Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, questions, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.
Johann Gruenloh
Position: Forward/Center
Team: SC Rasta Vecta (Germany)
Class: International
Height/Weight: 6'11", 220 lbs
Birthdate: August 14, 2005
Player Overview
Johann Gruenloh is a skilled big man with intriguing floor spacing ability and rim protection. At 6'11" with a 7'2" wingspan, he has the physical tools to be a modern stretch big while providing defensive value as a shot-blocker. His ability to knock down catch-and-shoot jumpers and make smart decisions in pick-and-roll situations makes him a valuable offensive piece.
Defensively, Gruenloh has strong shot-blocking instincts, but his high center of gravity and lateral quickness limit his effectiveness when switching onto quicker guards. He is a solid rebounder, though adding strength will be crucial for handling physical matchups in the post. If he can improve his mobility and defensive versatility, he can develop into a well-rounded big at the next level.
"At 6'11", Gruenloh possesses a valuable combination of shooting and rim protection. He needs to get stronger and continue developing his overall game, but he’s an intriguing prospect nonetheless." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst
Strengths
Pick-and-Roll Threat: He excels as a finisher in pick-and-roll situations.
Shooting Ability: Reliable catch-and-shoot option with a smooth release, especially for a big.
Rim Protection: Strong shot-blocking presence, regularly blocking multiple shots in individual games.
Rebounding: Effective as a rebounder, actively crashing the boards.
Passing Vision: He shows good court awareness and can make smart reads.
Concerns
Defensive Switches: He struggles to stay in front of quicker players when switched onto the perimeter.
High Center of Gravity: Affects lateral movement and balance, making it harder to defend against agile opponents.
Mobility: Needs to improve overall movement, especially in transition and defensive rotations.
Physicality: Needs to add strength to battle against more physical post players.
Questions
Can he develop better footwork and agility to defend at the next level?
Will his shooting consistency translate against higher-level competition?
Can he add strength to handle more physical matchups in the post?
Bottom Line
Johann Gruenloh is an intriguing prospect with size, shooting ability, and rim protection. His skill set as a pick-and-roll big with floor-spacing potential makes him valuable, but improving his mobility and defensive versatility will be key to his long-term success. If he can refine these aspects of his game, he has the potential to carve out a meaningful role at the next level.