Aginaldo Neto Scouting Report
Notes on the NBA Academy Africa guard.
Aginaldo Neto (2025) is a speedy, score-first guard who can have a fruitful D-I college career at the mid-major level.
The combo guard from Angola is listed at 6-foot-1. He is currently developing at the NBA Academy Africa.
This scouting report is largely based on the 2024 NBA Academy Games, but also having evaluated Neto at the 2023 NBA Academy Games and the 2023 Sportradar Showdown.
Strengths
Speed with the ball in his hands stands out. Dangerous in transition despite being 6-foot-1.
First step projects well in the half-court, although he largely creates space out of screens rather than off the dribble.
Flashes of being a creative finisher. Comes up with double clutches and reverse finishes to overcome size deficit and avoid defenders. Can do a better job still of playing with/through contact.
Gets buckets. Score-minded in his approach, which has its pros and cons but he’ll be impactful on the stat sheet.
Solid pace from the midrange. Likes to get to the elbows and free throw line. 21/48 2P% at the showcase.
More comfortable from the middy right now. Three-point volume was low (6/13) and not really his game, but showed some flashes.
Competes on defense. Likes to get in the passing lanes and use his first step on that end, as well.
Not really a minus or a plus at this level where development is the main focus. Role on team tends to be much more offensive.
I’ve heard good reviews about his character, competitiveness, and rate of improvement.
Improvement points
Finishing is inconsistent. Struggles vs. strength and length even when his process is solid.
Neto is small, not bouncy (athleticism is more so about velocity), and skinny in the upper and lower body.
At the next level, projects as a below-the-rim finisher. Doesn’t get deep paint touches right now. Takeoff point on finishes can be too distant.
Doesn’t add much if his shot isn’t falling. Passing is secondary for him. What does he do off the ball?
Needs to cut more and become more comfortable shooting spot-ups.
I don’t necessarily mind smaller guards nowadays, but they have to be really electric to keep progressing up levels while remaining at the top. Neto is not elite or very good at any one thing.
Playmaking is basic, but can be effective when he uses his speed to drive and pass (kicks or drop-offs, usually).
Plays far more under control as a scorer than as a facilitator. Can still get sped up as a passer.
Glimpses of making half-court reads. Tough to truly gauge since NBA Academy Africa squads tend to play really fast.
Projection
Who and how will Neto defend at the next level?
Can he find a better and more versatile balance of scoring and passing?
Can he contribute more off the ball, particularly spotting up?
Neto can be a mid-major, multi-year (likely all years) scoring guard in college. His professional future, as of now, will be overseas.