[The following scouting report is part of a series on potential 2023 draft prospects from Sports Business Classroom alumni.]

Noah Clowney
Frame: 6’10”, 210 lbs
Position: Forward
School: Alabama
Year: Freshman
2023 Draft Age: 18
Stats via sports-reference.com

 Offense

Noah Clowney is a connective piece for a productive offense. He is an unselfish and team-oriented player who plays his role and, even given his high NBA aspirations, doesn’t try to pad his stats or make himself look better at the expense of his team.

Clowney thrives offensively by moving without the ball. He has an instinctual feel for when to cut and isn’t afraid of contact when attacking the rim and drawing fouls. Clowney also made an impact at Alabama as a stretch big, showing his ability to shoot either off pick-and-pop actions or as a corner threat.

He needs to grow into a more consistent three-point shooter to earn the respect of NBA defenses, as he only shot 28.3 percent from deep on 3.3 attempts per game.

Clowney does not pose as much of a threat with the ball in his hands. He will not go one-on-one with his defender or look to score in the post. At only 18 years old, Clowney needs to grow to become more of a scoring threat.

Defense

Clowney’s defense is what will provide him with an extended NBA career. He is a versatile defender whose length and agility allow him to guard any perimeter position effectively. He can switch seamlessly throughout possessions, with a defensive IQ way past his age. He is very disciplined, rarely overhelping or losing track of his man and does not overstay his welcome on double teams. 

Around the rim, the numbers don’t exactly speak to Clowney’s elite rim protection abilities. He only averaged 0.9 blocks per game, but he is not afraid to challenge anybody, and he has a knack for staying straight up and not fouling when contesting at the basket, which is often. 

Clowney will also impress you with how much heart he displays on this end of the floor. He always dives for loose balls, constantly moves his feet, and keeps his head on a swivel. Further, he will always find somebody to box out and fights for every rebound, offensively and defensively.

Clowney can struggle defensively in the post versus bigger players. At only 210 lbs, his slighter frame may limit his ability to play center against strong and skilled post players in the NBA.

Looking Ahead

Clowney projects as a high-level defender at the next level. He brings heart, hustle, and a high IQ that will please NBA coaches. That could lead to early playing time, which may help him find an offensive role. While his thin frame is some cause for concern as a post-defender, his age provides hope that he will be able to develop more muscle as he gets older. 

Clowney had become accustomed to being in a complementary role offensively at Alabama, playing beside Brandon Miller. That’s similar to his role on an NBA team as well. His active off-ball movement and appetite for rebounds will make him a great fit next to the league’s best superstars. 

With his complimentary skillset and versatility defensively, Clowney displays shades of Robert Covington with some additional length and athleticism. He is the type of player you can pass the ball to and expect a good decision. Any contending team would love to have him in their rotation.