high post option. His per-40 assist average of 4.9 is a career high as well, and he has shown an improved feel as a playmaking option.

While Brooks has been a dynamic offensive option throughout the season and has hit big time shots in clutch situations, there are still questions surrounding his transition to the NBA game. At 6'7”, he has just decent size for a combo forward type, and lacks the plus length or outstanding athletic ability to make up for it. He is a powerful athlete when he has space and momentum to load up, but can be somewhat heavy footed in a crowd or laterally.

Given his strength and skill set he is a major mismatch at the college level, but will have to improve his overall consistency on the defensive end, as well as his decision making, shot-selection and at times questionable demeanor around teammates.

Despite some of his potential shortcomings, Brooks has proven to be one of the fieriest competitors in college basketball, and has been an ultra-important piece all season long for a team with national championship aspirations.

Julian Applebome is a video analyst for DraftExpress. Follow him on twitter and check out the DraftExpress Video section. He will be breaking down the NBA draft in digital format all year long for us.

Matt Williams

Held out of action much of this summer after undergoing foot surgery in July, and expected to miss at least the start of the season, Dillon Brooks' junior year will be a trying one as he attempts to jump back into the mix for the Ducks mid-season. Coming off an impressive sophomore year that saw him guide Oregon to the Elite Eight and earn a spot on the Pac-12 All-Conference first team, averaging 16.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, Brooks figured to be one of the most productive, versatile players on the west coast. After flirting with the NBA Draft last spring, it will be interesting to see what kind of strides the talented Canadian can make over an abridged 2016-2017 campaign.



Standing 6'7 with a poor wingspan, but a strong frame, Brooks has some limitations physically that are preventing him from being considered a more highly touted NBA prospect, especially considering how good of a basketball player he is. He's a good, but not great athlete compared to the freakish physical specimens that tends to roam the wings in the NBA, and lacks great size for the power forward spot, which is the position he plays most frequently for the Ducks.

Besides his lackluster physical tools, there is a lot to like about what Brooks brings to the table, particularly on the offensive end, where his aggressiveness and versatility really shined in Dana Altman's system. A capable set shooter who can also push the ball in transition, find the open man, and create a bit one-on-one from the post and perimeter, Brooks can impact the game in a variety of ways offensively. Leading the Ducks in points and assists last year, it will be interesting to see how the team fares in his absence as the confident forward carried the shot-creating load for key stretches last season.

Considering his athletic limitations, Brooks' jump-shot will likely play a key role in any success he's able to find at the NBA level. Shooting the ball with fairly reliable mechanics that he opts to short-arm at times, Brooks doesn't have the smoothest release as he guides the ball a bit. However, he's never short on confidence, making timely shots both off the catch and off the dribble last season. A 34% shooter from beyond the arc, he has room to improve his consistency, but his 43% shooting on unguarded catch and shoot jump shots and 41% shooting on pull-ups in the half court a year ago leave room for optimism. The challenge for Brooks has been his bold shot selection and the streaky results they've produced in NCAA and FIBA play. Forcing up some questionable, off-balance shots, particularly from the mid-range, his aggressiveness sometimes plays against him.

When Brooks' shot is falling, he can be a dangerous scorer at the college level, and though he can be a bit quiet in the scoring column when it is not, he flashes the ability to score in other ways too. Very comfortable putting the ball on the floor and attacking off the bounce, Brooks uses his excellent timing to his advantage against slower fours getting to the rim with convincing shot fakes, crafty changes of speed and direction, and a real knack for attacking closeouts.

Possessing impressive instincts as a slasher, Brooks isn't a very explosive leaper, but can play above the rim when he has space to gather, and shot a strong 60% around the rim in the half court last season according to Synergy Sports Technology thanks to his combination of strength and creativity. That same assertiveness and touch translates nicely to isolation situations in the post and away from the rim at times. He's also adept and drawing contact and can score in bunches shooting strong percentage from the line.

Brooks is a bit of a mixed bag as a passer. His ability to create for others from the forward spot is certainly of value to the Ducks who really spaced the floor well last year, but much like his approach to scoring the ball, he can try to do a bit too much at times. Posting an even assist-to-turnover ratio in the half court last season, he tends to be wild, expose the ball when he penetrates, and drive into brick walls at times. Despite those shortcomings, he can be one of the most productive offensive players in the country when he's rolling thanks to his scoring instincts and knack for getting others involved.

Though the 20-year-old forward has some things to smooth out on the offensive end, he has far more maturing to do defensively. His lateral quickness has improved a bit, but still isn't great. It doesn't help matters that he doesn't play with the greatest sense of urgency and gets lost off the ball at times. Playing in a zone-heavy system, Brooks' deficiencies are masked at times. Even so, it is difficult to see him being much more than an average defender at the next level considering his poor physical tools, particularly his short wingspan, but he could help his cause in the eyes of scouts if he maximized his frame and took a little more pride on that end of the floor.

One of the most versatile players in college basketball, Dillon Brooks is a fiery competitor who ticks a number of boxes as a role-player for the next level. If he can become a little more efficient offensively and use his competitiveness and basketball IQ more effectively on the defensive end, he certainly could hear his name called on draft night in 2017 or 2018.

Oregon will need another big outing from sophomore Dillon Brooks, who carried them in key moments in the Round of 32 against St. Joe's when their offense broke down. The Canadian small forward and Pac-12 leading scorer is one of the most versatile offensive players in the country, capable of making 3-pointers, scoring with his back to the basket, and creating his own shot from the perimeter. His short wingspan and average athleticism will likely always render him a second round prospect, but he has a lot to gain with a strong outing on this platform. He's rumored to be heavily leaning towards entering this year's draft.

An interview with Canadian wing Dillon Brooks at the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championship in Crete.

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Jonathan Givony

Strengths:
-Good size for a small forward. Strong frame
-Extremely aggressive offensive player. Led the tournament in usage rate
-Has excellent scoring instincts. Averaged 30 points per-40 minutes pace adjusted at the U19s. Last summer averaged 40 points per-40.
-Can score in a variety of ways. Pushes the ball in transition. Can post up
-Can create his own shot. Plays some pick and roll as the ball-handler from the power forward position, which is very difficult for opposing teams to defend. Can score in isolation situations
-Gets to the free throw line at a tremendous rate (over 11 per-40 at U19s)
-Capable shooter, both with feet set and off the dribble. Hit 35% of 3-pointers as a college freshman. 82% of his free throw attempts
-Hits off the dribble 3-pointers
-Strong rebounder. Averaged just under 10 rebounds per-40. Allows him to see some minutes at the power forward spot without hurting his team on the glass

Weaknesses:
-Good not great athlete
-Somewhat stuck between the small forward and power forward positions, particularly defensively
-Streak shooter. Hit just 21% of his 3-pointers at the U19s in Crete on a decent number of attempts. Shot-selection is often the culprit, but tends to elevate too high on his pull-ups at times, giving him a varying release point.
-Average finisher around the basket. Lack of length and average explosiveness make it difficult for him to convert in traffic, especially with his often extremely aggressive shot-selection
-Decision making is poor. Tends to force the issue. Calls his own number too often. Passes up wide open shooters to settle for tough shots instead.
-Averaged an outrageous 8.5 turnovers per-40 minutes (5.1 last summer). Really hurt his team
-Indifferent defender. Doesn't get into a real stance. Lacks length and lateral quickness, which combined with his average fundamentals make him very ineffective here. Can get some stops when he locks in.

Outlook: Tremendously aggressive scorer who was somewhat of a one-man show at times for Canada. Relishes the opportunity to be a go-to guy, sometimes at the expense of his team's ball-movement. Very gifted offensive player who was very effective as a freshman in the Pac-12 in a more moderated role. Will be very interesting to see how he performs in an expanded role as a sophomore at Oregon now that Joseph Young is off to the NBA. Has obvious talent, but needs to improve his role-player potential to find a niche in the NBA, including becoming a more consistent outside shooter, and defending the perimeter.