Overview:

Marcus Sasser is an elite shooting athletic combo guard.  Compact and powerful, Sasser can score on all three levels.  2022-23 will be Sasser’s senior season for the Houston Cougars.

NBA Skill:  Elite shooting, finishing at the rim

Note:  Prospects compared to statistical averages of drafted NBA players (2017-2022), by position, from their last college season.

Guards = Below 6’5″

Wings = 6’6″ to 6’9″

Posts = Above 6’10”

Blue      Comparable to average drafted NBA players by position.

Green  Exceeds the average drafted NBA players by position.

Red      Below the average of drafted NBA players by position.

Darker color signifies a greater statistical variance.

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Offense:  

Marcus Sasser checks many boxes as a shooter.  His splits are 43 /43 /78.  He shoots a high volume of threes, 8.6 per game or 65% 3Pr (Percentages of his shots that are 3 point attempts).  Sasser is not bashful about letting it fly.  In addition, his shooting advanced metrics are stellar.  eFG% (Effective Field Goal percentage which accounts for Free Throws) is 57%.  Sasser’s TS% (True Shooting percentage which accounts for FG + FT + 3PA) is a remarkable 60%. 

For a player with such a high 3Pr Sasser still manages to get to the free throw line. He averaged 3.3 FTA per game in the 2021-2022 season.   Looking at his Shot Mix, Sasser shoots 1.19 points per play which is Excellent.  Sasser is also Excellent at finishing at the rim, posting 1.5 points per play.  Again fantastic for a guard his size. 

Sasser’s shooting technique has a high and quick release.  His footwork and balance can be inconsistent at times.  Sasser is excellent in transition and has the ability with his solid frame to finish through contact. 

Wanna sees

Increased FT percentage

Soft touch finishes: extensions, floaters/runners

Assists and Decision Making

Sasser is Excellent at two of the three most common NBA Play Types; spot ups (1.5 Points per play), pick and roll handler (1.0 PPP)  and transition (1.0 PPP), respectively.   He is not used as a primary play initiator in Houston’s offense but he is capable of pushing tempo, navigating ball screens and making the right reads.  Sasser plays with ball security and poise.  He doesn’t force the issue or try to fit passes into tight windows resulting in deflections or outright steals.  

Sasser’s assists are a bit low.  He should install more play making into his game to add value as a player at the next level.  With more ball handling and playmaking responsibilities turnovers are a part of the process.  Sasser last year did not show a high level of advanced passing.   This is an area of growth that Sasser should step into in the 2022-23 season.  

Wanna Sees:

An extra assist per game.

Great variety of high level passes

Touch passes, one hand off the dribble, weak side kick outs

High volume of pick and roll plays

Rebounding and defense.

Sasser has low rebounding numbers.  While rebounding is not the primary responsibility of guards, it is an important part of winning basketball.  Like increased play making Sasser would be wise to increase his commitment to rebounding as a value add to his game.

Defensively, Sasser is disruptive and a physical defender.  He uses his size and athleticism to make it hard on the ball.  Off the ball he plays passing lanes very well causing 2.2 turnover per game, substantially higher than the previous drafted guards (TO 1.3).  Like most guards he is low on blocks but his steal rate is so high his 4.5% Combo (STLr + BLKr) is way more than the average guard drafted in the NBA.

Wanna sees:

Increase rebounds

Continued commitment to defense

Tier of 2023 draft prediction: Mid first round