Ht/Wt: 6-11 / 250 lbs
Position: PF/C
Team: Kentucky
Class: Freshman

2011 Draft Profile - Enes Kanter

I call him the "Turkish Mystery Man" because if he enters the draft, Teams will select him based upon potential and his overall body of work as a Turkish pro. I had a chance to evaluate him several times and what impresses me the most about him is that brute strength that he poses, bull dozing weaker bigs with supreme foot coordination and high level post moves. At first glance, you can tell this kid has been around the block awhile when it comes to skill level, he has really been taught the game the right way. He has that Darko Milicic feel for the game, being able expand his game from the post out to the wing. I really think a year of college seasoning under Calipari at Kentucky has done him wonders but should take his time developing before jumping to the NBA.
Player profile submitted by: Monta Williams of Blueprintscouting.com

At 6ft11 250+Lbs and just 20 years old by the beginning of the season Kanter has a lot of upside. He has very good mobility and footwork for his size with a good looking jumper. Sound fundamentals, he does a great job using ball fakes to get his man off balance to finish down low. A good feel for the game, he does a good job finding his teammates, probably skilled enough to run your offense through him down the road. With his length, balance and footwork he has been a good rebounder at the levels he has played at. I see him as a C with a PF game in the NBA, will be able to run the floor better than most opposing centers.

At a young age Enes has already had a distinguished international career which has led to an advanced feel for the game, however international play fails to instill a commitment to defense, which makes the transition to the NBA tough. Like many international players Kanter does not play as big as he is. Does not show explosion around the hoop, rarely dunks down low and I question how well he will be able to finish down low at the next level, or if he will fall in love with developing his outside game. He has the skill set to be a good shot blocker but I have not seen defensive prowess on tape. Has a pedestrian-like demeanor on the floor.

Kanter will be drafted high and expected to develop into a franchise big, but he needs to take ownership on the blocks and use his ideal size to overpower matchups rather than just rely on his finesse skill set. If he can hold his own physically with the Bynums, Deandre Jordans, and Kendrick Perkins of the league than his full offensive repertoire will set him apart and make him a franchise player. I think he is a project that will take a good 2 or 3 yrs to transition to the NBA rigors, his mental makeup will determine how well he will handle the competition. If he can at least be an average enough down low presence I can see him being a serviceable 2nd option on offense.

NBA comparison - Nenad Krstic / Brooke Lopez
Player profile submitted by: Tom Patterson

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Enes Kanter Videos

Enes Kanter 2010 Nike Hoop Summit highlights


Enes Kanter highlights



Turkish Phenom Enes Kanter Easily Dominating @ Pangos Spring League





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