Name: Sergey Karasev
Age: 19
Height: 6-foot-7
Position: Small Forward
School/Country: BC Triumph (Russia)
Latest Stats: 16.1 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.4 apg
Sergey Karasev is an on the rise prospect who has entered the 2013 NBA Draft by way of BC Triumph in Russia. In 32.2 minutes per game with BC Triumph, Karasev averaged 16.1 points per game. He’s a crafty, 6-foot-7 small forward who has all the ability to score the basketball in bunches. Karasev will need to put on some weight and become more of a physical specimen if he hopes to have those type of numbers relay to the NBA level.
Karasev has a lightning quick release and high basketball IQ on the offensive end. This left-hander has the ability to improve his stock even more so in the weeks leading up to this June’s draft, but either way it’s looking more and more like Karasev will hear his name called within the first round. In fact, the Russian-native could even have the potential to break into the teens on draft night. Karasev was a member of the Russian national team at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Strengths: Karasev’s height advantage and offensive arsenal allows him to stretch the floor and be a consistent threat at the small forward position. Karasev is an improving passer with great court awareness and that ability is what has helped skyrocket his potential within the NBA draft boards. Karasev has good size and is only 19 years old, so there’s no surprise as to why this international prospect has soaring potential.
Weaknesses: Karasev is ahead of the curve at 19 years of age, but he still needs to grow into his body and his talent level. Karasev could be a reliability on the defensive end if he does become more physical and on the flip side of the argument, his improving offensive game would also get a necessary boost.
Draft Projection: Mid-to-Late First Round
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