2013 NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Arsalan Kazemi, Power Forward, Oregon


Cary Edmondson-USA Today Sports

Name: Arsalan Kazemi

Age: 23

Height: 6-foot-8

Position: Power Forward

School/Country: Oregon

Latest Stats: 9.4 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 2.0 spg, 1.4 apg

 

Arasalan Kazemi began his career at Rice prior to the start of the 2009-10 season, but he concluded things at Oregon this past season. Kazemi, who is an original native of Iran, has been a double-double machine ever since arriving at the collegiate level. Even after making the switch to a higher level of play, Kazemi kept that prototypical style in place, averaging 9.4 point and 10.0 rebounds per game in 2012-13.

Kazemi is a hard worker and he has continuously ranked amongst the best rounders in college basketball. He is strong and can take contact and get to the free throw and although he’s not much of a shot blocker, he’s solid on the post defensively. Kazemi is a bit undersized for the NBA at 6-foot-8 and he could struggle against larger, more athletic big men. Kazemi does not have the greatest of draft potential at the age of 23, and at this point he’s not expected to hear his name called on draft night.

 

Strengths: Kazemi works hard and rebounding is by far his best attribute. He’s shown an improving offense game, but his numbers have continuously dipped since he averaged 15.2 points and 11.0 rebounds per game as a sophomore.

 

Weaknesses: Kazemi needs to refine his offensive skills more. He doesn’t have much talent away from the basket and that’s not good considering his height for the power forward position. Kazemi does not have the greatest quickness or athleticism, so it’s tough to tell just how well his game would translate to the NBA level.

 

Draft Projection: Undrafted

 

Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS

 


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