Ageism is Gross

A man’s body may grow old, but inside his spirit can still be as young and as restless as ever.”

-Sir Michael Caine, Secondhand Lions

Sure. Maybe this quote is a bit heavy for basketball. Maybe this is a little extreme. But is it? Michael Caine is 89 years old as of today, and this movie came out in 2003, so maybe grouping this movie while discussing draft prospects is a bit out there. However, when evaluating players, fans and scouts alike have a tendency to dismiss a player when they may be pushing the ripe old age of *gulps*…23! “Older” sophomores, such as Keegan Murray, can be discarded as a player with “limited” upside—as if he will be incapable of growth once he gets the best coaching or training he’ll ever receive. Players who have limited film available, limited playing time, limited experience, but good measurables are all but vaulted up boards due to everyone’s favorite P-word. You guessed it: Potential.

One definition a person might come across when looking up the word potential is “having or showing the capacity to become or develop into something in the future.” This word is typically reserved for amateurs that are in their teens. A popular draft philosophy is to abstain from taking older players because their timeline is better served on a more ready-to-win roster in the NBA. But what keeps good teams good and bad teams bad is falling into draft fallacies, falling into the notion that you “have to” abide by a certain principle.

Look at last year’s draft class. Chris Duarte was selected at 13 by the Indiana Pacers. A senior taken 13th? Goodness. Yet he placed sixth in points per game relative to his peers, ninth in rebounds per game, 12th in assists per game, and eighth in three-point percentage. Scroll down to the 35th pick (and one of the darling young players in the Playoffs), Herbert Jones. He fell to the New Orleans Pelicans and has been trusted with the more difficult matchups for a team without arguably their best player in Zion Williamson. He plays with attitude and has already proven to be a 30-team player. Just three picks behind Jones was Ayo Dosunmu. Ayo was drafted into a stable of guards that the Chicago Bulls used at various points in the season that boosted their team to the Playoffs. Dosunmu finished sixth in his class in assists per game and fifth in Win Shares. The fact that the Bulls trusted him to play as much as he did speaks to the talent he displayed as soon as he stepped foot onto an NBA court. All of these players go higher in a redraft despite their age.

Desmond Bane, taken 30th in 2020. Brandon Clarke, taken 21st in 2019. Grant Williams, taken 22nd that same year. Robert Williams, taken 27th in 2018. Jalen Brunson, taken 33rd that same draft. Dillon Brooks, taken 45th in 2017. Monte Morris, taken at 51 that same season. What do they have in common? Besides being “old” players in their classes, they would all be drafted higher in redrafts, and they all play for NBA playoff teams. Were the teams that took them all playoff teams at the time? Nope. However, they all play significant roles for good teams. Any other NBA team would want them.

It would be asinine to pretend that there aren’t benefits in taking younger players. Typically the top picks are reserved for such prospects. The teams selecting there generally do not have other players that sell tickets or can be counted on to turn their franchise around. The belief is that being better while being younger is appealing; as their bodies mature, they gain NBA-level experience, which equals stardom. It’s a simple equation, but it can be easy to ignore the negative variables that could result in a less-than-desirable outcome. While combustible players garner the attention, ready-made players fall to teams that use them as foundational pieces to play in meaningful basketball games.

Harping on Ron Harper Jr.

As has been with the last few “Preludes” on The Weekend Warrior, the previous segment set the stage beautifully for today’s “Featured Prospect,” Ron Harper Jr. Harper has spent four seasons playing for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Despite his last name, he wasn’t a highly touted recruit—in terms of how he was viewed nationally. Among other top universities, Nebraska might be the most recognizable name to the general population.

Ron played in 31 games as a freshman, starting in 19. From there, he improved his game over the next three seasons in nearly every aspect. From 7.8 PPG in his first season to 15.8 in his senior campaign, Harper Jr. has grown into a legitimate prospect that could (and should) be drafted.

Stephen Gillaspie @StephenGHoops

Ron Harper Jr.: ⭐️83rd Percentile in Jumpers ⭐️93rd Percentile on Spot Ups 3⃣ 39.8% from distance this season

April 30th 2022

Take a look at what is likely going to be Harper Jr.’s calling card in the association. While appearing to be more of a power player, Ron has an incredible shooting profile. Despite seemingly poor shooting numbers in his prior seasons, Harper increased his attempts from distance by nearly 30 while doing so at a 39.8% clip. He can get those shots off from most places on the perimeter.

Per Synergy, Harper Jr. grades out in the 83rd percentile in Jump Shots. He is in the 89th Percentile in catch-and-shoot opportunities, which can be further broken down to him being in the 89th percentile while being guarded, and in the 71st while unguarded. He ranks in the 93rd percentile on spot-ups, the 92nd percentile on no-dribble jumpers, and the 52nd on dribble jumpers.

As most know, simply being a shooter can make the journey to the league more difficult. Luckily for Ron, he can do a little bit more that makes his case to be drafted more feasible. He is an amalgam of size, strength, technique, and skill that should allow him to play a multitude of positions which could make him a matchup problem if he hits his high-end outcome. With a somewhat unorthodox frame, Harper can use his strong frame to punish guards that aren’t familiar with defending their opponents on the block. Synergy ranks him in the 70th percentile on post-up plays. It’s not difficult to imagine some teams using him in a multi-wing lineup as a small-ball 4 of sorts. As a roll man, he graded out in the 84th percentile, which means that his team has the option to either set the screen and make cuts to score, or—should the defense switch on the screen—he could take the smaller defender on the block, where he comfortably can get the shot he wants. On top of all of those factors, Harper Jr. grades out in the 89th percentile in transition, the 70th percentile when working off of screens to get an open look, and in the 54th percentile making cuts to score. Bottom line: he does a lot.

Stephen Gillaspie @StephenGHoops

Ron Harper Jr.: ✉️ 70th Percentile on Post Ups 📺 70th Percentile Working Off of Screens ✂️ 54th Percentile on Cuts

April 30th 2022

For players that get selected where RHJ is projected to be selected, it is imperative to not be played off the court. Negating the opposition is what builds the trust between player and coach. Ron won’t necessarily blow evaluators away, but there are some areas of his defense that should help him hold his own in a team concept. In order of his best play types, Harper was in the 86th percentile defending off of screens away from the ball-handler. He was in the 69th percentile defending the pick-and-roll ball-handler, in the 64th percentile against the roll man, and the 50th percentile when defending post-ups.

Stephen Gillaspie @StephenGHoops

Ron Harper Jr.: 📺🔒 86th Percentile Defending Off Screens 🏀👐 69th Percentile Defending PnR Ball Handler ⭐️ 64th Percentile Defending PnR Roll Men

April 30th 2022

Projecting as a power guard, coaches might be able to put him on more stationary, or lower priority offensive players, and let him roam to help on drives. With his strong frame, and depending on the individual matchups, Harper may be able to shadow less-skilled front court players and be a dependable switching wing. Regardless of how creative his team could be with his defensive responsibilities, the team that is fortunate enough to land Harper Jr. will undoubtedly be please with his maturity, dedication to his craft, selflessness, IQ, and skillset to take on the challenges asked of him on a game-by-game basis.

Stephen’s Storylines

Early NBA Draft Entrants:

The deadline for players with the desire to try their hand at the NBA Draft, or at least get some feedback that could help the stock for next season, has come to a close. Some of the players listed below have maintained their college eligibility while simultaneously entering the transfer portal (more to come on that topic). Even though they have declared, some prospects may withdraw from draft consideration, which means this list of players remains fluid.

1. John Butler Jr. | Florida State | Forward | Freshman

2. Ochai Agbaji | Kansas | Wing | Senior

3. Josiah-Jordan James | Tennessee | Wing | Junior

4. Allen Flanigan | Auburn | Wing | Junior

5. Orlando Robinson | Fresno State | Big | Junior

6. Mouhamed Gueye | Washington State | Big | Freshman

7. Gui Santos | Minas | Wing

8. Jalen Wilson | Kansas | Forward | Sophomore

9. Johnny Juzang | UCLA | Wing | Junior

10. Ismael Kamagate | Paris Basket | Big

11. Leonardo Okeke | Junior Casale | Big

12. Kris Murray | Iowa | Forward | Sophomore

13. Kofi Cockburn | Illinois | Big | Junior

14. Gabriele Procida | Fortitudo | Wing

15. Wendell Moore Jr. | Duke | Perimeter | Junior

16. Hyunjung Lee | Davidson | Wing | Junior

17. Jaden Shackelford | Alabama | Guard | Junior

18. Dalen Terry | Arizona | Perimeter | Sophomore

19. Mark Williams | Duke | Big | Sophomore

20. Paolo Banchero | Duke | Forward | Freshman

21. Ziga Samar | Fuenlabrada | Guard

22. Shaedon Sharpe | Kentucky | Wing | Freshman

23. Hugo Besson | New Zealand | Guard

24. Ousmane Dieng | New Zealand | Wing

25. Fedor Zugic | ULM | Wing

26. Scotty Pippen Jr. | Vanderbilt | Guard | Junior

27. Matteo Spagnolo | Vanoli Cremona | Guard

28. Chet Holmgren | Gonzaga | Big | Freshman

29. Jalen Duren | Memphis | Big | Freshman

30. Julian Strawther | Gonzaga | Forward | Sophomore

31. Patrick Baldwin Jr. | Milwaukee | Forward | Freshman

32. Christian Koloko | Arizona | Big | Junior

33. Alondes Williams | Wake Forest | Perimeter | Senior

34. Dyson Daniels | Ignite | Perimeter

35. Justin Lewis | Marquette | Forward | Sophomore

36. Jeremy Sochan | Baylor | Forward | Freshman

37. JD Davison | Alabama | Guard | Freshman

38. Bennedict Mathurin | Arizona | Wing | Sophomore

39. Malcolm Cazalon | Mega Basket | Perimeter

40. Nikola Jovic | Mega Basket | Forward

41. Terquavion Smith | North Carolina State | Guard | Freshman

42. Ryan Rollins | Toledo | Guard | Freshman

43. Isaiah Wong | Miami | Guard | Junior

44. Peyton Watson | UCLA | Forward | Freshman

45. Isaiah Mobley | USC | Forward | Junior

46. Efe Abogidi | Washington State | Big | Sophomore

47. Trayce Jackson-Davis | Indiana | Big | Junior

48. Jaylin Williams | Arkansas | Big | Sophomore

49. Jabari Smith Jr. | Auburn | Forward | Freshman

50. Walker Kessler | Auburn | Big | Sophomore

51. Kennedy Chandler | Tennessee | Guard | Freshman

52. TyTy Washington Jr. | Kentucky | Guard | Freshman

53. Isiaih Mosley | Missouri State | Guard | Junior

54. Tyler Burton | Richmond | Wing | Junior

55. David Roddy | Colorado State | Forward | Junior

56. Drew Timme | Gonzaga | Big | Junior

57. Marcus Sasser | Houston | Guard | Junior

58. Keion Brooks Jr. | Kentucky | Wing | Junior

59. Nijel Pack | Kansas State | Guard | Sophomore

60. Kenneth Lofton Jr. | Louisiana Tech | Big | Sophomore

61. Tari Eason | LSU | Forward | Sophomore

62. Josh Minott | Memphis | Forward | Freshman

63. Iverson Molinar | Mississippi State | Guard | Junior

64. Bryce McGowens | Nebraska | Wing | Freshman

65. Blake Wesley | Notre Dame | Guard | Freshman

66. EJ Liddell | Ohio State | Big | Junior

67. Jordan Hall | Saint Joseph’s | Perimeter | Sophomore

68. Baylor Scheierman | South Dakota State | Wing | Junior

69. Kevin McCullar | Texas Tech | Perimeter | Junior

70. Kendall Brown | Baylor | Forward | Freshman

71. Jabari Walker | Colorado | Forward | Sophomore

72. Keegan Murray | Iowa | Forward | Sophomore

73. Jake LaRavia | Wake Forest | Wing | Junior

74. Harrison Ingram | Stanford | Forward | Freshman

75. Aminu Mohammed | Georgetown | Guard | Freshman

76. Jalen Williams | Santa Clara | Wing | Junior

77. Jaden Ivey | Purdue | Guard | Sophomore

78. Jonathan Davis | Wisconsin | Guard | Sophomore

79. Max Christie | Michigan State | Guard | Freshman

80. Malaki Branham | Ohio State | Guard | Freshman

81. Dereon Seabron | North Carolina State | Perimeter | Sophomore

82. Julian Champagnie | St. John’s | Wing | Junior

Enter the Transfer Portal:

While the deadline doors are shut, the pathway to the portal remains open and active. Some of the players below will be receiving feedback from NBA talent authorities and taking it back to school. Which school? Many have finished their journey across the portal, while the decisions of some prospects will hinge on how evaluators believe in (or promise) the players below. Players in BOLD have already cemented their collegiate destination.

1. Patrick Baldwin Jr. | Milwaukee-Wisconsin | Forward | Freshman

2. Josh Minott | Memphis | Forward | Freshman

3. Frankie Collins | Michigan | Guard | Freshman

4. Osun Osunniyi | St. Bonaventure | Big | Grad Transfer

5. Kyle Lofton | St. Bonaventure | Guard | Grad Transfer

6. Javon Franklin | South Alabama | Forward | Grad Transfer

7. Umoja Gibson | Oklahoma | Guard | Grad Transfer

8. Dominick Welch | St. Bonaventure | Guard | Grad Transfer

9. Kevin McCullar | Texas Tech | Perimeter | Junior

10. Johnni Broome | Morehead State | Big | Freshman

11. Malachi Smith | Chattanooga | Guard | Sophomore

12. De’Vion Harmon | Oregon | Guard | Junior

13. KC Ndefo | St. Peter’s | Big | Grad Transfer

14. Josh Mballa | Buffalo | Forward | Grad Transfer

15. Kim Aiken Jr. | Arizona | Perimeter | Grad Transfer

16. Jay Heath | Arizona State | Guard | Sophomore

17. Emmitt Matthews Jr. | Washington | Forward | Grad Transfer

18. Baylor Scheierman | South Dakota State | Wing | Sophomore

19. John-Michael Wright | High Point | Guard | Junior

20. Tommy Bruner | Jacksonville | Guard | Sophomore

21. Tyrese Hunter | Iowa State | Guard | Freshman

22. Shakeel Moore | Mississippi State | Guard | Sophomore

23. Keonte Kennedy | UTEP | Guard | Sophomore

24. David Jones | DePaul | Forward | Sophomore

25. Tre Mitchell | Texas | Big | Junior

26. AJ Green | Northern Iowa | Guard | Junior

27. Ricky Council IV | Wichita State | Perimeter | Freshman

28. Jarron Coleman | Missouri | Guard | Junior

29. Emoni Bates | Memphis | Wing | Freshman

30. DJ Jeffries | Mississippi State | Forward | Junior

31. Grant Sherfield | Nevada | Guard | Junior

32. Devonaire Doutrive | Boise State | Guard | Grad Transfer

33. Antoine Davis | Detroit Mercy | Guard | Senior

34. Kendric Davis | SMU | Guard | Senior

35. Jordan Nesbitt | St. Louis | Wing | Freshman

36. Akok Akok | UConn | Forward | Junior

37. Dawson Garcia | UNC | Forward | Sophomore

38. Brandon Huntley-Hatfield | Tennessee | Big | Sophomore

39. Emmanuel Akot | Boise State | Wing | Grad Transfer

40. Adam Miller | LSU | Guard | Sophomore

41. Eric Gaines | LSU | Guard | Sophomore

42. Jahmir Young | Charlotte | Guard | Junior

43. KJ Williams | Murray State | Big | Junior

44. Bennett Vander Plas | Ohio | Forward | Grad Transfer

45. Landers Nolley II | Memphis | Forward | Junior

46. Noah Williams | Washington State | Guard | Junior

47. Dre Davis | Louisville | Perimeter | Sophomore

48. Doug Edert | St. Peter’s | Guard | Junior

49. Matthew Lee | St. Peter’s | Guard | Junior

50. Daryl Banks III | St. Peter’s | Guard | Junior

51. Kenneth Lofton Jr. | Louisiana Tech | Big | Sophomore

52. Jalen Bridges | West Virginia | Forward | Sophomore (R.S)

53. Jaiden Delaire | Stanford | Forward | Grad Transfer

54. Joseph Bamisile | George Washington | Guard | Sophomore

55. Fardaws Aimaq | Utah Valley | Big | Junior (R.S)

56. Will Richard | Belmont | Guard | Freshman

57. Trevon Brazile | Missouri | Forward | Freshman

58. Brandon Murray | LSU | Guard | Freshman

59. Xavier Pinson | LSU | Guard | Grad Transfer

60. Terrence Shannon Jr. | Texas Tech | Wing | Junior

61. Samuell Williamson | Louisville | Wing | Junior

62. Andre Curbelo | Illinois | Guard | Sophomore

63. Nelly Cummings | Colgate | Guard | Grad Transfer

64. Manny Bates | North Carolina State | Big | Junior

65. Earl Timberlake | Memphis | Guard | Sophomore

66. Nijel Pack | Kansas State | Guard | Sophomore

67. Mark Sears | Ohio | Guard | Sophomore

68. Efton Reid | LSU | Big | Freshman

69. Courtney Ramey | Texas | Guard | Graduate

70. Alex Fudge | LSU | Wing | Freshman

Ready to Report:

As the days have passed over the past week, many of the players who declared for the transfer portal have committed to play for new universities. Let’s take a look:

1. Johnni Broome: From Morehead State to Auburn

2. De’Vion Harmon: From Oregon to Texas Tech

3. Emmitt Matthews Jr.: From Washington to West Virginia

4. Jahmir Young: From Charlotte to Maryland

5. Landers Nolley II: From Memphis to Cincinnati

6. Dre Davis: From Louisville to Seton Hall

7. Matthew Lee: From St. Peter’s to Missouri State

8. Fardaws Aimaq: From Utah Valley to Texas Tech

9. Brandon Huntley-Hatfield: From Tennessee to Louisville

10. Daryl Banks III: From St. Peter’s to St. Bonaventure

11. Kendric Davis: From SMU to Memphis

12. Bennett Vander Plas: From Ohio to Virginia

13. Nijel Pack: From Kansas State to Miami

14. Dawson Garcia: From North Carolina to Minnesota

15. Jalen Bridges: From West Virginia to Baylor

16. Terrence Shannon Jr.: From Texas Tech to Illinois

17. Earl Timberlake: From Memphis to Bryant University

18. Andre Curbelo: From Illinois to St. John’s

19. Doug Edert: From Saint Peter’s to Bryant University

20. Will Richard: From Belmont to Florida

21. Eric Gaines: From LSU to UAB

22. Trevon Brazile: From Missouri to Arkansas

23. Nelly Cummings: From Colgate to Pittsburgh

24. Mark Sears: From Ohio to Alabama

25. Alex Fudge: From LSU to Florida

26. Samuell Williamson: From Louisville to SMU

27. Brandon Murray: From LSU to Georgetown

28. Joseph Bamisile: From George Washington to Oklahoma

29. Noah Williams: From Washington State to Washington