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NBA Draft 2020 Prospect Watch: Xavier Tillman Sr.

By Jordan Treske

EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 04: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans during game action against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Breslin Center on February 4, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 04: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans during game action against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Breslin Center on February 4, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 15: (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 15: (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images) /

Strengths

For starters, Tillman makes his hay on the defensive end, to say the least.

The reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year showcased an ability to anchor the Spartans’ defense, thanks to his hyper-aware defensive intelligence and ability to read actions from opposing offenses that helps him to protect the rim and patrol the backline of defenses. That helped Tillman averaged 2.7 blocks per-40 minutes over his time in East Lansing.

And Tillman’s solid foot speed and 7’1″ wingspan maintains his impact and defensive versatility when forced out, and defending in space helps him break through into passing lanes where he averaged 1.5 steals per-40 minutes.

Combine all of that with his intangibles, nose for the ball and penchant for winning plays, the Grand Rapids native is a prolific rebounder as he corralled 12.5 total rebounds by per-40 minute standards.

On the offensive end, Tillman does stand as an exceptional big man when screening for pick-and-rolls and finishing at the basket due to his deft, ambidextrous touch and ability to handle the ball in close quarters. Per Hoop-Math, Tillman converted 72.1 percent of his scoring opportunities at the rim for his junior campaign.

And it’s Tillman’s handle and passing vision that helps him to pick out open shooters, whether setting up shop in the post or passing on the move in pick-and-roll situations. Again, per-40 minute standards, Tillman’s assist numbers significantly rose every year where he finished with 3.0 assists over his time at Michigan State and accumulated a 1.23 assist-to-turnover ratio as well.

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