Kevin Huerter, SG/SF
School: Maryland
Class: Sophomore
Age: 19
Height/weight: 6-6, 197 (measured)
ESPN draft ranking: 54th
Huerter has been one of the best shooters in the Big Ten for two seasons at Maryland. He declared for the draft while maintaining the option to return to Maryland, and is using the pre-draft process to demonstrate that he’s more than just a catch-and-shoot scorer.
“Trying to show I can put the ball on the floor and make plays,” Huerter said after his Hawks workout Friday. “I think that’s a big part of my game (that) I hope people realize, my ability to get other guys shots and make plays. I think I’m a pretty good passer. Coming to these workouts, I think a lot of teams know I can make shots, make threes but I’m trying to show I can do a lot more.”
Huerter, a Terrapins starter for both seasons, is an accurate 3-point shooter on high volume. He made 65 of 175 tries as a freshman and 73 of 175 this past season for a total of 138-for-350 (39.4 percent).
Huerter’s 61.1 effective field-goal percentage in 2017-18 ranked sixth-best in the Big Ten, according to Kenpom.com. Per Synergy Sports, Huerter posted a 57.9 eFG% on 126 catch-and-shoot attempts and a 47.9 eFG% on 47 shots off the dribble.
Huerter improved his scoring efficiency in 2017-18 as his usage percentage increased from 16.9 to 21.5. His 2-point shooting improved on a higher volume, and he nearly tripled his free-throw attempt rate while improving his accuracy at the line to 75.8.
Huerter said the improved free-throw rate came at the urging of Maryland coach Mark Turgeon and also because he was stronger after adding about 15 pounds before the 2017-18 season.
“I was more comfortable taking the ball to the basket and figuring out different ways to get myself fouled and get to the line,” Huerter said. “When you are playing 30 minutes a game it seemed like you need time to rest and free throws are a good chance to do that.”
Huerter earned an invite to next week’s draft combine. He said he also plans to work out for teams following the combine before deciding whether to in the draft. The deadline is May 30.
“Just looking for the right feedback, listen to the people close to me and hopefully make a decision with my family,” Huerter said. “Trying to hear the right thing from the right team. Love Maryland, have no problem going back there. Still, I’ll wait and see what the process tells me.”
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