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Our next profile focuses on the Greek Deac, Konstantinos Mitoglou. Mitoglou is a stretch 4 who uses his ability to shoot the basketball to open up lanes for drivers and post players. He had a solid sophomore campaign, starting in all but 1 game and averaging 9.2 ppg and 5.4 rpg.
Strengths:
Mitoglou’s greatest strength is his ability to shoot the basketball. He has a quick release, and at 6-10 he is rarely bothered by defenders. He was third on the team last season in 3-pointers made with 42, shooting 32% from beyond the arc and finishing the year with an effective field goal percentage of 52%. Many power forwards are hardwired to help on defense when the ball gets into the paint, and this often leaves Dinos wide open at the 3-point line. This makes him particularly effective in post up and pick and pop plays on the offensive end. He was also the 2nd best free throw shooter on the team last season at 77%.
Weaknesses:
Mitoglou’s one glaring weakness is his defense. Teams often look to take advantage of him in the pick and roll because of his inability to defend quicker players.
He has similiar struggles guarding more athletic big men that can put the ball on the floor and attack the basket.
It should be noted that the Deacs struggled on defense as a team last season (we were tied for 202nd in the nation in opp. FG%), so an improvement on the defensive end as a whole should help to mitigate any one player’s weakness. That being said, if Mitoglou can improve his on ball and pick and roll defense, he can become a much better 2 way player.
How he fits:
Dinos started 30 games last year at the power forward position, and I highly doubt that will change at all this season. His ability to shoot should pull defenders away from Collins and Crawford as they try to score in the paint. As Wake Forest’s second leading rebounder last season, he should also help secure boards on the defensive end. As a third year player on a relatively young team, his leadership with also be important in helping the younger guys develop.
How do you think Dinos Mitoglou will play this season?