Can't really judge how good he is. No real latest highlights of his potential and talent, but from what I see and hear, he's a true point guard like Calderon. Very good at running an offense. From some of the highlights from the Milwaukee Bucks NBA video page, he seems to prefer penetrating the paint to score rather than relying on his jumpshot. So it's unsure whether or not he has a consistent jumpshot or not. Here is the only recent video highlights I can find so far and it's not really even a highlight video...
Basketball skills aside, the guy seems as fun as a prison door. I love the moment where they ask him "how did you end up at Wichita State ?" and he replies "Funny story, I had several offers but I liked the place so I went there".
It's also interesting that they mention that its a Bucks workout. Was are soon to be assistant GM the source for this report?
Oh yeah here's a short scouting report about him back in 06' from draft express
U-18 European Championship Prospects: Point Guards
September 11, 2006
One of the very few happy stories in the disappointing Israeli team, Mekel emerged as the team co-leader alongside Omri Casspi. We’re basically talking about a scoring point guard here, even if the limited talent of his squad probably forced him to assume a bigger chunk of the offensive load than he would had enjoyed in other circumstances.
Mekel is gifted with a pretty nice physical profile. He has terrific size for his position, and already shows good strength in a well-built body. In terms of athleticism, he comfortably fills the bill, although he falls short any kind of outstanding category.
Where Mekel feels more comfortable is driving to the basket, whether to finish near the rim or to release a mid-range jumper off the dribble. That’s pretty much a pattern in his game. He enjoys good ball-handling skills, a nice first step, footwork and the strength to easily operate in these youth stages. His shooting mechanics look fluid and natural from the mid-range area, but tend to become a bit awkward as he gets further from the basket. His three-point shooting apparently lacks solid mechanics, as he sometimes relies too much on the impulse of his right arm.
He doesn’t really stand out as a game distributor. You can see him delivering good passes, especially off the drive, but it’s not a consistent effort. Besides, he sometimes comes up with streaky decision making, particularly forcing his shot selection. All in all, Mekel hasn’t been able to completely make up for the lack of smarts that the Israeli backcourt showed in the tournament.
Mekel is a player to keep under the radar. He has a nice combination of physical tools and skills that, properly developed, might result into something interesting.
My question is, what type of visa issues did he have? Is it the type that would make it possible to play i the league but not cross borders, or just couldn't get a visa for a non-guaranteed contract?
His review suggests that as an older player (25) he isnt particularly good at any one thing (especially ball distribution). What is his upside at this age? My own preference is to go for the young pass-first pg who has good shooting mechanics which can be developed and is active on defense. I am hoping our new scouts and Ujiri can unearth a nugget in the second round if we get a pick or two.
His review suggests that as an older player (25) he isnt particularly good at any one thing (especially ball distribution). What is his upside at this age? My own preference is to go for the young pass-first pg who has good shooting mechanics which can be developed and is active on defense. I am hoping our new scouts and Ujiri can unearth a nugget in the second round if we get a pick or two.
Basketball skills aside, the guy seems as fun as a prison door. I love the moment where they ask him "how did you end up at Wichita State ?" and he replies "Funny story, I had several offers but I liked the place so I went there".
I still think, if Toronto is trying to get into the second round, Kabongo is my target, considering it's the Raps' thinnest position. I like Siva also. Schroeder is an interesting guy too.
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