Elijah Millsap

Strengths

Right-handed... The 6'6" combo forward has a nice inside-outside game which sparked UAB's run, which ended up just shy of the NCAA Tournament in his junior season... At 6'6", Millsap has terrific length and is a chiseled 210 pounds.. His offensive game is built around his slashing abilities and finishing at the rim. He uses his strength, length and agility to finish plays in the paint. He also uses those same attributes to post up opposing guards in the low post. From the perimeter, Millsap uses a low, timed dribble and a long first step to get by his defender and attack. His crossover and spin moves are well-developed and effective, creating separation and giving him the room he needs to operate. Because of the frequency at which is plays in the paint, he gets to the free-throw line at a high rate- more than 7 times per game... Millsap, despite standing at 6'6", is one of the best rebounders in the nation. His physical toughness, ability to compete and desire make him a sure bet to grab the rebound over other larger defenders. He uses his body very well to gain position... Although his percentages dictate the idea that he is a very poor shooter (26% 3-point shooter), Millsap has shown good form and a quick release either as a catch-and-shoot player or off of the dribble. His step-back jump shot keeps defenders off balance, because on quite a few times, he has pulled that move, having defenders leap in the air, at which point, he will lean in and end up at the foul line... Defensively, he possesses great tools to be a lockdown defender. He is aggressive, lengthy and has pretty good anticipation skills, which lead way to his high number of steals...

Weaknesses

Millsap's biggest strength, slashing to the basket, gives way to perhaps his biggest weakness- taking care of the basketball. His 3.5 turnovers per game is one of the highest rates in the nation. As aggressive as he plays, he can be out of control, charging into defenders or pushing off, both of which result in a high number of offensive fouls called against him... Millsap is a below-average perimeter shooter. He only converts about 25% of his shots from behind the arc. He really tends to struggle with a defender contesting his shot... Defensively, Millsap has great tools but spends time guarding other team's 4-man too often. He needs more experience guarding perimeter-oriented players.... Millsap will turn 23 years old this summer, making him 24 by the time the 2011 Draft comes around if he does not leave school early this year...