[The following scouting report is part of a series on potential 2023 draft prospects from Sports Business Classroom alumni.]
Isaiah Wong
Frame: 6’4″, 185 lbs
Position: Guard
Team: University of Miami
2023 Draft Age: 22
Stats via sports-reference.com
Offense
Wong has grown as a player at the University of Miami each year. The reigning ACC Player of the Year is no stranger to hearing his name in draft buzz as he declared last season while retaining eligibility to return to school and compete for a championship. The Hurricanes came close yet again this season.
Though he is not the biggest guard, his quickness and agility allow him to break away from defenders on offense and find open space for himself. Wong does an excellent job of creating for himself and has advanced shot-making ability which will translate to the next level.
Wong averaged 16.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists this previous season at Miami. He connected on 48.2 percent of his attempts from the field and hit 38.4 percent from deep.
He’s made his career at UM being that instant offense type of guard who can fill it up in various ways, from the three-ball to attacking the rim and a healthy dose of looks in the mid-range.
As his team’s primary scorer, Wong showed off his ball-handling skills and ability to attack out of the pick-and-roll. He led the team in assists—even if he’s more of an undersized off-guard. The talent around him this year allowed him to facilitate more scoring opportunities with Miami’s well-balanced attack that didn’t need to rely too heavily on one player.
Wong is a developed three-level scorer with the tenacity and ability to put his team on his back when needed. Wong shows a gritty Northeast basketball style, refusing to back down when challenged. He has confidence in his game and skills and has willed the Hurricanes to victory more than once throughout his collegiate career.
Defense
Wong’s lateral quickness helped him stay in front of offensive players at the collegiate level, though athletes at the next level may be problematic. Wong needs to strengthen his core and body overall to handle taller, quicker, and stronger NBA players.
He was a serviceable on-ball perimeter defender; his quickness should deter some wings or guards at the next level. His explosiveness should allow him to stay honest on defense. Still, he must avoid taking too many gambles at the next level that could be costly against the quicker, more athletic competition.
Wong is also a good rebounder for his position. He can lead the break with rip-and-run momentum off the glass and make the correct read.
With a plus wingspan of almost four inches, Wong has the length to disrupt on the catch or rip through. His active hands should be able to get some quick turnovers to initiate a break.
Looking Ahead
After competing in the combine last year, Wong opting to go back to school showed his desire as a winner. Getting within one game of hoisting the trophy is something Wong and his teammates will never forget. Now Wong can entirely shift his focus to the next step in his career.
Perhaps a combination of George Hill and Bryn Forbes, Wong can carve out a strong career as a role player in the league if the right circumstances align. Adding muscle while retaining his quickness will be critical.
He must also improve his offensive reads as a playmaker and his shot selection as a shooter. Though he is an undersized guard, his ability to break down defenses and find his spot on the floor will serve him well. His creativity and ability to hit some tough and hotly contested shots show the work put in. Continuing that mindset and working on his shot consistency is the next step.
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