Stat Story: CJ Shaw's ascension, what to make of King Grace's development & more

October 19, 2023 by Max Feldman

Statistics certainly don't tell the full story, but they’re a big piece of the puzzle in evaluating trajectory. Often times, it’s the most instructive tool in terms of projecting what’s not there yet, but will be in time.

Here, I'll break down to what make of four promising statistical indicators on different prospects from around the country, along with four potentially of concern. As with evaluation as a whole, the process is fluid. As the sample size grows, the worrisome indicators can be diminished. All analytics are from Synergy Sports.

TRENDING UP

- CJ Shaw is beginning to find his way

Shaw isn't a name known widely on the national front, but he might be on the brink of it. The 6-4 2025 guard put up 17 points per game in the EYBL this summer, but it was the efficiency of his attack that was most impressive. He converted 59% of his looks inside the arc (7+ per game), 45.7% from beyond the arc (3.9 attempts per game) and 82% from the line. He also grabbed over 4 boards per game with Vegas Elite. In a portal era where programs may not have the same opportunity and time to look ahead to further classes as they used, more cases like Shaw continue to arise. Still growing into his frame and extremely skilled as a scorer, Shaw may quietly be a top 100 prospect nationally. Watch for him to continue to emerge into the spring.

- King Grace's blend of output and upside

The upside with Grace pops from the onset -- exceptional instincts both as a cutter and rotational defender, to go with plus length and pop. He brings value in a variety of areas and has a clear understanding of how to impact the game without usage. Now, he's beginning to knock down shots with consistency. The 6-4 wing shot 45% from three on over 7 3PT attempts per game with Texas Impact 4:13. Lesser known nationally than many others in the Top-50 of 2025, but I'm bullish on his makeup as an ancillary swingman as he continues to take the next steps physically.

- Derek Dixon's BBIQ shining through on the stat sheet

The markers are high with Dixon, both analytically and with the eye-test. He burst onto the scene on the national front this spring with Team Takeover, and proceeded to shoot 40% from beyond the arc on nearly six attempts per game, while also leading TTO in assists. On open perimeter attempts, he landed on over 48% of his shots. The 6-4 guard excels at taking what the defense gives him, and his offensive maturity and polish have begun to shine through on the stat sheet. 

- Colt Langdon is one of the nation's elite shot-makers

The 6-8 wing is ranked inside the Top-100 in 2025 and has an assortment of high major programs in the mix, but has steadily evolved into one of the best spot up shooters nationally. The North Carolina native has taken steps athletically and has intriguing scoring craft inside the arc, but revolves around his immense shooting gravity. With Team Loaded NC, he connected on 46% of his threes (5+ attempted per game). A seamless fit around other pieces, he's an easy projection to the next level given his potent spot up stroke, quick processing ability and instincts off the ball. A 2025 I'd expect to step onto the floor and contribute early on at the next level.

TRENDING DOWN

- What's next for Caleb Wilson?

Caleb Wilson is one of the most intriguing prospects in the country and is touted inside our Top-5 in 2025, but I think a missing piece of the narrative often times is how from a finished project many bluechip recruits are.