Skander Yalaoui
Shooting Guard
Offensive Game:
Skander is primarily a scorer. He's
quick and agile, with a strong drive that can withstand
contact better than you'd think given his frame. He
has a strong dribble, can shoot the lay-up with either hand
(preferring his right), and can be a creative passer when he
chooses to be. He has a good outside shot with deep
3-point range. He plays a slashing game, can shoot on
the move, and will shoot over a defender.
He can shift over to point, but often plays point as if he's a 2-guard. His passing,
although improving and at times flashy, could use some
precision. He's more likely to take the pressured shot
rather than dish out of trouble, but has his targets that he
specifically looks for more often.
He loves to take the shot to win the game
immediately.
Defensive Game:
Skander's long, lanky frame makes him an
interesting defender. Despite his quickness, he's not
particularly adept at stealing the dribble. Despite
his light frame, he can bump and bruise with the best of
them. He's a solid rebounder, using his speed to get
around block-outs, although you can catch him jumping over
backs on occasion. He's got a good jump and good
timing, so he plays primarily as a shot-blocker. He'll
purposely not pressure a player, allowing them to do
anything EXCEPT shoot, and teammates need to be aware of
this.
The Mental Game:
Skander is the epitome of a top-notch
player; he loves to take the big shot, wants the ball
with the game on the line, wants to cover a top-notch
player. He is extremely focused on the win, and
exceptionally dangerous in the clutch. However, in
this regard, he can be abrasive to teammates and selfish
with the ball. In addition, the closer and more
tightly contested the game, the more likely he is to call
minor contact, argue with opponents, and just generally act
spoiled. His focus will be on winning the game, and he
will generally be unaware of his behavior at such times.
When he's not given what he wants - the
match-up, the shot, etc. - the abrasiveness will get ramped
up, and if it continues, he will shut down.
At his best:
...let him shoulder the scoring load, and
he'll carry you to a win.
At his worst:
...his incessant whining and self-absorbed
play upset teammates and opponents alike.
Strategy for playing with him:
Skander is an offensive threat. Use
him as such. Push the tempo, let him run, and
especially around the top, screen for him. Feed him
when he posts smaller guards. Use your offensive game
to leverage his offensive game.
Defensively, collectively focus on
ball-denial, because Skander won't pressure the pass from
his man.
Strategy for playing against him:
Skander doesn't have many exploitable
weaknesses. What you try to do is take him out of his
mental game, and see if you can turn him into poison that
his teammates have to swallow. Make him take the shot
while teammates are open. Bump him with little fouls
instead of big vicious hits. If he gets abrasive
enough for his teammates to look him off, they will take him
out of the game, and if that happens, you might get him to
write the game off.
Send help defenders from the blind side,
and try to force him to pass. Turn him into a point
guard, but deny the outside shot. It's important that
you team-defend against Skander rather than try to take him
on alone.
Comparable Pro: Kevin Martin
Last updated: June 17, 2008
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