Jayson Tatum, "The Smooth Assassin"

Blue Devil basketball fans, get ready for the smooth assassin.

Smooth assassin?

Yep. Duke freshman shooting guard Jayson Tatum is the smoothest.

It’s literally a jab move off his pivot foot, and Tatum pulls a three from deep behind the arc.

Next play.

Jayson chases down a steal, goes coast to coast.

Takes off from the dotted line.

SLAM.

Fans, I’m not finished. No exaggeration.

He’s crafty at 6’8, just make sure you look his way when he throws a dime.

Jayson Tatum is the smoothest assassin this 2016 NCAA season.

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The 6’8 freshman phenom resides from St. Louis, MO, graduating from Chaminade Prep, and collected the 2015-16 Gatorade National Player of the Year. In addition, Tatum owns three gold medals with the FIBA U17 World Championship team. While at Chaminade Prep, Tatum was the No.3 ranked overall recruit in the 2016 class according to the ESPN 150 and Rivals.com. Current Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal, is also a Chaminade prep alum. Attending a known prep school, Tatum’s name became nationally known.

His accolades explain it all.

Unanimous McDonald’s All-American, Jordan Brand All-American, All-USA first team, and Adidas All-American.

As you can see, the connotation “All-American” pretty much describes his game.

Ok fans, enough about the accolades and accomplishments.

Let’s finish this smooth analysis.

Alley-oop to Tatum.

BANG.

When you analyze a guy like Tatum listed at 6’8, you know he’s an NBA Draft prospect. Most NBA mock drafts have him projected as the No.3 overall pick in next year’s 2017 draft. Outside of draft predictions, most Duke fans curiosity levels are increased by this particular question.

How effective will Jayson Tatum be in the Blue Devils offense this season?

Well, let’s just say he’s already in the mix.

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Despite a recent foot sprain suffered in practice, Tatum’s long athletic frame will give many guards in the NCAA problems, as far as defense is concerned. Not to mention, his basketball IQ is another reason why Mike Krzyzewski chose to recruit him. After averaging 29.5 points per game at Chaminade Prep, and acquiring the Missouri Class 5A State Title, there’s no more explanation. Tatum shoots a nice three ball, nice moves off the dribble, and also plays great defense. His leadership along with inheriting great patience for the game, will help the Duke Blue Devils tremendously this 2016-17 season.

Oh, one more thing.

If you lay it up against Tatum, please pump fake.

Or else, he’s sending it to the 14th row.

Welcome to the Block Party.

As I prepare for college basketball season, I always analyze highlights on Ballislife.com and Hoopmixtape. Utilizing both, I’m able to scout and identify the top basketball prospects in the nation.

Yesterday evening, when I viewed Tatum’s high school highlights I said in my head.

“Oh boy, Ooooweee, this guy is a stud”.

And that he is.

Jayson Tatum, the smooth assassin.

Duke basketball fans, Tatum is the man.

Last play before the season kicks off. Here we go!

Tatum grabs the loose rebound, dribbles between the legs, hesitates with a stutter-step crossover.

Rises up, BANG!

Next: NBA Decides on Future of One-and-Done Rule

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Jayson Tatum, “The Smooth Assassin”

By Travis Harmon-Smith | Oct 31, 2016

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