Junjie Wang Scouting Report
Wang Junjie is a 6-foot-9 sophomore playing for the San Francisco Dons who is likely already skilled enough to contribute to the Chinese national team.
This is a guest post written by Harry Zhang.
BORN ON: April 3, 2005
TEAM: San Francisco Dons (WCC)
Wang Junjie is a 6-foot-9 sophomore playing for the San Francisco Dons. He has stepped into a larger role this year following Ndewedo Newbury’s season-ending injury. In 19.6 minutes per game, Wang is averaging 6.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 1.0 turnovers, 0.2 steals, and 0.2 blocks with shooting splits of 41.5 FG%, 29.8 3P%, and 59.6 FT%.
Offensively, Wang is primarily used1 as an off-ball player to space the floor but he offers some versatility. Despite his subpar shooting percentages (29.8 3P% on 25/84 shooting and 59.6 FT% from the line), USF trusts him to take shots off movement and screens or in pick-and-pops with encouraging overall volume (9 threes per 1002). I think that Wang can be an average three-point shooter in the future, and the fact that opponents always close out on him shows his shooting gravity. While he has the potential to develop into a reliable floor spacer, he must significantly improve his shooting efficiency in order to become a legitimate offensive threat.
In addition to his catch-and-shoot ability, Wang has flashed on-ball self-creation. Due to his slower first step, he often relies on spins to the left when attacking the rim. His drives can be a bit too methodical, and he sometimes settles for difficult jumpers when he fails to beat his defender. Improving his footwork and ballhandling can help him become more aggressive with the ball in his hands when driving. The 19-year-old also occasionally transitions drives into post-ups, where he can take advantage of smaller or less physical wings.
Wang has a preference for posting up these less physical defenders. He has noticeably added strength this year and can sometimes bully weaker opponents. Wang is shooting 63% at the rim on 29/46 shots. While he demonstrates solid footwork in the post, he struggles to finish against bigger and more athletic defenders, and his touch around the rim remains inconsistent.
One of Wang’s standout qualities is his high motor. His effort on the offensive glass is particularly solid, as he averages3 1.4 offensive rebounds in just 19.6 minutes per game. He consistently fights for possessions and makes impactful hustle plays.
Defensively, Wang’s lack of footspeed, agility, and body control makes him a liability on this end. He averages just 0.2 steals and 0.2 blocks per game, which are notably low numbers, especially for a 6-foot-9 forward. Additionally, the Chinese prospect’s limited vertical explosiveness hinders his effectiveness as a secondary rim protector. His defensive rebounding is also a weakness, as he averages only 1.8 defensive rebounds per game. Plus, Wang can have exhibit poor body control on closeouts.
Wang’s defensive impact is not as poor as the statistics might suggest, but it’s lacking. This is partly because Wang is not a defensive playmaker. He tends to stay disciplined on his man, rather than (over)helping or gambling for steals. His focus and effort on defense are commendable, and his strength can allow him to effectively wall up opponents.
While Wang is likely already skilled enough to contribute to the Chinese national team, his defensive limitations make him far from draftable in the NBA. He is definitely going to be a star player in CBA after he finishes college. Overall, Wang’s playing style reminds me of Harrison Ingram, although without Ingram’s playmaking ability. Improving his shooting efficiency and defensive mobility will be critical for his development.
BACKGROUND: Wang was a prospect out of the NBA’s Global Academy in Australia. He participated in Basketball Without Borders Asia 2022 and was named an all-star of the camp. He also participated in the 2023 Basketball Without Borders Global Camp when he measured at 6-foot-9.25, 230 pounds with a 6-foot-9.75 wingspan and a 8-foot-8 standing reach. He averaged 12.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.0 assists in the 2023 FIBA U-19 World Cup, including a 21-point game against Spain and 13 points against USA before he twisted his ankle. He started playing basketball under the influence of his dad who was a Physical Education teacher.
Xiaohan Zhang, Harry, is a basketball lover studying anthropology in Hong Kong. He is dreaming of becoming a scout.
Piece edited by Wilko Martínez-Cachero.
Via Synergy: Spends 31% of the time Spotting Up … 0.723 PPP is ‘Below Average’ … 38.7 TS%, 6.2 TOV%
Via Bart Torvik
Per 100 possessions: 9.4 REB (5.3 DREB / 4.1 OREB)
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