Following the Leaderboard | The Prospect Overview
Following the Leaderboard | The Prospect Overview
This week, Maxwell looks at the NCAA's statistical leaders to see if there could be untapped NBA upside. PLUS: Colorado State vs. Boise State in the Mid-Major Game of the Week and Quick Hits!
Feature: Follow the Leaderboard
When I’m making my Big Boards, one question I like to ask myself is, “how stupid would I feel if I get this evaluation wrong?”
Part of the reason I was higher on Trey Murphy was because, on paper, he’s a perfect role player. He’s tall, athletic, a great shooter, and a multi-positional defender. By zooming out and keeping it simple, it was clear that the nuances of his handle weren’t going to prevent him from having a good NBA career. I also ask this question so that I don’t foolishly whiff on a player like Walker Kessler again. I got too hung up on what he couldn’t do—the outside shooting, his passing, and his scheme versatility on defense. It was idiotic of me to have a second round grade on him. He was a great finisher and otherworldly shot blocker with tremendous size. It should have been obvious that a 7’1” dude with an NBA body and a 19.1 BLK% was going to return Top 20 value, but I got too cute with it. His block rate alone should have been an undeniable tell.
I was pondering the “how stupid would I feel?” question this past weekend and decided to turn it into an exercise. Who are the players who are most obviously good at one particular thing? Why, the NCAA Division I leaders in those respective categories! Looking through those leaderboards, I noticed few of them, if any, have garnered any sort of draft buzz. Wouldn’t I feel stupid if I didn’t dive into their film to see if there was anything to their game? They all clearly have at least one exceptional skill! So, this week, we are going to follow the leaderboard and take a look at some of the NCAA’s best mega-producers. I also made a Leaderboard Big Board, if you will, ranking these players by my level of interest.
7. Arturo Dean, Sophomore, Florida Atlantic
What’s his thing?
Arturo Dean leads the country in steals per game. It’s not a particularly close race, either. His 3.7 SPG leads the mark by a considerable margin, with 3.1 SPG being the next closest mark. The man is a pest. He uses his speed to dart into passing lanes. His hands are lightning-fast at the point of attack. When he’s off the ball, any player on the opposing team who puts it on the deck needs to be aware of where Dean is at all times. Ball-handlers who turn their back often find their pockets picked before it’s too late. The highest steal rate for a recent guard prospect was Jevon Carter’s 4.9% during the 2017-2018 season. Right now, Dean is sitting at 7.1%. That’s special.
What else is good?
Despite standing a mere 5’11” and weighing only 163 pounds, the sophomore guard actually pressures the rim and finishes well. He’s quick, has some juice to his handle, and will play ball screens differently to get defenders off balance. At the rim, he’s tough and can contort to get a clean angle at the cup. Plus, he’s more than comfortable finishing with either hand. When he keeps it simple, he can find the open man. Dean also punches above his weight on the glass, grabbing 4.5 RPG.
What are his biggest “next level” obstacles?
Size is the obvious one. The only sub-6’0” players who have appeared in an NBA game so far this season are Markquis Nowell and Jacob Gilyard. Like Dean, both posted gaudy steals totals in college. They had two big things over Dean, though—their shooting and reliability as decision-makers. Nowell and Gilyard’s career percentages from deep (35.3% and 36.2%, respectively) may not pop, but the volume does. Nowell launched 6.9 triples per game, and Gilyard took 6.0 throughout their careers. This season, Dean is at 27.6% on 2.6 per game. Additionally, his 4.3 APG to 3.9 TOV ratio is troublesome, and Nowell and Gilyard both had stellar assist-to-turnover marks throughout their careers. Right now, Dean can get sped up and throw questionable passes under heavy pressure.
Forecast
The odds will be stacked against Arturo Dean. It’s a cold world for small, skinny guards, especially when they’re coming from the mid-major ranks. He’ll need to refine his playmaking for others, especially when he gets deep into the pain. Improving his jumper is a must. But if those things come along, don’t count him out. The man is an unbelievable defensive talent. His quickness, ability to read the floor, and the unique angles he takes to the ball make him a persistent thorn in the side of opposing offenses. Plus, as a sophomore, time is on his side. Keep his name in your back pocket for down the road.
6. Isaiah Cozart, Graduate, Eastern Kentucky
What’s his thing?
Isaiah Cozart blocks shots. He blocks A LOT of shots—3.9 shots per game, to be exact. That gives him a 12.5 BLK%. While it may not be a Walker Kessler number, it tops the likes of Mark Williams and Brandon Clarke during their pre-draft seasons. Cozart is a big-time elevator who soars off two feet. His pop enables him to block shots in the mid-range. He has good help instincts around the rim. If opponents use a shot fake, or go back up for a second chance bucket, Cozart’s potent second jump keeps him in the play. He tracks the ball exceptionally well, delivering one-handed swats with both his left and right, depending on what the situation calls for. Still, Cozart displays a real level of discipline. Add in his strong chest, which helps him stay vertical, and he rarely finds himself in foul trouble (2.0 fouls per game). Per Synergy, opponents are shooting a measly 33% at the basket against him. Rim protection doesn’t get much better than that.
What else is good?
Cozart’s strength and leaping ability show up the other places you’d expect, too. He’s also leading the Atlantic Sun conference in rebounds per game with 9.7. He sets good screens for his teammates, and when he rolls to the basket, watch out. Cozart goes up as strong as humanly possible, and it feels like if he really wanted to, he could rip the rim right off the basket. His soft hands, explosiveness, and physicality have allowed him to pass the 50-dunk mark on the season. He’s shooting an efficient 62.7% from the field, thanks to his play-finishing acumen.
What are his biggest “next level” obstacles?
Listed at 6’7” and 240 pounds, Cozart doesn’t have NBA center measurables. Shorter players like Xavier Tillman or PJ Tucker have played NBA minutes at the five, but they have a few things we haven’t seen yet from Cozart. In Tillman’s case, he’s a gifted passer who can put the ball on the deck. Conversely, Cozart struggles with dribbling and has a red-flag level assist percentage of 3.2. Both Tillman and Tucker add value with their ability to guard in space, whereas Cozart’s feet can look shaky at times. Tucker also developed into a great catch-and-shoot floor spacer. Cozart hasn’t taken a single three during his five college seasons, and he’s a career 54.2% free throw shooter. He needs to find another offensive skill to hang his hat on to make his game scale up effectively at the highest level.
Forecast
Isaiah Cozart is a mesmerizing watch. He’s constantly erasing shots on defense and throwing down powerful dunks on offense. However, the lane for a player with his skill set at his size is narrow when it comes to the NBA. He would need to make dramatic skill improvements to stick in the association. Still, it wouldn’t shock me to see him playing pro ball somewhere next season. Even in the G League, shorter centers can find ways to clean up. Cozart could manage to get some looks pre-draft workouts or even the Portsmouth Invitational due to how outrageously productive he’s been.
5. Tommy Bruner, Graduate, Denver
What’s his thing?
Tommy Bruner gets buckets. He currently leads Division I men in scoring, posting 25.3 PPG. While heavy volume tends to lead to poor efficiency, Bruner stays afloat with 42.8/38.4/82.3 shooting splits and TS% of 56.0. He’s got a deadly pull-up game. Bruner can pull up from NBA range and still hit shots over tough closeouts. While he’s not a mesmerizing athlete, the herky-jerky, stop-start nature of his game gets defenders off balance, and he only needs a sliver of space to make defenses pay. Bruner isn’t afraid of contact, though, getting to the line 8.3 times per game. Because he’s the star of the show for Pioneers, he’s often guarded by the opposing team’s best defender. Even with that being the case, Bruner has been able to produce. Colorado State threw a bevy of taller, stronger wings at him, and he still dropped 28 points on them.
What else is good?
Because he’s such a potent scoring threat, Bruner receives a great deal of attention. His use of pass and shot fakes creates a great deal of openings for himself and others. He does a solid job of leveraging that and hitting the open man for easy buckets. He keeps his poise when doubled. When he gets into the paint, he does a good job of finding dump passes to his big man or hitting shooters in the open corner.
What are his biggest “next level” obstacles?
Given how well he shoots off the catch (42.1% on catch-and-shoot threes this year, per Synergy), I don’t worry as much about a change in role as much as I worry about his athleticism. At 6’1” and 185 pounds, Bruner won’t have the best positional size at the next level. Shorter NBA guards tend to be strong and/or fast. Bruner tends to be more of a silky mover than a bursty one, which could make him easier to contain. Defensively, his size, length, and lack of speed will hurt him guarding the ball but also limit his off-ball playmaking abilities. He’s never been much of a rebounder, either, which is concerning.
Forecast
Tommy Bruner is unquestionably a pro talent; the question is just in which league. NBA teams want to see dominance out of mid-major prospects. While Bruner has displayed it as a scorer, his lacking metrics as a rebounder and defender raise questions about the scalability of his athleticism. His scoring polish will likely have him on NBA radars, at the very least. Showing that he can be a more potent defender and display more athleticism in a complementary role will be vital for him during the pre-draft process.
4. Elijah Hawkins, Junior, Minnesota
What’s his thing?
Elijah Hawkins is a supreme table setter. His 7.7 APG is the top mark among Division I men. There isn’t a pass in the world he can’t make, but that wouldn’t be as meaningful without his ability to create advantages. Hawkins isn’t just quick; he’s sudden. He’s also shifty, clever, and has a polished handle. Whether it’s with a dribble move or through screen manipulation, Hawkins can reliably bend a defense. From there, he will find holes in the defense. He can deliver slick pocket passes, find cutters, or spray it out to shooters. Plus, he only averages 2.8 TOV, a career low.
What else is good?
Hawkins is a good shooter. Over the course of his college career, he’s at 37.3% from long range and 77.8% from the charity stripe. His pull-up game (as well as his ability to hit from NBA distance) keeps defenders honest and opens up his downhill game. Despite his gaudy assist turnovers, Hawkins isn’t a “needs the ball” guy, either. He’s more than content to act as an off-ball floor spacer. As a high steal rate player (3.5 STL% this year), Hawkins also checks an important small guard box. His speed, hands, and hustle make him a threat on the defensive end.
What are his biggest “next level” obstacles?
Once again, positional size is the foe. At 5’11” with a skinny frame, the body battle will be a tough one for Hawkins. He’s a low rebounding, low block rate prospect who hasn’t registered a dunk in his college career. His diminutive stature and below-the-rim pop have led to him converting a meager 33.3% of his halfcourt rim attempts this season, per Synergy.
Forecast
Elijah Hawkins is going to face an uphill battle due to his body type. Additionally, recent small guards who have received NBA attention tend to be more bucket-getters than table-setters. Players like Antoine Davis, Jordan “Jelly” Walker, and Kendric Davis were big-time scorers, and that’s not how Hawkins is wired. Even Markquis Nowell averaged 17.6 PPG during his final college season—much more than Hawkins’s 8.6 this year. He’ll need to improve his finishing and prove that he has a dangerous level of scoring dynamism that he can uncork at any given time. Still, I love this guy’s game. His combination of speed and smarts makes him a nightmare to contain. Add in his outstanding passing vision and accuracy, and he makes everyone around him better. I’m always dubious of small guards, but Hawkins has a shot if he can figure things out inside the arc.
3. Vonterius Woolbright, Graduate, Western Carolina
What’s his thing?
Vonterius Woolbright is the nation’s leader in points produced. The 6’5” graduate gets wherever he wants on the floor thanks to his silky handle and ability to utilize pace. He gets into the heart of the defense time and time again. Once he’s there, he’s effective as both a finisher and passer. His long arms do wonders at the cup, and he’s capable of finishing with either hand. Add in a willingness to play through contact, and he gets to the line a ton, taking 8.9 free throw attempts per game and converting 71.7% of them. He keeps his eyes up for teammates and readily punishes double teams. Woolbright recognizes open shooters in a hurry, and he’s ambidextrous as a passer, too. Often, Woolbright will casually palm the ball before whipping it, like an adult holding a child’s Nerf ball. Simply put, he gets into the paint and makes things happen.
What else is good?
Woolbright is a great rebounder. His DREB% of 29.3 looks like that of a center, and his OREB% of 7.9 is a strong mark, too. On offense, he’ll sneak in to get easy putback opportunities. Defensively, he can use his prowess on the glass to kickstart transition and early offense opportunities going the other way.
What are his biggest “next level” obstacles?
I have no idea what Woolbright’s NBA role would look like. Right now, he’s the center of everything for Western Carolina. While it’s not uncommon for players to go from college stars to NBA role players, I’m not sure what value Woolbright brings off the ball. He’s a tentative and inefficient shooter, converting only 25% of his 1.6 three-point attempts per game. At 6’5” with a frame more wiry than powerful, he’s not an ideal screener who can be fed the ball in a short-roll setting. He’ll need to make significant strides as a jump shooter for the offense to click. Additionally, his defensive intensity will need to increase significantly. Right now, he takes it exceedingly easy on that end of the floor. While a high usage rate is typically a fair excuse, his 0.9 STL% and 0.1 BLK% are scary numbers for any prospect, and particularly so for one playing in a smaller conference.
Forecast
Vonterius Woolbright’s game will need to be recalibrated at the next level. It’s unlikely that an NBA team will want to run so much offense through him. He’ll need to become a completely different player on defense, too. Still, there is a genuine level of buzz around Vonterius Woolbright. He’s got length, his feel is stellar, and he’s a triple-double threat every single night. Players like Hunter Maldonado and Dereon Seabron showing improvement as shooters in the G League could help his case. If Woolbright can become a respectable jump shooter, it would open up worlds for him on the offensive end. I’m skeptical of that happening, but the chance that it could makes him interesting. He could be in the mix for a two-way contract come June.
2. Koby Brea, Senior, Dayton
What’s his thing?
Koby Brea can shoot the cover off the ball. He’s hitting 48.4% of his threes this year while launching 13.4 attempts per 100 possessions. To maintain such a high level of efficiency on that type of volume is both uncommon and absurd. It’s even more rare for someone to do that at 6’6”—only five others that size have shot over 45% on over 13 threes per 100 possessions over the last decade. While this has been his best shooting season, he wasn’t a slouch prior to this. Coming into the year, he had a career 3PT% of 39.4 on high volume. Brea is best off the catch, but he’s more than capable off movement. He can knock down transition threes or fly off screens before drilling a three. His range extends to the logo. Plus, Brea is more than capable off the bounce. He’s converted 39.1% of his pull-up threes over the past two seasons, per Synergy. Brea isn’t just the most efficient three-point shooter in college hoops; he’s also one of the most versatile.
What else is good?
Well, the sheer fact that Brea is 6’6” doesn’t hurt. Simply being tall goes a long way on the basketball court. Few of the NBA’s more “specialist” style shooters are on the smaller side these days. The Steve Kerr’s and Boobie Gibson’s of the world don’t latch on like they used to. Brea also assumed a larger playmaking role last season when injuries took a bite out of Dayton’s guard rotation. He’s developed into a competent playmaker and reliable ball mover.
What are his biggest “next level” obstacles?
Brea is a limited athlete and defender. His 1.2 STL% and 1.1 BLK% are both uncomfortably low numbers for a prospect. Given that he has a sub-20 usage rate, he doesn’t even have the “my workload is really big, so I need to take it easy on that end” excuse available for him. While he is making 100% of his halfcourt rim attempts this season, it’s because he’s only taken seven of them. He doesn’t have much of a first step, and he rarely looks to go inside the arc. He’ll need to work on his defense and explosiveness as he prepares for a professional career.
Forecast
I touched on Brea during my Mid-Major Game of the Week portion of my last column. Afterward, a few other evaluators noted to me that they thought I was a bit too dismissive of Brea. Digging back in, that’s definitely possible. The volume, versatility, and efficiency of his jumper at 6’6” is ultimately difficult to hand waive. Add in that he can be counted on to make the right decision quickly, and he’s even more appealing. Brea’s defense needs to come along, and he needs to do everything he can to maximize his athleticism. But a team taking a “specialist bet” on him with a two-way would be more than reasonable in my book.
1. Enrique Freeman, Graduate, Akron
What’s his thing?
Enrique Freeman owns the glass. If a player was grabbing 9.6 RPG, that would be noteworthy. That’s what Freeman does every night on the defensive side of the floor. Add in the extra 3.4 OREBs per game, and he’s at 13.0 RPG this year. His 13.0 OREB% and 34.4 DREB% would both be stellar marks for a center prospect, but Freeman is doing that as his team’s third-tallest starter. It’s how Freeman goes about dominating the boards that makes him so interesting. At 6’7”, he has a strong body, and he knows how to use it. He’s physical, he’s intense, and he’s bouncy. He wants to get every ball that comes off the rim, and the opposing team has to deal with that on every possession.
What else is good?
The same tools that help Freeman clean up on the glass help him on defense, too. He’s made the MAC All-Defense Team each of the last three seasons. He’s a good mover in every sense. He slides his feet well and stays long on the ball. Add in his strength, and it’s exceedingly difficult for even the quickest players to turn the corner on him. His balance and ability to soar create closeouts that can be polished and potent. Freeman is a good weakside rim protector, too. On offense, his physicality, speed, and bounce make him a dangerous roll man. He’ll feast on low-maintenance plays like cuts and putbacks. Freeman has real touch around the basket, too. He’s converted 58.4% of his non-dunks around the basket (lay ups, hook shots, and runners) in the halfcourt this season, per Synergy.
What are his biggest “next level” obstacles?
It’s the jump shot. Freeman is at 36.7% from long range and 71.5% from the free throw line this season. Both of those are solid! However, he’s only taking 2.5 triples per 100 possessions. At 6’7”, that’s concerning. The returns on older prospects who enter the draft that gun shy from deep aren’t great, and he’ll probably never be a knockdown guy. Still, there’s reason for optimism. Freeman had only taken six total threes prior to this season. A respectable mark on low volume is about as realistic of a leap as could have been expected. I’m also encouraged any time a player addresses a clear flaw in their game. Another hurdle will be his playmaking, as he’s never had a positive assist-to-turnover ratio during his college career.
Forecast
How front offices feel about Freeman will likely come down to his shot. The glass-half-empty argument will be that he’s a low-volume shooter with a funky release, flinging the ball up from his right shoulder. Conversely, there’s an argument to be made that Freeman is a high-impact, high-motor forward who has shown both a willingness to try new things and the propensity to improve. Personally, I’m in the second camp. I love Freeman’s physicality and tenaciousness. He’s a peak, “guy you wouldn’t want to play against” prospect. His efforts on the glass will make him an exhausting, obnoxious cover for opponents. He’s got NBA physical tools, and he can defend multiple positions. I do wish he had a higher level of feel, and I’d be lying if I said I bought the shot. But if there is anything to the shot, he’s going to be a dude. I’d love to see him at Portsmouth and would strongly consider him for a two-way contract depending on how things shake out.
Mid-Major Game of the Week
This week’s Mid-Major Game of the Week saw the Colorado State Rams topple the Boise State Broncos, 75-62.
The highest-ranked participant in this game on our most recent Big Board is Nique Clifford. The 6’6” junior slotted 34th overall in our staff consensus rankings. On paper, it was a quiet night for him. He posted seven points, six rebounds, four assists, and a block. Still, there was a lot to like, particularly on the defensive end.
Clifford did a tremendous job of guarding Chibuzo Agbo, Boise State’s 6’7” sniper. Agbo ended the night with only seven points on 10 shots, and Clifford was a big reason why. He knew the scouting report, playing Agbo tight and not letting him get anything easy. When Clifford closed out, he still managed to keep his balance in case a player elected to drive at him. Still, when opponents attack, his strength and lateral agility make getting anywhere a chore. Off the ball, his help instincts enabled him to swat a shot in the mid-range and force dribble pickups with his attempted swipes. My lone gripe here is that he can be too antsy as a playmaker, and he paid the price for leaving his feet too early two different times.
Offensively, it was a mixed bag. He made some slick deliveries as a passer. He got one assist off a beautifully placed high entry pass and another with a clever dish down the middle while driving baseline. Conversely, he did have three turnovers, and he needs to make sure he’s maintaining better control of the ball. Clifford also had some big finishes. In the first half, he took advantage of a defensive miscommunication for a drive and above-the-rim dunk. In the second, he had a great conversion through contact for an and-one. However, he was 0-for-3 from behind the arc. While he’s at 46.2% from deep on the year, his slow launch time and low volume (2.8 attempts per game) give me pause.
Clifford is in the second round of my personal board, and I feel good about him there. His passing savvy, potent defense, and physical tools are an enticing combination. Still, I’m not quite sure what to make of his shot. A volume uptick down the stretch while maintaining a high level of efficiency could propel him into the first round.
Isaiah Stevens had another great game. The 6’0” grad posted a hyper-efficient 16 points on eight shots while tallying 11 assists. He hit some unbelievably tough shots from the mid-range and from behind the arc. At 45.6% from deep and having made 48.3% of his pull-up twos (per Synergy) on the year, defenses have to respect Stevens on the perimeter. His dribble craft also allowed him to knife through the defense for clean looks at the rim. Add in his mesmerizing passing game and last-second fluidity as a decision-maker, and he’s a pain for opposing defenses. His physical limitations, both in terms of his size and burst, raise real questions about his NBA translatability. He can struggle to contain the ball, and athletically, he’ll be behind the curve against guards at the next level. His strong performance this season will likely earn him another trip to G League Elite Camp, where he’ll have a chance to make the case that he has enough juice to get over the hump.
6’7” grad forward Joel Scott had a good outing, too. He had 13 points, six boards, two assists, two steals, and a block. His powerful frame helped stifle the Broncos offense and enabled him to create easy looks for himself on offense. In order to get onto NBA radars, he’ll need a hot shooting stretch. He’s only at 27% from three and 66.1% from the charity stripe. Just about everything else is there, though.
Tyson Degenhart led the way for Boise State, finishing with 25 points and seven rebounds. The 6’7” junior was something of an analytics darling following his first college season. He showed physical strength, connective passing, defensive production, and a high percentage from deep. In the time since, his jumper has tailed off. He went from 42.5% from long range during his inaugural campaign to 32.4% in the time since. Still, there’s hope, as he drained a deep ball from comfortably behind the college line in this game.
For now, he’s more interior-oriented. His strong frame and soft touch help him get buckets in the paint. Degenhart uses his body exceptionally well as a screener and does a great job of getting his guys open with picks. While not a point-forward, he’s a sensible passer and trustworthy decision-maker. On defense, he’s capable of using his size well, but I don’t love his feet. College opponents aren’t able to cook him, but I worry about his movement patterns as he scales up in competition. Going forward, NBA organizations will want to see Degenhart shoot more often and more consistently while developing as an athlete.
While Chibuzo Agbo did struggle in this game, I could still see NBA teams kicking the tires with him. He’s a great off-ball mover who really elevates on his shot and is at 41.7% from deep on the year. The process was good; he just didn’t get great results in this one. Defensively, he’ll need to show more engagement, as he fell victim to a few backdoor cuts. I’ll also be keeping tabs on O’mar Stanley, a 6’8” junior who transferred in from St. John’s. He looks and moves like an NBA player. He forced Colorado State into mistakes and tough shots on defense. Stanley is a 34.4% three-point shooter on low volume. If he can make his jumper a reliable weapon, it could further open up his ability to put it on the deck and finish inside.
With about six minutes left in the first half, a fan ran onto the court. While I was impressed with their end-to-end speed, the temperamental nature of this interruption led to a technical. Seriously though, don’t go on the court. It’s stupid, it costs your team a point and a possession, and someone could get hurt.
Next week’s Mid-Major Game of the Week will be Drexel vs. Hofstra! Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter/X to vote in future MMGOTW polls!
Quick Hits!
-I finally dug into the Ulrich Chomche tape two weeks back, and I get the appeal. At 6’11” with long arms, he’s a silky mover. While he’s comfortable shooting threes, his “off the top of his head” shooting motion still has me viewing that as more of a theoretical skill. Chomche also has some exciting moments as a passer, whipping the ball accurately to teammates from the top of the key. Defensively, he moves well, gets up easily, and gets off the floor with ease. I’d love him in the early second round if he went in this year.
-How about Harrison Ingram? North Carolina’s 6’8” junior forward was something of a “forgotten prospect” prior to this year, but he’s made substantial improvements as a shooter. He’s letting the three-ball fly like never before and hitting 42.3% of his attempts from beyond the arc. Add in his high level of offensive feel, long arms, and physical strength, and Ingram feels like he should be a can’t-miss prospect. Still, his woes at the free throw line (56.9% on the year) and subpar finishing ability for his size (52.5% at the rim in the halfcourt) leave me with pause. He’s more of a second rounder for that reason, but that could change with a big finishing stretch and a strong pre-draft process.
-VCU’s Max Shulga has quietly had a tremendous season. The 6’4” senior (who I covered during my No Stone Unturned series this off-season) has scaled up to a leading role well. He has a two-pronged offensive game, bringing both on and off-ball equity to the table. With the ball, he can weave through traffic and read the floor well while bringing a pull-up shooting threat. Off-ball, he’s a lights-out shooter (40.7% off the catch) who provides floor spacing. His handle, speed, and defense have all taken steps forward. My biggest concern is still his overall athleticism and speed. While his understanding of the game and quick hands go a long way on defense, he can still struggle to contain more explosive opponents.
-On the No Stone Unturned tip, Belmont’s 6’7” sophomore Cade Tyson is averaging 16.5 PPG on 47.4/42.6/89.1 splits. He’s still a fairly mundane defender and decision-maker, but my goodness, what an excellent scoring base. Any discussion involving the best mid-major prospects has to include Tyson. I still think he’d be best served continuing to round out his passing instincts in the slower paced college game as opposed to going pro. That said, if Tyson tests the draft waters this spring, I’ll have to think long and hard about him.
-You know who’s really solid? N’Faly Dante. I get it—he’s a graduate, and his archetype isn’t super exciting. But he’s 6’11” with a pro body, moves well in space, protects the rim, and finishes with fury. It’s hard to imagine the 24-25 NBA season ending without him being on a two-way at some point.
-Another older West Coast prospect to keep an eye on is Moses Wood. He’s been in college for six years, so it’s unlikely he’ll hear his name called on draft night. But the dude is 6’8” and a career 40.2% three-point shooter. It’s tough to find snipers with his size. Even better, Wood can move the ball and he’s not bad on defense, either. NBA teams are going to kick the tires on a guy like that. Plus, as I’ve noted before, the older prospects that stick tend to be shooters with size.