2015 forward Raymond Spalding of the Travelers Basketball Club (Kentucky) is a prospect with tremendous upside. Indiana University is among the programs chasing Spalding. We caught up with Spalding in Dallas at the Nike EYBL. Here's more...
Raymond Spalding has a great body frame that will allow him to add muscle over the next few years while keeping his athleticism. He is currently 6-foot-9 and 205 pounds. He is a fluid athlete that moves well enough to play on the perimeter at both ends of the court. Spalding's second jump for rebounds is fanastic. The overall physical tools are there for him to be a high-major, impact player.
Spalding's length and quick leaping ability makes him a good helpside shot blocker. He showed the ability to anticipate plays on the defensive end in Dallas. He has solid hands as well. It is questionable about how much he likes physicality right now. That is one area that he will have to improve for the next level.
Offensively, Spalding definitely thrives around the basket despite being able to face the basket on the perimeter. He converts very efficiently in the lane. He runs the floor well which allows him to get some transition baskets as well. That helped him shoot 60% from the field over four games in Dallas against tough competition.
On the perimeter, Spalding has the athleticism to play the wing right now. He didn't look to shoot from the outside while I was watching him. Spalding only shot 5 of 13 from the free throw line, so there is room for improvement in his shot. He is also comfortable putting the ball on the floor for a couple of dribbles. He doesn't look to attack the basket off the dribble very much. If Spalding adds that to his game, he will be very tough on the offensive end.
Raymond Spalding reported scholarship offers from Indiana, Xavier, Clemson and Vanderbilt when I spoke to him in Dallas. He mentioned that he also talks to Louisville often but he does not have an offer from them yet. Spalding said that he is planning unofficial visits to Indiana and Vanderbilt soon but he did not have any dates set yet.
Raymond Spalding is a good player right now. With his size, athleticism and base of skills, he has a chance to be a great player down the road. There is work to be done but his ceiling is extremely high compared to his current skill and production level. Many college coaches will be tracking his development as a player this summer.
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