Henri Drell

A SECOND CHANCE FOR DRELL

Henri Drell was confirmed in Pesaro roster again despite the limits exposed last season. His second chance will take place under strict experienced coach Jasmin Repesa in a more competitive roster that has a better chance to avoid relegation in A2 and consequently can give the 2000 wing the opportunity to grow without too much pressure in terms of performance. Comparing to last year, he should present more balanced selection of individual plays and more repeatability in long range shooting which must be an extra weapon to reach his full potential. He undoubtedly possess qualities like rare fluidity and wiggle with the ball for his size. He also showed relevant defensive improvements putting his body against the 4s in back to the basket situations and higher reactivity in contesting shots on the perimeter but is far from impactful defender on a regular basis.

HENRI DRELL, 2000, Estonia, 6’9, Forward TEAM: Brose Bamberg

STATS: http://www.fiba.basketball/europe/u18b/2018/player/Henri-Drell

Estonian forward did not played his best in Skopje, but was more of a team player this time. Possess terrific length to play both forward position, has the quickness of a guard and his athleticisim is well above average. Very agile with the ball but needs to improve his ball handling to prevent unnecessary turnovers. Very good at attacking close outs. Made good passes to the shooters in the corner after getting trapped, improved court awareness. Did not forced the game here much but took responsibility when he had to. Helped defensive rebounds as well. Has unique combination of quickness and length, finds his way to the rim when slashing. Needs to get better finishing through contact. Shown some improvements in his defense, better stance and more activity. His shooting is good but sometimes tends to settle for difficult shots, should select his shots better.

HENRI DRELL (6’8, Guard/Forward, Bamberg)– After disappointing opener, Henri totally exploded later at the tournament. Last two games we witnessed really memorable performances which gave him 7th best place of all time best scorers in single AdidasNGT tourneys as he went for 40 and 36 points respectively. Talent has never been questioned while speaking about Estonian prospect but his tremendous gift didn’t always pair up with concentration. Here Drell looked fully engaged, borderline overmotivated and was just feeling it. Basically his smoothness and offensive flow raised him to totally different level which none competition could reach. Bamberg player was creating shots with his significant right to left and between the legs combo dribbles, getting wherever he wanted with long strides and finishing difficult lay ups over help defense. Despite occassional FT problems jumper looked pure and whole shooting motion was one fluid process. Average strength and not overly suggestive frame may be small problem on next level. Moreover history of his performances prevents from getting too excited but if Drell can pick up where he left off in Munich for good then he is sure fire NBA prospect.

HENRI DRELL (6’8, Estonia)

Arguably top Estonian prospect was really disappointing during the tournament in his homeland. He seems like a potential future star given his size, good low dribble, isolation moves and long strides. However while his upside is hard to match for most of the peers reality keeps raising questions whether he ever achieves it. After successful FIBA U18s where he contributed in big degree to the triumph in Division B a lot of people were hoping him to dominate this event. Drell was unable to take over games even though he tried but at times his wrong shot selection caused totally opposite effect. He doesn’t have locked in mentality and can get lost in action on the floor. His feel for the game looked poor at times – delayed many passes which ruined the tempo of possessions and chance for an easy buckets. He still has tendency to overdribble and makes mistakes which just doesn’t befit top prospects. It’s really questionable if he becomes difference maker on high level but with improved understanding of the game and mental aspects he can still work out as valuable secondary or third main offensive option thanks to his tools and skills.