The NLL draft is a few months away, and as we examine prospects we take a look at some of the top American impact players.
Logan Schuss
At 6’0, 201 lbs, Schuss has the frame to do well in the National Lacrosse League. The years of experience in Junior class play in Canada only improves his chances for success. After watching him playing outdoors, his game still is molded in the indoor style. The numbers wont equal to that of which he produced at Ohio State, but he will be a solid contributor. Ohio State has a methodical 6 v 6 set, which works well with the ability to play in tight and to be able to get good shots where you can. Equally ept to be a feeder and scorer (after watching OSU’s first round win against Towson), he wont be a top line producer out the front door on his team’s roster but he will be a solid producer.
Jason Noble
Noble is undersized for where normal indoor players in the NLL stand. At 5’10’ and 165 lbs, his athleticism will make up for his lack of size. After watching Cornell play all spring, its hard not to notice Noble’s ability to get the ball off the turf and up field. He covered whomever he was asked to by Coach DeLuca very well. His game will likely translate to a game similar to Mark Steenhuis. He will have the green light to go on transition because he will likely know when its right or not. As a great coach in the NLL told me, “if you want to score you better be able to protect the back door first.” He will be counted on defense and also be able to produce some on the offensive end with his transition ability.
Zach Palmer
Palmer certainly has a flare for the dramatic (if you haven’t seen his goal against UVA on ESPNs top 10). The lefty has experience in the Junior ranks, so you know that he has the ability to play in the NLL. Where will his game be suited for the NLL game is the question? He was asked to carry the ball a lot this past season at Hopkins, which I don’t think will be his calling in the NLL. He will be able to find the open man, so his assist totals will be significant. Can he get to the cage and score is the question for him when it comes to some of these lumbering defensemen in the league. I think he will be a developmental pick for whoever takes him. It will take some time to get away from the outdoor game and find his niche.
Peter Baum
After eclipsing nearly 100 points in his junior season, Baum’s senior year was certainly a change in pace. Baum is a player on any roster. He can shoot with the best of them, he has the athleticism to get his hands free, and he is relentless in all phases of being an offensive player. The question is how well this may translate into the NLL. Baum would be a definite developmental pick. With less room to get free, the clearly one hand dominant game, and the style of offense in the NLL, it will take some time for him to learn the game. As Max Seibald was successful, so can Baum. His indoor game would be reminiscent of Seibald’s. Likely a transition player because of his athleticism, the question is how long does he want to, or does he want to, take to learn the indoor game in the professional ranks?
Rob Pannell
The MLL has proven to be an easy transition for Pannell. His ability to find the open man (see Steve Mock’s goal totals) and his ability to score (see YouTube) will enable Pannell to find a home within a pro indoor offense. Pannell has the frame to be able to handle the abuse that comes with the indoor game and he is likely able to handle it as well from the assault defenses tried to put on him this past spring. The ability to play with either hand well will be to his benefit, but he will have to get used to playing in front of the cage now in the NLL. He will work well in isolation sets that the NLL offenses typically employ and will certainly be a power play option. With being an older rookie, a lot will go into how much professional lacrosse he wants to play, but there will certainly be a roster spot open to him. If the MLL is the gauge of his abilities, Pannell will be a headliner in the near future.
