Commitment Focus Hoops Edition: James Banks

The commitment of 4-star prospect James Banks is an important one for new University of Texas basketball coach Shaka Smart. Pulling a nationally rated top-5 center from out-of-state is no easy task, but Smart was able to sell his philosophy and the Texas program to the highly coveted Banks. With the lack of future depth at the position, the commitment, which came on Thursday, was timely.

At six-feet ten inches Banks has great size for a college center prospect and also possesses a great ability to move.

When you see him on film, you will notice that he runs the floor exceptionally well for a big man. He’s what I call a rim-runner, which means in transition or a fast break he runs right down the middle of the floor to the rim. This is exactly what you want from your big man because it allows him to get deep in the post or call for the lob pass. Also when trailing on the fast break he can come in for a put back tip-slam, which Banks is extremely efficient at doing. As a big man that can run the floor and score, he fits perfectly into Shaka Smart’s high-tempo system. An area in which Banks can improve is in the refinement of his general basketball skills. He has a limited set of post moves right now, and most of them are a one-step or drop-step to the goal for a slam or baby hook. He also showcases an up-and-under move for a slam which is understandable since he’s bigger than most people he plays against right now. His jump shot from twelve to fifteen feet has a nice and smooth stroke and is highly accurate.

Coaches want players that play low to own the paint. Banks has the presence and potential to do just that. He’s a great shot blocker and rebounder, which is the most important part to owning the paint on both sides – especially the rebounding aspect of it. Keep in mind most of his film is from his sophomore or junior years, so it will be interesting to see how much he progresses during his senior year. The capacity and skill-set for being a dynamic playmaker on offense exists in his game, and Banks could turn out to be a great foundation piece for Shaka Smart’s first full recruiting class.

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