Rafael Pinzon

BORN: 08/11/2002

LAST TEAM: Bryant Bulldogs (NCAA)

HEIGHT: 198 cm

WEIGHT: 88 kg

PRO

• Versatility
• Movements off the ball
• Valid scorer

WEAKNESSES

• Shot selection
• Management possessions
• Defensive discipline

VIDEO

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INTRODUCTION

Rafael Pinzon is a skilled all-around from Puerto Rico who began his NCAA career at St. John’s. After two seasons coming off the bench, he transferred to the Bulldogs, where his playing time increased. With the departure of Sherif Gross-Bullock, he will have a greater usage and the opportunity to showcase his scoring talent. Alongside teammate Earl Timberlake, they will be leaders and among the best teams in the America East Conference by the end of the season.

He possesses good size and dynamism, making him versatile in multiple roles. Offensively, he is still instinctive and can improve his shot selection, but he has multiple scoring solutions. He can drive to the basket off the dribble but is also able to create space for a mid-range shot, reliable from beyond the three-point arc (35.3% on 4.8 attempts), primarily in catch and shoot or spot-up situations. He moves well off the ball, and in transition, he is a solid player. Pinzon has shown good passing skills (1.6 assists per game), but his reading of the game needs improvement, particularly against set defenses.

On the defensive end, he has good tools that make him versatile against different types of opponents but tends to have lapses in concentration and energy. He needs to stay less affected by difficult moments and remain more disciplined. He has already worn the camiseta of his national team, being a key player in the Under-19 World Cup in 2021, and certainly possesses natural talent and interesting potential. His senior season could make him an immediately intriguing player for a mid-high level European league.