The French Dirk Nowitzki? Stanford coach sees big things for Maxime Raynaud

Raynaud, a 6-foot-8 forward from France, has drawn comparisons to the NBA's former MVP as a skilled shooter, passer, and defender.

Raynaud averaged 15.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game in his freshman season at Stanford.

In his sophomore season, Raynaud has taken his game to another level, averaging 19.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 50% from the field and 40% from three-point range. His versatility on both ends of the court has made him one of the most dangerous players in the Pac-12.

Raynaud's coach at Stanford, Jerod Haase, is a big believer in his potential. "He's a special player," Haase said. "He has a chance to be one of the best players in the country." Raynaud's potential is undeniable. He has all the tools to be a star at the next level, and he's only going to get better. If he continues to develop, he could be one of the best players in the NBA in a few years.

Raynaud's skill set is similar to that of Nowitzki, who was a 14-time NBA All-Star and won the league's MVP award in 2007.

Like Nowitzki, Raynaud is a skilled shooter with a soft touch. He can score from anywhere on the court, and he's also a good passer and rebounder. In addition, Raynaud is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. He's not as athletic as Nowitzki, but he makes up for it with his intelligence and instincts.

Raynaud is still only 19 years old, so he has plenty of room to grow.

However, he has already shown that he has the potential to be a special player. If he continues to develop, he could be one of the best players in the world in a few years. Raynaud is a player to watch in the coming years. He has the potential to be a star, and he could help lead Stanford to a national championship.