Draft Prospect: Anton Ponkrashov

[Marcus Bryant]

http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/anton_ponkrashov.jpg

Full Name: Anton Ponkrashov
Position: Guard
Height/Weight: 6-7 / 205
Birthdate: April 23, 1986
High School:
Team: BC Khimky Moscow
Country: Russia

NBA (http://www.nba.com/draft2008/profiles/AntonPonkrashov.html)
NBADraft.net (http://nbadraft.net/admincp/profiles/antonponkrashov.html)
DraftExpress (http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Anton-Ponkrashov-1056/)

[tav1]

I trust Bruno's take on these things, and he is dubious about Ponkrashov. But He looked pretty good two summers ago against NBA talent, and he is almost entirely left-handed at this point.

I would not be unhappy to see the Spurs draft Ponkrashov late in the 2nd round, either with their pick or for one they purchase or trade for.

[El_Mago]

I am all for Anton.

I like that he has already been exposed to some of the biggest stages Europe has to offer, and even has National Team experience.

He does go to the left the majority of time. However, the people guarding him must learn to stop that first, and that is easier said than done....ala....Manu Ginobili.

He does have a funky release, but that could be worked on by Chip. (Can shoot the 3)

He has very good size, long arms, and NBA build....compared to most Euro's who come in looking extremely lanky. He appears to be savy with the ball and a good decision maker.

He is not extremely quick or athletic, but in the Spurs system you don't necessarily have to be.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJPJLvo2M8s

This a youtube video I found of him. It is nothing exciting. He is simply playing against Shaun Livingston and Sam Cassel of the Clippers. He is number 18.

[picnroll]

2008 Reebok Eurocamp in Treviso, Day One

by: Jonathan Givony - President
June 8, 2008

Anton Ponkrashov

Two years ago he rocked here in Treviso, emerging as the best player in the Camp. Last year he had some up and downs, leaving a disappointing feeling. The opener of this Eurocamp edition is only solidifying the downwards trend he’s suffering at this particular event. Looking tentative, Anton seems like he always doubts about which option to take. Probably part of the reason why is that, at this point, everyone has figured him out, particularly his great limitations finishing with his right hand, so he struggles playing a leading role that requires to attack the basket. Add in his inconsistency with his jumper, either from long or mid-range distances, and you can understand why he probably has second thoughts about what to do in too many plays. Actually, he ended up looking frustrated. It’s not all lost, though, as he still has three more days to reverse the initial impression.

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/2008-Reebok-Eurocamp-in-Treviso,-Day-One-2917/

[El_Mago]

Yeah, I read that.

The kid is still talented, and he is not expected to be taken in the first, so I would not mind taking a look with a late 2nd.

[curtismedellin]

i'm sold, lets get 'em.

[Pistons < Spurs]

Anton Ponkrashov

Ponkrashov played better in the last two days than he did in the first two, but the final impression remains fairly murky regarding his NBA potential. He didn’t seem very prepared mentally or physically for what he wanted to show here, often forgetting to display his usually excellent playmaking abilities, which is what made him a draft prospect to begin with. He played a bit selfishly at times and made some poor passes when he did move the ball around, leading to turnovers.

Ponkrashov’s shot was falling for him at a much better rate here to close off the camp, going 5/9 over his last two games. It’s not the prettiest jumper you’ll find, but it went in for him at a decent rate both in the games and especially in the drills, where he led everyone by hitting 75 of 100 attempts.

Considering his limited physical tools and the fact that he just hasn’t gotten that much better over the last three years, there’s a chance that Ponkrashov could go undrafted, although someone could definitely take a stab at him in the late second round.


http://www.draftexpress.com/article/2008-Reebok-Eurocamp-in-Treviso,-Days-Three-and-Four-2921/