Nelly Joseph

BORN: 20/11/2001

LAST TEAM: New Mexico Lobos (NCAA)

HEIGHT: 208 cm

WEIGHT: 111 kg

PRO

• Size – physicality
• Valid finisher
• Rim protection

WEAKNESSES

• Shooting range
• Skill set – handling
• Managment fouls

VIDEO

EUROBASKET.COM

REALGM.COM

ACTUAL

POTENTIAL

INTRODUCTION

Nelly Junior Joseph is a Nigerian player who began his collegiate career at Iona University, where he made an immediate impact. In his freshman year (2020-21), he was named MAAC Rookie of the Year, proving decisive in the Conference title for Coach Pitino’s team. Throughout his tenure with the Gaels, Joseph earned All-MAAC First-Team honors twice and was pivotal in leading the Gaels to multiple conference championships. For his senior season, he transferred to the Lobos, not following his former coach and teammate Daniss Jenkins to St. John’s due to the presence of Joel Soriano on the Red Storm.

PHYSICAL

Nelly Joseph possesses a strong and athletic frame ideal for his inside position. He has an important wingspan that allows him to be a presence under the rims. His upper body strength and agility enable him to battle in the post, also combining good footwork. He runs the court well and has valid lateral mobility, although he needs to improve his foot movement coordination on the defensive end. However, to compete at the professional high level, further development in his lower body strength and conditioning could enhance his endurance.

OFFENSIVE PHASE

Nelly Joseph is a reliable scorer around the rim, utilizing his size and athleticism to finish efficiently in the paint. In the 2023-24 season at New Mexico, he is shooting 54.9% from the field on 6.2 attempts per game. His offensive repertoire includes effective post moves where he combines significant size with good footwork, allowing him to create an advantage despite not being very technically refined. He has a good ability to operate as a roll man in pick-and-roll situations, moving dynamically and productively off the ball without being too vertical and a lob threat. However, his perimeter shooting and face-up game are lacking, and he needs to pay attention to his handling skills to create space in the post (1.5 turnovers per game). Improving his free-throw percentage, which stands around 61% over his collegiate career, would increase his scoring efficiency, especially when drawing fouls.

DEFENSIVE PHASE

Nelly Joseph is a formidable presence. His rim-protecting skills (1.6 blocks per game during his NCAA career) deter opponents from attacking the rim. His lateral quickness allows him to switch onto smaller players, showcasing his versatility in defensive schemes. Additionally, his rebounding is a significant asset; his energy and ability to box out contribute to his team’s control of the glass. However, maintaining discipline to avoid foul trouble and improving his defensive awareness can further elevate his impact on this end of the floor. Overall, he has the athletic tools to become an elite defender and a strong predisposition.

IMPROVED AREAS

To enhance his prospects at the professional high level, Nelly Joseph should focus on developing a mid-range jump shot to diversify his offensive game and become less predictable. Improving his skill set, including improving his handling to avoid too many turnovers (currently averaging 2.5 per game at the start of the new season) when doubled. In defense, he has room to grow in terms of positioning and concentration, but the priority will be to limit foul problems and the search for contact that more experienced opponents know how to turn into refereeing whistles. If he does not choose to try, as most inside players do, the G-League could have an immediate impact on a mid-high European league.