Paul Halfacre-USA Today Sports
Name: Gregory Echenique
Age: 22
Height: 6-foot-9
Position: Center
School/Country: Creighton
Latest Stats: 9.7 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.7 bpg
Within the Creighton Bluejays‘ front court, 6-foot-9 big man Gregory Echenique earned himself a valuable reputation. He was the anchor inside for a Bluejays squad that has been amongst the top non-power six programs in the country over the past couple of years. Echenique began his playing career at Rutgers, but it was at Creighton where he became more recognizable — this despite averaging a career-high 12.6 points per game for the Scarlet Knights back in 2009-10.
At 6-foot-9, Echenique is very much undersized for the center position. He would struggle mightily against taller, more athletic big men. At this point, Echenique is not a likely draft selection and if a professional career is on his horizon, it’s probably overseas.
Strengths: Echenique is a big body at 6-foot-9, 270 lbs. He’s tough to defend inside because of that size and he has a solid offensive game around the rim. He has proven in the past, the ability to score the basketball around the rim and when he’s on, he can be a viable double-double threat.
Weaknesses: Echenique lacks overall quickness and athleticism and at 6-foot-9, he is undersized for the center position. He will struggle against taller, more athletic big men who will have the capability of either shooting over him or simply beating him down the floor. The NBA game features a much more up-tempo style, so Echenique’s game won’t translate well to the next level.
Draft Projection: Undrafted
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