Last Week in International Prospects: Mudiay Records Triple-Double, Porzingis Swats and Dances

Each week we will be taking a look how some of the top international prospects performed in their various leagues overseas. This week focuses on the performances of two potential 2015 lottery picks in Emmanuel Mudiay and Kristaps Porzingis.

Emmanuel Mudiay

Season statistics: 16.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 2.0 steals on 46.4% FG and 43.8% 3PT

In Guangdong’s 127-116 win over Qingdao this past Sunday, Emmanuel Mudiay – currently #2 in Draft Express’ top 100 – recorded a triple double, with 22 points (10-for-19 FG, 2-for-6 3PT), 11 rebounds (seven offensive), and 13 assists. In addition to the impressive amount of assists Mudiay had was the number of turnovers he recorded while reaching that amount: zero. The Dallas native took care of the ball, and yet still looked like he played aggressively.

As you can see in the highlights below, his three-point shot looks a bit more under control than it had previously (ignore the lax perimeter defense from both teams all game). In most of his showcases over the summer, Mudiay’s three-point shot sometimes involved him kicking out a leg, which would throw off his form. In this past weekend’s game, his shot from deep looks much more technical and less rushed. If he can get a consistent, knock-down shot from behind the arc, Mudiay can be an immediate factor for any NBA team lucky enough to draft him.

Kristaps Porzingis

Season statistics: 7.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks on 41.0% FG and 35.0% 3PT

Latvian power forward Kristaps Porzingis – currently #7 in Draft Express’ top 100 – helped Sevilla secure a win with a big block in the final ten seconds of the game. Porzingis recorded 10 points (4-for-8 FG, 2-for-5 3PT), six rebounds and four blocks in the victory.

In the recap video below, you can see the power forward’s knack for deflecting shots in the paint on the defensive end. There appears to still be some room for improvement as far as staying home when defending the low block, but when a player like him can get a piece of the ball as much as Porzingis, the upside trumps all.

After Sevilla’s win, the team – including Kristaps – took to the locker room for a celebration dance that can only be described as… unfortunate. As long as this is a one-time occurance, Prozingis’ draft stock shouldn’t fall too far because of it.