Jamal Mashburn Jr.

Jamal Mashburn Jr., the son and namesake of the former Kentucky star and NBA all-star, began his career with Richard Pitino at Minnesota and followed him to New Mexico, where he has been a three-year starter. Mashburn averaged 18.2 points per game as a sophomore and 19.1 as a junior, but saw that number drop to just 14.1 this year as a senior, as both his minutes and shooting percentages declined.

While Mashburn saw slightly less volume this year, he was still a featured threat, ranking second overall on the team in both usage rate and percentage of total shots. And while inefficient overall, he was also still the most versatile scorer in the Lobos’ rotation and a true three-range threat. He attempted 28% of his total shots at the rim this year, but only made 42%, illustrating his struggles to finish in traffic with somewhat limited size and athleticism. Where he thrived, was when he was able to use his compact and sturdy frame to draw contact and get to the free-throw line, where he converted nearly 85%. His mid-range game, which was the biggest component of his arsenal as a junior with various pull-ups and step-backs, went from 49% of his total offense to 37%, and he made just 35% of those attempts. His three-point shooting dipped most of all, dropping from 39% to 33%. His turnover rate was also problematic this year, especially during league play when it jumped to over 12%.

The hope going into the season was that with seemingly more weapons, Mashburn would have the benefit of not being the focus of opposing scouting reports. While that may have been true, the biggest take-away from the year is that he seems to be a player, and specifically a shooter, who needs significant volume to be at his best.

Plays with great strength and controls space. Doesn't have great length for a combo-guard type. Not a high riser, but a powerful two-foot jumper in traffic when scoring. More of a scorer than distributor. Great at creating space off the dribble and scoring. Should develop into a capable rebounder and defender.