[The following scouting report is part of a series on potential 2024 draft prospects from Sports Business Classroom alumni.]

Wooga Poplar
Frame: 6’5″, 197 lbs
Position: Guard
Team: Miami Hurricanes
2024 Draft Age: 21
Stats via sports-reference.com

Offense

Poplar began the year strong, with intensity in attacking the basket and consistently shooting the long ball. He grew with more minutes and freedom in Coach Larranaga’s offense. Poplar’s game exuded confidence, and he showed opponents that he was a force to be reckoned with. As the conference season commenced, Poplar sustained an ankle injury that kept him out the first two games against Clemson and Wake Forest, and his rhythm suffered. He never totaled over 20 points in a contest the remainder of the season and had highs and lows shooting the ball. Through adversity, Poplar still closed out the year by showcasing his skills on the offensive end, shooting the ball and playing a connector role for the Hurricanes. Poplar’s play this season has solidified that his shooting skills should translate to the next level.

He combines high-IQ basketball with some sneaky athleticism. While Poplar finds most of his scoring opportunities in off-ball motion and filling gaps, he can break down a defender with a strong first step and get to the rim for a finish with either hand. His ability to pick and choose those gaps and when to beat his opponent allowed him to shoot close to 50 percent from the field, just a shade under 40 percent from three and 85 percent at the line.

With Poplar assuming a larger role in the offense, his scoring and assist numbers improved. He instinctively made that extra pass and located teammates in their preferred scoring areas. Poplar can create for himself or drive and kick to a rotating teammate. His recognition of floor spacing and his ability to knock down the three-pointer consistently allows him to thrive in these situations. Poplar has developed his playmaking ability this year, with more confidence and freedom in the offense.

 

Defense

On the other side of the ball, Poplar has shown intriguing growth. His length allows him to be a disruptor, whether in passing lanes or on drives, which has led to numerous steals this year and transition opportunities for the Hurricanes. Poplar’s on-ball defense is also above average.

His frame is strong, and he’s shown the grit to mix it up on defense to keep his assignment in front of him and force them to make a mistake. His footwork and positioning help him beat the offensive player to a spot on the floor, leaving them flustered and sometimes causing turnovers.

Poplar also rebounds well for his size. He likes diving to the glass and coming up with the board, averaging 4.8 rebounds on the year. Poplar did have multiple double-digit rebound games this season. His effort to go after rebounds shows he is comfortable getting into the lane and sacrificing for a possession. That kind of example permeates through a team in those tense situations with a game on the line and gives confidence to everyone on the floor.

Looking Ahead

At the next level, Poplar is that 3-and-D guard all teams covet. His scoring ability will keep defenses honest, and his length will allow his defensive game to grow on the other side of the ball. His IQ and continued development in passing skills also add another dimension to his game when he involves teammates. Poplar is a plug-and-play fourth or fifth option at the next level and will continue to flourish as he displays the knack for understanding his role and playing to his strengths. He is in total control of his ability and game from the moment he steps onto the court, and he is the type of player who plays until the final horn sounds, giving his all.

Though Poplar may be a second-round pick, his value is much higher. He’s a first-round talent that may slide because of the mid-season injury that sapped his momentum. Poplar will bring a winning mentality and a player who knows what it takes to compete at the highest levels of the college game after Miami’s run to the Final Four during the 2023 season.