ESPN Analyst: NBA teams will love Thornwell’s toughness, versatility

ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla has long been respected for his eye as a scout. The former New Mexico and St. John’s coach took time in a recent media call to look at South Carolina’s duo in the NBA Draft: Sindarius Thornwell and P.J. Dozier.

Fraschilla, who said he’s been around both former Gamecocks, compared Thornwell to former Virginia guard Malcolm Brogdon, who averaged 26.4 minutes a game this year in the NBA. Fraschilla pointed out Thornwell ended up playing a lot of power forward as a senior, but there’s a lot to like at wing.

“People are going to love Sindarius’s toughness and his versatility, and so that’s what he’s got going for him,” Fraschilla said. “He’ll just have to prove he can guard a little bit quicker type of NBA athlete in the backcourt or at the wing spot. But he’s going to certainly — both of those guys will be getting a great long look from NBA teams.”

As many have, Fraschilla honed in on Dozier’s shot. The Columbia product left USC after his sophomore year and signed with an agent, but only hit 29.8 percent from 3.

“He obviously had a very, very good season,” Fraschilla said. “He’s got good size. He plays with toughness.

It’s hard to be on the floor when you’re a career 30 percent three-point shooter and a 60 percent free-throw shooting. That has got to be his No. 1 concern, or at least point of emphasis, moving forward. I’m sure he’s already started to do that.”

This story was originally published May 10, 2017 at 1:01 PM with the headline "ESPN Analyst: NBA teams will love Thornwell’s toughness, versatility."