Hugo Yimga Moukouri Scouting Report
A Physically Dominant Slasher with Three-Level Scoring Potential
Hugo Yimga Moukouri
Team: INSEP (France)
Height/Position: 6’8" Wing
Nationality: French
Birthdate: July 3, 2008
Level: Mid to High Major+
Roles: Athletic Slasher, Defender
Swing Skills: Offensive Creativity
FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2024 Analysis
Hugo Yigma was one of the youngest players in the tournament and emerged as one of the most promising long-term prospects worldwide. At 6'7" with high-level NBA-caliber athleticism, Yigma's an aggressive downhill slasher that uses his powerful and mature frame to finish through contact in the paint.
While he struggled with his outside shooting, he found ways to score as a highlight reel transition finisher, backdoor cutter and showed his promising mid-range game when chased off the line. Yigma is comfortable draining one-dribble pull-ups and consistently collects baskets on offensive rebound putbacks, showcasing his knack for being in the right place at the right time.
Yigma will need to tighten his handle and has tendency to turn down open threes to drive into heavy traffic in the lane. Additionally, he can also be too unselfish at times, passing up scoring opportunities when he has an advantage.
Overall, Yigma’s blend of youth, athleticism, physicality, and scoring make him an exciting prospect. - RB
Hugo Yimga Moukouri stands out as a high-level NBA caliber athlete with a physically mature and strong frame, allowing him to excel as a downhill slasher. He uses his powerful build to finish through contact effectively, making him a highlight reel transition finisher. Moukouri has a good shooting touch from three and is an intuitive backdoor cutter, while also showcasing his ability to be a promising three-level scorer. His mid-range game is strong, particularly when chased off the line, and he is comfortable draining one-dribble pull-ups. Additionally, he collects baskets on offensive rebound putbacks, contributing significantly to his team's scoring.
Despite his strengths, Moukouri has areas for improvement. To maximize his potential, he needs to improve his handle and add more offensive creativity to elevate his game further. He has a tendency to turn down open threes to drive into traffic, and his jump shot release is slow, which can be a drawback. Improving his footwork for pull-up jumpers and enhancing his foul shooting, currently average at best, would also benefit his overall performance. At times, Moukouri can be too unselfish, passing up good scoring opportunities. Nonetheless, his athleticism, physicality, and scoring potential make him an exciting prospect for college coaches.
Adidas Next Generation Paris Analysis
Moukouri was a standout on a INSEP full of young talent at the tournament. Throughout four games, Moukouri scored at three levels and was constantly putting pressure on the defense in transition (4 FTA/game.) He’s got a good frame, especially considering his age. His peers at the tournament were skinnier which makes me wonder how much more growing his has left. Even still, he has the ability the play on the perimeter. His first step is good but he was often able to overpower guys to get to his spot. Moukouri displayed good touch from 3 (40%) though struggled at the foul line. A few times, he would turn down an open 3 to take a contested shot at the rim. There are also times where he shows that his footwork needs to improve, in particular off the ball and into dribble pull ups. He has a bit of a slow release that he shoots behind his head.
14.8 ppg, 4.8 reb