Prospect Overview
Wiry, fluid freshman wing with budding ability as a scorer who was explosive in spurts all year, but found his rhythm more consistently as his freshman year wore on at Nebraska.
About Bryce McGowens
A smooth scorer with budding talent, Bryce McGowens was dynamic in spurts with his combination of shot-making ability and fluidity with the ball standing out in his lone season at Nebraska. Emerging as a prospect early in his prep career, he steadily climbed the rankings to finish his senior year at Legacy Early College (SC) regarded as a consensus top-30 prospect in the high school class of 2021. Opting to join his brother, Trey, at Nebraska, the lanky swingman figured to play a prominent role under Head Coach Fred Hoiberg. Averaging 16.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists over 33.3 minutes per game, the 19-year old had a productive year, but helped the Cornhuskers to several upset wins late in conference play to earn All-Big Ten third team honors.
• Measured standing 6’6.5 in shoes with a skinny 181-pound frame and a 6’8.75 wingspan at the 2022 NBA Draft Combine, McGowens is not the most imposing guard from a physical perspective but has a good combination of size and fluidity.
• Hunting shots as Nebraska’s leading scorer, McGowens had significant freedom to create off the dribble, was the target of many of the Cornhuskers’ set plays, and proved to be a capable set shooter when sliding off the ball. Scoring in a variety of ways from the perimeter and doing a nice job using the threat of his jumper to attack the rim and draw fouls off the bounce, his talent shined on his best nights. Having some ups and downs as a three-point shooter, he bolstered his efficiency with his consistency at the free throw line. Getting an opportunity to play through mistakes, McGowens got better as the year wore on but still has room to improve his shot selection and decision-making and plenty of upside as an offensive weapon.
• Doing a nice job using his length to contest shots and get in the passing lanes on occasion as a freshman, McGowens remains early in his development on the defensive end. Still learning the nuances of defending off the ball and lacking a degree of strength against more physical slashers, he has some natural room to grow as he gains experience and gets stronger.
Advanced Stats
• Never shy about rising into deep shots off the dribble or attacking the basket, McGowens was ambitious with his shot selection as the Cornhuskers’ first option this season but still showed his talent for long stretches of his freshman year. Able to rise into deep jumpers, put pressure on the rim looking fluid with the ball, and score with touch over defenders inside, his scoring potential is intriguing.
• With over half of his shot attempts coming on perimeter jumpers split evenly between pull ups and spot ups, McGowens had a somewhat uneven year scoring the ball. While he was just as aggressive elevating into catch and shoot jumpers with a hand is his face as he was pulling up off the bounce, he scored 1.00 points per catch and shoot jump shot [53rd percentile] but was streakier with his pull-up scoring 0.62 points per pull-up jump shot in the half court [25th percentile]. Shooting the ball with range off crossovers and hang dribbles, the 19-year-old took and made a lot of tough shots as a freshman but has room to pick and choose his spots more consistently.
• Doing a nice job using his fluidity with the ball to get downhill and draw fouls, McGowens averaged 1.05 points per shot around the rim [38th percentile]. He is still evolving as a decision-maker and has room to get more comfortable going left, but got to the line at a terrific rate despite his light frame and shot a very strong percentage once he got there.
Defensive Analysis
• Possessing nice length and some instincts using it in the passing lanes, on the glass, and sliding on the perimeter, McGowens made some contributions defensively. His length of strength was a limiting factor at times, and he has some natural room to grow as a frame fills out.
• Still learning where to be when defending off the ball and how to apply his tools consistently, McGowens brought more intensity some nights than others and is still picking up the nuances of the game on that end of the floor.
— Profile by Synergy Sports
