[The following scouting report is part of a series on potential 2025 draft prospects from Sports Business Classroom alumni.]

Joan Beringer
Frame: 6’11”, 230 lbs
Position: Center
Team: Cedevita Olimpija
2025 Draft Age: 18
Stats via: Sports-Reference​

Offense

Beringer excels as a vertical spacer and rim-runner, offering consistent value as a play-finisher. He is highly effective in pick-and-roll situations, setting solid screens and diving hard to the rim, where his 7’5” wingspan and quick elevation make him a frequent lob target. His hands are dependable, allowing him to complete difficult catches in traffic, and he finishes well above the rim.

Beringer’s motor and speed in transition help him beat opposing bigs down the court, creating early scoring chances. Though not a shot creator, he flashes promising footwork with occasional Euro steps and deceleration finishes, suggesting room for development in tight spaces. Still, his offensive game remains limited. He offers little shooting range and has struggled at the line, converting just 53.9 percent of his free throws. His handle is basic, and he can be turnover-prone under pressure or in short-roll playmaking situations.

Beringer has shown flashes of vision and passing feel, but to expand beyond a pure finisher role, he must improve decision-making and skill under duress.

Defense

Defense is Beringer’s calling card. His length, athleticism, and timing make him a standout rim protector, as reflected in an 8.6 block percentage. He elevates quickly and contests shots without needing to load up, allowing him to recover and rotate efficiently in help-defense situations.

His lateral mobility and fluid hips enable him to switch onto smaller players and hold his own in space, a trait that adds significant value in today’s switch-heavy defensive schemes. He brings consistent effort, covering ground and contesting shots across multiple actions.

However, Beringer’s lean frame can be a liability against stronger post scorers, and he still gets bumped off his spots too easily. He occasionally loses focus off the ball or bites on pump fakes, resulting in fouls or defensive breakdowns. Improved strength and positional discipline will be necessary to maximize his impact at the next level.

Looking Ahead

Beringer fits the mold of modern defensive bigs who anchor lineups with athleticism and mobility. His current profile is reminiscent of Clint Capela or Jalen Duren, with the potential to develop into a similarly impactful player. While his offense is limited, his defensive upside and physical tools give him a clear NBA path, likely as a late first-round pick in June. With time, strength development, and continued skill growth, Beringer could emerge as a high-level starter capable of anchoring defenses and finishing plays efficiently on the other end.