Davidson may have the most diverse group of basketball players in the country (or should I say the world). Swede Will Magarity is one of multiple players originally from overseas. The Boston College transfer made a positive impact on the Davidson Basketball program his junior year, but there are still improvements to be made. Magarity dances on a fine line between center and small forward. He fits the role of a stretch 4, and if he could sharpen up some areas of his game, he’ll provide solid upside to Davidson’s 2017-18 team.
What He’s Done
Will Magarity was a role player last season, and he served as one of many big men that could both shoot and play the post. Unfortunately, Magarity wasn’t exactly red-hot from deep. His 25.6% three point shooting percentage is particularly concerning because the junior took 90 shot attempts. He also went just 1-9 from deep in the Atlantic 10 Tournament during Davidson’s run. Magarity loved to hang around at the top of the key and get open looks from three, but he proved to be much more effective inside the arc.
Believe it or not, Will Magarity had the 2nd best 2 point shooting percentage in Atlantic 10 play at 70%. Overall, the junior shot 66.3% from two which ranked 26th in the entire nation. Bottom line: Will Magarity was an effective player when he took the ball at the basket and looked for buckets in the paint. Yet, Magarity only took 14 more two point attempts than three point attempts last season. Given his effectiveness from both spots, it’d behoove Magarity to get more looks in the paint and play as a true center. The rising senior is 6-11, and given the lack of size in the Atlantic 10 this season, he could dominate as one of the better post players.
What He’ll Do
As I’ve mentioned, I think Will Magarity will be a lot more effective if he takes advantage of smaller defenders inside the paint next year. If he continues to take 3.1 three point attempts per game, he’s likely not going to be too effective. Looking at last year’s numbers, Peyton Aldridge and Jon Axel Gudmundsson should be the only players taking 3 or more three point attempts per game. Those are the only two returning players that managed to shoot better than 30% from deep. Magarity can be a powerful force if he plays his size and versatility.
Will Magarity had the 9th best block percentage in the Atlantic 10 last season including the 21st best defensive rebounding percentage. He’s been an effective player on the defensive end of the floor, but his team is going to need to pick up the pace in that metric. The Wildcats had the 9th worst defensive field goal percentage in A-10 play last year including the worst percentage from three. Magarity could lead the Wildcats in defensive intensity, as he’s proving to be one of the better defenders in the league.
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