Looking at Brandon Ashley's game

"The Best 21 and Under Prospects in the NBA D-League"

In it:

"Brandon Ashley – 21 – Texas Legends
NBA Skills: Size, shooting ability, defensive versatility NBA Needs: Shooting range, bulk, ball handling

Ashley went pro after his junior season at the University of Arizona and many had him tabbed as a second round pick, but after going undrafted the Mavericks signed him and used one of their affiliate spots for him.

He has started all 12 games for the Legends and while his statistics don’t jump off the page, he’s playing within himself while adding the 3-pointer to his every game arsenal. Last year with the Wildcats he took less than one three per game and now he’s attempting 3.8 per night and shooting 36 percent from outside. Not bad for a 6-8 small forward.

Add the defensive abilities he brings to the table and Ashley is one of the more intriguing prospects in the entire league. He’s averaging 12.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.5 blocks in 34 minutes a night for coach Van Exel. Ashley is one of only three players — Vince Hunter & Jordan Mickey are the others — with those numbers in the D-League right now.

Right now he’s working on improving his long distance shot, but I would like to see him be more aggressive in terms of driving to the basket as well. Last year at Arizona he averaged 4.5 free throws per game and that number has dipped to only 2.1 so far as a pro. Keep in mind the Legends have spread the court early to allow Tu Holloway and Toure Murry the driving lanes they need to make plays, but regardless Ashley needs to get to the line twice as much as he is currently."