Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from Oregon State transfer DeShawn Gory this season, as well as why his unique shot profile and natural positional size make him a very intriguing prospect. High-Usage Freshman Gory took on significantly more offensive responsibility as a true freshman than most players around the country. In conference play, his 25.9% usage% made him one of only 23 freshmen across the top 10 conferences (via KenPom) to carry that level of offensive responsibility. Combine that with a 17.7% assist rate and an 11.8% turnover rate, and Gory joins a group of only 10 freshmen that includes AJ Dybantsa, Cam Boozer, Mikel Brown Jr., and Nigel James Jr. Unique Shot Profile Gory found himself in a Fresno State offense that didn’t do him many favors last season. The Bulldogs ranked near the bottom of the conference in offensive efficiency, which makes his scoring profile even more impressive. His effectiveness as a finisher at the rim, combined with his ability to take and make non-rim twos, highlights his scoring upside. I’m not saying he’s on the same level as these players, but when thinking about the diversity of his 2-point scoring package, names like Darius Acuff, Kingston Flemings, and Otega Oweh come to mind. Gory’s Conference Shot Profile At the Rim 4.0 FGA/40 64.6 FG% Paint 2s 5.3 FGA/40 (98th percentile) 56.3 FG% (83rd percentile) Mid-Range 2s 2.7 FGA/40 (96th percentile) 47.7 FG% (74th percentile) Gory posting efficient numbers at the rim without heavily relying on those attempts within his overall shot diet points to significant scoring upside. He also shows the makings of a high-level advantage creator. A large majority of Gory’s scoring comes from shots he creates for himself. DeShawn Gory Made FG Assisted % 2P Assisted %: 27.7% (8th percentile) 3P Assisted %: 56.3% (2nd percentile) Total FGM Assisted %: 38.6% (5th percentile) Among freshmen in those same conferences, Gory was one of only 14 players to average at least 8.8 unassisted points per game while posting a field-goal assisted rate below 38.7%. Gory’s combination of efficiency and self-created offense is a major reason why I believe he has a bright future as an advantage creator. Play-Type Diversity Gory’s 0.99 PPP as a pick-and-roll ball handler ranked in the 83rd percentile, showcasing good pace, the ability to change height levels with the ball and comfort operating with the ball in his hands. He was also an accomplished transition threat, both on and off the ball. Gory posted 1.25 PPP in transition possessions last season, an impressive figure considering Fresno State ranked only in the 50th percentile nationally in fast-break points per game. Additionally, Gory posted 1.00 PPP on spot-up drives. While he showed a tendency to favor his right hand over his left, the overall framework is encouraging, especially given his struggles as a catch-and-shoot three-point shooter. Drives Right: 37 possessions, 1.13 PPP Drives Left: 35 possessions, 0.80 PPP Rebounding Gory averaged 8.1 defensive rebounds per 40 minutes and posted a 23.0% defensive rebounding rate, ranking in the 95th and 93rd percentiles nationally, respectively. Development Needs A 23.7% three-point percentage and 68.9% free-throw percentage are far from ideal. If he develops into a consistent perimeter shooter, his scoring ceiling rises considerably. The encouraging part is that he’s willing to take threes. Half the battle is getting players comfortable shooting them, and Gory already posted a 27.2% three-point attempt rate. Circling back to his 3P Assisted %, I expect his three-point percentage to improve as he receives a higher volume of quality assisted catch-and-shoot opportunities. Final Thoughts Gory possesses many of the tools that project toward becoming a high-level scoring and playmaking advantage creator. Look for Gory to be a very impactful player for the Beavers this season.

The Pac-12 is back! Full breakdown of why I think Deshawn Gory @D1shawn35 can be one of the best young guards in the conference for @JoynerJustin & @BeaverMBB open.substack.com/pub/coachc…