Scouting Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
In the latest edition of 'P.I. Pulse,' Pro Insight's Aneesh Namburi conducts a deep dive analysis on Villanova's sophomore standout, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl:
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl was a decorated athlete even before arriving on Villanova's campus. He has only continued to produce and win games for the Wildcats after success at IMG Academy and with USA basketball. “JRE” is a supremely intelligent player who can quarterback a defense, hit jumpers, score off cuts and post ups, and move the ball within the offense. Below is an in-depth scouting report that covers every aspect of his game and how it translates to the NBA, where his strengths lie in addition to potential areas of improvement.
Measurables
Date of Birth 11/3/2000
Height 6'9"
Weight 230 lbs.
Wingspan 6'9"
Injury History
N/A
Potential Roles/Outcomes
High: Low-level starter/top of rotation big. Gains enough downhill juice to make plays from the short roll and hit cutters from high post extended. Spacer as a PnR screener, able to knock down shots effectively from both mid-range and 3 (specifically above the break). Able to finish around the hoop due to finesse and technique, but upside limited due to length + vertical. Positive team defender who brings up overall scheme. Opportunistic playmaker. Improves lateral mobility to hold against starting-level big wings/4s. Defends at/above the level of screen in PnR. Switchable across the board, but will need some backline help.
Median: Rotation spacing big. Primarily a ball mover within offense. Can make occasional plays off the short roll. Spacer as a PnR screener, able to knock down shots effectively from both mid-range and 3 (specifically above the break). Able to finish around the hoop due to finesse and technique, but upside limited due to length + vertical. Positive team defender who brings up overall defensive scheme, opportunistic playmaker. Plus-defender against non-guard backups. Defends at/above the level of screen in PnR. Possesses the ability to switch one position up or down.
Low: Spot rotation 4-man. Spacer as a PnR screener, more effective in mid-range but low volume efficiency from 3. Cannot make any plays off the dribble due to lack of burst, more of a ball mover. Struggles finishing around of hoop due to lack of length + vertical. Positive team defender who brings up overall defensive scheme, but not a real disruptor. Solid against back up 4’s, underwhelming tools limit him to defending singular position.
Frame/Athleticism
JRE is a subpar athlete by NBA standards, but possesses some redeeming qualities that should be able to keep him on the floor. He is a elite from a strength perspective, and is able to maintain his ground defending post ups. JRE also moves with fluidity across the court, with decent short area quickness and flashes (but inconsistent - stance is almost too wide + low) to slide laterally well against non-bigs. But after that, there aren't a ton of positives. He isn’t a quick-twitch athlete, which forces him to rely on his instincts and timing (which thankfully, are very good). JRE has no almost no vertical explosion, which in combination with his poor wingspan, limits his ability as a primary rim protector.
Reported even wingspan + poor vertical, not much vertical explosion and does not get off ground quickly
Relies on technical ability finishing at the hoop and timing to contest interior shots defensively (in combination with initial bullet point, takes him out of drop coverage)
High-level positional strength + stout base; very difficult to move in the post
Excellent short area quickness; flashes of moving well laterally but negative plays look really bad; potential issue could be his defensive stance while sliding, almost too wide + low which could slow him down
Hip turns are fluid, but not quick; not a fast-twitch athlete
Offense
JRE will likely provide baseline offensive value from the jump as a floor spacer and ball mover, with the ability to add more to his game dependent on athletic improvements. JRE is an excellent screener in the pick and roll, with the ability to pop out and hit shots from the mid-range, and most likely from deep. Due to his lack of burst and a rarely seen handle, it is unlikely he will develop into a self-creator, specifically getting to the hoop. Primarily a ball mover within the offense, JRE will help keep the offense humming. There is hope that he can eventually work as a short roll playmaker, but that is dependent on receiving defensive attention on the move. He is also a very opportunistic scorer, able to establish positioning near the hoop and create space for lay ups, as well as find open seams and finish on cuts.
Finishing
64/103 within restricted area this season
Excellent touch around the hoop; strength allows him to finish through contact