DraftExpress: Sergey Karasev
Vitals: SF, 19 years-old, Triumph Moscow, 6’7″.
Stats: 16.1 PPG, .442 FG%, .826% FT%, 3.0 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 1.4 TO, 32.2 MPG.
Karasev is one of the youngest players entering the 2013 Draft, but that hasn’t stopped experts from declaring him the most mature and seasoned prospect available. Currently, he ranks as the #1 International Prospect and the 3rd best SF in the entire draft according to DraftExpress– and the complementary words don’t stop there:
An extremely savvy passer, Karasev is unselfish and possesses excellent court vision. Forcing very little this week, he was content to take a complimentary role, but still managed to impress with his feel for the game and decision-making.
Karasev did most of his damage offensively in catch and shoot situations, taking advantage on the occasions when he found himself open. Shooting the ball with great range and effortless mechanics with his feet set, Karasev impressed scouts with his prolific perimeter shooting both in drills and game action to the point that it was surprising to see him miss at times.
Karasev, also the PBL’s leading scorer and member of Russia’s Olympic team, seems to be ready to take on any role given him next season and his confidence and willingness to share the ball should have many teams interested in selecting him. Draft Express believes that defense is his largest issue so far, but Karasev is only 19 years-old and his 6’9 wingspan allows him to keep up; most notably “even matching up with Andrew Wiggins on a daily basis.”
It remains to be seen if Karasev would come overseas to play in the NBA immediately, but he’s been quoted saying: “I don’t want to lose another year.” In addition, his Russian Olympic coach believes that Karasev has all the right tools to become a very good player. After selecting Karasev for the Russian team at 18 years old, he said:
“He speaks English. He’s an outstanding worker and is highly intelligent. He’s a special talent. A three position player. He has a great feel. Very creative. He can shoot and score. He plays with no fear. He doesn’t look athletic, but he does athletic things. He still hasn’t grown into his frame. He will improve his strength. He’s a quick and attentive learner. He held his own on defense better than I thought he would.”
Again, those are some very strong words for someone who can barely buy cigarettes legally in the United States. Could Karasev be the next young phenom like Ricky Rubio was? Only time will tell, but the Nets could certainly use a player like Karasev off the bench. At 22, Karasev could be a steal.
So we’ve seen a point guard, a power forward, a shooting guard, and a small forward. As promised, mocks ran the gamut, and there’s a center the Nets have their eye on, one they’ve already said they would work out.
