Basheer Jihad: Detroit’s Forgotten Gem
From overlooked high school prospect to one of the most versatile forwards in college basketball—can his game thrive at the next level?
Detroit doesn’t just build cars—it builds basketball players, and Basheer Jihad might be its latest prototype: 6’9", 235 lbs, with a wingspan that swallows up shots and rebounds. Five years ago, Basheer Jihad was just another tall kid in Detroit with NBA dreams. No elite AAU circuits, no viral mixtapes—just raw tools and a relentless motor. Now? He’s outworking top-50 recruits, snatching rebounds like a man possessed, and guarding every position on the floor. His uniquely athletic build puts him in a high level of conversations. With his attributes fitting the League’s meta, will he be recognized at the highest level? Here’s why his potential cannot be ignored:
Basic Stats (2024-2025): 30.5 MPG, 12.7 PPG, 1.8 APG, 5.5 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 BPG. 2.4 T/O, 40.6% FG
Pros:
Physical Attributes
Standing 6’9” with a 7’0” wingspan, Jihad pairs above-average length with a strong 239-pound frame
Strong finisher off one or two feet – Uses his frame to create angles and draw fouls (64.4% FTA rate, 90th percentile)
Absorbs contact well, allowing him to finish through defenders and hold position defensively.
Versatility
He can score from the mid-post, facing up, or stretching the floor. He recorded 9+ Play Types on Synergy with over 10 possessions each, showing comfort scoring in different contexts
Defensive Versatility and Disruptiveness
Jihad’s combination of length, strength, and defensive anticipation makes him a disruptive guard that can protect the rim vertically
His 2.0 STL% stands at 74 percentile and 0.76 PF eff highlight his ability to wall off drives from both forwards and wings.
Elite Rebounding
Jihad ranks among the top rebounding forwards in his class. Averaging over 9.0 rebounds per game, his instinctual positioning and timing translate to extra possessions and therefore, opportunities for offense.
He excels in tracking his misses by taking advantage of his wingspan
.Cons:
Perimeter Shooting Consistency
Jihad’s 3PT% is at 28.8%, which is below the average mark for his position
His release point and subtle shooting hand drift interfere with his consistency (many misses fall short).
Mid-range touch is a bit more reliable, but can be improved
Limited Vertical and First-Step Burst
With limited first-step burst, he lacks the explosiveness to beat defenders clean off the dribble and doesn’t consistently elevate over defenders in the paint. It relies more on footwork to generate scoring chances.
Considering that the modern NBA defender will have both the IQ and athleticism to defend him, footwork will only take him so far.
Limited Rim Efficiency
Larger-sized or more explosive opponents can disrupt his finishing.
His rim efficiency is 54.8%, which is underwhelming for his size and position
He has decent verticality, and contact mid-air can limit his ability to finish at the rim.
Handle Under Pressure
While functional in space, Jihad’s handle can be exploited by aggressive defenders.
When pressured, he can lose control, leading to turnovers or forced passes.
Defenders will likely test this weakness early on in games and his career
Final Take: Jihad is a versatile 6’9” forward with a 7’0” wingspan and a strong 239-pound frame. Offensively, he can score from the mid-post, stretch the floor as a spot-up shooter, or attack closeouts off the dribble. His rebounding is elite for his position, and defensively, he’s disruptive with quick hands, smart positioning, and the ability to guard multiple spots.
Draft Projection: Undrafted
Player Comp: Al Horford, Trey Lyles