ZOZULIN, Aleksey
STRENGTHS: Small forward with good size. Surprising leaper, he makes unbelievable block shots and dunks thanks to his excellent timing. On offense, when he gets into his rhythm, he can score in bunches. Good individual technique, he can dribble, run into the spaces, has fundamentals and an array of solutions. Intelligent, good understanding of the game. He can hit it from the arc.
WEAKNESSES: Slow for his position in modern basketball. He struggles on defense against the opposite forwards, who are almost always quicker than him (he makes fouls). Needs to be fed on offense, he doesn’t have the explosiveness to create his own shot with continuity. Percentages will never be his forte. Competitive spirit is not convincing. He alternates moments of exuberance with others in which he disappears from the game.
CAREER: Born in Alma-Afa, Kazakhstan, he made his debut at Saratov, and then in 2000, he signed for Kazan. He played with the second team of the club too, in the lower divisions, without gaining decent playing time. First appearances in FIBA Cups in 2003-04 (4.8ppg, 2rpg). He also played for Arsenal Tula. Half way through the 2004-05 season, he moved to Rostov. Had a couple of good seasons at Ural Great (10ppg, 3.5rbds), and did Ok the next two years at St Petersburg.
EVALUATION: Potential is not bad but he gives the impression of being the typical Russian with talent but with little energy and impact. You never know what to expect from him, he lives off big plays on offense but overall, he neither has the personality nor the character to take over. Main problem: very slow from 3, he needs space to be effective. Limited upside.
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