by Joey Davis
Photo courtesy of Pitt Athletics.
The University of Pittsburgh Panther basketball team is coming off one of their most successful seasons in years. Head Coach Jeff Capel’s team fell short of the sweet sixteen last season at the hands of local favorite and Pitt alum Sean Miller’s Xavier squad.
However, the 2023-24 team will look markedly different. New additions may make this team stronger overall, but many pundits have them slated for the bottom third of ACC rankings. Blake Hinson is one of the players Capel will rely on to be the leader on the court.
Here’s Draft 412’s analysis on the Panther small forward:
Name: Blake Hinson
Height: 6’ 7”
Weight: 230 lbs.
Position: Small Forward
Blake Hinson decided to test the NBA draft waters after completing an above average season last year. But during a round of meetings with multiple NBA General Managers, he decided that returning to Pitt for his final year was the best decision for his future.
Hinson can shoot from behind the arc with NBA proficiency but needs to improve other aspects of his game to move from a potential undrafted free agent to a likely second round pick. One of those aspects is his lack of quickness. He gets open and to the basket at the collegiate level but is a step slow for the next. Hinson is going to be asked to defend smaller, quicker players in the pros and will need to keep himself in front of them.
As a shooter, Hinson needs to get more from his jump shot too, converting on 42.8% of his shots last year. His free throw shooting is sure to be a point of emphasis for many pro scouts and if he wants to separate himself from other prospects in the draft, this may be the differentiator. His ability to shoot from behind the arc or from the post will keep him on the scouting radar, but being reliable at the line will help him raise his stock.
Strengths
- Accuracy
- Three-point shooting
- Point production from the post
Weaknesses
- Quickness
- Dependability at the free throw line
Final Analysis
Hinson has a quick release from the three-point line, and offensively, in the low post, he can score against bigger and smaller defenders with ease. The opportunity is there for Hinson to get drafted. Now it is up to him to ensure his name gets called on draft night.
Draft 412 Draft Prediction - Late second round or Undrafted Free Agent