London Buck Is an Evolving Guard/Wing Hybrid

By JJ Gonzales

A Positional Puzzle

London Buck has the physical profile to be an effective wing, but he's recently played as a guard and looks promising as a true guard based on his recent production with the ball in his hands. At 6'6 with a lengthy frame, he's effective at attacking closeouts to generate paint touches, as well as finishing efficiently at the rim. As a secondary initiator at the 2, his height makes him a dilemma coming off handoffs and ball screens.

Offensive Evolution

What stood out to me was how comfortable London is with the ball in his hands now. He knows how to slow down, giving himself time to analyze the defense. He uses his eyes to manipulate tag defenders, and his height allows him to see over the top and make deliveries shorter guards couldn't see.

His most advantageous action is “get” action; his frame and athleticism create huge downhill pressure, collapsing defenses. Off these handoffs, he often rises over the top with his high release point to hit in-between shots over defenders. He also knows how to punish defenders who go under as he hides behind screens, creating comfortable 3-point looks.

The wiggle with the ball is growing. His change of direction looks to be much improved this club season. He can change directions without losing downhill speed and has the ball control to keep up. Another key to his handle is his ball manipulation. He can control the ball even when it's away from his body, and he can take short, low dribbles to navigate small gaps.

London is deceptive, setting up backdoors and understanding how to position himself in the dunker spot. He has a feel for cutting into open space for easy finishes. This feel for space also helps his outside game, as he lifts and hides in open space for easy catch-and-shoot opportunities. This helps him translate well to the next level, even if his on-ball capabilities take more time to develop.

On top of all this are his obvious leaping ability and problem-solving skills at the rim. He uses his long strides to step around defenders or cut through gaps, and plays well off two feet with fakes and length. Combined with his other capabilities, this makes him an asset in the open court.

Beyond the Box Score

London's defensive side is overlooked. He doesn't stuff the blocks or steals categories, but his lengthy frame, toughness on the ball, mobility, IQ, and discipline make him a sneaky defensive prospect.

At the point of attack (POA), he shows strong discipline, not reacting to every jab and head fake. With a low base, he slides his feet well and takes and absorbs drives with his chest. In isolation, offensive players have a tough time generating quality looks due to his length. He aims to bottle up drives by getting his chest in front and forcing long twos over his wingspan.

Off the ball, he needs to look to deter more shots in help. However, when guarding off-ball screens, he does a great job of remaining mobile and staying connected to his assignment. He appears aware of these actions, avoiding getting caught off guard or blown up by screens, and communicates well with his teammates through his hands.

To end possessions, he consistently boxes out and fights in the paint. Specifically at Lambrick Park last year, the coaching staff would opt to go small at times, leaving London at the 5 and forcing him to be the primary glass cleaner.

The Mental Upside

At Lambrick Park, London was in a crowded lineup featuring guard Blake Pye (UBC) and current backcourt partner Adam Shi, while also playing behind big man Damian Orr (UOR). When going over film from Lambrick Park, I wanted to see how this would affect his game.

London does a great job of staying ready off the ball, hiding in open gaps in the paint and, when spacing the perimeter, always staying down with his hands ready, even when he is unlikely to receive a spray-out. I didn't see him waver or pout, and when coming off the bench, he didn't need time to get up to speed. He was ready to make an immediate impact.

This is a piece that can help him translate. More off-ball and role-player responsibilities are something he's proven he can be effective at, showing a mental upside to his overall game.

A Changing Landscape

London had a standout spring and summer, winning tournament MVP with Titans (Calgary, AB), standing out for Vikes Elite (Victoria, BC), and leading Canada West (UAA) in both 3-pointers made and 3-point percentage.

He still needs to showcase this at Lambrick Park. His role will have to be clear. Functioning as a forward/center the year before, his touches and on-ball reps were few and far between with two current U SPORTS players in the lineup. London should be the second initiator after Adam Shi, which could create an interesting backcourt pairing. We could see a lot of guard-to-guard screening action between these two, with each other's gravity carving up defenses.

Recruiters will have to see if his new production remains in this changing environment. This could be a huge breakout year for London if the pieces fall together.