NBA: The Strengths and Weaknesses of prospect Rui Hachimura

Strengths

Maui Invitational - Duke v Gonzaga

Rui Hachimura has good size at 6’8 and 230 pounds for the NBA. He runs the floor well often finishing plays in transition and on the fast break. Hachimura does have a knack for making game-winning plays.

In a winning effort against Duke University, earlier this Hachimura partially blocked R.J. Barrett’s game-tying shot attempt and then was able to secure the rebound after Duke had a second chance shot in the 89-87 victory.

On December 5th, 2018 Hachimura won a contest against Washington University with .6 seconds on the clock in a game tied at 79-79. His turn around jumper over 6’11 Sam Timmins of Washington was the game winner.

Hachimura has the size and strength to post up his defender and he has a good low post offensive game. Hachimura almost never forces his offense. He also makes very good passes in the half court sets leading to easy shots for teammates.

Defensively, Hachimura does not leave his feet prematurely which keeps him out of foul trouble. He only averages 2.4 fouls per game. He is a decent rebounder averaging 6.7 per game this season.

What is also remarkable about Rui Hachimura is against the highly ranked Duke Blue Devils he scored 20 points shooting 50%. In a loss to the University of North Carolina Hachimura scored 17 points even though he shot just 35.7%.

Duke and UNC have potential lottery pick prospects for the 2019 NBA Draft and Hachimura was not overpowered. This poise may be a result of the fact that he is a third-year player and has experience. He has improved his scoring almost double from last season at 21.7 from 11.6 last season.