A versatile scorer with a high basketball IQ. The percentages from the field indicate his efficiency and shot selection. His assist-to-turnover ratio is remarkable for a secondary handler.
BORN: –
LAST TEAM: Lipscomb Bisons (NCAA)
HEIGHT: 6-3 / 191 cm
WEIGHT: 195 / 88 kg
PRO
- Shot selection – Basketball IQ
- Good size
- Versatile scorer
WEAKNESSES
- 3-P drops efficency
- Athleticism
- Defensive production
VIDEO
ACTUAL
POTENTIAL
INTRODUCTION
Will Pruitt has been a cornerstone for the Bisons throughout his collegiate career, showcasing consistent growth and leadership. After his first season, where he played a rotational role, he stepped into the starting five for 129 games. As a junior, he achieved personal bests and earned a spot on the ASUN Second-Team. In his final season, with the return of Jacob Ognacevic and the presence of Joe Anderson, his performances allowed him to remain on the Second-Team and also be named to the Conference Tournament team. He ended his career with a win in the ASUN and participation in the NCAA Tournament against Iowa State.
PHYSICAL
Will Pruitt has a solid, well-built frame that suits the guard position, allowing him to absorb contact when attacking the rim and to hold his own on the glass. While he doesn’t stand out for elite explosiveness or reactivity, he compensates with good coordination and balance, which help him maintain control in traffic and finish through contact. His wingspan adds value on both ends, especially on defense and in rebounding situations. The combination of physical strength and basketball IQ enables him to impact the game consistently, even without standout athleticism. That said, improving his lateral quickness and foot speed would enhance his defensive versatility, particularly in matchups against quicker guards.
OFFENSIVE PHASE
Will Pruitt is a versatile scorer with a high basketball IQ. In his last season, the percentages for three-point shooting have shown a drop (from an impressive 43.4% to 34.3% on 4.1 attempts), but he remains a reliable shooter off the screen and as a spot-up. His ball-handling skills allow him to navigate through defenses, and he can create his own shot off the dribble or drive to the basket. The percentages from the field indicate his efficiency and shot selection (47% from the field for his career). He demonstrates good vision and solid reads in pick-and-roll situations and in a well-structured system like the Bisons, averaging 2.7 assists per game. Additionally, while committing some forced shots due to a lack of explosiveness in broken-play scenarios, his assist-to-turnover ratio is remarkable for a secondary handler (+2.1 in the last season).
DEFENSIVE PHASE
Will Pruitt is disciplined and positions himself well, trying to anticipate opponents’ moves. A good wingspan and a solid frame allow him to disrupt possessions but he is not reactive enough to produce steals (0.8 per game this season). His size allows him to guard multiple positions on the perimeter. While he may not possess elite lateral quickness, his understanding of team defensive rotations and communication skills help mitigate this. Notably, his rebounding prowess (5.9 per game) can transform into transitions. However, against very quick point guards and in mismatch situations, he may encounter difficulties. He could afford to be more aggressive in those situations, averaging only 1.5 fouls in over 32 minutes of play.
IMPROVED AREAS
Will Pruitt will need to address the recent dip in his three-point shooting, regaining consistency from beyond the arc and adapting to tighter coverage and rushed situations. While his feel for the game is strong, enhancing his ability to create separation against athletic defenders will be key at the professional level. On the defensive end, improving his lateral quickness and foot speed would increase his versatility, particularly in matchups against quicker guards. Becoming more assertive in on-ball situations and increasing his disruptive presence could further solidify his role as a reliable two-way contributor. Overall, he can have an immediate impact in a mid-level league with the potential for growth. As a prospect, he may remind one of Billy Baron.