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

Adam Flagler
Frame: 6’3”, 185 lbs
Position: Guard
Team: Baylor
2023 draft age: 23
Stats via Sports-reference, ESPN, Barttorvik

Offense

An accomplished player in his four seasons in Waco- Flagler began his career at Presbyterian, transferred after one season, redshirted, and then came off the bench to help lead the Bears to their first NCAA tournament title in school history. 

Fast forward two seasons, and Flagler emerged as the best player on a ranked team, leading Baylor in points, minutes, and assists per game. His 80 made three-point field goals tied for the team lead (LJ Cryer), and he was one of just 13 high-major players to make at least 80 threes while shooting better than 40 percent from the perimeter. 

Flagler is a quick, agile guard who can score from all three levels. He possesses a soft touch with good body control in the paint but can shy away from contact. His free throw rate of 26.6 percent was the second lowest on the team and ranked in the bottom half of all high-major scoring point guards. 

Far from the biggest or most athletic guard, Flagler knows how to get open, create his own shots, and make plays for his teammates. His assist percentage of 27.9 led the team and ranked fifth in the Big 12 conference. 

Even more impressive is Flagler’s ability to take care of the ball. His 2.7 assist: turnover ratio ranked second in the Big 12 and first of all high-major players who made at least 80 threes. 

Over half of Flaglers shot attempts this season came from beyond the arc (200 of 394). While this may demonstrate a tendency to settle, his high percentage and offensive IQ should dismiss any shot selection concerns. 

Flagler plays under control, possesses a good dribble-handle, and understands the offense—his offensive rating of 120.4 ranked third in the Big 12 and second on the team (Cryer). Capable of running an offense or playing off guard, Flagler should become a reliable scoring option off the bench.

 

Defense

Lacking elite size, strength, and athleticism, Flagler is unlikely to emerge as an elite defender at the next level. His defensive rating of 100.4 ranked third worst on the team and middle of the pack of all high-major guards. 

Still, Flagler plays hard and is quick and agile enough along the perimeter to maintain decent on-ball pressure. His steal percentage of 2.1 ranked 29th in the Big 12 (out of 61 players who played at least 40 percent of their team’s minutes), and his 1.2 steals per game were second most on the team (Dale Bonner). 

Flagler’s 7.7 defensive rebounding percentage ranked sixth on the team of players who played over 40 of the teams’ minutes. Baylor tends to play without a true center, so expect an even lower rebounding percentage at the next level. 

A lack of defensive versatility will hinder Flagler’s minutes, he’ll struggle with bigger guards, and most wings will be able to shoot over him. His quickness should continue to generate steals, but a lack of size and strength will cause difficulties for Flagler when fighting through screens. 

Looking Ahead

One of the eldest players in the upcoming draft, Flager will be an attractive second-round prospect with his experience and shooting. With history playing alongside present NBA Baylor guards (Jared Butler and Davion Mitchell) and future (Keyontae George)—Flagler has shown he can adjust his role accordingly, acting as the primary ball handler and distributor, coming off the bench or playing off the ball, finding ways to get open behind the three-point line. 

Flagler made an immediate impact in his first season for Baylor coming off the bench, and he may find himself with a similar role in his upcoming rookie season. Able to provide scoring, shooting, and playmaking, Flagler will be a capable ball-handler for the second unit. 

 Due to his lack of size, Flagler may be best playing alongside defensive-minded guards and forwards. His shooting can provide sufficient floor-spacing, and his ability to create, pass, and finish off the dribble will allow teammates to cut and get open beyond the arc. 

Flagler may have a limited ceiling based on his size, age, and defense, but he is a proven winner and should immediately contribute to any franchise. Look for Flagler to continue to improve as a playmaker, and he may emerge as a premier bench guard/sixth-man for the right team.