European Prospects

Another French prospect who is a borderline NBA Draft 2014 candidate is Axel Toupane. The defensive guard from Strasbourg can have a future as role player on the highest level is he develops his weaknesses.

Profile

• Name: Axel Toupane (FRA)
• Date of birth: 23rd July 1992
• Current Team: SIG Strasbourg (FRA)
• Stats: 6.1ppg (59.0% 2FGs – 32.1% 3FGs), 2.5rpg, 1.0spg (ProA)

Body Measurements (from Adidas Eurocamp)

• Height with shoes: 1m99 – 6 feet 6.5 inch
• Wingspan: 2m09 – 6 feet 10.25 inch
• Reach: 2m32 – 8 feet 0.5 inch
• Weight: 89.5kg – 197 lbs

Athletic testing results (from Adidas Eurocamp)

• 3/4 Court Sprint: 3.217 seconds
• Lane Agility: 11.054 seconds
• Reaction shuttle: 2.858 seconds
• No step vertical: 89cm – 35 inch
• Approach vertical: 102cm – 40 inch

The French guard has made a name for himself by playing hard-nosed defense. With his excellent wingspan, he is a great on-ball defender who can put pressure full-court over stretches. He is very active in the passing lanes and can generate early offenses with his aggressiveness. Offensively, Toupane does a bit of everything but he needs to become more regular as a shooter. He can attack the basket but his jump shot is shaky despite a very high release point. In catch-and-shoot situations, he is more regular but he often loses his balance when going for the pull-up jumper out of the dribble. Toupane’s future could be in a 3&D role on the highest level if he can develop his shooting percentages to a different level as he has all the necessary physical tools to play in the NBA.

View from France (by Valentin le Clézio)

A late-bloomer, Toupane has played an important role for ProA’s second-best team the past two seasons. One of the best on-ball defenders in the French League, Toupane has seen his offensive responsibilities increased this season as he took almost twice as many shots as last season. His offensive game is still limited by his inablity to create his own shot but the slashing potential is real. If Toupane wants to find his niche at the NBA or highest European level, he will have to turn himself in a reliable shooter (35.4% this season from 3 point territory) so that his defensive prowess outweighs his lack of skill on the other end of the court.

Valentin le Clézio is a Scout writing for Eurohopes.com

NBA Draft 2014 Outlook

Workouts: none reported

Axel Toupane will most likely not get drafted this year as his offensive skill set remains too limited. As a pure defensive player, he could find his role in the NBA but he needs to offer a bit more than just a great wingspan and excellent lateral speed.