UofL Basketball has picked up another commitment for 2019. This time it is from 3 Star F Quinn Slazinski.
Welcome to the Villeš¹ #L1C4 pic.twitter.com/JRjddE7o1o
— Quinn Slazinski (@QSlaz1) September 27, 2018
The 6’8 200 lbs Slazinski is originally from TX, but has been playing at Huntington Prep in WV. UofL has had past historical success with players from that school. For instance, there was this guy by the name of Gorgui Dieng who had considerable success here and in the NBA.
Slazinski chose UofL over offers from Texas, Texas Tech, TCU, Wake Forest, and Georgia Tech, among others per 247sports. According to Evan Daniels of 247sports, the plan is for Slazinski to redshirt for his first season on campus.
The plan for Quinn Slazinski is to redshirt during the 2019-2020 season, according to multiple sources. https://t.co/HK2gaw77nt
— Evan Daniels (@EvanDaniels) September 27, 2018
This will allow Slazinski to develop more physically with UofL’s Strength and Conditioning staff and develop his game more in preparation for the rigors of ACC play.
Slazinski’s highlights are very interesting. He’s a highly skilled player. It’s pretty obvious why Chris Mack is enamored with him. Slazinski will fit nicely into Mack’s system. Here are the things I noticed about him.
Excellent Shooter
Slazinski is an excellent shooter. Like many of his fellow commits, his range is easily extends beyond the 3-point arc. The stroke is picture perfect with no funky mechanics. He is deadly off the catch from anywhere on the floor.
However, he can also shoot off the dribble. He loves using a rhythm dribble to lull a defender to sleep and then drain the 3-point shot in their face. He also possesses a nice pull-up midrange jumper.
Slazinski has excellent touch on his shots that allow him to be a good finisher around the rim.
Good Ball Handler
At 6’8, Slazinski shows good ball handling skills. He handles the ball more like a G than a F. He can bring the ball up the floor himself off a rebound and initiate the offense.
His good ball handling also makes him a more dynamic scorer. The threat of his jump shot forces defenders to play him at the 3-point line. Because he can handle the ball, he can shot fake, dribble by the defender, get into the lane, and finish or get fouled.
Slazinski can be a point forward as well because of his ball handling. You can trust him to be a primary ball handler in certain situations.
Playmaking/Passing/Court Vision
Slazinski showed ability as a passer/playmaker with his court vision.
In one highlight, he is isolated, dribbles into the lane, sees a teammate cutting along the baseline, and dishes for an easy lay-up.
In another highlight, he rebounds the ball, takes a dribble, outlets up ahead to an open teammate for a dunk.
Then in another highlight we see him handling the ball at the top of the key and recognizing a defender had lost his teammate. He makes a nice, simple bounce pass to that teammate for an easy lay-up.
He uses fundamental passes for the most part, but he does have a little flash. He throws one pass off the backboard for a teammate to dunk it. He once again throws a pass off the backboard to himself for a lay-up.
Athleticism
Slazinski is athletic. Quite a few of his highlights are of him dunking. Though he’s not the quickest laterally, he’s definitely not the slowest. He can get up though.
Slazinski’s height and long arms should allow him to develop the ability to, at the very least, become a good weak side shot blocker. They should also allow him to develop into a good rebounder which he will need to be for Coach Mack.
In a couple of highlights, Slazinski appears to chase down rebounds. That’s something UofL will desperately need from him as the SF/PF he will likely be at UofL. As far as technique when blocking out, that is something I did not see in the highlights, but it’s not something one would usually see. I have no doubt that, if he doesn’t do it already, Slazinski will learn it and become proficient at it.
Swagger
Slazinski surprised me with his fire and swagger on the court. He will fist pump when a teammate dunks, he will show emotion, he enjoys making plays.
This passion, when matched with his talent, could make him a leader on this team in the future. It’s not an arrogant swagger either. He’s just a guy that is confident in his, and his teammates, abilities.
ConclusionĀ
Mack is getting a player in Slazinski with versatility. That versatility is because of his skills I listed above: shooting, ball handling, playmaking and passing, and athleticism. His swagger could eventually make him into a team leader. Slazinski is likely redshirting to increase his strength and work on his defense.
Slazinski is a guy who will likely play four years here and be a very nice player. He’s a guy that I can’t really think of a comparison for. I will say he shoots and has the craftiness of Luke Hancock. However, I think he is a little more athletic. Slazinski is going to be a Cardinal many fans will enjoy because he has game and swagger to go with it. He will make shots, make teammates better, and he will help the Cards win.
