BuzzerBeater Forums

I can’t exactly attest to the best way now, but back when I first played (seasons 11-15 or so), I usually did the combine, and then assessed based on how many 18 y/o were in the bottom two (1-2 balls pre-scouting), and/or how many of my preferred height (I.E. if training guards, how many <6’5”? If bigs, how many >6’10”?) and if there were enough chances for my liking I ran Group demonstration. If not, I would focus my attention on 18y/o of preferred height only, and only second scout on 4+ balls skill players as long as sample game didn’t show ridiculous numbers of fouls (ie: I usually shoot for <2 fouls per 15min on the court).

I’ve been able to make things work out with 2 points per week purchased using that strategy, but it doesn’t always go my way- and with the 19y/o having the chance to be so much better now than back then (skills up to 9 instead of capping at 8, for example), I’m more tempted to scout the 19s, so I’d say combine + groups are more ideal now than before, and unlocking potentials on 5balls players from that group?

Depends on your expected draft position and willingness to invest (they should be related).

Assuming you have a high draft position, I'd invest 50-70 points by doing the Group Demo, interview the 5 stars and then do a couple of random scouting in the other draftees and interview the 5 stars until you have enough good prospects for your position (so 3 if you pick 3rd, 2 if you pick 2nd etc).

If you pick first and there are multiple good prospects, you should use a skill showcase/practice drill to reveal key skills. For me, that would be OD (on ball defense) for a tall player or IS (post up dribble) / ID (Cut inside) for a short player, because those are hard to train so you want them high.

The draftees will only appear after ASB so you need to wait anyway, but you can scout as soon as they become available. If you need more points you can do most of your scouting and then decide if you want to spend more points at the end of the season.

I wouldn't use the Combine since the 19-year old draftees have been greatly improved and are worthwhile to scout too. In some older guides you might find the advice to use the Combine to find the 18-year olds and leave the 19-year olds, but that's not useful anymore if you ask me.

to everything that has been said, i would like juste to add that there is also how good the draft is. Some year it might be a tremendous one, some other a very dull one. How many points you have won't change the actual depth of talent of a draft.

Last edited by boule at 11/23/2022 2:58:45 PM

This is true of course, but is there a way to use this information?

well i suppose to be zen about it.