DePaul Transfer Commit Film Room: Forward Kaleb Banks
DePaul Men’s Basketball secured its first transfer commit on April 2nd when Tulane JR Forward Kaleb Banks elected to join Chris Holtmann and the Blue Demons.
OVERVIEW
Banks is a 6’8” 210 LB Forward hailing from Hampton, GA.
He was highly touted as a high-school prospect, ranking 98th on the Recruiting Services Consensus Index (RSCI) Rankings. Holding offers from Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Mississippi State, and Xavier per 247sports. He would commit to Indiana to play for Coach Mike Woodson. Signing in the same class as current Blue Demon CJ Gunn.
BY THE NUMBERS
After a slow start to his collegiate career, Banks had an impressive season with the Green Wave down in New Orleans.
Averaging 14.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game on 50.6/34.1/73.1 shooting splits. Adding 1.3 blocks and 0.7 steals per game.
In AAC conference play, Banks would average 13.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game. With 1.3 blocks and 1.1 steals per game. Enough to earn him 2nd-team All-AAC honors.
OFFENSE
Banks primarily operated off-ball as a play finisher for Tulane, with the majority of his shots coming on spot-up 3P jumpers.
Overall, Banks shot 45/125 (36.0%) on catch-and-shoot (C&S) 3P jumpshots and 24/55 (43.5%) on unguarded C&S jumpshots.
Tulane’s 5-out offense principles allowed him to get a lot of good looks on kickouts.
Tulane’s 5-out offense also positively impacted Banks’ inside the arc game.
Off the dribble downhill, Banks favors his right hand. His touch around the rim varies, but he ended his JR season shooting an impressive 100/143 (69.9%).
Banks was an active cutter, which is where a majority of his rim field goal attempts came from.
Banks had his fair share of above-the-rim finishes this season with 19 dunks. Showcasing impressive athleticism. He also averaged 4.1 free throws per game, effectively taking on contact at the rim on his drives.
Banks was a real weapon in transition for the Green Wave, scoring 108 of his 470 points on transition possessions. His 1.37 points per possession ranked in the 90th percentile.
DEFENSE
1,789 of Tulane’s 2,682 defensive possessions last season were in a zone. Therefore, it is difficult to gauge Banks’ defense.
Where Banks shined was as a rebounder, leading the Green Wave in total rebounds per game with 6.7, and defensive rebounds at 4.8.
Banks also led Tulane in blocks per game with 1.3, swatting 40 shots on the season. His athleticism and size will help him adjust well to the Big East as a help-side defender.
Conclusion
Banks is a talented addition. His ability to provide offense away from the ball offensively and use his size and athleticism to his advantage makes him an intriguing addition to the Blue Demons roster.
DePaul and Coach Holtmann are still rounding out their roster, but they would be wise to continue to add talented Guard talent around Banks to fully maximize his offensive firepower.
Much of the reason why Tulane was able to hold a formidable offense was due to their impressive guards. With former Texas commit and Georgetown Hoya Guard Rowan Brumbaugh as well as the talented FR now Kentucky Wildcat transfer Kam Williams leading the offense.
Tulane’s role for Banks should be enough of a blueprint for Holtmann and staff to get the most out of his game as they continue to revamp the roster
Banks will have one year of eligibility remaining.