Oton Jankovic, 6-10, SF/PF, Croatia, 2000
Strengths
-Excellent physical profile for 16-year-old combo forward at 6' 10 with an excellent frame that is mature, yet still has room to grow
-Super fluid athlete who is very quick off of his feet. Doesn't need much time and space to play above the rim.
-Doesn't need plays ran for him to have an impact offensively. Loves to crash the offensive glass 4.5 O-Boards per 40. Moves really well off the ball. Puts himself in position to have an impact.
-Best as a straight-line slasher. Good timing attacking closeouts. Gets low to the ground. Can put it down going right or left.
-Solid finisher around the rim thanks to his ability to handle contact and rise up in traffic. Can punish smaller wings on the block. Has a right-handed jump hook in his arsenal.
-Although not overly long he has the tools to defend multiple positions. Can sit down on the perimeter or use his frame well enough on the interior to get by. Good instincts in the passing lanes. Light on his feet. Likes to rebound.
-Can be a bit turnover prone but seems to have a pretty good feel for his strengths and weaknesses. Plays within the flow of the offense.
-Very professional in his approach. Plays with toughness.
Weaknesses
-Doesn't have great length with a 6-10 wingspan
-Really struggles to make shots with consistency 1-of-21 on jumpers at the U16s. Hasn't made any strides since we last saw him at the Jordan Brand Classic. Stiff, mechanical stroke without much fluidity throughout his body. Has a long ways to go with his feet set. Not a threat to make shots off the dribble. Really lacks confidence in his jumper.
-Limited to mostly straight line drives. Doesn't change speeds or directions. Without a jumper or ball skills, how will he score consistently against better competition?
-Has some feel but isn't all that talented as a passer. Will barrel into help side defenders at times. 5.1 turnovers per 40 minutes.
-Checks a lot of boxes but isn't exactly great in one area.
Outlook
Jankovic, who's currently in the Cibona Zagreb youth system, certainly has some flaws but there's a lot to like about his blend of physical tools, toughness, and versatility on both ends. He can play either forward spot on both ends and is a jump shot away from being considered a very intriguing NBA prospect. At the very least, the Croatian 16-year-old forward has excellent role player potential and is most definitely a name worth tracking as his skill level develops, wherever that may be.
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