Yannick Nzosa

After a “war” for his player rights and missing almost the entire 2019/20 season Nzosa became a player of Unicaja in March, just before the pandemic stroke so he had to wait for his professional debut for Unicaja. And the debut came a few days ago in the game vs Morabanc Andorra and Nzosa immediately made an impact on the game. His defensive potential is sky high, not many players can make defensive plays like him. He can make full court chase down blocks, no shot is left uncontested with him being on the floor, has a really high motor. Has the quickness and fluidity in his feet to switch on perimeter too, can cover a good amount of space and has good anticipation for steals. On the offensive side his game is still kinda raw and limited to around the rim finishes. Should put more focus on his mid range game to be able to hit those shots more consistency and with quicker shot release. Also still has room on his frame to add more muscle and be even more impactful – as an interior defender and also as a finisher around the rim in offense. 

Named to All Tournament Team despite being two years younger than the competition. I had a chance to see Yannick just one week before at Szent Istvan Basketball Cup where he was totally dominant among his peers but what he did in Kaunas was even more impressive. Defensive potential of nearly 7 foot tall Congolese center is basically through the roof. He not only makes sure to contest every shot possible including full court chase downs but possess really quick feet and can switch onto almost anyone. From the way he slides on the perimeter and lowers his hips he can resemble Amar Sylla from Real Madrid. From grit, determination and coachability (plus size and lankiness) I would compare him to Vinicius Da Silva from Badalona who makes up for all his skill or strength based imperfections with hard work. Nzosa is a soldier on the court who excels in going hard for every 50/50 ball and at times it even seems that he could possibly calculate more in order not to hurt himself at some point. Offensively he is raw but reliable as a finisher and makes impact based on his energy alone. He seems quite instinctive rolling to the rim, is opportunistic for above the rim passes, avoids blocks and possess solid body control + spatial awareness after catching the ball. Areas to improve besides filling out is clearly jumpshot (mid range release takes way too long) or ability to handle the ball. Yannick made a big jump since joining Stella and seems as gifted as anyone 2003 born in Europe at this point. He doesn’t seem overly mature from physical standpoint which can make scouts hope he can grow more into his body and continue refining his feel for the game and skillset at a good pace.

Yanick Nzosa (#19 – 208cm) really tall guy who despite not having a lot of toughness is able to dominate the zone, intimidate on defense and block shots. Offensively he needs to improve his shooting but can read well open spaces to get good spots near the rim where he has been unstoppable and able to dunk easily.