Age

21.7

Height

6'6

Weight

220

Workload

MIN%

65

USG%

22

TS%

57

Per 70 Possession Stats

PTS

17.9

REB

7.7

AST

2.7

STL

1.5

BLK

1.1

TOV

2.6

Efficiency

RIM FG%

67

MID FG%

41

3PT FG%

38

FT%

65

Jump to full report

Report by: Chip Jones

Isaiah Crawford

Forward Louisiana Tech

Elite high activity defender with an NBA ready frame and a versatile offense skillset

Age

21.7

Height

6'6

Weight

220

Per 70 Possession Stats

PTS

17.9

REB

7.7

AST

2.7

STL

1.5

BLK

1.1

Positions Defended

Offensive Role

 

Defensive Role

   

Meet Isaiah Crawford

While he has yet to gain the mainstream’s attention, it’s hard to find a more useful basketball player than Louisiana Tech forward Isaiah Crawford. Heading into last season Crawford seemed primed to establish himself as one of the premiere mid-major prospects in the country and he showed us exactly why in Tech’s 2021-2022 season opener against the University of Alabama.

Tech’s opening possession for the season sees Alabama guard Jaden Shackelford barreling towards the basket after his defender lunges past him trying for a steal. Just as Shackelford reaches the nail Crawford slides in front of him. Zay’s long 7-foot wingspan stays perfectly vertical as he absorbs contact from the Alabama guard. Despite the running start Shackelford’s momentum screeches to a halt as he bounces off Crawford. With the clock winding down Shackelford scampers to the corner trying for a last-second three. But Crawford’s right behind him blocking the shot as the clock expires.

Watching through Crawford’s tape shows that plays like this one are a common occurrence. And while that level of help defense is attractive enough on it’s own, it’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg that is Isaiah Crawford’s case as an NBA prospect.

Wing Stopper+

As an on-ball defender, Zay usually guards players 2 through 4. His 6-foot-6-inch and 220 pound frame puts him at a prototypical NBA wing size. That prototypical size is aided even further by his long reaching 7-foot wingspan. He moves well laterally to wall off drivers, and has elite strength which allows him to absorb contact without getting knocked off his spots.

Off-Ball Zay offers value in two ways. The first is as an event creator, with his long wingspan and incredible activity he’s constantly getting active in the passing lanes and pickpocketing drivers. And the second is as a roaming helper. He’s capable of both quickly making decisions on when he needs to rotate and covering the ground needed in an instant. Often times making two possession saving rotations in rapid succession.

Offense

On the offensive end Louisiana Tech take full advantage of Zay’s impressive versatility. Throughout most games different lineups will feature Zay as a point guard, forward, and big depending on the personnel group. And Zay thrives in all 3 roles. He’s very comfortable generating self-created rim attempts which he converts roughly 67% of the time.

In the Louisiana Tech offense Zay has primarily featured as an off-ball player with now Memphis Grizzlies forward Kenny Lofton Jr. getting a majority of the touches. Even when operating without the ball Zay finds ways to have impact. He provides value as a screener, aggressively attacks the glass looking for put-backs, and as a threat off the catch where he’s capable of drawing and blowing by hard closeouts due to his 38% mark from 3-point range.

Conclusion

Isaiah Crawford’s 2023 campaign is lining up to be a breakout year. With how well suited his skillset and size are to NBA team’s needs it’s likely only a matter of time until he starts to appear on most draft boards.

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