Matthys Mahop
Team: Pôle France (France)
Height/Position: 6’5” Guard
Nationality: France
Birthdate: May 9, 2008
Level: High Major +
Roles: Playmaker
Swing Skills: Shooting
Matthys Mahop is a 6'5" lead guard from France who showcased his potential in the championship game of the FIBA U16 EuroBasket, playing a tournament-high 25 minutes, scoring 10 points, dishing out 6 assists, and grabbing 7 rebounds in France's victory over Spain. Mahop brings an exciting blend of size and skill to the point guard spot, with a flair and flash to his game that makes him an appealing prospect to watch.
He’s capable of filling up the stat sheet with points, assists, and rebounds, thanks to his shifty, creative ball handling and glimpses of advanced court vision. Mahop's natural instincts and feel for the game make him a tough matchup for defenders, as he has the quickness and handle to get into the paint at will where he can finish around the rim with both hands. He also has a knack for drawing fouls, averaging 3.6 free throw attempts in less than 17 minutes of action. While skilled, Mahop can also generate points through hustle and energy plays.
Despite his talent, Mahop’s production hasn't fully matched his potential, though that’s not entirely his fault. He averaged 5 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in just 16.8 minutes per game at the U16 EuroBasket, and with more minutes, he could easily be a triple-double threat. While he has strong passing instincts and court vision, he needs to refine the touch and zip on his passes to improve his playmaking.
Mahop is also a reluctant shooter, often opting to drive into crowded lanes rather than taking open jumpers, which contributed to his 34% shooting from the floor and 20% from three at the tournament. Though he could be more assertive, France won the championship, making it hard to nitpick his overall performance. Mahop’s blend of size, skill, and potential makes him an intriguing guard prospect with room to grow. -RB
This lanky, playmaking guard stands out due to his impressive wingspan, which appears disproportionately large for his height. This physical trait allows him to disrupt passing lanes and make plays others might not be able to. His jump shot, though slow in execution, has a solid form, and he shows promise as a perimeter shooter. However, he often hesitates, frequently passing up open looks from the outside. Despite this, he can create his own shot off the dribble, utilizing his elevation and body control to find his spots on the floor.
As a ball handler, he excels with excellent control and pacing, rarely rushing decisions. His ability to vary his dribble speeds keeps defenders off balance, allowing him to navigate through pressure. His court vision sets him apart, making him a dynamic passer, especially in traffic. He has a remarkable instinct for finding teammates in scoring positions, such as the dunker spot, and consistently delivers passes once the defense commits. His passing skill is both an offensive weapon and a means to manipulate defenses, making him a true playmaker.
When attacking the basket, his footwork in traffic is impressive. He uses euro steps and controlled steps to throw off rim protectors, maintaining his balance and adjusting mid-air to finish. Though a good athlete, he isn’t exceptionally explosive at the rim, but his craftiness allows him to compensate. His quickness out of the triple-threat position is notable, and he often uses a Jimmy Butler-like “rocker step” on the wing to create space. Additionally, his ambidextrous passing ability is a strength, as he’s able to make accurate cross-court passes with either hand.
The biggest question surrounding him is whether he can consistently score and make plays for himself. At times, he’s almost too unselfish, setting up teammates to a fault. While he gets to the foul line frequently, there’s uncertainty about whether he has the scoring mentality to keep defenses honest. Developing more of a scorer's mindset will be key for him to reach his full potential and become a more balanced offensive threat. - JB
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