2023 NBA Draft Prospect Highlights: Marcus Sasser
Overview
Marcus Sasser played his four seasons at Houston, going from a role player as a freshman to a regular starter by his sophomore season. Sasser had a career-best season as a junior but was limited to just 12 games due to injury. He was also impressive as a senior, averaging 16.8 points, 3.1 assists and 2.8 rebounds across 30.8 minutes per game in 36 starts. Sasser was named the 2022-23 AAC Player of the Year and a consensus All-American. The 6-foot-1 guard was named All-AAC twice during his four-year college career. His best game of the 2022-23 season game was against South Florida on Jan. 11, when he scored a season-high 31 points while adding four assists. He scored at least 20 points in 13 games throughout the season, including the postseason.
Analysis
Sasser is an elite shooter and stands out in that department, making 37% of his 3-point shots throughout his career and shooting close to 40% from deep over his last two seasons. However, he’s more than just a spot-up shooter and may be capable hitting off the dribble in the NBA. The guard thrives on the perimeter but can drive to the basket with solid handles. He’s savvy defensively and thrives as an off-ball defender due to his above-average instincts and ball-hawk mentality. His ceiling might not be as high as other players, though, as he’ll turn 23 during this rookie season.
Projection
Sasser can eventually become an impactful role player in the NBA. Given his excellent shooting ability and instincts, a best-case comparison could be the Toronto Raptors’ Fred VanVleet. Both undersized guards can shoot the ball at an elite level while thriving defensively. Another comparison may be a more scoring-tilted De’Anthony Melton, who can space the floor and thrive defensively despite his lack of size.
— Profile by RotoWire