Michael Ajayi

Age: 21

Height: 6'7" Weight: 230 Position: SG/SF Wingspan: 7'0.75"

Strengths:

Defense/Rebounding:

Body/Athleticism:

Weaknesses:

Shooting:

NBA Comp./Projection:

  • Rebounding Versatility – Elite rebounder for his size, leveraging a 7-foot wingspan and quick second jump.

    • High-level understanding of positioning, frequently tipping out rebounds to teammates.

    • Creates second-chance opportunities with strong box-outs and relentless motor.

  • Capable Defender – Uses length to contest shots and disrupt passing lanes (0.9 SPG).

    • Effective weak-side shot blocker and solid help defender.

    • Physical and intense, overwhelms smaller forwards with strength.

  • Transition Mobility – Runs the floor well and thrives in fast-paced settings.

    • Finishes well in transition and capitalizes on putbacks and quick cuts.

    • Hustle and energy create mismatches in transition opportunities.

  • Strong 6’7”, 228-pound frame with a 7’0” wingspan.

  • Quick second jump makes him a high-level rebounder.

  • Capable of finishing through contact but lacks elite vertical explosiveness.

  • Solid physical presence but doesn’t have the burst to create separation off the dribble.

  • NBA-ready body but needs refinement in his offensive skill set to maximize his role.

  • Poor Shooting – Regressed from 47% 3PT (Pepperdine) to 23% 3PT (Gonzaga).

    • Slow mechanics make his shot easy to contest.

    • Struggles shooting off movement and lacks a consistent perimeter jumper.

  • Limited First Step – Lacks explosiveness when attacking off the dribble.

    • Relies on strength rather than quickness to create offense.

    • Struggles to separate from defenders, often settling for spin moves or contested midrange shots.

  • Post Defense Struggles – Can be overpowered by stronger post players despite length.

    • Bites on pump fakes and gets out of position against skilled low-post scorers.

    • Below-average lateral quickness makes it difficult to switch onto quicker guards and wings.

  • Finishing in Traffic – Struggles against length, forcing difficult shots.

    • Lacks finesse and touch around the rim, relying too much on power.

    • Shot selection is questionable (43% FG), needs to develop soft finishes like floaters.

  • Slow mechanics make his shot easier to contest.

  • More comfortable in catch-and-shoot situations but struggles shooting off movement.

  • Lack of perimeter consistency limits his ability to space the floor in half-court sets.

  • Needs to develop a quicker and smoother release to become a legitimate NBA shooting threat.

  • Limited First Step – Lacks explosiveness when attacking off the dribble.

    • Relies on strength rather than quickness to create offense.

    • Struggles to separate from defenders, often settling for spin moves or contested midrange shots.

  • Post Defense Struggles – Can be overpowered by stronger post players despite length.

    • Bites on pump fakes and gets out of position against skilled low-post scorers.

    • Below-average lateral quickness makes it difficult to switch onto quicker guards and wings.

  • Finishing in Traffic – Struggles against length, forcing difficult shots.

    • Lacks finesse and touch around the rim, relying too much on power.

    • Shot selection is questionable (43% FG), needs to develop soft finishes like floaters.

  • Potential two-way contract candidate.

  • Can contribute as a high-energy, rebounding forward off the bench.

  • Must improve shooting mechanics, defensive discipline, and ball-handling to stick in an NBA rotation.

  • Best-case scenario: Defensive-minded role player providing rebounding and versatility.

  • Floor: High-level G-League player who brings energy and hustle.