Keep It Simple Scouting 2026 NBA Draft Guide
2026 NBA Draft Big Board with the top 100 prospects ranked, 79 in-depth scouting reports, tier rankings, and player comparisons - Cameron Boozer, AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and more.
Introduction
My name is Luke Baumgartner and I am the founder of my brand Keep It Simple Scouting. This will be my 5th year scouting the NBA draft, but my first year publishing my analysis. My draft guide will contain:
- Scouting Philosophy
- Top 100 Big Board
- Tier Breakdown
- Prospect Reports
- Final Thoughts
Scouting Philosophy
My goal in sharing this is to provide a draft guide all fans of the NBA can digest and reveal valuable insight on the next generation of basketball. My board will differ from consensus for a few reasons starting with the fact that these rankings are based on my projected outcome for each player. This is not a reflection of where I think these players will get selected on draft night. Additionally, when debating a group of players in the same tier, I generally value the translatability over a player's skills over season production. While both factors are necessary in draft scouting, history has shown unique traits that can be developed have a higher hit rate than college or overseas counting numbers. For example, four factors that have recently taken priority in modern NBA team building are basketball IQ, decision making, processing speed, and role adaptability. Many of the superstars in the NBA today posses these traits. Raw athletic tools need to be paired with at least one if not multiple of these four factors to build a successful NBA player. But rather than focusing on star outcomes alone, I identify valuable roles that contribute to winning while assessing each prospect's likelihood of fulfilling a winning role at the next level. At the end of the day, scouting is truly an educated guess and other evaluators can use the same information I gathered and arrive at a different conclusion. My overall philosophy is to blend film and analytics fueled by a passion for basketball to present simple evaluations for others to learn from.
Top 100 Big Board
- Cameron Boozer Forward Duke Tier 1
- Darryn Peterson Guard Kansas Tier 1
- AJ Dybansta Wing BYU Tier 1
- Caleb Wilson Forward UNC Tier 1
- Mikel Brown Jr Guard Louisville Tier 2
- Darius Acuff Guard Arkansas Tier 2
- Brayden Burries Guard Arizona Tier 3
- Hannes Steinbach Center Washington Tier 3
- Keaton Wagler Guard Illinois Tier 3
- Kingston Flemings Guard Houston Tier 3
- Yaxel Lendenborg Forward Michigan Tier 3
- Labaron Philon Guard Alabama Tier 3
- Cameron Carr Guard/Wing Baylor Tier 3
- Aday Mara Center Michigan Tier 3
- Dailyn Swain Wing Texas Tier 4
- Henri Veesaar Forward/Center UNC Tier 4
- Bennett Stirtz Guard Iowa Tier 4
- Chris Cenac Jr Center/Forward Houston Tier 4
- Christian Anderson Guard Texas Tech Tier 4
- Morez Johnson Jr Forward Michigan Tier 4
- Karim Lopez Wing New Zealand Breakers Tier 4
- Jayden Quaintance Center Kentucky Tier 4
- Isaiah Evans Guard/Wing Duke Tier 4
- Koa Peat Wing/Forward Arizona Tier 4
- Sergio De Larrea Guard Valencia Basket Tier 4
- Joshua Jefferson Forward Iowa State Tier 4
- Zuby Ejiofer Forward/Center Saint John's Tier 4
- Meleek Thomas Guard Arkansas Tier 4
- Ebuka Okorie Guard Stanford Tier 4
- Baba Miller Forward Cincinnati Tier 5
- Tarris Reed Center UConn Tier 5
- Jaron Pierre Jr Guard SMU Tier 5
- Nate Ament Forward/Wing Tennessee Tier 5
- Allen Graves Forward/Wing Santa Clara Tier 5
- Ugonna Onyenso Center Virginia Tier 5
- Jack Kayil Guard Alba Berlin Tier 5
- Tevon Brazile Forward Arkansas Tier 5
- Richie Saunders Wing BYU Tier 5
- Braden Smith Guard Purdue Tier 5
- Bruce Thornton Guard Ohio State Tier 5
- Alex Karaban Wing/Guard UConn Tier 5
- Quadir Copeland Guard NC State Tier 5
- Kylan Boswell Guard Illinois Tier 5
- Jaden Bradley Guard Arizona Tier 5
- Ryan Conwell Guard Louisville Tier 6
- Jaden Henley Guard/Wing Grand Canyon Tier 6
- Ja'Kobi Gillespie Guard Tennessee Tier 6
- Nick Boyd Guard Wisconsin Tier 6
- Maliq Brown Forward Duke Tier 6
- Tamin Lipsey Guard Iowa State Tier 6
- Jacari White Guard/Wing Virginia Tier 6
- Rienk Mast Forward/Center Nebraska Tier 6
- Otega Oweh Guard Kentucky Tier 6
- William Kyle Forward/Center Syracuse Tier 6
- Vsevolod Ishchenko Guard/Wing Lokomotiv Kuban Tier 6
- Felix Okpara Center/Forward Tennessee Tier 6
- Tucker DeVries Wing/Guard Indiana Tier 6
- Cade Tyson Wing Minnesota Tier 6
- Robbie Avila Center/Forward Saint Louis Tier 6
- Tyler Bilodeau Forward/Wing UCLA Tier 6
- Emmanuel Sharp Guard Houston Tier 6
- Malik Reneau Forward Miami FL Tier 6
- Milos Uzan Guard Houston Tier 6
- Aaron Nkrumah Guard/Wing Tennessee State Tier 6
- Fletcher Loyer Guard Purdue Tier 6
- Mark Mitchell Wing/Forward Missouri Tier 6
- Seth Trimble Guard UNC Tier 6
- Duke Miles Guard Vanderbilt Tier 6
- Mohammad Amini Guard/Wing SLUC Nancy Basket Tier 6
- Dillon Mitchell Wing/Forward St. John's Tier 6
- Ernest Udeh Jr Center Miami FL Tier 6
- Carson Cooper Center/Forward Michigan State Tier 6
- Pavle Backo Center/Forward Mega Superbet Tier 6
- Malik Dia Forward Ole Miss Tier 6
- Lamar Wilkerson Guard Indiana Tier 6
- Peter Suder Guard Miami OH Tier 6
- Tyler Nickel Wing Vanderbilt Tier 6
- Rafael Castro Forward/Center George Washington Tier 6
- Donovan Atwell Guard Texas Tech Tier 6
- Trey Kaufman Renn Forward Purdue Tier 6
- Bryce Hopkins Wing St. John's Tier 6
- Keyshawn Hall Wing Auburn Tier 6
- Jaxson Kohler Forward/Wing Michigan State Tier 6
- AJ Storr Wing Ole Miss Tier 6
- Tre Donaldson Guard Miami FL Tier 6
- Izaiyah Nelson Forward South Florida Tier 6
- Melvin Council Jr Guard Kansas Tier 6
- Nick Martinelli Guard/Wing Northwestern Tier 6
- Chase Ross Guard Marquette Tier 7
- Josh Dix Guard Creighton Tier 7
- Riley Kugel Guard/Wing UCF Tier 7
- Nick Townsend Wing Yale Tier 7
- Boopie Miller Guard SMU Tier 7
- Jalen Washington Center/Forward Vanderbilt Tier 7
- Tobe Awaka Forward Arizona Tier 7
- Tobi Lawal Forward Virginia Tech Tier 7
- Oscar Cluff Center Purdue Tier 7
- Nate Bittle Center Oregon Tier 7
- Tre White Wing/Forward Kansas Tier 7
- Ven Allen Lubin Forward NC State Tier 7
Tier Breakdown
Tier 1: Superstar/MVP Caliber
Player Rankings Included: 1-4
Being in this tier of players is typically a rare feat as only Cooper Flagg fit the mold in 2025. This draft has an unbelievable amount of high end dynasty altering talent that I am certain will be getting MVP votes in the next decade. These four players have a nearly flawless draft profile and are what scouts and gm's dream of adding to their roster.
Tier 2: All NBA Caliber
Player Rankings Included: 5-6
Tier 2 prospects are players I am very confident in to return at least All Star player value and potentially top 10-20 player value in the NBA. While not being well rounded enough to be in tier 1, this tier still requires an elite draft profile and high expectations for career production.
Tier 3: All Star Caliber
Player Rankings Included: 7-14
Tier 3 prospects could also be referred to as lottery level talent. They have proved to meet or exceed expectations in most facets of their game and showed flashes of greatness throughout the season. I believe every player listed has All Star upside and will at least be featured in a starting lineup for their entire career.
Tier 4: Starting Caliber
Player Rankings Included: 15-29
This tier can also be considered "first round talent". The players in this tier are a mix of safe picks and boom or bust players. What separates these prospects from tier 5 is my confidence in each of them to at least receive a second contract in the NBA and potentially be featured in a team's starting lineup for the majority of their prime years.
Tier 5: Quality Bench Talent
Player Rankings Included: 30-44
This tier of players is defined by potential sparkplug 6th men and role specific usage players. While I do not believe any of these prospects will become stars, they could certainly hold value in an organization's lineup based on the current roster personnel. This is where draft values shift from selecting best player available, to now drafting for players who fit best with the culture of the team while seeing possible upside long term.
Tier 6: Roster Spot Replenishers
Player Rankings Include: 45-88
The largest tier of players are guys that will be battling each other to fill out a team's roster or sign 2 way contracts. Most GM's swing for upside and developmental players as there is low risk and low expectations on finding the next Michael Jordan at the end of the draft. Worst case scenario for these prospects is becoming a G League regular or signing a contract to play professionally overseas.
Tier 7: UDFA Flyers
Player Rankings Include: 89-100
The final tier of draft prospects are guys that I do not consider draftable, but worth trying out over the summer to get a more in depth experience with, just in case they have a trait that was overlooked during the scouting process. They likely will never touch an NBA rotation but will suffice on the practice squad as summer league competition.
Prospect Reports
1. Cameron Boozer
Forward
6'9, 250lbs
18 years old
Duke
Tier: 1- Superstar/MVP Level Talent
Archetype: Playmaking Inside Out Glass Cleaner
Shades of: Kevin Love/Karl Anthony Towns
Summary: Cameron Boozer had arguably the best college basketball season of all time winning the Wooden Award for college player of the year. He is one of the most offensively polished freshman in recent draft memory. With a 25% assist rate, his unique ability to be a post playmaking hub created plenty of actions that led to easy scoring opportunities. This is paired with a 3 level scoring ability that commonly draws double teams leaving teammates open for him to dish the ball. His OREB of 12.5% puts him in the 97th percentile of offensive rebounding due pure strength and a high motor. While not being the most impressive athlete of the class, Boozer relies on IQ, hands, and positioning to be a net positive defender. These skills are ideal in help defense as understanding of angles and anticipation ensures he can generate turnovers without committing fouls. Boozer can get beat at the point of attack due to slower lateral movements but his overall promise as a help defender and his rare offensive skills negate any hesitation I'd have at taking him 1st overall. Leading the nation in BPM (box plus minus) while having a 60% true shooting percentage on a 30% usage rate is just something you don't see everyday. Oh, and did I mention he is the youngest player in the draft?
Draft Bet: Cameron Boozer will win multiple championships before he retires.
2. Darryn Peterson
Guard
6'6 205lbs
19 years old
Kansas
Tier: 1- Superstar/MVP Level Talent
Archetype: Disruptive Shot Maker
Shades of: Shai Gilgeous Alexander/Donovan Mitchell
Summary: Peterson is is rhythmic facilitator but more importantly an elite shot maker. He shot 14 threes per 100 possessions with just under 40% efficiency. The versatility of his shot making is the main reason I have him 2nd overall. Darryn is truly lethal in any situation he's put in. He can shoot spot up, off the dribble, off balance, in the pick and roll, in transition, etc. Peterson has the ultimate green light at all times. Pair that with his sneaky good handle and quick first step, he becomes practically unguardable with the ball in his hands. On the flip side, Peterson's defensive instincts create 2 on 1 transition opportunities, usually leading to free throws. He has great hip rotation, is active in passing lanes, and utilizes his size to defend multiple positions. Assuming Peterson stays off the injury report, we may have a generational offensive player entering the league.
Draft Bet: By the end of his career, Darryn Peterson will be the franchise 3 point leader for the team that drafts him.
3. AJ Dybansta
Wing
6'9 217lbs
19 years old
BYU
Tier: 1- Superstar/MVP Level Talent
Archetype: Lead Scoring Slasher
Shades of: Jayson Tatum/Andrew Wiggins
Summary: AJ Dybansta has the most NBA ready scoring package in the draft class. His elite athletic profile and advanced footwork allows him to get to the rim at will. With exceptional self creation, AJ consistently finishes through contact and should have no shortage of providing SportsCenter top 10 plays. His midrange arsenal is loaded with fadeaways, drop steps, and step throughs which is no surprise. What Dybansta added to his game during his freshman year is off the dribble playmaking. Cross court passing with either hand with precision elevated his offensive profile surpassing the college level. Defensively, he possesses elite physical traits but doesn't utilize them to his full potential. At his best he is a good on ball stopper that utilizes his wingspan making it incredibly difficult for the ball handler to create space. The biggest leap yet to be made in his game is simply processing. He can be slow to read and anticipate causing him to be a step slow at time regardless of how quick he is in general. That will develop over time with reps and guidance from his vets. Dybansta's ceiling is sky high and will immediately become a top scoring option.
Draft Bet: Dybansta will finish top 10 in jersey sales as a rookie and have multiple 30+ ppg seasons.
4. Caleb Wilson
Forward
6'10 215lbs
19 years old
UNC
Tier: 1- Superstar/MVP Level Talent
Archetype: Play Finishing Rim Defender
Shades of: Blake Griffin/Johnathan Isaac
Summary: Caleb Wilson has incredible defensive range and a high motor to maximize it. During his freshman year he accumulated an impressive dunk total even though he missed the back half of the season due to injury. His two level scoring ability stems from his quick twitch, giving him an advantage as a lob threat and in transition. At the next level he projects to be a high post weapon and should develop as a connective passer. Among tracked prospects in this draft class, Caleb ranks 1st in pressured pass success rate at 93.5%. At 6'10 with a 7ft+ wingspan his defensive floor is locked into being an above average NBA player. He is a premium candidate to become a perennial switch defender on the perimeter or down low. The only question is if his shooting (26% from 3) will develop into being serviceable.
Draft Bet: Caleb Wilson will average > 3 stocks (steals + blocks) per game for his career.
5. Mikel Brown Jr.
Guard
6'5 190
20 years old
Louisville
Tier: 2- All NBA Caliber
Archetype: Creative 3 Level Lead Guard
Shades of: Cade Cunningham/Ja Morant
Summary: Mikel Brown has all the tools to be a special player in the NBA. While his freshman year did not meet expectations, he still was the best player on a 6 seeded Louisville squad that lost in the round of 32. Brown was already comfortable shooting NBA range threes off the dribble and off screens. Being such a deep threat forced defenders to pick him off after crossing half court only so Brown could blow by them with his rapid first step. Off the dribble Mikel thrives as a passer displaying elite levels of court awareness and a deep bag of ball fakes. If teams want to win, get the ball in his hands. It's that simple. On defense Mikel isn't as physical as you would expect for his size, but his vision translates to good spatial awareness allowing him to be effective in passing lanes. The primary focus of development will be to increase his shooting efficiency and bulk up so he can maximize his frame.
Draft Bet: Mikel Brown Jr will become an all star by age 24.
6. Darius Acuff
Guard
6'3 190lbs
19 years old
Arkansas
Tier: 2- All NBA Caliber
Archetype: Compact Off The Dribble Bullseye
Shades of: Jamal Murray/Trae Young
Summary: Darius Acuff pairs being offensively gifted with first class decision making to be a lethal weapon that cannot be contained. The biggest thing that stood out to me while watching his tape was his eyes. He's focused, constantly evaluating, and making the right play. The game moves in slow motion for him. His proactive nature and competitiveness reveal a ceiling worthy of him sliding into 6th in my rankings. Being a compact guard, Darius understands how to use his lower center of gravity to create separation leading to routine pull up jumpers. Defense is the major developmental block holding him back from being in tier 1. He has poor effort and doesn't generate turnovers nonetheless deterring the ball handler from getting to his spot. The good news is his physical tools project his on ball defense to grow, especially knowing he is a gym rat.
Draft Bet: Darius Acuff will be the 5th rookie in NBA history to have a 30 point, 10 assist game on at least 70% true shooting joining Stephen Curry, Trae Young, Andrew Nembhard, and Derik Queen.
7. Brayden Burries
Guard
6'4 205
20 years old
Arizona
Tier: 3- All Star Caliber
Archetype: Swiss Army Knife
Shades of: Devin Booker/Ty Jerome
Summary: Brayden Burries may not have a weakness in his game. You can import him into any organization and he will find a way to be a positive impact player willing to play any role. He thrives as a secondary creator known for efficiency and floor spacing. Burries shot 43% from 3 on 5.6 attempts per game. Not only is he a deep threat but he can change gears on a dime and tends to catch defenders off guard driving to the rim. Additionally, Burries thrives in transition with or without the ball. If he isn't drawing the foul, he is crashing the glass for easy putback points. Defensively he is tireless and quick to closeout or help prevent his teammates from getting blown past. Active hands and deflections is his game. His ideal area of growth is to become proactive with the ball in order to create more opportunities than the simple plays.
Draft Bet: Brayden Burries will make the playoffs at least 8 years of his career.
8. Hannes Steinbach
Center
6'10 248lbs
20 years old
Washington
Tier: 3- All Star Caliber
Archetype: Elite Rebounding Paint Beast
Shades of: Alperen Sengun/Domantas Sabonis
Summary: Hannes Steinbach may lack verticality and high volume shooting, but that doesn't stop him from being a dominant rebounder with a soft touch that projects to expand over time. His overwhelming strength helped generate nearly 12 rebounds a game. Hannes finished with 20 double doubles over a 30 game span. He moves defenders like they are practice dummies and is great at drawing fouls. While many bigs can't move out of the post due to athleticism, Hannes is surprisingly nimble and maneuvers well to be a connective post playmaker at times. I expect Hannes to be able to develop into a reliable pick and pop threat in the NBA. Defensively he uses the same strength and IQ to deter players from getting to the basket. Overall Hannes plays a simple game and I'm high on his ability to develop his range to truly become an All Star Caliber threat.
Draft Bet: Hannes Steinbach will finish top 5 in season rpg at least twice in his career.
9. Keaton Wagler
Guard
6'6 180lbs
19 years old
Illinois
Tier: 3- All Star Caliber
Archetype: Sniper Combo Guard
Shades of: Steve Nash/Khris Middleton
Summary: As an Illini fan, Wagler will forever have a special place in my heart. Nobody expected him to get significant playing time, nonetheless become an all time Illini great. As the primary initiator Wagler became a superb high volume shooter with a 62.6% true shooting percentage on the season. Wagler's career high of 46 points came against an Elite 8 Purdue team. Keaton achieved this not by outstanding speed but by controlling the pace and creating separation masterfully. Furthermore, he is unaffected by pressure staying calm, cool, and collected making great reads. His 2.5 assist to turnover ratio is a sign that he will translate as a creator and lead ball handler in offenses that prioritize spacing. Defensively, Wagler has some concerning athletic constraints. He still has a high motor and IQ to be serviceable but needs to be in lineups where other defenders can pick up his slack. Gaining muscle and spending time on his body will be his key to high level success.
Draft Bet: Keaton Wagler will get 6th man votes as a rookie.
10. Kingston Flemings
Guard
6'4 190lbs
19 years old
Houston
Tier: 3- All Star Caliber
Archetype: Downhill Two Way Energizer
Shades of: De'Aaron Fox/Rajon Rondo
Summary: Kingston Flemings has the quickest first step in the draft making it near impossible to stay in front of one on one. If by chance the defender is able to stay in front of him, it won't matter because he shot 44.4% on over 130 pull up jumpers. While his acceleration is like a Ferrari, he needs to work on decelerating with the ball. The best guards in the NBA are masters of both. Being a Kelvin Sampson disciple, Flemings is naturally unselfish with the ball. Where Kingston truly thrived in the Houston Cougar culture was on the defensive side of the ball where he flourished as a nagging perimeter deflection machine. His relentless motor and toughness are winning attributes every coach wants to have on their team.
Draft Bet: Kingston Flemings will have a 14 year career.
11. Yaxel Lendenborg
Forward
6'9 240lbs
23 years old
Michigan
Tier: 3- All Star Caliber
Archetype: Switchable Two Way Connective Forward
Shades of: Scottie Barnes/Aaron Gordon
Summary: I had the opportunity to scout Yax in person this year at the Sweet 16 in Chicago and mannn oh mann is he NBA ready. Typically drafting a 23 year old in the lottery has a low hit rate. Yaxel is a different case. Players drafted in the first round with a 7'4 wingspan have a ridiculously high hit rate, frequently seen in defensive impact. He was the centerpiece of one of thee greatest college basketball championship teams of all time and has the prototypical traits you look for in an NBA ready forward. One of those is being a great connective passer in the half court but also in transition. Over his college career he steadily improved his spot up shooting primarily in the corners. Yaxel's instincts and experience are factors to why he adds value in drop coverage. His biggest flaw other than age is his lack of movement shooting, but that isn't his game in the first place.
Draft Bet: Yaxel Lendenborg will start right away and end the season averaging 13/6/2.5 with 1.5 stocks.
12. Labaron Philon
Guard
6'4 185lbs
20 years old
Alabama
Tier: 3- All Star Caliber
Archetype: Inside Out Scoring Shifty Sherriff
Shades of: Kemba Walker/Tony Parker
Summary: Watching him score a career high 35 point in person confirmed without a doubt that Philon belongs in the lottery. He is the best decelerator in the class and is a pro's pro playmaking and putting the ball in the hoop. Philon's change of direction paired with his soft touch makes him a scary 1 on 1 target to defend. For example, he managed to shoot 100% (41/41) on unassisted mid range shots. That is not a typo. From his freshman to sophomore year, Philon grew the most in his patience an leadership taking on the primary role on a top 25 team in the country. Averaging 22 ppg on 40% off the dribble 3 point shooting is exactly the production NBA teams yearn for in a lead guard. If needed, Labaron's first year at Alabama proved he can be effective off the ball as well. While he grew leaps and bounds offensively, his defense was stagnant from year 1 to 2. Philon is still a capable on ball defender but his high usage made him lack hustle off the ball and got caught standing at times. Since I don't expect him to be playing 30+ minutes per night, we can expect his defensive skills to shine again at the next level.
Draft Bet: Labaron Philon will finish top 10 in career games played out of this draft class.
13. Cameron Carr
Guard/Wing
6'5 175lbs
21 years old
Baylor
Tier: 3- All Star Caliber
Archetype: 3 and D Shooter
Shades of: Trey Murphy/Caris LeVert
Summary: The first thing that stands out about Cameron Carr is his 7'2 wingspan for his 6'5 frame. He has the makings of an elite defender and rebounder at his position on measurables alone. Carr often plays above the rim finishing gravity defying transition dunks. He also is a sniper scoring nearly 19 ppg on 61.8%TS. In the NBA there is no doubt Carr will be a secondary scorer flying around the court tiring defenders out. Defensively, Carr has provided rim protection which is rare for his position. His length allows him to cover ground and his 42.5 inch max vertical propels him higher than anyone else on the court. Carr always dives for the loose ball and successfully navigates screens. His limited playmaking ability and thin frame will hold him back from ever touching a max contract, but overall Cam is absolutely a team first player that adds significant value to winning basketball.
Draft Bet: Cameron Carr will be the first player in NBA history to win both the dunk contest and 3 point contest.
14. Aday Mara
Center
7'3 255lbs
21 years old
Michigan
Tier: 3- All Star Caliber
Archetype: Defensive Playmaking Giant
Shades of: Kel'el Ware/Walker Kessler
Summary: For being 7'3, Aday Mara is extremely versatile. Mara shows flashes of being an elite post playmaker with keen vision, but doesn't always make the smartest choices. His inconsistency is a big reason why Mara isn't my top center prospect in the draft. He does consistently produce second chance buckets from tip ins and put backs. Mara thrives in the pick and roll. Shot blocking is clearly a special quality of his derived by precise timing and not falling for pump fakes. If Mara can lower his turnover rate, gain upper body strength, and improve on his 56.4 free throw percentage, he will become a matchup nightmare, but for now, he barely slides into my lottery level tier simply due to size and upside.
Draft Bet: Mara is more of a project player than you think. Do not expect too much production in his first two years.
15. Dailyn Swain
Wing
6'8 220lbs
20 years old
Texas
Tier: 4- Starting Caliber
Archetype: Slasher
Shades of: Gordan Hayward/Will Riley
Summary: Dailyn Swain's game is pure and fun to watch. He creatively penetrates the D and finishes at the rim at a high level. He almost resembles an NFL edge rusher bending around screens and swiping the ball away. He will thrive in the NBA already being able to draw fouls at a high clip in college. His control and processing helps him facilitate for himself and others. Swain is more impactful with the ball in his hands but that doesn't stop him from having gravity in an offensive system. Dailyn utilizes his length advantageously swiping long passes and being the catalyst of many fast breaks. He can defend multiple positions but isn't necessarily a great defender. Working on spot up shooting should be his biggest focus but Swain has a high floor and can be a contributor sooner rather than later.
Draft Bet: Dailyn Swain will average >10 ppg for at least 6 seasons of his career.
16. Henri Veesaar
Forward/Center
7'0 225lbs
22 years old
UNC
Tier: 4- Starting Caliber
Archetype: Stretch Big
Shades of: Pau Gasol/Moe Wagner
Summary: Henri Veesaar is one of the most underrated players in the draft cycle. A seven footer shooting 60/40 splits averaging nearly 2 stocks per game is extremely translatable to the NBA. Henri has a high feel for the game and impressive coordination for his size. He is unselfish with the ball and is always looking to make the right play. His role as a floor spacer at the 4 or 5 is clear as day and he will thrive in a variety of offenses. While Veesaar is mobile, he isn't athletic which is the root of his defensive limitations. He is better suited in drop coverage and needs to be paired with another big who can defend the rim. He is a simple yet overlooked type of player that hopefully a team in the first round will realize.
Draft Bet: Henri Veesaar will have multiple 20 point playoff games within the next decade.
17. Bennett Stirtz
Guard
6'4 190lbs
22 years old
Iowa
Tier: 4- Starting Caliber
Archetype: Floor General
Shades of: Jalen Brunson/Walter Clayton Jr
Summary: Bennett Stirtz isn't super athletically gifted, nor does he play at a fast pace, yet he is a tough shotmaker and wins everywhere he goes. He is the definition of a high floor player and in my opinion, and relatively modest ceiling compared to the rest of the class. Stirtz runs the most pick and roll actions in the class since his best trait is his basketball IQ. He thrives on having multiple options and dissecting defenses. He can also stop and pop from behind the arc, shooting 38.6% on threes this past season. Stirtz is also considered the best conditioned player in the class averaging the most mpg of anyone in college basketball. On defense he can become a liability lacking all the physical tools to become average. He will have to play off ball an rely on his IQ to try and make an occasional stop from time to time.
Draft Bet: Bennett Stirtz will outplay his draft position.
18. Chris Cenac Jr.
Center/Forward
6'11 240lbs
19 years old
Houston
Tier: 4- Starting Caliber
Archetype: Stretch 5 Rebounder
Shades of: Noah Clowney/Jalen Duren
Summary: Cenac's freshman year wasn't analytically stunning, but he showed a ton of promise. He is incredibly fluid and one of the most dangerous transition finishers in all of college basketball. Chris also is a high energy rebounder which projects him to be a high usage putback dunker at the next level. An underrated part of his game is being a strong screen setter. On defense his active hands and sturdy anchor give the upside for him to become a very good rim protector given his mobility.
Draft Bet: Chris Cenac Jr will finish his career averaging >8.5 rebounds per game.
19. Christian Anderson
Guard
6'3 178lbs
20 years old
Texas Tech
Tier: 4- Starting Caliber
Archetype: Pure Point Guard
Shades of: Jamal Murray/James Bouknight
Summary: Christian Anderson is a true 3 level scoring point guard. His processing and patience are key traits that provide the opportunity to score at will. Anderson is also a superb game manager averaging over 7 assists per game with a low turnover rate. For a thin frame, Christian actually generates steals at an above average rate, but is still vulnerable to getting beat inside the arc. He has the perfect identity to be a great 6th man but with some work on explosiveness and hitting the weight room, he very well could blossom into a lead guard.
Draft Bet: Christian Anderson will have multiple double doubles his rookie year.
20. Morez Johnson Jr.
Forward
6'9 250lbs
20 years old
Michigan
Tier: 4- Starting Caliber
Archetype: Athletic Switch Defender
Shades of: PJ Washington/Collin Murray Boyles
Summary: Morez Johnson is a phenomenal defender and it athletic enough to guard all 5 positions on the court. His ability to help and recover on the perimeter or in the paint is rare for an athlete of his size. Offensively I struggle to see a way he succeeds outside of the pick and roll. His major leap in 3 point shooting from freshman to sophomore year was quite impressive, but not convincing enough for me to believe he can continue that success with more attempts per game. His high motor and willingness to adapt his game separates himself from others. He is a question mark for me in a good way. Excited to see how his career unfolds.
Draft Bet: Morez Johnson Jr. will either become a long time starter or struggle to find playing time. No in between.
21. Karim Lopez
Wing
6'9 225lbs
19 years old
New Zealand Breakers
Tier: 4- Starting Caliber
Archetype: Jack of All Trades
Shades of: Deni Avdija/Tristan Da Silva
Summary: Karim Lopez projects to be a good slasher at the next level with above average footwork, body control, and strength. He was a solid offensive rebounder as one of the youngest players in a professional league. While I wouldn't say he has the ball on a string, he does get creative with his handle forcing defenses to collapse so he can kick it back out to his teammates. Lopez rarely initiates with the ball in his hand so he'll need to be in an offense paired with a primary pass first point guard. Karim's 7'1 wingspan does not go to waste on defense. He tied the Next Stars record for stocks in a season and finished with a 4% block rate. Lopez will be a solid switchable defender and can disrupt NBA offenses. At times Lopez looks raw, unaware, and slow to pickup on screens and rotations. This is likely due to inexperience but is something an organization will have to be confident in developing.
Draft Bet: Karim Lopez will have a top 3 bpm on whatever team he gets drafted to his rookie year.
22. Jayden Quaintance
Center
6'10 255lbs
18 years old
Kentucky
Tier: 4- Starting Caliber
Archetype: Quick Twitch Rim Defender
Shades of: DeAndre Jordan/Jarrett Allen
Summary: In high school JQ was THE best defensive prospect I had ever witnessed. Sever injuries over the past two seasons makes me question if he can ever return to the player he was. He will still definitely be an exceptional shot blocker and intriguing athlete. The worry is if he can still move horizontally as he formerly had guard like foot speed and agility. One constant in his game is being an optimal lob threat. Not to restate the obvious, but if I know he would stay healthy, he would be a top 10 lock. The injury history and lack of shooting are the two main factors as to why I think its a risk to take him much higher than 22nd.
Draft Bet: If healthy, Jayden Quaintance will be featured on multiple all defensive teams.
23. Isaiah Evans
Guard/Wing
6'6 180lbs
20 years old
Duke
Tier: 4- Starting Caliber
Archetype: 3 Point Sniper
Shades of: Jordan Hawkins/Jeremy Lamb
Summary: Isaiah Evans had an under thee radar breakout sophomore campaign. His thin frame didn't hold him back from getting bumped around. Evans improvement getting stronger with the ball and increased efficiency is a tell that he can continue developing into a starting sharpshooter in the NBA. He thrives spacing the floor and shooting of the move. He shows defensive flashes and has the potential to continue that growth with his 6'9 wingspan. Isaiah can improve on playmaking he is already starting to master his role, and that's a green flag.
Draft Bet: Isaiah Evans will make over $100 million in his career.
24. Koa Peat
Wing/Forward
6'8 235lbs
19 years old
Arizona
Tier: 4- Starting Caliber
Archetype: Bully Ball Glass Cleaner
Shades of: Kevon Looney/Thaddeus Young
Summary: Koa Peat showcased some of the most physical dominance from a freshman we have seen in a long time. He has the interior scoring skills of a late 90's center but the body of a modern day two way wing. While intriguing, also concerning to say the least. Peat has thrived in the low post demonstrating his dominant strength and fundamentals to get easy layups and one foot jumpers. Defensively there is no doubt he can exceed expectations yet again and alter shots at the rim at a high level. I wish I could say his shooting will develop but the form and confidence is abysmal and will need to restart his mechanics from the ground up.
Draft Bet: If Koa Peat gets enough attempts, he will lead the league in worst 3 point % one season of his career.
25. Sergio De Larrea
Guard
6'6 175lbs
20 years old
Valencia Basket
Tier: 4- Starting Caliber
Archetype: Floor General
Shades of: Josh Giddey/Egor Demin
Summary: Sergio has excellent size for a point guard at 6'6 with a 6'9 wingspan. His high IQ and creativity separate him from other tall guards. His court vision is equal to that of a soccer midfielder. He understands angles and timing to the point it has become subconscious. De Larrea doesn't have downhill speed but is able to stop and go to catch defenders off balance. Sergio will flourish as a pass first ball handler, whether he gets 10 or 30 minutes a game. His positional length carries his defensive impact by being able to clog passing lanes and contest shots, but he lack lateral quickness and burst making him prey for opposing quick twitch guards.
Draft Bet: Sergio De Larrea will age like fine wine and hit his prime after the age of 27.
26. Joshua Jefferson
Forward
6'9 240lbs
22 years old
Iowa State
Tier: 4- Starting Caliber
Archetype: Point Forward Rebounder
Shades of: Draymond Green/Carlos Boozer
Summary: Joshua Jefferson scores adds over 1.10 points per possession attacking and kicking it out, as the pick and roll passer, and hitting a cutter. With a 27.7% assist percentage and 10.1 box creation, Jefferson lands in the 99th percentile in both categories. He is simply an analytical monster that is overlooked by most. Despite his size, Josh's playstyle works well in offenses that value spacing. He also is a good rebounder averaging over 7 a game. There is no reason to fade him becoming a valuable role player at the next level. The only question is how high is his ceiling? He plays well rounded and will contribute right away.
Draft Bet: Joshua Jefferson will continue to run primary passing actions for his whole NBA career.
27. Zuby Ejiofor
Forward/Center
6'9 245lbs
22 years old
St. John's
Tier: 4- Starting Caliber
Archetype: Defensive Anchor
Shades of: DaRon Holmes/Isaiah Stewart
Summary: If there is ever a loose ball on the court, Zuby is the first one to dive for it. He a master switch defender and never seems to lose 1 on 1's. Zuby plays much larger than his size amassing a 5.2% block rate. This is the type of asset that becomes a game changer in playoff scenarios. He is also a productive play finisher, avid to clean up any missed shots. Zuby has tendencies to draw fouls at which he shoots 73% from the line. His height, age, and poor shooting efficiency are all reasons to believe he won't have a high ceiling but I'm telling you right now, teams in the back half of the 1st round will regret passing up on him.
Draft Bet: Zuby Ejiofor will be known for having multiple game saving blocks.
28. Meleek Thomas
Guard
6'5 185lbs
19 years old
Arkansas
Tier: 4- Starting Caliber
Archetype: Floor Spacing Perimeter Disruptor
Shades of: Ryan Rollins/Bones Hyland
Summary: Meleek Thomas has a scoring mentality primarily utilized as an off ball shooter who can create off the dribble. His range is NBA level deep and will have no issues adjusting to the longer 3 point line. He also can attack lazy closeouts and finish plays with a his smooth floater. I suspect Meleek Thomas will be used off the bench as a sparkplug role but wouldn't be surprised if he plays as a starting off ball spacer. On defense he is agile and hustles everywhere leading to broken down plays where the offense needs to reset. At the NBA level I think he will be serviceable but nothing beyond average. In order to elevate his game, his shot selection could improve by not forcing shots when double teamed.
Draft Bet: Meleek Thomas will become a fan favorite for every franchise he plays for.
29. Ebuka Okorie
Guard
6'2 185lbs
19 years old
Stanford
Tier: 4- Starting Caliber
Archetype: 3 Level Scorer
Shades of: Collin Sexton/D'Angelo Russell
Summary: I am well aware this ranking projects Okorie to hit his floor. He had unbelievable production as a freshman and showed flashes of rare skills, but my biggest worry is his versatility. Ebuka was in an offense that handed him the keys to be the only scoring threat with no help around him. He was put in a perfect situation and we never saw how he can manage off the ball or against an elite point of attack defender. Nonetheless his efficiency given the 30% USG rate is an impressive feat. Okorie is arguably the best in the class at splitting double teams and contorting his body to finish tough layups. If a defender is able to stop him, Okorie can stop on a dime and comfortably shoot in the mid range. On defense he is quick and agile generating 1.5 steals per game last year, but his small frame is a massive red flag at the next level.
Draft Bet: Ebuka Okorie will be over drafted and will struggle to stay in a starting rotation. Racking up 6th man of the year votes is his future.
30. Baba Miller
Forward
6'11 225lbs
22 years old
Cincinnati
Tier: 5- Quality Bench Talent
Archetype: Jumbo Playmaking Forward
Shades of: Giannis Antetokounmpo/Johnathan Isaac
Summary: Baba Miller's 7'2 wingspan and high IQ is a rare combination for a forward to posses. He is athletic enough to defend guards on the perimeter and block bigs in the post. Baba's vision is a strong suit in evaluating where the ball will end up so he can close out and crash the glass. He may just be the most portable defender in the draft which is the main reason I rank him so much higher than consensus. Miller's court vision also applies to his offensive game as he makes quick decisions and finds the open player more often than not. His specific style of play will get him drafted to play that role, but there are many basic factors, mainly shooting, that will hold him back from ever being a full time starter.
Draft Bet: Baba Miller will be considered a major draft steal 5 years from now.
31. Tarris Reed
Center
6'11 265lbs
22 years old
UConn
Tier: 5- Quality Bench Talent
Archetype: Rim Protector
Shades of: Oscar Tshiebwe/Kofi Cockburn
Summary: Tarris Reed has a nice blend of bully ball post moves and soft touch finesse that helps him be efficient around the rim with putback dunks and baby hook shots. Reed can't shoot threes but he often can knock down a few pull up jumpers here and there. The most important facet of his game is offensive rebounding. On Uconn's run to the final four, Tarris dominated the board and was the focal point of their winning streak. He is an anchor that averaged 2 blocks a game and deterred many others.
Draft Bet: Tarris Reed will have a productive 6-8 year career as a backup Center.
32. Jaron Pierre Jr.
Guard
6'5 210lbs
23 years old
SMU
Tier: 5- Quality Bench Talent
Archetype: High Volume Scorer
Shades of: Bennedict Mathurin/Jaden Ivey
Summary: Jaron Pierre Jr is the one player I know will be a steal of the draft or UDFA regardless of what his analytics, age, playstyle, etc. I fell in love with his game while he was at Jacksonville State. The majority of his analytics actually mimic Ben Mathurin coming out of college expect Pierre is much older which certainly limits his ceiling. But Jaron is a tireless fast break threat and jumps out the gym with authority. He can shoot at a high clip and blow past any defender he chooses. Pierre can get caught up in playing hero ball and only has one speed but man he screams bench catalyst that can get his team going.
Draft Bet: Jaron Pierre Jr will have a career high >35 points.
33. Nate Ament
Forward/Wing
6'10 207lbs
19 years old
Tennessee
Tier: 5- Quality Bench Talent
Archetype: Stretch Wing
Shades of: Kelly Oubre Jr/Harrison Barnes
Summary: As you can tell, I'm out on the Nate Ament hype train. I think he projects to be a solid shot blocker and switchable defender despite being neither in college due to his athleticism and not fitting Rick Barnes' defensive scheme. Offensively he is lost. Poor decision making on bad efficiency with tendencies to fade away and lack separation. On the bright side Nate has a crazy fluid and high release that makes putting a hand in his face hopeless. And while his overall shooting splits were bad, he did shoot 39.3% on movement threes. So disregarding the fact that he would have benefitted staying another year of college, he does have the framework and time to become a bench contributor. All of this top 10 hype is nonsense and I hope that is all smoke and not a reality.
Draft Bet: Nate Ament will be considered the "bust" of this draft class.
34. Allen Graves
Forward/Wing
6'9 225lbs
19 years old
Santa Clara
Tier: 5- Quality Bench Talent
Archetype: Spot Up Defensive Playmaker
Shades of: Toumani Camara/Hugo Gonzalez
Summary: Allen Graves has been one of the more fascinating draft profiles I've scouted. His advanced analytics at a glance resembles that of a top 10 pick until you realize he achieved this on low volume coming off the bench for a mid major school. He earned the title of being one of three players since 2008 to surpass a 5% steal and block rate. He will continue to disrupt offenses in the NBA but maybe not quite at that high of a rate. Graves is a raging rebound getter mimicking a tight end going up for a 50/50 ball. Allen plays an unselfish game by passing up good shot for great shots and when left open is a reliable shooter. Other than not having much experience playing against NBA level players, his mediocre handle and lackluster vertical cap his offensive play style. Likewise, his foul trouble and slow feet make me doubt his ability to be more than a rotational piece.
Draft Bet: Graves will never touch a starting lineup and be effective in 15-20mpg usage.
35. Ugonna Onyenso
Center
7'0 245lbs
21 years old
Virginia
Tier: 5- Quality Bench Talent
Archetype: Rim Protecting Play Finisher
Shades of: Clint Capela/Mitchell Robinson
Summary: Oneynso's 7'5 wingspan and natural instincts are exactly what GM's want to draft when selecting a future rim protector. He can cover ground rather quickly which naturally translates to a plus drop coverage profile. He plays a very traditional game being a lob/pick and roll target. Unfortunately he gets cold feet posting up and is extremely passive creating opportunities for himself.
Draft Bet: Ugonna will have at least 3 multi block games his rookie year.
36. Jack Kayil
Guard
6'3 174
20 years old
Alba Berlin
Tier: 5- Quality Bench Talent
Archetype: Pure Point Guard
Shades of: Killian Hayes/Tyrese Haliburton
Summary: Jack Kayil came to my attention late in this draft cycle but I'm glad he did. He has a dawg mentality and plays much bigger than his true size. He is a flashy and accurate passer that isn't afraid to hit big time step back threes during any stretch of the game. He still needs at least a year or two to refine his game, but I would love taking a shot on developing him as he can become a beneficial low risk backup point guard.
Draft Bet: Jack Kayil will impress at the summer league but struggle in his NBA minutes. Expect him to spend the majority of the year in the G League.
37. Trevon Brazile
Forward
6'10 230lbs
23 years old
Arkansas
Tier: 5- Quality Bench Talent
Archetype: Athletic Stretch Four
Shades of: Larry Nance Jr/Dorian Finney Smith
Summary: Brazile will throw down some of the most jaw dropping dunks you'll see but that is not the extent of his game. He can shoot 3's and trigger stocks at a high rate in addition to rarely turning the ball over. His game translates well to the NBA and should be a surefire bench addition.
Draft Bet: Brazile will have the most consistent counting numbers over the first 4 years of his career compared to the rest of the class.
38. Richie Saunders
Wing
6'5 200lbs
24 years old
BYU
Tier: 5- Quality Bench Talent
Archetype: 3 and D
Shades of: Pat Connaughton/Reggie Bullock
Summary: Richie Saunders's final season was unfortunately cut short due to injury, but assuming he bounces back to the player he was early in the season, he will have no issue in the NBA. He was on pace to average 17.5 points on 42% from 3; most of those attempts coming off screens and cuts. Saunders is an extreme competitor doing the dirty work on defense and making active rotational reads. Fun fact: he is related to KFC's Colonel Sanders!
Draft Bet: Richie Saunders will become a prominent hustle guy earing the fans approval.
39. Braden Smith
Guard
6'0 180lbs
22 years old
Purdue
Tier: 5- Quality Bench Talent
Archetype: Facilitator
Shades of: RJ Nembhard/TJ McConnell
Summary: As a die hard Illini fan I am beyond relieved we do not have to play Braden Smith anymore. Breaking Bobby Hurley's all time assist record is something I thought I'd never see with my own eyes. No matter the physical or situational barriers, Braden exceeded expectations and became the greatest passer in college basketball history. There is no reason for me to think that changes in the NBA. Obviously, his role will be limited to playmaking. but being a master of a specific role is better than being decent in every facet. He's also an above 40% three point shooter which helps his case for being a high floor prospect.
Draft bet: Braden Smith's passing abilities will convert to the NBA and he will finish top 3 in APG out of this draft class when it's all said and done.
40. Bruce Thornton
Guard
6'2 215lbs
22 years old
Ohio State
Tier: 5- Quality Bench Talent
Archetype: Efficient Scrappy Scorer
Shades of: Gabe Vincent/Miles McBride
Summary: Bruce Thornton is one of the more skilled scorers in the draft leaving little margin for error. He can attack the rim and shoot from deep, but unlike other guards his size he is actually a scrappy rebounder. He has solid strength and a low center of gravity he relies on to be a competent defender. His age and size constraints are the main factors holding him back from having a high enough ceiling to put him any higher.
Draft Bet: Bruce Thornton will average 9 ppg on >38% shooting from 3 his rookie year.
41. Alex Karaban
Wing/Guard
6'8 230lbs
23 years old
UConn
Tier: 5- Quality Bench Talent
Archetype: 3 and D
Shades of: Sam Hauser/Tristan Da Silva
Summary: Alex Karaban is one of the winningest players in recent college basketball memory, appearing in three championship games and winning two of them. His most obvious winning trait is his consistent 3 point shooting averaging 37.8% on 5 attempts per game. Karaban is also an above average processor for his position and can be relied on to make good decisions with the ball in his hands. On defense, Alex doesn't have exceptional athleticism, but he uses his IQ generating 1.6 stocks per game. He projects to be a solid rotational defender that helps space the floor and increase offensive productivity.
Draft Bet: Alex Karaban will have at least an 8 year career in the NBA.
42. Quadir Copeland
Guard
6'6 203lbs
22 years old
NC State
Tier: 5- Quality Bench Talent
Archetype: Physically Gifted Point Guard
Shades of: Anthony Black/Dalano Banton
Summary: Quadir Copeland's game is defined by raw athleticism, efficiency, and taking care of the ball well for his high usage. He flaunts a 28%USG rate with a 41.8% AST rate and a 2.3 assist to turnover ratio. I firmly believe that part of his game is the most overlooked do to basic counting stats of having 2.8 turnovers a game. The "Attack and Kick" playstyle is where he thrives, being able to collapse the defense and seek out the open man. Quadir's height is beneficial in the pick and roll to look over defenses. When he isn't making plays, Copeland is finishing plays at the rim creating exhilarating highlights. Copeland can guard both the 1 and 2 and average nearly 2 steals per game. Overall, he is a gem hiding in plain sight, yet there is no draft buzz around him whatsoever.
Draft bet: Quadir Copeland will play in >45 games his rookie season.
43. Kylan Boswell
Guard
6'2 205lbs
21 years old
Illinois
Tier: 5- Quality Bench Talent
Archetype: Physical Point Guard
Shades of: Davion Mitchell/Kyle Lowry
Summary: Boswell is a solid pick n pop guard who elevates against high level competition. He is the ultimate hustler diving for loose balls and always making quick and intentional motions. Despite Kylan's short stature, he is actually one of the stronger players per square inch in the draft. In college Boswell was unitized in various roles, most of which involved him to be a primary or connective passer. He has the intangibles to run the 2nd unit but will need to continue his speed and vertical.
Draft Bet: Kylan Boswell bursts onto the scene early in his career and then simmers out as opponents start to figure out his game.
44. Jaden Bradley
Guard
6'3 200lbs
22 years old
Arizona
Tier: 5- Quality Bench Talent
Archetype: Pick and Roll Stopper
Shades of: Alijah Martin/Kris Dunn
Summary: Jaden Bradley didn't win BIG 12 Player of the Year by accident. While not the most skilled, Bradley has a knack for manipulating defenses with his eyes and change of direction. Having world class teammates opened the door for him to easily find open cutters leading to easy buckets at the rim. Where Jaden will make his money is being a point of attack pest. He plays with tenacity and and lateral quickness that makes it difficult for the ball handler to get to his spot.
Draft Bet: Jaden Bradley will average at least 1 steal per game over his career.
45. Ryan Conwell
Guard
6'4 215lbs
22 years old
Louisville
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Volume Sniper and Slasher
Shades of: Zach Norvell/Grayson Allen
Summary: Ryan Conwell was a key scoring option for Louisville averaging almost 19ppg. Nearly 2/3 of his shots came from behind the arc at 34.5% efficiency. Despite mainly scoring from deep, Conwell also can attack the rim. The biggest concern is that he isn't the most efficient and doesn't operate in the mid range at all. His frame suggest he should be a good defender but his numbers and film show he's been more of a highlight maker than a true positive impact player. For that reason, he kicks off our Tier 6.
Draft Bet: Conwell will average over 15ppg in the G League this year.
- Jaden Henley
Guard/Wing
6'7 210lbs
22 years old
Grand Canyon
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Athletic Two Way Connector
Shades of: Devin Vassell/Stephon Castle
Summary: Jaden Henley had a breakout season at Grand Canyon, becoming their best player and yet still doesn't gather draft buzz in trusted circles. He has NBA size and athleticism and has a high motor on both side of the ball. It's not ideal to draft a somewhat undeveloped 22 year old, but I think Henley can rise to the competition and become a killer if handled properly. Worth a shot in the 2nd round as the upside is intriguing.
Draft Bet: Jaden Henley will play well in March/April as a bench mob legend for when star players are resting/injured before the playoffs.
47. Ja'Kobi Gillespie
Guard
6'1 188
22 years old
Tennessee
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Pure Point Guard
Shades of: Patty Mills/Terry Rozier
Summary: Gillespie is an undersized lead guard who owns a 2.37 assist to turnover ratio on high usage but is not an efficient scorer. Ja'Kobi excels in transition applying his speed to push the pace and get a bucket before the defense gets set. He is a steal machine on defense and a relentless hustler. His frame will prevent any high usage potential at the next level but he is worth taking late in the draft if you need a scrappy ball distributor.
Draft Bet: Gillespie will sign a two way contract after the draft.
48. Nick Boyd
Guard
6'3 177lbs
25 years old
Wisconsin
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Scoring Point Guard
Shades of: Yogi Ferrell/Tre Jones
Summary: Nick Boyd is a super old and super undersized prospect... so why draft him? Well he is a big time shot maker and is a known trash talker who gets in his opponents heads. An overlooked hooper who plays mind games means he has a massive chip on his shoulder and is out to prove himself. Give Nick a shot, and you may be surprised at the production he returns.
Draft Bet: Nick Boyd becomes a multiple time G League All Star
49. Maliq Brown
Forward
6'9 225lbs
22 years old
Duke
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Versatile Defending Glue Guy
Shades of: Jarred Vanderbilt/Cason Wallace
Summary: Maliq Brown is offensively incapable of being a net positive player outside of finishing at the rim. He is a solid off ball cutter and screen setter who doesn't require the ball in his hands to create scoring opportunities. Brown's calling card is his NBA ready defensive instincts and size. He can guard the 3-5 and always finds a way to disrupt offenses. Maliq's spidey sense on defense establishes his role in the NBA to simply be used in specific defensive scenarios.
Draft Bet: Maliq Brown will cause a turnover in his first 5 minutes in an NBA game.
50. Tamin Lipsey
Guard
6'1 200lbs
22 years old
Iowa state
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Defensive Minded Floor General
Shades of: TJ McConnell/Jamal Shead
Summary: Lipsey harnesses his 6'5 wingspan to become a turnover creating machine as the primary on ball defender. Tamin doesn't get phased by larger players and consistently has positional leverage at all times. Lipsey's 5.1 assist to turnover ratio is rare and is a glaring green flag that there is solid upside to be freed. Unfortunately he experienced significant shooting regression that halts any certainty that he will be a consistent contributor.
Draft Bet: Lipsey will bounce around from team to team playing for at least 6 different organizations before calling it quits.
- Jacari White
Guard/Wing
6'3 180lbs
24 years old
Virginia
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: 3 and D
Shades of: JJ Redick/Toni Kukoc
Summary: Jacari White has flown under the radar for too long. He hit some big time shots for Virginia and had flamethrower games like in the first round of the NCAA tournament shooting 6/8 from 3 and scoring 26 points in thee win. If he can continue to his 3's and be an above average defender, there is no reason not to draft him in the 2nd round. The issue is that he isn't a primary ball handler and would make a very small wing, so his defensive upside has a low ceiling.
Draft Bet: Jacari White will be one of the best undrafted players in this class.
- Rienk Mast
Forward/Center
6'10 250lbs
24 years old
Nebraska
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Stretch Big
Shades of: Frank Kaminsky/Cameron Bairstow
Summary: Rienk Mast is an underrated floor spacing big who was a big part of Nebraska's success this past season. Defensively, Mast has to grow leaps and bounds in order to succeed at the next level, but his navigation on offense and stretch ability are ideal traits to take a chance on in a league getting taken over by multi talented bigs.
Draft Bet: Rienk Mast will become a great European professional basketball player.
53. Otega Oweh
Guard
6'4 220lbs
22 years old
Kentucky
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: High Motor Rim Attacker
Shades of: Malik Monk/Norman Powell
Summary: Oweh was once one of my favorite future prospects in college basketball at his time in Oklahoma. Now, I have started to slight fade him as His poor decision making and and temper dampen his team's ability to win games. With that being said, he is still a great POA defender and a transition matchup nightmare. He's a fun watch and has some good tools, but I wouldn't bank on Otega being more than a roster filling guard.
Draft Bet: Oweh will get traded/released during his rookie year.
54. William Kyle
Forward/Center
6'9 230lbs
22 years old
Syracuse
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Athletic Rim Protector
Shades of: Precious Achiuwa/Wenyen Gabriel
Summary: William Kyle is a pure post shot blocker that can jump out the gym. He is a good rebounder for his size but has zero shooting potential as he only shot 49.1% on free throws this year.
Draft Bet: William Kyler will play 2-3 seasons in the NBA.
- Vsevolod Ishchenko
Guard/Wing
6'8 218lbs
21 years old
Lokomotiv Kuban
Tier 6: Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Versatile Project Player
Shades of: Nikola Topic/Matas Buzelis
Summary: Ishchenko is a do it all lanky playmaker from Russia. He needs to grow into his body but his offensive skills are beyond refined for a player of his caliber. If he put up the same production in one of Eurpoe's top leagues, He would surely be in first round conversations. High risk, high reward.
Draft bet: The team that picks up Vsevolod will throw him into the fire too fast, not taking the time to develop him in the G League.
56. Felix Okpara
Center/Forward
6'11 242lbs
22 years old
Tennessee
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Rim Protecting Anchor
Shades of: Daniel Gafford/Moussa Diabate
Summary: Okpara's game is simple. Block shots, grab rebounds, catch lobs. It's a common but useful archetype and Felix is solid! Worth a late 2nd round flyer.
Draft Bet: Felix Okpara will score >80% of his career points on lobs.
57. Tucker DeVries
Wing/Guard
6'7 225lbs
23 years old
Indiana
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Sharp Shooter
Shades of: Chandler Parsons/Kyle Singler
Summary: Tucker Devries is your classic average athlete with a deep range that can get a bucket any spot on the floor. Tucker is a plus rebounder for his size, sneaking him into the top 60.
Draft Bet: Tucker DeVries will end his professional career shooting better than 35% from 3.
58. Cade Tyson
Wing
6'7 195lbs
22 years old
Minnesota
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Floor Spacing Wing
Shades of: Marco Belinelli/Nikola Mirotic
Summary: Cade Tyson is a high volume big shot maker that spaces the floor and scores efficiently. His lean frame and lack of explosiveness chalk up his defensive potential to be nothing but a liability. Nonetheless, Tyson is truly an NBA level scorer and that is enough to give him a chance at signing a contract.
Draft Bet: Cade Tyson will be a garbage minute shooter for 3 seasons in the NBA.
- Robbie Avila
Center/Forward
6'10 240lbs
22 years old
Saint Louis
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: High IQ Skilled Big
Shades of: Derik Queen/Nikola Jokic
Summary: For his position, Avila ranks as the best pick n roll and inside out passer in the class. His defensive projection is arguably the worst in the class since he is undersized and a poor athlete. That shouldn't hold teams back from taking a chance on his unique creation ability and soft touch.
Draft Bet: No NBA team gives him a real chance and Robbie becomes a fan favorite in a non American professional league.
60. Tyler Bilodeau
Forward/Wing
6'9 235lbs
22 years old
UCLA
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Skilled Scorer
Shades of: Nic Batum/Luke Babbit
Summary: Tyler Bilodeau has a smooth game and understands where he needs to get to on the floor to get a bucket. He is a great shooter for his size but is lackluster on defense. The only defensive value he provides is not fouling which is helpful nonetheless.
Draft Bet: Tyler Bilodeau will have at least two different 10 point performances in his career.
61. Emanuel Sharp
Guard
6'3 205lbs
22 years old
Houston
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Disrupting Sniper
Shades of: Quentin Grimes/Isaiah Canaan
Summary: Emmanuel Sharp shoots 37% from three which encapsulates 61% of his shot diet and is a phenomenal free throw shooter hitting at an 89% rate. Sharp is built tough and should be a plus defender in the NBA. He has winning habits and will be a 2nd round draft pick but hasn't developed much over the past two years so I am fading his ability to grow into a player worthy of rostering.
Draft Bet: Lets get random. Emmanuel Sharp will cry if he gets drafted.
62. Malik Reneau
Forward
6'9 238lbs
23 years old
Miami FL
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Post Up Rebounder
Shades of: Zach Randolph/James Johnson
Summary: Reneau was a high usage post bucket getter and acted as a connective passer in an electric Miami FL offense. He has started to develop a 3 point shot slowly but surely and I hope it continues to get better. Malik probably won't be much of a defender unless he gets drafted to a perfect scheme. In order for me to take a chance on him, he would need to improve his athleticism and ball security.
Draft Bet: Reneau will continue to be a post up machine and not expand his game much in his professional career.
63. Milos Uzan
Guard
6'4 195lbs
23 years old
Houston
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Role Player
Shades of: Andrew Nembhard/Hunter Sallis
Summary: Milos Uzan looks like at good NBA prospect at first glance. After a deeper dive into his profile, I realized he had the single most regression from last year to this year. Ranking in the bottom 10% of plenty important statistical categories and had a -25.2 On/Off NET rating. I am confident that he is a smart basketball player and his regression isn't as drastic as the numbers read. He was a winning player in college who played well in big moments. This is a tough scout, but I would hesitate to take him in the draft but would jump all over signing him as a udfa.
Draft Bet: Milos Uzan plays less than 100 career NBA games.
64. Aaron Nkrumah
Guard/Wing
6'6 175lbs
24 years old
Tennessee State
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: 3 and D
Shades of: Jordan Walsh/Herb Jones
Summary: Aaron Nkrumah busted on the scene late during the draft combine showcasing elite shooting and versatile on ball defense. His freakish wingspan contributed to his unbelievable 2.8 steals per game this past season. All of the tools are there to become a decent NBA player but not having seen him play against top talent outside of the combine hurts the projectability of how impactful he can be at the next level.
Draft Bet: Aaron Nkrumah will fill out his frame and weigh at least 190lbs by the end of his 2nd year in the NBA.
65. Fletcher Loyer
Guard
6'4 180lbs
22 years old
Purdue
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Sharpshooter
Shades of: AJ Green/Steve Kerr
Summary: Fletcher Loyer's profile is pretty simple. Give him the ball and he'll make it rain. Unfortunately he doesn't posses any other NBA caliber traits than his shooting and competitiveness.
Draft Bet: Loyer will lead this year's Summer League in 3 point %.
66. Mark Mitchell
Wing/Forward
6'9 230lbs
22 years old
Missouri
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Point forward
Shades of: Boris Diaw/Kyle Anderson
Summary: Mark Mitchell is a downhill playmaker in the body of a forward. He commonly led transition fastbreaks just as much if not more than Missouri's leading guard. While he doesn't take many 3's he can hit them at decent efficiency. Mitchell is a solid defender and average rebounder. His playstyle is unusual in the NBA and I find it hard to see his talent shining through enough to get real minutes.
Draft Bet: Mark Mitchell will have multiple double doubles this year in the G League.
67. Seth Trimble
Guard
6'3 200lbs
21 years old
UNC
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Athletic Slasher
Shades of: Quinn Cook/Frank Mason
Summary: Seth Trimble has sneaky athleticism and body control that help him finish at the rim. He can make accurate passes in any offensive scheme. If he could shoot 3's better than 28.6% we would have a real threat of a prospect on our hands, but until then, Trimble is a coin toss on whether or not he can become a true NBA player.
Draft bet: Trimble will have a poster dunk in his first NBA game
68. Duke Miles
Guard
6'2 180lbs
24 years old
Vanderbilt
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Two Way Playmaker
Shades of: Monte Morris/Jevon Carter
Summary: His most impressive stat is shooting 90% from the free throw line. That's good news for a guy who can also get to the rim at a high rate. Duke plays with a smooth rhythm, never seeming to become startled or make bone headed plays. In another life Miles would be a defensive back in the NFL as he can intercept the ball in mid air better than most averaging 2.6 steals per game.
Draft Bet: Duke Miles will have more steals per game than his assist to turnover ratio in his career.
- Mohammad Amini
Guard/Wing
6'8 180lbs
21 years old
SLUC Nancy
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Floor Spacing Slasher
Shades of: Ben Saraf/Brandon Paul
Summary: Amini is a super raw, high upside player that shows flashes of NBA talent and great measurements. Most impressively, he went 37/40 on 2 point attempts.
Draft Bet: Amini will be a draft and stash player that doesn't see NBA minutes for another two years.
70. Dillon Mitchell
Wing/Forward
6'8 205lbs
22 years old
St. John's
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Connective Disruptor
Shades of: Jarred Vanderbilt/Mohammed Diawara
Summary: Dillon Mitchell has potential to become a solid connective passer and transition finisher; although, his offensive profile in total is brutal. Mitchell's length is his best trait aiding his ability to cover ground defensively and pull down rebounds like its a cookie in the jar on top of the fridge.
Draft Bet: Dillon Mitchell will underperform compared to expectations.
- Ernest Udeh Jr.
Center
6'11 266lbs
22 years old
Miami FL
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Rim Running Anchor
Shades of: Mitchell Robinson/Guerschon Yabusele
Summary: Ernest Udeh Jr. is another case of a high motor play finishing big who snags rebounds. There isn't much else to his game so while he is a fine player, there is nothing that separates him from the pack.
Draft Bet: Udeh will be playing overseas next year.
- Carson Cooper
Center/Forward
6'11 245lbs
22 years old
Michigan State
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Low Usage Defensive Anchor
Shades of: Glen Davis/Andray Blatche
Summary: Carson Cooper blossomed his senior season taking on a larger role than his first 3 years at MSU. He was a strong defensive minded center who is fundamentally sound. He will have to expand his offensive arsenal in order to succeed but Cooper is technically sounds and will put up a good fight for a roster spot.
Draft Bet: Carson Cooper will end up on a team in California. Gut feeling.
73. Pavle Backo
Center/Forward
6'11 262lbs
18 years old
Mega Superbet
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Skilled Big
Shades of: Isaiah Hartenstein/Nikola Vucevic
Summary: Backo actually backed out of the draft last minute but at that point my board was finalized so I will give my report anyway. This kid has a bright future. Being such a good 3 point shooter and passer at his age is uncommon. At the same time he makes some bone headed decisions turning the ball over and is a subpar defender. It was a good idea to stay and play professionally for another year or two.
Draft Bet: Backo will be drafted next year in the top 45.
- Malik Dia
Forward
6'9 250lbs
22 years old
Ole Miss
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Role Player
Shades of: Caleb Swanigan/Patrick Williams
Summary: Malik Dia doesn't excel in any specific facet of basketball but he consistently puts up 13 and 5 a night with stealthy defensive finesse.
Draft Bet: Malik Dia will be assigned back and forth from NBA roster to G League for his whole career.
75. Lamar Wilkerson
Guard
6'6 205lbs
24 years old
Indiana
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Shot Maker
Shades of: Malik Beasley/Gary Trent Jr.
Summary: Lamar Wilkerson is a 3 level scoring threat and nearly automatic from the free throw line. He specializes in creating off the dribble and doesn't fumble opportunities in the open floor. In college he could guard the 1-3 but at the next level, I expect him to strictly defend guards.
Draft Bet: Lamar Wilkerson will sign a two way contract as a rookie.
- Peter Suder
Guard
6'5 215lbs
22 years old
Miami OH
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Combo Guard
Shades of: Tyler Kolek/Nik Stauskas
Summary: Peter Suder was the leader on the infamous one loss Redhawks team. Suder can score, drop dimes, and rebound above expectation given his lack of athletic ability. In the tournament loss against Tennessee, Suder still dropped 27 points! Since then his draft stock has fallen off a cliff after an awful combine performance. Peter can absolutely be an NBA player but the idea that he is a sleeper prospect in the draft is far fetched.
Draft Bet: Peter Suder will participate in the G League 3 point contest as a rookie.
77. Tyler Nickel
Wing
6'7 220lbs
22 years old
Vanderbilt
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Floor Spacing Sniper
Shades of: Max Strus/Seth Lundy
Summary: Tyler Nickel is one of the purest shooters in the draft but he fails to play at high level against the best teams in the country. This class is loaded with shooters and Nickel is an inadequate defender. Luckily his frame is projectable for him to grow as a defender and he can space the floor in modern NBA offenses.
Draft Bet: Nickel will shoot over 45% from 3 multiple years in his professional career.
78. Rafael Castro
Forward/Center
6'10 220lbs
23 years old
George Washington
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: High Feel Center
Shades of: Johnathan Mogbo/Paul Reed
Summary: Rafael Castro racked up stocks in his final college season. His length and feel for the game created opportunities to display his unique mobility for a big man. Castro also dominated the boards averaging 9.1 rebounds per game. His defensive ceiling is higher than what this ranking may reflect. Offensively Rafael drew fouls at a high rate, thus inflating his scoring numbers. Attempting 0 threes is a massive red flag that will be hard for teams to get over in a league where that trait is of utmost importance.
Draft Bet: Rafael Castro gets drafted above better players who will play the same role.
- Donovan Atwell
Guard
6'5 200lbs
22 years old
Texas Tech
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Sniper
Shades of: Luke Kennard/Greivis Vasquez
Summary: There's not much else to say other than Donovan Atwell being a 3 point specialist. His role in the NBA will depend on efficiency and defensive development.
Draft Bet: Donovan Atwell's first NBA bucket will be a 3 pointer... DUH!
80. Trey Kaufman Renn
Forward
6'9 240lbs
23 years old
Purdue
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Skilled Interior Hub
Shades of: Zach Randolph/Trayce Jackson Davis
Summary: Trey is the king of 5-10ft turnaround jumpers and baby hook shots. That worked at his time in Purdue but it won't translate well due to his shorter 6'9 frame. He still can use his above average strength to be a good rebounder but his upside is significantly limited, thus placing 80th in my rankings.
Draft Bet: Trey won't last long in an NBA system, but he will still be a starting caliber overseas player.
81. Bryce Hopkins
Wing
6'7 225lbs
23 years old
St. John's
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Versatile Wing
Shades of: Dillon Brooks/Dante Cunningham
Summary: Bryce Hopkins is a do it all wing who consistently focuses on making the best play for the team. His natural ability is off the charts. It looks like he's born to play basketball. My biggest gripe with him as a prospect is that he isn't special in any particular area and he is already 23.
Draft Bet: Bryce Hopkins will play in >70 games in his first 3 seasons in the NBA.
82. Keyshawn Hall
Wing
6'7 235lbs
23 years old
Auburn
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Physical Wing
Shades of: Jalen Wilson/Georges Niang
Summary: Keyshawn Hall used his physical gifts to be a main option at every school he attended. He had the green light to shoot as much as he wanted and it would set the tone or deter his team's win probability. Hall also was an underrated glass crasher in college. There isn't too much that divides him from other wings in the class and may just get caught lacking in the race to fill out roster spots.
Draft Bet: Keyshawn Hall goes undrafted but shows out in Summer League earning a two way contract.
83. Jaxon Kohler
Forward/Wing
6'9 245lbs
23 years old
Michigan State
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Skilled Post Up Technician
Shades of: Adreian Payne/Jon Leuer
Summary: Coach Izzo just has a way of creating the most fundamentally sound players in college basketball. Jaxon fits that stereotype to a T. His playstyle is reminiscent of a traditional big's footwork paired with a stretch 4's shot diet. Such an difficult prospect to rank, but I will be keeping a close eye on his journey!
Draft Bet: Jaxon will outperform everyone's pre draft rankings including my own. 83rd is his floor.
- AJ Storr
Wing
6'5 205lbs
22 years old
Ole Miss
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Dynamic Scoring Wing
Shades of: RJ Barrett/Kevin Knox
Summary: AJ Storr and I actually grew up in the same city and if I remember correctly we played each other in middle school(unless he played up an age group). Could be wrong, but I have a soft spot for local talent. With that being said, Storr has had a roller coaster of a college career. At Wisconsin he looked like a first rounder and at Kansas, he didn't showcase any of his special traits whatsoever. In his final year at Ole Miss AJ started to look like himself again but his effort was inconsistent and without consistency, there is not trusting this prospect. Top 60 talent, but there isn't enough evidence he can be relied on to win games.
Draft Bet: AJ Storr's first year will determine whether he will sink or swim in the NBA.
- Tre Donaldson
Guard
6'3 198lbs
22 years old
Miami FL
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Floor General
Shades of: Jose Alvarado/Coby White
Summary: Tre Donaldson is a high energy dimer that isn't afraid to go toe to toe with any defender. My favorite quality of his is how he has gotten better and more confident year after year. In a guard heavy draft class, Donaldson doesn't have as much value as he would in years past, but I wouldn't be surprised if a team took a shot on him at the end of the draft.
Draft Bet: Tre Donaldson will be a premier two way player in the NBA.
86. Izaiyah Nelson
Forward
6'10 218lbs
22 years old
South Florida
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Rim Running Anchor
Shades of: Onyeka Okongwu/Adem Bona
Summary: Nelson averaged a near double double with 3 stocks a game in his final college season. He has clear traits that project him to be a rim protecting 4, but he definitely needs to bulk up as 218lbs won't cut it at the next level. Not being able to shoot with a rather common archetype is also a red flag. The ceiling is high but the floor is low if he can't grow his game.
Draft Bet: An organization will draft him too early and regret it.
- Melvin Council Jr.
Guard
6'4 180lbs
24 years old
Kansas
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Scoring Guard
Shades of: CJ Watson/Ty Lawson
Summary: One of my favorite memories of the college basketball season was Melvin Council's clutch 36 point game against NC State this year. I thoroughly remember wrapping Christmas presents being in awe of his presence on the court. He most likely won't touch an NBA court but that 9 three pointe performance proved he can be a microwave scorer in rare situations.
Draft Bet: Melvin Council will forever be known for December 13th 2025, and not anything he does in his professional career.
88. Nick Martinelli
Guard/Wing
6'7 225lbs
22 years old
Northwestern
Tier: 6- Roster Spot Replenisher
Archetype: Mid Range Technician
Shades of: Rodney Hood/TJ Warren
Summary: Nick Martinelli was an absolute DAWG at Northwestern. He is a pure scorer who averaged 23ppg, but the vast majority of those points came in the mid range which recently hasn't been an ideal shot diet for high impact players in the NBA. Martinelli's motor enabled him to become an able rebounder. The kicker for Nick is his defense. He is just so easy to blow past and there are no signs of immediate improvement.
Draft Bet: Nick Martinelli will be a fun G League player for many years.
- Chase Ross
Guard
6'5 210lbs
23 years old
Marquette
Tier: 7- UDFA Flyers
Archetype: 3 and D
Shades of: Bones Hyland/Jalen Pickett
Summary: Chase Ross had a down year in 3 point shooting but he has shown glimpses of being an above average shooter throughout his college career. Ross prospers as an on ball defender generating 2.3 steals per game over the past year. At this point of the class, glimpses and singular statistical outliers aren't enough for me to consider a player draftable which is why Chase Ross kicks off the final tier of players as a UDFA Flyer.
Draft Bet: Chase Ross will be a primary scorer on the "Golden Eagles" team featured in the annual "The Basketball Tournament".
90. Josh Dix
Guard
6'6 205lbs
21 years old
Creighton
Tier: 7- UDFA Flyers
Archetype: Connective Scoring Guard
Shades of: Austin Reaves/Matthew Dellavedova
Summary: Dix shot 40% from 3 his first three years in college and then randomly dropped to 34.8% his senior season. If it wasn't for his past success and ideal size for a guard he wouldn't be on my draft radar. Let's hope last season was a fluke.
Draft Bet: Josh Dix will play professional basketball for less than 4 seasons.
- Riley Kugel
Guard/Wing
6'5 210lbs
22 years old
UCF
Tier: 7-UDFA Flyers
Archetype: Role Player
Shades of: Nick Young/Kelly Oubre
Summary: Riley Kugel is an all around solid player with a decent build and moderate to good athletic ability. Surely worth a Summer League contract.
Draft Bet: Riley Kugel will immediately turn to play overseas for a larger contract and role on a team.
- Nick Townsend
Wing
6'7 240lbs
21 years old
Yale
Tier: 7-UDFA Flyers
Archetype: Role Player
Shades of: Sam Dekker/Alen Smailagic
Summary: I have to show love to Yale's finest. Another common shooting wing, but the lack of athleticism and the unknown of how many schemes he can fit in are red flags. Hope he gets a chance but Townsend's NBA outlook is an uphill battle.
Draft Bet: Nick Townsend signs with a Canadian basketball team. Why not eh?
- Boopie Miller
Guard
6'0 175
23 years old
SMU
Tier: 7- UDFA Flyers
Archetype: Pure Point Guard
Shades of: Devonta Graham/Isaiah Thomas
Summary: Boopie Miller is an undersized open floor impact player. He can add value in the "attack and kick" scheme as a passer and shooter. Sadly he doesn't have a special enough trait to look past his physical limitations.
Draft Bet: Boopie Miller will become a G League 6th man.
94. Jalen Washington
Center/Forward
6'10 240lbs
22 years old
Vanderbilt
Tier: 7- UDFA Flyers
Archetype: Mid Range Rim Protector
Shades of: Daniel Theis/Mo Speights
Summary: Washington is an efficient mid range threat that commonly acted as a screener and cutter for Tyler Tanner at Vanderbilt. His mid range touch is icing on the cake in ensuring his success on those two actions. He is an average defender. In order to boost his chances at signing an NBA contract he will need to expand his shooting arsenal and become more aggressive on both sides of the ball.
Draft Bet: Jalen Washington will get picked up as a UDFA but fail to touch an NBA roster *unless he works on my suggestions above.
- Tobe Awaka
Forward
6'8 255lbs
22 years old
Arizona
Tier: 7- UDFA Flyers
Archetype: Energizing Glass Cleaner
Shades of: DayRon Sharpe/Dennis Rodman
Summary: Tobe Awaka actually does have a special trait in his ability to offensive rebound. Other than that skill and being a good athlete who has a high motor, he is raw as they come. At 22 years old it would be a risk to draft him but honestly shows decent upside as a niche offensive rebounding athlete.
Draft Bet: Tobe Awaka will get drafted.
96. Tobi Lawal
Forward
6'8 215lbs
23 years old
Virginia Tech
Tier: 7- UDFA Flyers
Archetype: Pogo Stick Finisher
Shades of: Ron Holland/Derrick Jones Jr
Summary: Tobi Lawal wowed at the combine with a standing 40 inch vertical and a 45.5 inch max vertical. Lawal has used his athleticism to become a good play finisher and rebounder. Despite the historic leaping ability, being a raw prospect at age 23 is just a no go in the draft world. At some point he has to figure out how to utilize his athleticism in other areas.
Draft Bet: With all the potential in the world, Tobi Lawal will never develop.
97. Oscar Cluff
Center
6'11 255lbs
24 years old
Purdue
Tier: 7-UDFA Flyers
Archetype: Dominant Rebounder
Shades of: Mason Plumlee/Amile Jefferson
Summary: Oscar Cluff added 1.33 points per possession when attacking the rim. A huge reason why Purdue picked him up from South Dakota State was his post vision and playmaking ability. Obviously he is an accomplished rebounder as well as a modest interior shot blocker. Cluff is most likely close to his peak already, forcing his draft stock to tank into un-draftable territory.
Draft Bet: Oscar Cluff will be remembered as a college hoops legend who never blossomed at the pro level.
98. Nate Bittle
Center
7'0 215lbs
23 years old
Oregon
Tier: 7- UDFA Flyers
Archetype: Role Player
Shades of: Quinten Post/Mfiondu Kabengele
Summary: Nate Bittle has a great block rate despite his athletic deficiency. He is smart enough to know how to deter shooters into uncomfortable positions. Other than that his traits are pretty mediocre. The shooting and connective passing are overhyped and his body is reminiscent of a middle aged dad. I don't see how he can contribute in the NBA whatsoever.
Draft Bet: Nate Bittle will play overseas for his whole career.
- Tre White
Wing/Forward
6'7 215lbs
23 years old
Kansas
Tier: 7- UDFA Flyers
Archetype: Physical Floor Runner
Shades of: TJ Warren/Jerami Grant
Summary: Tre White was a college journeymen who played for iconic schools and was a fine player. He isn't afraid of contact and simply loves playing the game of basketball. There are no outstanding qualities to his game.
Draft Bet: Tre White's professional career will last no more than 5 years.
- Ven Allen Lubin
Forward
6'9 250lbs
22 years old
NC State
Tier: 7- UDFA Flyers
Archetype: Undersized Motor Big
Shades of: Landry Fields/Jason Collins
Summary: Lubin played Center in college but will have to transition to the 4 moving forward. He is a high motor player that plays fundamentally sound and is coachable. He is the type of guy that is good for team chemistry and a locker room leader.
Draft Bet: Ven Allen Lubin will play less than 4 years of professional basketball before retiring.
Final Thoughts
This is the most excited I've ever been for a draft. The top end talent is out of this world and nobody knows who will end up where. Scouting this draft class has provided me joy in tough moments this year and I wish I could relive it again. My dream is to scout for a living and hopefully this leap of faith is the first step in getting there. If you are still reading at this point, I appreciate you beyond words and hope you were able to learn more about this pool of talent entering the NBA. If you want to connect you can find me at the links below:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-baumgartner-17243934b?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios
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