G: Jaron Pierre Jr. (SR)
Height/Weight: 6’5”/188 lbs.
Previous School: Jacksonville State
2024-25 Stats: 21.6 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 3.8 APG, 38.2% 3pt
Offensive Impact
Broke through on the offensive end in his only year at Jacksonville State after 3 inefficient years at Southern Miss (2020-2022) and Wichita State (2023).
52.7% true shooting after 3 years on 48% or worse. 30.6% usage rate at Jax St last season as well (38th highest in the nation).
Shot release was a little higher this season and this probably contributed to being more efficient on contested jumpers.
Much improved assist rate. 21.5% last season compared to just 8.7% at Wichita State.
He is most comfortable scoring off the bounce from 3 and in the mid range area.
Over 60% of his 3pt makes were unassisted last season. Scored most frequently in P&R and in isolation.
Still efficient shooting off the catch (42% from 3), but he never received much volume in this area due to handling the point guard duties + defenses paid plenty of attention to him as the season went on.
Struggles to score at the rim despite being a bigger guard (53.4% FG at the rim, 30th percentile). Is an above average athlete but is a bit erratic around the basket. Also didn’t receive many open looks around the rim so that makes his efficiency look worse.
He can potentially play point guard at SMU due to his improvements as a playmaker and his ball security has been fine throughout his career, but Pierre appears to be better suited as a scoring minded guard combo guard.
Isn’t necessarily a high level decision maker with the ball or an elite handler, so playing next to a true point guard could help him adjust to the ACC. His catch and shoot efficiency would make this role change a smoother transition.
The fit next Boopie Miller and BJ Edwards may not be the best, but Pierre’s improved all-around game will allow him to have success.
Value decreases when playing off the ball more often but has shown he’s not a liability anymore when playing a lesser role.
Then again, his role at Wichita State didn’t suit him well and he had a rough season, so there are definitely reasons to be skeptical of this fit.
Defensive Impact
Bigger and more athletic guard. Has the build to be solid on the defensive end.
Doesn’t have a super long wingspan.
Switchable on the perimeter. Can most likely guard 1 through 3.
Doesn’t fight through screens particularly well and isn’t very active on defense in general.
-1.1 career DBPM and 1.4% steal rate.