
Villanova star Jeremiah Robinson-Earl declares for the 2021 NBA Draft. The sophomore forward released his own statement. This season Villanova made it to the Sweet 16, where they lost to eventual champions, Baylor. The Wildcats entered the tournament as a 5-seed, and much of their success was owed to Robinson-Earl. From his freshman to sophomore season, he really elevated his play to make himself an NBA prospect this season.
— Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (@JCREarl) April 9, 2021
Although his free-throw percentage and rebounding numbers drifted a bit, it is his overall offensive game that developed from year one to year two. This season, he upped his field-goal percentage from a respectable 45.4% as a frosh, to a very good 49.7% this season. His points per game went up from 10.5 to 15.7. Many see him as a fringe first-round pick this season, but he may go higher after going through the process. Depending on the organization, if one were patient enough to develop him, he has the physical tools to succeed in the NBA.
He will need to improve his outside shooting if he wants to be a wing at the next level. At 6’9″ and 230lbs, Robinson-Earl is a big guy. He will likely add more weight and strength heading into the draft and beyond. He has a very sturdy base and isn’t afraid to leap for put-back dunks and tips as well as hit the floor on defense.
He reminds me of PJ Washington, but he doesn’t have the jumper that Washington has. He can hit open threes, but PJ as a sophomore would hit open threes and eventually contested threes. That shot has developed in the league after just a season and a half. Robinson-Earl might not have the same ceiling, but his play does remind me of Washington when he bullies his way in the paint and when he shoots the midrange.