I have received emails from two individuals that are wondering what are some things they should look for when scouting basketball players, because they would like to do it for a career in the future. Scouting basketball players can be fun, but a challenging job sometimes. It can be difficult to try and analyze a player based on one game, because the player could have an off game or maybe they had a rare good game. A lot of times good scouts can make good judgment calls and get an idea if a player is the real deal or not, but the key is keeping a close watch for certain things that stand out. A lot of times I like to watch a player at least three times to get a feel for their game. Here are some steps I take when I scout players.
Step 1: I have a pen and notepad ready so I can take notes. An effective scout will not try to watch a player and remember all the things a player did in the game. Keeping track of key observations in a players game is the start of getting an accurate scouting report.
Step 2: All basketball players have pros and cons to their game. Look to see what stands out right away whether good or bad. I also try to take notice of a players feel for the game. Does the player adapt to the game quickly. Or does the player need time to get into to the flow of things. A lot of times you can tell by a players movement, decision making, and confidence level. Also a lot of times you can get an understanding of a players basketball IQ level by looking at those traits.
Step 3: I look at what a player does with the ball in their hands. Polished players can take you off the dribble, and can go to the basket with either hand, in any direction. Look to see if a player has any go to moves or even a combination of moves. These days a lot of young players can be limited and predictable, only good at using one hand and going in one direction. This especially a real key step when observing guards.
Step 4: I look to see where a player feels most comfortable on the floor. Some scouts call it a players hot spot, this where you take notice if a player likes to get the ball on the wing, at the top of the perimeter, or down low in the post. Some players like getting the ball in transition, other players like the offense to be set before getting the ball. Some players are very skilled and can play all-around in a set offense, in transition, inside-outside. This can be a very important step to scout, you don’t want a player that doesn’t fit your style of play.
Step 5: I look at a players shooting skills. Is a players shot consistent in one spot or multiple areas on the floor. Is a players shot effective even if they have awkward shooting mechanics. Is the players shot fixable if adjustments are needed, because some players are stuck in their habits. Is the players shot inconsistent or so bad that you feel they would be a risk to take.
Step 6: I look to see if a player involves his teammates. I’m more or a team guy, I think team ball is always the best way to go. So I look at if a player is willing to create shots for teammates and help put them in a position to get shots off. I look at the players who try to do everything by himself and not look for his teammates to help. Players like these can hurt the team no matter how talented they are. I look to see if a player is capable of being a go to player when needed, or is a player passive in situations when they shouldn’t be.
Step 7: I look at a players defensive abilities. Is a player good at getting steals, blocking shots, causing turnovers, etc. Are they a good man to man, team, or help defender. I look to see how serious a player likes playing defense, do they play it with a passion, or are they lazy and don’t put in full effort.
Step 8: I like to look at players that hustle, play with heart, and gives their best whether they’re the top player on the team or the 12th man. Energy players can be difference makers on the floor no matter what their skill level is. If they’re fighting for position to get rebounds, or loose balls and running around trying to get stops or create opportunities for the team. Players like that catch my eye.
Step 9: Some scouts like to do this towards the beginning, but I don’t think it matters that much as long as it gets done. This is where I look at players physical characteristics. Height, weight, strength, speed, quickness, body length, coordination, conditioning. Good players come in all shapes and sizes, it’s more of the skill level that counts. This may be more of an important step when scouting centers and power forwards, but again if a player has the smarts and the skills, they can be effective a lot of times despite limited physical characteristics.
Step 10: I look at a players attitude, on and off the floor. On the floor does the player argue with the ref or talk a lot of trash to players. Do they think the game revolves around them. Are they a leader on the floor. Do they have mental toughness, or can they be taken out of their game easily. On the bench do they interact well with teammates and coaches. Do they cheer and get excited for teammates who do well, or are they upset because they’re not playing. In the huddle during timeouts is their attention on what’s being said, or is their head wondering around the arena looking at the other things, because the play doesn’t involve them much.
Being a scout you must have very good awareness. It’s also very important that you know what you’re looking for. I like to try and watch players in person and on film, that way you’re getting the best of both worlds to get an accurate report. In person you can catch things that aren’t on film, and when you watch film you can pick up things that you may have overlooked in person. Scouting good basketball players can be a demanding job, but it definitely can be a fun one, with many rewards to it. I feel these are 10 important steps whether you’re a player wondering what a scout may be looking for when you play. Or whether you’re an aspiring scout wondering what you should be looking for when scouting players.
