Zack Austin: Cookie Cutter
Zack Austin, a senior out of the University of Pittsburgh, seems to fit the bill for what most NBA teams look for in a depth wing.
The basic stats might not seem impressive, but there’s a lot to like about Zack Austin’s game. He is the ideal wing in the modern NBA. He’s big, he can shoot, and he can defend. The fifth year senior from Pitt has never really been a standout prospect. His time in college basketball is over but there is a chance he might hear his name called on Draft Night.
Basic Stats (2024-2025): 32.1 MPG, 9.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 0.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.6 BPG, 0.6 TO, 42.4% FG
Pros:
Defense
Smart and versatile. There is a lot to like about Zack Austin on defense
Closeouts and Rotations
Moves his feet really quick and times his contests really well
Rarely overhelps and makes up for it quickly if he does
74th percentile rank in PPS against for jumpers
Pretty switchable. Has the size and length to guard 1-3 and sometimes even 4s
Awareness
Navigates screens pretty well and doesn’t commit silly fouls in the process
Makes good reads and is able to generate some turnovers that way
1.1 SPG (93rd percentile)
Shooting
Austin is a very good three point shooter. His form is a little strange, but it's very consistent and has a pretty good arc.
38.1% 3FG, 4.6 3PA/G
He’s primarily a catch and shoot threat. 85.2% of his jumpers were catch and shoot and he put up 1.11 PPS (71st percentile)
68.2% of his catch and shoot jumpers were guarded (89th percentile). He put up 1.10 PPS on guarded catch and shoot jumpers (76th percentile)
He moves quite well without the ball and makes sure his teammates find him when he gets into a dangerous position
Size + Frame
Austin’s physical profile is exactly what you want from a 3&D wing. Aside from his height and length, he’s pretty strong as well, even to the point where he can play the 4 in small lineup
Austin definitely has some athleticism as well. He’s a good shot blocker and can drive to the basket when needed
Cons:
Draft Age
Zack Austin has a lot of good qualities as a prospect. Unfortunately, he’s a 23 year old senior who averaged 9.2 PPG last season playing 32.1 MPG. He’s definitely on the older side and doesn’t particularly stand out. If he doesn’t hear his name called on draft night, this will probably be a big reason why
Rebounding
Despite his physical advantages, Austin gets outrebounded quite a bit
13.7 DREB% (32nd percentile), 3.7 OReb% (9th percentile)
Final Take: Zack Austin fits the mold for a modern NBA wing. He can shoot and he can defend. He’s athletic, versatile, and smart. I’m uncertain that a 23 year old senior with his raw numbers will get drafted but there is definitely a chance that a team in need of wing depth might take a flyer on him. His potential isn’t super high but he could definitely find his way to some NBA minutes one day.
Draft Prediction: Late second round
Player Comp: Cam Johnson