G: Xzayvier Brown (SO)
Height/Weight: 6’2”/175 lbs.
Previous School: Saint Joseph’s
2024-25 Stats: 17.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 35% 3pt, 89.7% FT
Offensive Impact
High level shot making
38% 3pt shooter in his 2-year career thus far, and a fair amount of his production has come off the dribble (35.6% of career 3pt makes have been unassisted).
Playing with arguably more talent and better coaching could give him more open 3pt opportunities. Was in the 85th percentile in spot up efficiency last season (Synergy), so there is plenty of upside to shoot 40% or better.
Shot release isn’t lightning quick by any means, but this isn’t a glaring issue + he has a higher release to make closeouts less effective.
Small sample size due to Billy Lange (St. Joe’s coach) not valuing the mid range jumpshot, but Brown shot just 30.8% in this area in 2024-25. Doesn’t grade out particularly well in isolation either (28th percentile in efficiency, lower volume).
Pick and roll operator
82nd percentile in P&R handler efficiency on high volume. Important factor in Moser’s system.
Creates much of his value in P&R with off the dribble 3’s against drop coverage or getting to the rim with either hand.
Will play at different speeds and make opposing drop defenders uncomfortable.
22.7% career assist rate. Will need to see a bit more as a playmaker, but will assume he will be sharing PG duties with Nijel Pack so there is most likely not too much pressure on him to create everything for this offense.
FWIW, I believe Brown is the better PG when compared to Pack and will get more on ball opportunities.
Was impressed by his scoring creativity around the rim. Floater game is above average as well (41.2% FG in the paint, 59th percentile).
Not an elite vertical athlete, but his comfortability scoring with his left hand around the rim leads me to believe he won’t just be a 3pt reliant scorer in the SEC.
Overall, Brown’s versatility will allow him to play plenty of roles in this offense. Can provide efficiency in many areas.
Defensive Impact
Only so much a slighter framed 6’2” guard can provide, but his 2.9% career steal rate is encouraging. Will be creating most of his value in the turnover forcing department.
Playing next to smaller perimeter defenders (Pack, Forsythe) won’t do him many favors either. Getting switched on to bigger wings could be an issue for him and this entire guard group in general, especially in the SEC.
Fairly limited to containing 1’s and smaller 2’s.
Not a needle mover for an already weak perimeter defense. What Brown and Pack provide on offense gets taken away on the defensive end a decent amount.