In the Focal Point, we isolate the key player behind team success and explore the numbers and on-court tendencies to support historical player comparisons.
A standout at Baylor University from 2013 to 2017, Jonathan Motley made his way to Istanbul via the NBA (46 career games), starting at Lokomotiv Kuban (21.2 PPG, 7 RPG), before moving to Fenerbache this past Euroleague season.
The Numbers
- Motley averaged 14.5 PTS (11th in Euroleague) and 5.4 REB/game, 1st in both categories for Fener
- He led Fener in 2PTA (327) and 2PTM (204) while shooting 62.4% from 2PT
- Was excellent around the rim and thrived in quick catch-and-finish situations
- Motley ranked 2nd in the EL for OREB – 2.9/game; 12th in REB/game, 5.4
- Motley created consistent 2nd chance opportunities
- He also led Fener in free throw attempts (152) and makes (104)
Why Motley stood out: On Court Efficiency
He performed at a high level while only playing 23 MPG, 5th on Fenerbahçe, 46th in the EL
Despite limited playing time, he put up great numbers (per 40):
- PTS/game: 3rd with 24.9
- FGM/game: 1st with 9.9
- OREB/game: 3rd with 4.9
- FTA/game: 11th with 7.3
Player Comparisons
Maceo Baston: 3 seasons @Maccabi/70 games – 13.3 PTS/6.5 REB; 64.8% from 2
- Crazy athlete and a lob threat – Not much of an outside shooter who struggled more on the FT line, 63.1%
Tanoka Beard: 6 seasons @Zalgiris/73 games – 15.2 PTS/9.1 REB; 56.6% from 2
- Inside scorer, a force on the glass – better defensive rebounder
Victor Alexander: 3 seasons @Baskonia, CSKA/56 games – 12.9 PTS/5.6 REB; 54.6% from 2
- Very physical traditional post player, with some 3pt range
Marcus Goree: 6 seasons @Maccabi, Benetton, CSKA /119 games – 11.3 PTS/6.1 REB; 49.3% from 2
- A good athlete; a much better shooter – 85 makes in 119 games from 3; 36.6%
Joseph Blair: 5 seasons @Paok, Scavolini, Ülker, Milano/65 games – 13.5 PTS/10 REB; 59.8% from 2
- Traditional Center, an all-time great rebounder
