Offense
Strengths
• Good instinct for offensive rebounds
• Nice touch around basket
• Sets solid screens
• Runs the court well
Weaknesses
• Needs to go stronger to the basket – relies too much on turnaround jumpers in the post
• Free throw shooting needs improvement
• Slow to make decisions against double-teams
• Gets pushed off the blocks too easily – needs to bulk up
Defense
Strengths
• Blocks shots well
• Uses length to deny the post
• Gets good rebounding position
Weaknesses
• Needs to get stronger if he is going to play in the post
• Step slow in help defense
• Picks up too many unnecessary fouls
• Needs to improve help defense on screens
Analysis
Sanders was expected to step up as the leader of VCU with Eric Maynor gone to the NBA, and while he did have his spectacular moments, there were a lot of big games where he was unable to carry the team on his back. On offense, Sanders has improved his play around the rim, adding a nice turnaround jump shot and a smooth up-and-under move to his arsenal. He also has good instincts for offensive rebounds. If he is going to play in the post at the next level, he is going to need to add some bulk to his frame. He often finds himself being pushed off the blocks and needing to rely on his jump shot which is not where his size is put to best use. The added bulk will also help him on the defensive end, where smaller but stronger players can back him down. While he has a good knack for blocking shots, he often has to rely on it since offensive players are getting in too deep. He has shown improvement from year to year, and there is no reason to think that he still has a lot of potential left in his game.
- Ed Isaacson
