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