Hidden Gems: Robin Discamps, the next energizer out of France
In this new episode of "Hidden Gems" in which I present and talk with prospects looking for D1 opportunities I had the chance to exchange with Robin Discamps.
For the second time in a row, we will be discussing a talent who is dominating games all around France in Espoirs Pro B — the French U21 Second Division — in Robin Discamps, a lengthy wing playing for Hyères-Toulon Var Basketball.
As I said, he is a pretty tall wing — 6 feet 6 inches — but he is still quite thin, so bulking up a bit next season would be a great thing. He’s remarkably quick, showing he is a functional athlete despite a weak dunk rate and also possesses a great wingspan.
“I am working to develop physically, bulking and gaining muscles is one of my main focuses to absorb contact better. Indeed my body and strength are sufficient for Espoirs comp but once against Pro I will get bodied if I do not gain muscles.”
Now that we’ve covered his physical archetype analysis we can start watching his tape, starting with his transition game which might be one of his biggest strengths. As I said earlier he is a great athlete and in addition, he is a great vertical runner. Pair this with his feel for the game and you have a fearsome transition weapon.
“I can bring the ball up pretty easily even with pressure or whatever, but I still need to develop that aspect of my game, I want to work like a PG to be more at ease as a SG. Also I need to work on my decision making and more importantly my passing timing.”
This was about his transition game as an off-ball player and therefore as a play finisher. However, Discamps can also operate as an initiator. Indeed this great feel for the game can also be seen in his good go-ahead passes, but also in his decision-making abilities when he brings the ball up with his craftiness as a ball handler.
In half-court play Discamps brings tons of things, especially scoring from the outside. He’s a good off-ball mover, he knows where to go and when to go so he produces many points like that.
“I feel like my advantage is that I can score in any position but I still need to improve my ball-handling skills to be more at ease on-ball and also be able to create my own shot. Indeed that ability of scoring from everywhere is restrained by my struggle at beating my guy because it is hard for me to get to my spots on-ball.”
Many of his paint touches are provoked by his gravity as an outside shooter. He almost always receives strong closeouts due to that threat and he has no problem punishing defenses with his great finishing ability and great layup package.
Again, Discamps is an incredible outside shooter. He excels on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers and has great mechanics with a quick release and strong footwork, enabling him to make 3s at a high rate with volume.
“I feel like I am a good shooter on C&S setting even if I need to have more consistency in results and the main thing I need to work on shooting-wise is my ability at shooting off the dribble.”
Although something that he will need to work on is his movement shooting abilities, he struggles with dribble jumpers in the mid-range and from 3-point range. The main problem lies in his balance as a handler, making it difficult for him to shoot through contact.
Finally, considering his proficiency on the defensive end, Discamps fits nicely into the all-too-common “3&D” label. The standout part of his defensive tape is his impact on the defensive glass. He could be better if he boxed out a bit more but his motor allows him to secure great defensive possessions with rebounds.
“One of my biggest strengths is defensive rebounding, I believe I can grab a rebound above anyone — even Pros — but once I am in the air I can get move pretty easily because of my core strength.”
He is a great on-ball defender with quick feet and active hands. He also shows those active hands when he operates as an off-ball defender making some defense playmaking plays.
While lacking polish, Discamps has the potential to be a great off-ball defender with his physical archetype and understanding of the game. The only thing missing in his game is that he adds little to no rim protection to his team.
Overall, Discamps adds much to a team looking to fill gaps on the wing. At 6 feet, 5 inches, born in 2005, Discamps adds youth, length, energy, shooting, and potential to any team looking to fill its roster with any number of those beyond-valuable traits.