Matthew Strazel

Matthew Strazel (’02) got the opportunity to play early in the game. Played most of the time as a primary creator in offense and this is not an easy task against great and physical defense from Crvena Zvezda. Made some good passes out of pick & rolls and actually run the offense pretty good and finished the game with 5 assists. Played good in defense too, aggressive on the ball handler and didn’t allow any easy points. The only exception was in the last seconds of the 1^st Quarter where he was responsible to defend the fast break but lost the focus and Crvena Zvezda scored in last seconds.

Matthew Strazel (G | 183 cm | ‘02) ~ France

11.3 pts, 2FG-53.1%, 3FG-27.5%, FT-100%, 2.7 rebs, 6.7 ast, 1.3 stl, 2.3 to, 0 blks

A versatile scorer but has some size limitations that could limit his upside. Usually a better shooter than he was showing at this tournament but some shots were way behind the three point line or late in the clock and that lowered his percentages. Very good at getting past defenders and to the rim, reads the defense well and punishes any little mistake instinctively. Has shown some promising playmaking too and wasn’t just looking to score some points but was looking to involve other players in offense too. Can play solid perimeter defense but obviously has some limitations. More of a microwave scorer at the moment but if he manages to bring his consistency up, he could be an interesting bucket getter in Europe.

2002 generation prospect pg, Matthew Strazel, broke out unto the scene last season for LDLC Asvel by playing valuable minutes in Euro League and league play.  He also starred for Asvel’s U17 team in the ANGT tournaments.  Smaller in stature than most guards in his class, Strazel has a fearlessness when playing and a knack for his on-ball defense.  Last season the coaching staff showed tremendous confidence in him and he rewarded them by occasionally hitting big shots on the big stage and defending well in crucial stages of the game.  In year two, with the departure of Theo Maledon likely to the NBA, will this provide an opportunity for Strazel to grow or will Asvel rely heavily on their experience of probably the most dominate teams (former draftees Norris Cole, and Guerschon Yabusele) constructed on paper in recent memory by a French club?  Time will tell.

Short scoring minded player with deep shooting range and borderline cocky confidence in his jumper. Plays more like American guard, made few good passes here or there but doesn’t look reliable enough yet as main decision maker who can provide balance in ball distribution and organizing the offense.

Matthew Strazel (02’) had the biggest impact and was clearly the best player on his team averaging 16.3pts, 4.5reb, 2.5ast, 2.8stl, and 3.3to’s. Playing with high energy was taking the most responsibility on the offensive end, able to separate himself from the opponents with his quick, low dribble, penetrate inside regularly and distribute the ball. Wasn’t very reliable with his shooting (3PTS-22.6%), likes to take an odd 28-footer or a shot with defender’s hand in his face. Although he plays with a lot of effort sometimes gets overpowered due to small size.