Lake Show Life
Fansided

Los Angeles Lakers hosting fourth six-prospect pre-draft workout

By Kenneth Teape

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 07: Shamorie Ponds #2 of the St. John's Red Storm takes a foul shot during the 1st round of the Big East Basketball Tournament against the Georgetown Hoyas at the Madison Square Garden on March 7, 2018 in New York City. The Red Storm won 88-77. Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 07: Shamorie Ponds #2 of the St. John's Red Storm takes a foul shot during the 1st round of the Big East Basketball Tournament against the Georgetown Hoyas at the Madison Square Garden on March 7, 2018 in New York City. The Red Storm won 88-77. Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 7
Next
Los Angeles Lakers hosting fourth six-prospect pre-draft workout
Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images /

St. John’s PG, Shamorie Ponds

The St. John’s basketball program has been slowing coming along under former superstar, Chris Mullin. Injuries derailed the team last season after a strong start. However, one player that Mullin was able to rely on was point guard Shamorie Ponds.

Ponds was a local product from Brooklyn that Mullin convinced to stay in New York. He and Marcus LoVett were expected to carry the team together from the backcourt, but LoVett suffered a season-ending injury. That resulted in a lot of the offensive load landing on Ponds shoulders, and he delivered.

Ponds averaged 21.6 points per game as a sophomore. Ponds was outstanding from 2-point range, making 50.9 percent of his shots from there last season. However, his 3-point shot abandoned him.

After knocking down 37.5 percent from beyond the arc as a freshman, that number plummeted to 25.3 percent. Had he made 37.5 percent from the 3-point line again, he would have averaged over 23 points per game.

Outside of his 3-point shooting, Ponds increased his production across the board everywhere else. His rebounding, assist and steal percentage all increased in his sophomore season from his freshman season.

Ponds was a driving force behind St. John’s upsetting Duke and Villanova this past season. If he were able to develop consistency on his 3-point shot, Ponds would almost be a lock to be drafted come June.

The pre-draft process will be important for Ponds. He was not invited to the NBA Draft Combine, so he will be looking to prove himself during team workouts such as the one he will be participating in with the Lakers.

Next: 50 Greatest Players In Lakers Franchise History

If he plays well enough, he is someone that could be on the Lakers radar with their second-round pick. His scoring prowess is something that could fit in well off the Lakers bench.

Home/Lakers Draft