Mikey Lloyd-Jones

Position: Forward / Interior Presence

Height: 6’7

Weight: 210

Summary:

Mikey is a rapidly developing forward who combines physicality, length, and athleticism to control the paint while showing strong upside as a versatile two-way player. His ability to anchor the interior, defend multiple actions, and adapt offensively makes him a valuable modern frontcourt piece with long-term growth potential.

Evaluation

Strengths & Skills

Interior Impact:

  • Dominates in the paint as a rim finisher and vertical spacing threat, utilizing plus wingspan and explosive leaping ability.

  • Operates effectively in the dunker spot, timing dives and lobs perfectly to punish defensive breakdowns.

  • Sets strong, physical screens and immediately creates a dive threat in pick-and-roll and screen-the-screener actions.

  • Offensive Development:

    • Perimeter Progression: Steadily improving face-up and catch-and-shoot ability, projecting as a reliable mid-range and eventual stretch option.

    • Free-Throw Growth: Significant improvement over the last 12 months, reflecting disciplined mechanics and shooting touch.

    • Passing & Awareness: Above-average passer for his position; identifies weak-side rotations and finds shooters with accurate skip passes.

  • Physicality & Motor:

    • Plays with increasing toughness from event to event, embracing contact and battling for position.

    • Creates extra possessions through offensive rebounding and second-chance efforts.

Defensive Impact:

  • Versatility:

    • Can defend in space and hedge or switch onto guards, while still providing rim protection inside.

    • Handles both post defense and perimeter coverage in modern defensive schemes.

  • Paint Protection:

    • Length, timing, and instincts make him an effective shot blocker and deterrent around the rim.

  • Coverage Adaptability:

    • Excels in various pick-and-roll coverages, including drop, hard hedge, and switch, due to his mobility and awareness.Passing & Decision-Making

Transition Play

High-motor athlete who runs the floor hard and converts transition opportunities into easy points.

Quick to change ends after defensive rebounds, putting pressure on defenses before they set.

Intangibles

Strong learner with clear upward trajectory in skill development and basketball IQ.

Embraces role responsibility while showing confidence to expand into new areas as his game develops.

Brings toughness, consistency, and the ability to provide stability on the interior for any lineup.

Brandon Payne’s Comments on Intangibles

“Mikey is one of the most improved players in our program. His commitment to development is evident in every area of his game—he’s added physicality, become a reliable free throw shooter, and embraced his role as a rim protector and vertical threat. He has a high ceiling and the mentality to keep growing into a dominant two-way presence at the next level.”