Iliana Rupert (PF/C 6’4”, 2001) from France. After Udine 2016 U16
The French prospect possesses a good size for an inside player, great wingspan and big hands. Although her athleticism is still growing/developing, Iliana runs quite well up and down. She lacks an outstanding explosiveness, but displays a quite good 1st crossover step for an inside player, even with her off hand, which allows her to play a promising face-off game against other inside players (from the top of the key and displaying quite good ball-handling). Iliana has enough mobility to put multiple screens in the same play (quite good rolling to the rim). Rupert possesses a really good shooting mechanics, and possesses enough range to become a threat from the 3 points line in a future. She can using her pivot foot turning to whichever side, finishing either soft touch close to the rim or displaying an heterodox mid-hook. Great release from the charity line.
On the D end, Iliana shows a promising (still bit slowly) 1st slide step versus inside players (in face off game) but she can chase the ball guarding the ball-handler in screens-balls. The French is a good communicator on the D end, talking with her teammates, but she needs improve her D-plays selection/decisions. Rupert displays a good footwork to anticipate/deflect the ball when she is guarding at the block, but needs to be more focused boxing out the opponent.
YoungBucketsBL 