Outside the Draft Box: Nik Stauskas

Mar 28, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Nik Stauskas (11) controls the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers in the first half in the semifinals of the midwest regional of the 2014 NCAA Mens Basketball Championship tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Nik Stauskas is a shooting guard out of the University of Michigan.  After a limited role during his freshman year, he spent a summer working on his core strength, and his game changed two-fold.  Primarily known as a shooter during his freshman year, he took on more responsibilities as a sophomore.  With the absence of Trey Burke, the team relied on Stauskas to become more of a playmaker and scorer, and he came through.

Stauskas brings one definitive NBA-level skill; perimeter shooting.  According to DraftExpress, in catch-and-shoot situations, he averages 1.51 points per possession. That result is simply phenomenal.  It is a reflection of his shooting accuracy, as well as his 3-point shooting prowess.  He brings dead-eye shooting with a quick release, shooting 44% behind the arc. Considering how much he practices on his shooting, it’s not a surprise.

Stauskas was able to step out of his role as a shooter and become a very solid playmaker.  His assist-to-turnover ratio is 2:1, well above average for a shooting guard.  More importantly, he took a lead role in handling pick-and-roll situations.  Not only is he a great shooter off-the-dribble behind the screen, but he shows unselfishness and court-vision hitting the roll-man for a better percentage shot.  He doesn’t take high risk passes, and that is a key trait to his character as a player.  He plays well within himself, and only brings his best talents of perimeter shooting and court-vision on the floor.