Draft Profile: Montrezl Harrell

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By Taylor C. Snow

There’s a lot to like about Montrezl Harrell. He is undersized at just 6-fooy-7 ½, but he owns a ridiculous wingspan of 7-foot-4 ¼ that matches up well with nearly any big man. He’s a big, strong guy, who plays physical basketball at both ends of the court. I think he has the frame to add even more strength and weight as well. His current levels of strength and weight allow him to finish through contact around the basket, which is not a trait many collegiate basketball players showcase. Harrell has a very high motor and competes at both ends. He’s willing to do the dirty work; I watched him set three or more screens on many possessions. He also has good, strong hands to catch passes from his guards. His offensive game has the potential to grow but it’s already solid. His post game is nearly all face-up at this point, as he loves to rip past his defender for a layup or jump hook. He almost exclusively posts up on the right block. He will need to develop a back-to-the-basket game, and learn how to operate on both blocks. Harrell finishes above the rim with power and has great leaping ability for his size. Throw it up, and he’ll throw it down. His jumper has extended deeper and deeper over the past three years. He’s confident in his jumper, as he should be. He shoots it with consistency from 15 to 20 feet. He’s a poor free throw shooter but I expect that to improve to a respectable level. Harrell is athletic and is a major threat in the open court. An important factor for Boston, considering its offensive system, is that Harrell is comfortable operating in the high post and running multiple dribble hand-offs. The big man also has great feet and instincts at the defensive end. He knows when to challenge a shot, and when to not bite on a fake. He communicates well and, with added strength, should be able to defend the block. Harrell is a very strong rebounder and I expect that to translate to the NBA. His length, strength and leaping ability will lead to many boards. I love that he rarely makes mistakes at either end. Overall, I think Harrell has the potential to become a great role player who contributes across the board with defense, rebounding, scoring and doing the little things.

By Taylor C. Snow

Harrell was born on Jan. 26, 1994 in Tarboro, N.C. to Samuel and Selena Harrell. He has two younger brothers, Cadarius and Quatauis. Harrell attended his hometown high school North Edgecombe High for four years, before heading off to Hargrave Military Academy (Chatham, Va.) for a year of prep ball. During 2011-12, he led Hargrave to a 38-1 record and a national prep final appearance. He had one single-game effort along the way that consisted of 51 points, 18 dunks, 17 rebounds and six blocks. Harrell initially committed to Virginia Tech, but was released when the program went through a coaching change and ended up enrolling at Louisville. During his 2012-13 freshman campaign, he averaged 6.4 points per game and had a season-high 20 points against Syracuse during the Big East Title game. That summer he won gold with the USA U19 team, scoring a team-high 17 points during the gold medal game against Serbia. As a sophomore with the Cardinals, Harrell shot 60.9 percent from the field (sixth in the nation) and slammed a school-record 97 dunks. This past season, he led the team in rebounds (9.2 per game) and was second on the team in points (15.7 per game). Harrell declared for the NBA Draft on March 30.