The Phoenix Suns have selected Dayton forward Toumani Camara, who hails Brussels, Belgium, with the No. 52 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Welcome to The Valley, Toumani! 🏜️ pic.twitter.com/9JXw4AiTe8
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) June 23, 2023
Camara is listed at 6-foot-8, 220 pounds on the Flyers’ roster and reportedly has a 7-foot wingspan. He started his career alongside Anthony Edwards at Georgia, but transferred to Dayton for his last two collegiate seasons.
Toumani Camara is a very solid offensively and defensively perfect for our new scheme! LFG #WeAreTheValley pic.twitter.com/uwVajPhKyN
— 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘢☆ (@Stunna999_) June 23, 2023
Camara is known as a defensive-minded wing. He made All-Conference First Team and All-Defensive team honors in the A-10 his senior year after recording a career-high 13.9 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 1.7 APG and 1.2 SPG.
For his career, he has started in 116 of 125 games played and averaged 11 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.8 blocks on 51/31/63 splits.
Toumani Camara is the Suns’ pick at #52, and they got a guy that fills a hole on the team; lockdown defense & solid rebounding.
A 6’8” F with a 7” wingspan, that’s where the potential is for the Suns.pic.twitter.com/rAq0HXpE2O
— Suns Are Better (@SunsAreBetter) June 23, 2023
Per a scouting report by Mid Major Madness, Camara’s strengths are athleticism, offensive efficiency and a big frame.
“During his two seasons in the A-10, Camara was a consistent interior threat using his athleticism to blow by big men and prove a mismatch nightmare for most defenders tasked with guarding him. He certainly isn’t the most athletic player on the court at any given time, but Camara uses his speed and agility well. It’s highly noticeable on the offensive end where he’s an explosive finisher and a solid passer. He is also developing his perimeter skills nicely.
At the NBA level, Camara will be an undersized forward, but he makes up for it with his massive frame, which has helped him to be a physical and daunting player on the defensive end despite shining primarily on offense. Let’s not forget, he is a 2022-23 All-Defensive Team selection in the A-10 who also averaged 1.2 SPG and 1.1 BKPG during his final season in the SEC.”
doing some last second scouting… Toumani Camara (#2 for Dayton) has some of the most impressive defensive film in this class. Really intriguing skillset pic.twitter.com/YbkfaojIiX
— Brayden Todd (@Bray__NBA) June 22, 2023
His areas to improve include his consistency, 3-point shooting and turnovers according to the same report.
“Despite his increased production across four years of Division I basketball, Camara has struggled to stay consistent from game-to-game. This is best highlighted with his 3-point shooting and turnover percentage. He’s obviously not a primary dribbler or 3-point shooter, but turnover problems in particular are something that’s manifested early in Camara’s career while his 3-point shooting needs development.
Camara managed 2.1 turnovers per game and shot a career-best 36% from behind the arc this past season. However, that’s down from a career-worst 2.6 turnovers per game in 2021-22. Camara’s career 3-point percentage sits at an underwhelming 30%, all of which could spell concern for NBA Scouts.”
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Brendan Mau is a college sports insider and general assignment reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on Twitter via @Brendan_Mau
