Ten Must-Scout Games for Week One of the 24-25 College Basketball Season | The Prospect Overview
College basketball is back! Maxwell is here with a rundown of the must-scout games during Week One of the 2024-2025 NCAA basketball season! He gives you the when, where, and who to watch!
Folks…college basketball is back, and I couldn’t be happier. From a scouting standpoint, there’s nothing I enjoy more than seeing high-level players compete against each other. Getting that type of sample makes it easier to compare and contrast how players stack up physically and athletically. The statistical sample generated from those games is extremely helpful, too. I’ve always struggled with making a pre-season board, because for incoming freshmen, we don’t quite have that much of a sample. High school and grassroots tape aren’t anything to sneeze at, but it’s not quite the same. So, when the college season gets here, and I get to see the guys I’ve been watching at those lower levels scale up, I’m downright giddy. Plus, who knows what wrinkles returning players have added to their games? The junior year Hunter Sallis breakout campaign wasn’t on my bingo card last year, but it happened.
Today, we’re going to look at the ten games I’m looking forward to scouting the most this week. Keep in mind—we’re talking about the entirety of the matchup and what we can learn from it. As much as I want to see certain players, they won’t be playing in matchups where we’ll be able to learn much about them at this stage. Let’s get into it! But first, because I’m a sicko, you know we’ve got to do the honorable mentions.
Honorable Mentions:
-Santa Clara vs. Saint Louis, Monday, 3:00 P.M./ET
-UAB vs. Vermont, Monday, 7:30 P.M./ET
-BYU vs. Central Arkansas, Tuesday, 9:00 P.M./ET
-UConn vs. Sacred Heart, Wednesday, 7:00 P.M./ET
-Florida vs. Jacksonville, Thursday, 9:00 P.M./ET
-Santa Clara vs. Arizona State, Friday, 8:00 P.M./ET
-Illinois vs. SIU Edwardsville, Friday, 8:00 P.M./ET
-Maryland vs. Mount Saint Mary’s, Friday, 8:00 P.M./ET
-UCLA vs. New Mexico, Friday, 11:00 P.M./ET
-Saint John’s vs. Quinnipiac, Saturday, 2:00 P.M./ET
10. Wagner at Rutgers, Wednesday, 6:00 P.M./ET
Look, if you want to yell at me about one of the honorable mention games deserving this spot instead, I get it. Wagner isn’t exactly the hottest prospect team in the country. But I cannot wait to get the first impression of freshmen Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, who are both projected Top 5 picks.
There’s plenty of reason to be enamored with Airious “Ace” Bailey. He’s a 6’10” jumbo shot maker who can score at all three levels. He can hit deep threes off the catch and off the bounce. He’s capable of hitting ludicrously difficult shots over defenders in the mid-range. When he gets to the rim, his bounce and body control serve him well. Bailey also has the reputation of being a hard worker and vocal teammate. He gets after it defensively and should be able to guard a variety of positions. When he’s engaged, he can make big-time plays at the rim as a weakside rim protector. For Bailey, the question is whether or not he’ll be able to refine his game. He can settle for tough shots rather than working for easier ones or moving on from the ball. His handle can come loose at times, too. The big picture here is awesome—he’s young for the class, he’s big, he’s athletic, he can shoot, and he can defend. But if he wants to challenge for the number one spot, he’ll likely need to clean up his shot diet and see the floor better.
Dylan Harper provides an interesting contrast to Bailey. The 6’6” big guard is poised, fluid, and under control. He uses his smooth footwork to create advantages, and he sees the floor well when defenses collapse on him. He’s comfortable from long range, and he has demonstrated solid coordination at the cup. His awareness and feel go a long way defensively. Harper also uses his size to create a plus-rebounding proposition for his team at the guard spot. The lefty’s athleticism has been questioned over the years, though. His first step and vertical pop aren’t anything to write home about. How well Harper creates separation for himself will be something to monitor throughout the season. While Wagner may not have a surefire prospect, how Harper looks against guards such as Javier Ezquerra, Zaire Williams, and Zae Blake will be interesting. All three of those players posted good steal rates last season, and they will be looking to make his life difficult on Wednesday night.
9. Maine at Duke, Monday, 7:00 P.M/ET
Like I said with the last game, if you want to yell at me about one of the honorable mention games deserving this spot instead, I get it. Again, though, Duke has a variety of high-end prospects that I’ve got to watch as soon as possible. Plus, Maine actually has some guys I dig a little, too.
The reason we’re here, first and foremost, is Cooper Flagg. The 6’9” freshman is only 17 years old, but he’s already built quite the reputation for himself. In his 27 Monteverde games tracked by Synergy, he posted 3.6 stocks (steals + blocks) per game. He is everywhere on the defensive end. Flagg has exceptional timing. He covers ground well. His leaps are both high and effortless. His feet, doggedness, and frame allow him to cover a variety of player types well. He projects to be an incredibly disruptive force on that side of the ball. Offensively, there’s a lot to love, too. He’s improved as a three-point shooter, going 35.6% from deep between his last seasons with Maine United and Monteverde. Flagg has also become more confident stringing together dribble moves and counters to get to his pull-ups. He sees the floor well and makes advanced reads on a consistent basis. Flagg can also finish above the rim and through contact. In total, we’re looking at a 6’9” player with great athletic traits who has all the tools required to be a two-way force. His shooting and handle development will be two interesting areas of his game to track throughout the season.
But Flagg isn’t the only prospect who is consistently turning up in the first round of mock drafts. Early riser Kon Knueppel warrants discussion. At first, the 6’7” Knueppel may not look like your typical NBA prospect, but the dude can hoop. It seems like a practice or scrimmage can’t go by without word leaking out about Knueppel’s dominance. He’s a sniper who drilled an uncanny 43.9% of his threes during his final EYBL season. Knueppel gets his shot off in a hurry. Inside the arc, he uses his footwork and strength to create bits of separation, ala recent prospect Brice Sensabaugh. He’s also a selfless passer who sees the floor well. His lateral agility and run-jump athleticism can leave something to be desired. How Knueppel holds up defensively and how he manages to score inside the arc will influence his draft stock.
Then there’s Khaman Maluach. The 7’2”, 250-pound freshman is a massive human being. Still, he moves well, given his size. The pairing of his size and agility makes him a force defensively, particularly around the basket. He has some touch, which is evident on his attempts inside the arc. However, Maluach also went 10-33 during Basketball Africa League play last year, indicating that he may eventually evolve into a floor spacer. There are ball skills and feel in here, too. Maluach does a nice job of using pass fakes to maximize openings and makes the occasional impressive dish. Still, he’s a bit raw. His power and finesse can become misaligned with his coordination, leading to frustrating offensive plays. How much offensive polish and defensive comfort Maluach shows will determine how high teams feel comfortable drafting him. Personally, I’m bullish on his combination of size and skill.
Junior guard Tyrese Proctor will be looking to get over the hump. The 6’5” Australian native has always boasted good positional size and heaps of playmaking savvy. Still, he’s yet to prove he can take over games as a scorer, and his efficiency can leave something to be desired. Fellow guard Caleb Foster showed promise as a freshman, hitting 40.6% of his threes and moving the ball well. Still, his defense needs to come along, and he’s not much of an athlete. Tulane grad transfer Sion James is built like an NBA wing. He’s strong, smart, and a great defender. He’s long been an inconsistent shooter, though. Freshmen wings Isaiah Evans and Darren Harris can both shoot the lights out. They’re both worth monitoring long-term, and it wouldn’t shock me if either of them breaks out as a one-and-done. I’m also fascinated by Syracuse transfer Maliq Brown. The 6’8” junior is something of a small-ball five/four who can play alongside a stretch big. He’s an outstanding defensive playmaker (4.2 STL%, 3.2 BLK%) and an intelligent passer who can bang on the boards. If he can become a more willing shooter (7 for 19 from three last year), I’d be all over him as a draft prospect. The early NBA success of Jonathon Mogbo should help his case, regardless.
The Maine Black Bears have some guys for The Sickos out there. 6’3” graduate guard Kellen Tynes is someone who could work his way into the Portsmouth mix. Over the past two seasons, he’s posted a 4.7 STL% and 1.5 BLK%. He’s disruptive with his hands at the point of attack and nabs a lot of sneaky steals in transition. It feels like he’s constantly touching the ball on that end of the floor. As a result, he won back-to-back AEC Defensive Player of the Year Awards. He’s also a steady playmaker for others. Tynes has long been inefficient and unwilling from beyond the arc (26.1% on 1.8 threes per game over the past two years), but his pretty mid-range pull-up has always made me wonder if he could take a leap on that front. Junior guard Jaden Clayton is interesting, too. He lacks size at 6’1”, but he’s quicker than a hiccup and knows how to run an offense. While he shot only 30% from deep as a sophomore, his 47.6% on pull-up twos and 39.4% on pull-up threes have me buying the idea of improvement in that respect. If either of these two guards can show out against Duke, I’ll take notice.
8. Arkansas State at Alabama, Friday, 8:00 P.M./ET
The Alabama Crimson Tide are loaded with potential NBA prospects. Mark Sears, their top returner and front man, is going to force a lot of draft philosophy conversations this year. On one hand, the returning point guard stands 5’10.25” barefoot with a 6’2” wingspan. He’s not exceptionally fast or vertically explosive. That said, he’s one hell of a basketball player. He’s lights out from distance, having hit 43.6% of his threes on 9.5 attempts per 100 possessions last year. He can pull up from deep (35.6% on threes off the dribble, per Synergy), and he’s dynamite off the catch. Whether he’s spotting up from the NBA line or running off a screen, Sears is going to provide reliable floor spacing. Despite his lack of size and burst, his wiggle and toughness allow him to pressure the rim and finish efficiently. Last season, he converted 57.1% of his halfcourt rim attempts, per Synergy. This also allows him to get to the free throw line consistently (.466 FTr), where he’s a career 86.3% shooter. Even better, Sears is a selfless passer with great downhill vision who can whip out of his live dribble with either hand. His size will always cause some issues defensively, but he’s good at using his hands to generate steals. As an older prospect with size limitations, there may be a ceiling on Sears’s stock. But if he can take another step forward defensively while continuing to dominate offensively, he could force his way into the first round.
Newcomer Derrion Reid is quite intriguing, too. The 6’8” freshman looks the part of an NBA forward. He is a willing shooter with a clean stroke who shot 34.1% in EYBL and high school games tracked by Synergy last season. He also has some bounce inside and can finish above the rim. He’ll bring versatility on the defensive end too, as he moves well for his size. If Reid’s jumper is falling, his size and tools will have front offices excited. It will also be interesting to see how much on-ball equity he can bring, as his handle and passing could stand to improve.
Don’t overlook Reid’s former EYBL teammate Labaron Philon, either. Philon has generated some early buzz in practices and scrimmages. The 6’4” guard is coming off a great season at Link Academy, where he scored the ball well both from three and at the rim. He’s comfortable from the NBA line and pairs his quickness with slick footwork to get inside. His 3-to-1 assist-to-turnover mark in EYBL Scholastic play is also indicative of his playmaking poise. Defensively, his speed and coordination enable him to rack up steals at a high clip. While Alabama has no shortage of depth, I wouldn’t write off a surprise one-and-done campaign out of Philon.
Jarin Stevenson is a highly touted returner. The 6’11” sophomore moves well and is comfortable shooting the ball from deep, having launched 8.9 threes per 100 possessions last season. The potential is clear—if it clicks, Stevenson could be a big floor spacer who covers a variety of positions defensively. Still, the production needs to follow suit. He only made 31.7% of his threes and shot under 70% at the free-throw line. His rebounding and defensive playmaking metrics weren’t anything to write home about, either. If Stevenson breaks out this season, he could add a fascinating wrinkle to this team and climb into the lottery mix. But if it takes him another year, that’s okay. Time is still on his side, and this mix of size and skill isn’t easy to find.
I recently wrote about Grant Nelson and Clifford Omoruyi, two bigs who are in their last season of eligibility but facing opposite questions. Nelson will need to show more defensive refinement and shoot more consistently from three. Omoruyi will need to score more efficiently and pass the ball better. Still, both have heaps of size and athleticism on the table that should keep them in the two-way contract conversation at worst. I quite like freshman Naas Cunningham as a sleeper name. He’s a rangy 6’6” wing with an excellent jumper, he’s a smart team defender, and an underrated halfcourt passer. Houston Mallette has been on the cusp for years. The 6’5” combo guard can really shoot it but will need to either take a step forward as a playmaker or defender to get into the mix. Chris Youngblood is definitely a pro at some level. The 6’4” graduate is a bomber from long range, sitting at a career 39.7% from deep on 10.5 threes per 100 possessions. His strong frame helps him on both ends of the floor, too. If he can grow as a passer and defender, he could climb into the NBA conversation. He definitely feels like a Portsmouth guy.
After reading all that, it should be clear that Alabama has an abundance of talent. What makes this game all the more interesting is that Arkansas State is no joke. From an NBA standpoint, junior Izaiyah Nelson is the name to watch. The 6’9” big is a bouncy athlete who can dunk everything. He’s a force on the offensive glass and a great lob target. Defensively, he can protect the rim (8.0 BLK%). He’s also scheme versatile in ball screen coverage thanks to his impressive lateral agility. While he’s not much of a playmaker or floor spacer, he does the simple things well. Kobe Julien’s age might keep him out of draft conversations, but he’s 6’6”, can score at multiple levels, and defend. He’s going to make Alabama’s dudes work. 6’3” junior guard Derrian Ford is a former Top 100 recruit who found his footing after transferring from Arkansas who might have another leap in him. 6’5” senior Taryn Todd is a well-rounded producer who made the All-Sun Belt Third Team last year. Dyondre Dominguez could also be a breakout candidate. He’s a 6’8” forward who can score inside-out and pass a little bit. Arkansas State’s lineup contains more fringe prospects than high-end ones. That said, they’re battle-tested and talented, and they’re not pushovers from a size or athleticism standpoint. They’ll provide us with a solid gauge of where Alabama’s players stand.
7. Auburn vs. Houston, Saturday, 9:30 P.M./ET
6’10” graduate big man Johni Broome has been on the radar for a long time, and for good reason. Few have a stronger statistical case for the NBA. Broome is a polished drop coverage defender who wins with his timing, positioning, and strength. He’s posted a fantastic 9.5 BLK% during his two seasons at Auburn. He feasts on the glass on both ends of the floor. Broome has also improved his body, enabling him to hold up in space against quicker players on a more consistent basis. Initially more of an interior big man, Broome has rounded out his offensive skill set. He hit 35.4% of his threes on 5.1 attempts per 100 possessions last year. He’s also shown comfort passing out of the post and orchestrating offense from the top of the key, leading to an 18.9 AST% last season. On paper, it’s all there. Still, his size (7’0” wingspan, 9’0” standing reach) is a hair small for an NBA center. He’s not exceptionally nimble or bouncy. He’s an okay shooter, not a great one, and he doesn’t have the face-up polish to make opposing bigs dance off the bounce. For those reasons, he feels more like a future solid contributor rather than a future NBA starter. As it stands, I’m viewing him as a great value play in the second round. If Broome can take one more step forward this year, though—and he has a great track record of improvement—it could firmly cement him in the first round mix.
Chad Baker-Mazara is a fascinating prospect on the margins. On one hand, he’s bounced around between four programs, and he’ll turn 25 during the college season. He also drew negative attention when he got ejected three minutes into Auburn’s upset loss against Yale. Putting that aside, he’s a super-talented player in areas where it counts. He’s got a great, long frame at 6’7”. He’s shot 41.1% from deep on good volume during his three Division I seasons. He can put it on the deck and see the floor. Baker-Mazara is also a disruptive defender who posted a 2.7 STL% and 2.3 BLK% last season. I get it—he’s old, he’s been around the block, and he can get a little wild. But the dude can play. He has NBA size and he’s a versatile, two-way force. Write him off at your own risk.
Denver Jones is a big, physical guard who can score inside and out. The 6’4” senior also showed more refinement as a decision-maker last year. 6’4” senior shooting guard Miles Kelly was a hot name going into last season. He’s an impressive movement shooter, but his efficiency faltered during his junior campaign. It will be interesting to see him in a new environment as he transfers from Georgia Tech. Newcomers Tahaad Pettiford and Jahki Howard interest me. Pettiford is a small guard at 6’1”, but he’s electric to watch thanks to his breakneck speed and ball skills. Jahki Howard is a bit raw, but he’s an otherworldly athlete at 6’6”. Lastly, I want to give some love to Dylan Cardwell, who I think could be a legitimate NBA prospect hiding in plain sight. He’s been relegated to a sixth man role behind Broome, muting his counting numbers. He’s a mountain of a man at 6’11”, though, and he can really jump. As a result, he’s a thunderous finisher (career 71.3 FG%) and big-time shot blocker (career 9.6 BLK%). He can pass a little bit, too. He pops every time I watch him, he just hasn’t had a ton of opportunity. From a physical standpoint, he’s clearly there, and he does the simple stuff extremely well. I hope we see him get more run this year alongside Broome in bigger lineups.
Houston is always a good, well-coached basketball team. From an NBA standpoint, their roster is filled with players on the cusp. I was all about Milos Uzan going into last season. He’s an outstanding pick-and-roll orchestrator with great vision and a slick handle. Plus, at 6’4”, he’s got good size on him. Unfortunately, he struggled to put the ball in the basket and posted an inefficient 9.0 PPG. If Uzan can add a scoring element and embrace contact more consistently as a junior, he can get back into the mix. Terrance Arceneaux will be back after he was sidelined by injury. The 6’5” junior wing also struggles to score, but he’s an outstanding defender who had a 3.1 STL% and 4.0 BLK% before getting hurt last year. Guards Emmanuel Sharp and LJ Cryer can both score but need to grow as distributors. J’Wan Roberts is undersized as a 6’7” big man, but he’s tougher than a two-dollar steak. He can guard multiple positions, feast on putbacks, and he has some skill as a playmaker. I could see him as a Portsmouth guy. Ja’Vier Francis is also a “small big” at 6’8”. While he doesn’t have Roberts’ passing feel, he flies off the floor to finish efficiently and block a ton of shots (career 12.2 BLK%). I’ll always be rooting for the unorthodox Joseph “JoJo” Tugler. The sophomore is 6’7” with a 7’6.5” wingspan, which you don’t see too often. He uses his length to be a hyper-disruptive defender (9.0 BLK%, 3.6 STL%). Offensive skill-wise, he’s still pretty far away, as he only had a 3.2 AST% and shot only 46.3% from the free-throw line. If he can take steps on that front in the coming years, he’ll be a real-deal prospect.
This game should provide some fun early tests. Can Milos Uzan put it together against the physicality of a Denver Jones? Can Terrance Arceneaux regain his old form? Will Johni Broome and Dylan Cardwell hold up against Houston’s rugged interior defenders? It’s going to be a good time.
6. Tennessee at Louisville, Saturday, Noon/ET
There isn’t a player I’m higher on relative to consensus than Igor Milicic Jr. The 6’10” senior will be transferring to Tennessee from Charlotte. There, he displayed a unique blend of skills that are tough to find in a player his size. For starters, he’s an outstanding shooter. Milicic drained 37.6% of his threes on 9.5 attempts per 100 possessions. He’s not just a standstill guy, either. Milicic can fly off screens or knock them down in transition. Even better, teams can’t stifle him by chasing him off the line. He has a fluid downhill driving game and the bounce off one foot to finish above the rim. Defensively, he moves seamlessly at the point of attack, allowing him to cover multiple positions. He has sharp instincts as a low man and can turn opponents away at the rim. He’s also an excellent rebounder who grabbed 16.7 boards per 100 possessions. The swing skill here is the passing. Milicic is capable of slinging some impressive dimes but bites off more than he can chew a little too often. How he looks from an athleticism and strength standpoint will be worth monitoring, too. For me, the combination of size, talent, and feel is too difficult to ignore. I have him in my Top 30 coming into the year.
I’m also optimistic about Cameron Carr. While he didn’t play a big role last year, the 6’5” sophomore demonstrated shooting range and heaps of playmaking poise in high school. Hofstra transfer Darlinstone Dubar brings a 3-and-D profile to the table. The 6’6” graduate shot 39.9% from three on high volume while posting a 2.0 STL% and 3.3 BLK% last season. It will be interesting to see if he can take steps forward as a ball handler and passer this year. Junior big man Felix Okpara is an outstanding rim protector (10.4 BLK%) with impressive lateral agility. If he can reel in his fouling and show more offensively, he could be a name to watch out for. Chaz Lanier joins the Vols after an awesome breakout campaign with North Florida. Lanier is an excellent shooter who hit 44% of his threes on high volume. He’s also a great athlete who routinely finishes above the rim. At 6’4”, he’ll need to show more as a playmaker for others (1.8 APG to 1.6 TOV last season). Also, let’s not count out 5’9” maestro Zakai Zeigler. He might not have a lot of size, but he plays with an exceptional motor, he’s an outstanding passer (6.1 APG to 2.2 TOV), and he makes things happen defensively (career 3.8 STL%). He could be this year’s Markquis Nowell/Jacob Gilyard, a small guard who produces himself into a two-way.
Across from Igor Milicic Jr. will be his former AAC rival, Kasean Pryor. Pryor is another player I’m higher on than consensus, having him in my pre-season Top 60. At 6’9”, Pryor is one of the most well-rounded producers out there. He’s a force on the defensive glass (26.1 DRB%), he can do stuff with the ball (13.9 AST%), and he’s a versatile defender (2.6 STL%, 3.0 BLK%). He also quietly had a phenomenal shooting stretch to close the year, hitting 40.3% from three and 85.9% from the charity stripe in conference play. Pryor is older (will be nearly 24.5 on draft night), and Louisville will be his fourth school, which some front offices might care about. I’d also like to see him clean up his shot diet, passing more often as opposed to forcing tough looks inside. But at the end of the day, size, skill, and two-way impact are king—and that’s Kasean Pryor. The matchup between him and Milicic will be must-see TV.
Multifaceted 6’6” wing J’Vonne Hadley is coming off a great year for Colorado. He’s strong and skilled. Still, I’m not sure about the shot. He only took 1.3 threes per game last year, but he made 41.7% of them, and he hit 83.9% of his free throws. If he can actually space the floor, watch out. Terrence Edwards Jr. has been the engine behind James Madison’s success in recent years. The wiry wing can get inside, make plays for others, and shoot off the catch. If he can add strength, score more efficiently, and show more on defense, there’s a path to draftability for him. Sophomore James Scott is a prime breakout candidate. The 6’11” prospect looked out of place at Charleston, moving more like an NBA big man than a mid-major player. He’s a big-time leaper who can swat shots and send home dunks. Scott is also light on his feet, which goes a long way when he’s dragged out to the perimeter. He’s still a bit raw, and he needs to get stronger, but there’s a clear pro framework in place. Aboubacar Traore is an interesting deep cut, too. The 6’5” guard is exceptionally strong and smart. He did everything for Long Beach State, stuffing the stat sheet on both ends of the floor. He’s a poor outside shooter at a career 5-for-34 from distance. If he can figure something out on that front, he’ll quickly find his name in front office discussions.
5. Michigan at Wake Forest, Sunday, 1:00 P.M./ET
This game won’t technically be played at Wake Forest, but rather, 35 minutes from their campus. So, it’s BASICALLY at Wake Forest.
Anyway, let’s talk about Hunter Sallis, who is one of the top returning prospects for the 2025 draft. Sallis started his college career as a defensively tilted wing prospect, but didn’t really do a whole lot. He transferred to Wake Forest for his junior season, where he exploded as a scoring two-guard. During his first two seasons, Sallis shot 25.8% from three on 0.9 attempts per game. Last year, he drained 40.5% of his threes on 5.4 attempts per game. Even more impressive was the nature of these shots. Sallis hit pull-up threes and transition threes efficiently, showcasing a genuine dynamism from long range. He also started to show more off the bounce in general, breaking opponents down off the dribble and countering more often. Sallis can score inside the arc, too. He hit 49.5% of his 103 pull-up twos, and he made 60.5% of his halfcourt rim attempts. As his usage increased, Sallis did take a step back defensively. He’s also on the thinner side, so he may have some limitations on that end at the NBA level. It would also be nice to see him add more of a passing element to his game this year. Still, the dude is a good athlete, and he can really score the ball. It will be interesting to see where another off-season with Wake Forest has taken his game.
Between Hunter Sallis, Jake LaRavia, and Alondes Williams, several players have transferred to Wake Forest and made tremendous improvements. I’m hoping Omaha Biliew is next in line. I was bullish on Biliew as he was coming out of high school. He’s 6’8”, strong, and physical. His shot looked decent, he could straight line drive effectively, and cover multiple positions. Unfortunately, things didn’t click for him at Iowa State. He rarely saw the floor and didn’t produce much in the minutes he played. I’m hoping that a new environment can tap into what made him a two-way force at the prep level. Efton Reid is another guy I could see taking a leap. The senior big man bounced around for a few years before settling in at Wake Forest. He’s an enforcer who’s strong and tough on the glass. He’s a solid passer, and he started to take a few threes last year. If he can score more efficiently and block a few more shots, I could see him getting into the Portsmouth mix.
Michigan’s Sam Walters has started to creep up draft boards. The 6’10” sophomore was solid but unspectacular at Alabama last season. The big sell here is that he can really shoot it. Walters has a gorgeous stroke, and he made 39-for-99 from deep last year. He’s also a good athlete who moves around the floor with ease. Similar to the aforementioned Jarin Stevenson, the overall production needs to improve. Walters didn’t show much on the glass or make a lot of plays defensively. He also struggled to finish through contact and can look uncoordinated on the interior. Still, the overall shooting and athleticism combination make him a breakout candidate.
Keep an eye out for Danny Wolf, a 7’0” junior transfer out of Yale. Wolf is an excellent shooter for his age and size, having made 34.5% of his threes on 5.2 threes per 100 possessions last season. He’s a great pick-and-pop option who also has a crafty dribble game to beat opposing bigs from the perimeter. Wolf is comfortable running offense out of the high post and registered a fantastic 15.2 AST% last season. He uses his size well on the boards, too. For Wolf, questions arise on defense. He’s not quick enough to switch, nor is he bouncy enough to defend at an NBA level in drop coverage. He looks considerably more fit coming into this season, though. If Wolf can demonstrate the defensive acumen to scratch respectability on defense, the NBA could come calling. Dribble-pass-shoot bigs are a rarity, and Danny Wolf is one of them.
Vladislav Goldin might not be as flashy, but he’s damn sure effective. The 7’1” center follows coach Dusty May from Florida Atlantic. Goldin has NBA size and strength. He sets bruising screens, finishes effectively, controls the boards, and can anchor a defense. He’s a “Portsmouth at worst” type guy in my eyes. Junior Roddy Gayle joins the Wolverines after leaving rival Ohio State. He is a well-built 6’5” combo guard who can light it up. Still, his jumper needs to be more consistent, and he’s a frustrating defender. North Texas transfer Rubin Jones is interesting. The 6’5” wing is a disruptive defensive player (3.3 STL%, 1.6 BLK%), knockdown shooter (41.6% from three), and smart passer (26.8 AST%). Unfortunately, he’s never been efficient inside the arc, making him sub-40% from the field throughout his four college seasons. Lastly, keep an eye out for 6’2” guard LJ Cason, who dropped 20 points on Toledo in a scrimmage game. He’s comfortable from deep behind the college line.
If Hunter Sallis has added to his game, and he shows that off against a high-major program, it could solidify him in the first-round conversation. Additionally, we’ve got a serious frontcourt clash. Efton Reid and Big Bad Vlad are two of the toughest interior guys out there, and it will be interesting to see who wins that battle. How well Danny Wolf and Sam Walters look against the physicality of Biliew and Reid will be worth noting, too.
4. Ohio State vs. Texas, Monday, 10:00 P.M./ET
Texas guard Tre Johnson is one of the biggest names in this year’s freshman class. The 6’6” guard is exciting to watch on the perimeter. He’ll take and make deep threes, going 38.2% from deep in EYBL Scholastic play at Link Academy. His impressive footwork, balance, and use of counter moves help him to create advantages. He sees the floor well, posting 3.4 APG to 1.2 TOV during EYBL scholastic play. Johnson makes the occasional mesmerizing live-dribble sling, and he uses his length well to generate crafty passing angles. His frame bodes well for him defensively, and he picks his spots well in passing lanes. The swing skill for Johnson is his finishing. In games tracked by Synergy at Link, Johnson made only 43.5% of his halfcourt rim attempts. He tends to take off from too far away, he doesn’t play well through contact, and he throws up some wild ones that he’d better off not taking. He’ll need to make progress there. If he does, there won’t be much to quibble with. He’s got great size for a guard, he can shoot, and he’s an impressive passer. Ohio State’s talented backcourt (more on them later) should provide a great litmus test for where he’s at early in the season.
6’7” senior Arthur Kaluma has been on the cusp for ages. He’s strong, he rebounds, and he’s taken baby steps forward as a shooter every year. Last season, he made 34.5% of his 7.6 threes per game. If he can lock in defensively and cut back on his turnovers, he could finally get over the hump. 6’2” junior guard Jordan Pope can really hoop. He’s a quick, jittery mover and impressive shot-maker (17.6 PPG, 37.1% from three). He needs to do more defensively to get onto the draft map. 6’5” senior Tramon Mark quietly had a great year at Arkansas, posting 16.2 PPG on 48.0/36.4/80.4 splits. He also had a 1:1 ATO and had both steal and block rates over two. He might be a surprise name that launches himself into the mix this year. 6’7” forward Jayson Kent comes over from Indiana State. He has a big frame, he rebounds, and he’s a hyper-efficient play-finisher (63.9/36.6/83.7 splits last season). He hasn’t shown much as a passer or ball handler, and his defensive output felt like it could have been better. But if he takes strides there, he could get on the radar. Kadin Shedrick is another “guy who always seems to be close to getting there.” The 6’11” big man is a trusty defensive anchor who always posts a high steal rate for his position. His rebounding and ball skills have lagged a bit behind, though.
The Buckeyes bring a potent backcourt to the table, which makes this opportunity to evaluate Tre Johnson all the more exciting. Junior Bruce Thornton is their proven commodity. Listed at 6’2”, Thornton isn’t the tallest, but he has the strong, burly frame common among guards who stick in the NBA. He’s as poised of a playmaker as you can find, having posted a 28.2 AST% to a 7.8 TOV% last season. He also made 38.2% of his catch-and-shoot threes and 64.7% of his halfcourt rim attempts, thanks to his touch and power. He still needs to come along defensively, but I wouldn’t write him off when the time comes. Alongside Thornton will be freshman John “Juni” Mobley. He’s also on the small side at 6’0”, but folks, he can play. Mobley hit 41.5% of his threes during the 2023 EYBL season. He can set the table, too, ranking fifth in EYBL Scholastic play in assists per game. Size and defensive limitations might make him more of a longer-term proposition, but he’s worth monitoring. Former G League Elite Camp invitee Meechie Johnson returns to the Buckeyes after two years at South Carolina. The 6’2” guard loves to bomb threes on high volume, and he’s grown as a passer in recent years. Still, his efficiency has lagged behind. While these three might not be names at the top of 2025 draft boards, they should provide an interesting test for Tre Johnson.
There are two frontcourt transfers to keep tabs on here, too. Sean Stewart didn’t get a lot of run at Duke, but there’s a lot to like about the 6’9” sophomore. In the minutes he did play, he was a force on the glass (19.3 ORB%, 25.3 DRB%) and a disruptive defender (3.7 STL%, 6.2 BLK%). He plays exceptionally hard. His ball skills and scoring are a work in progress, but his size, motor, and athleticism are tough to match. Aaron Bradshaw entered Kentucky with a lot of hype, but injuries put a damper on his freshman season. The 7’0” big man is comfortable launching from deep, and he’s a nimble athlete. Still, he’s very skinny, making him easy to bump around. He struggled on the glass and defensively as a result. I’m intrigued to see how he looks with a healthy offseason. There’s a chance he could be the 3-and-D type of big man that front offices love.
3. North Carolina at Kansas, Friday, 7:00 P.M./ET
I’m a big fan of North Carolina’s Drake Powell. The freshman wing is 6’6”, long, strong, and athletic. The first time I popped on his film, he immediately stood out as a dude who looked like an NBA player. He’s a sudden mover with the ball who can attack the rim with long strides and finish above the rim. Powell isn’t ball-dominant, either, and occasionally slings impressive high-velocity, on-target passes to open teammates. He gets great elevation on his jump shot, and he’s improved as a shooter over the last year. The defense is sublime. Powell plays with a high level of engagement. His length and burst allow him to go Inspector Gadget Mode to nab steals and blocks. He covers ground at a high speed and has great balance when he needs to change directions. At worst, I love him as a two-way role player at the next level. He can spot up, attack, and defend. Where Powell can raise his stock is by polishing up his ball skills. His handle can get high, and he gets too sped up as a decision-maker at times. I’d also like to see him go downhill more as opposed to operating east-west. Still, there’s a reason he’s a consensus lottery talent, and it’s because he’s great at the big-picture stuff.
He’s not the only enticing freshman for the Tar Heels—they’ve also got Ian Jackson. The 6’4” Bronx native is a classic New York Point Guard. He’s got a slick handle and polished footwork that he uses in combination to create downhill advantages. Jackson can either fly off the floor to finish or use his vision to hit open teammates. He’s also a high-motor defender who competes at the point of attack. There will be two things I’m looking for from Jackson. The first is how well he plays through contact, as he can be a bit too easy to knock off his line at times. The second swing skill is his jumper. I’m optimistic here, as at his best, Jackson looks like a genuine shot-maker from deep. That said, he’s yet to produce consistently from beyond the arc, which is an increasingly requisite skill for modern guards. Jackson may also get his minutes crunched due to the heaps of guard talent on this roster, but even if it takes him a while, he’s the type of guard I like. There’s length, inside-out scoring potential, creation, and defensive toughness here.
Belmont transfer Cade Tyson has begun to make his way into mock drafts. The 6’7” junior has been one of the best shooters in college basketball over the past two years, hitting 44.6% of his 8.8 threes per 100 possessions. He’s great on threes off movement, going 51.9% off handoffs, 45.7% in transition, and 42.4% off screens. He’s more of an all-around scorer than just a shooter, though. He scored 16.2 PPG on 63.4 TS%. Tyson plays stronger than his 200-pound listed weight would suggest. He uses physicality to create space for himself in the mid-range, where he hit 44.6% of his pull-up twos. He’s also tough at the rim and converted 59.7% of his halfcourt shots at the basket, per Synergy. He’s not the most well-rounded player. Tyson should look to pass a bit more often, and he can be a bit heavy-footed defensively. Still, shooters with size are always going to have value, and that’s Cade Tyson.
Let’s circle back to the guard depth. First, we’ve got Elliot Cadeau. The 6’1” sophomore was lauded for his feel coming into college, and that manifested itself last year. He racked up 4.1 APG to only 1.8 TOV and handled himself like a veteran. Still, he’s not much of an athlete, and his 47.8 TS% left a lot to be desired. He’ll need to improve from deep (18.9% from three last season) to work his way up boards. 6’0” graduate RJ Davis is an electric scorer. He posted 21.2 PPG on 42.8/39.9/87.3 splits last season. He’s a dynamic long-range shooter, and he’s taken steps forward as a playmaker every year. His size and defensive shortcomings will probably make him more of a margins prospect, though. 6’3” junior Seth Trimble raised eyebrows during UNC’s two scrimmage games, where he set the nets on fire with hyper-efficient scoring, so he could be on breakout watch. In the frontcourt, don’t sleep on Jalen Washington. The 6’11” big man has soft touch and good mobility. While his role was small last year, both his OBPM and DBPM were over 4.0, speaking to his two-way impact.
Kansas doesn’t have a surefire first-round guy, but they have loads of fringe prospects who could fly up boards with a big season. My favorite of the group is Rylan Griffen, a long-armed, 6’5” 3-and-D wing. He’s a scrappy point-of-attack defender with good lateral footwork. Griffen’s shooting popped last year. He went 39.2% from deep on 10.8 threes per 100 possessions. While he was great off the catch, it was his 34.9% on 43 pull-up threes that stood out, showcasing his on-ball prowess. When he attacks the basket, he does so with long strides and good bounce, enabling him to convert 62.2% of his halfcourt rim attempts, per Synergy. He also took steps forward as a playmaker for others last season. He’s still a bit slender, and I’d like to see more of an off-ball defensive impact out of him. But if Griffen can keep turning the dial, there’s a real path to the 2025 draft for him.
AJ Storr is likely the buzziest name of the group, though. The junior Wisconsin transfer stands 6’6” with an excellent frame. He uses his strength and handle to create for himself, and his touch enables him to score at all three levels. His 16.8 PPG led the way for the Badgers last season. The issue for Storr is that the rest of his impact is minimal, which is frustrating given his tools. He doesn’t look to pass very often, he’s not much of a rebounder, and he doesn’t show much on the defensive end. NBA front offices will want to see Storr stuff the entirety of the stat sheet more consistently this year.
6’1” graduate guard Dajuan Harris Jr. may be small in stature, but he’s one hell of a table setter. He’s posted a 30.4 AST% over the last two seasons while averaging 6.4 APG to 2.2 TOV. He can also shoot it, too, going 39.5% from deep over that stretch. He’s feisty on defense, too. His size and lack of scoring output have held him back, though. 5’11” senior David “Diggy” Coit posted bonkers scoring numbers at Northern Illinois, averaging 20.8 PPG. Size, playmaking, and defense make an NBA projection tricky for him. South Dakota State transfer Zeke Mayo will finish his college career in his hometown. The 6’4” guard is an excellent long-range shot-maker (career 38.8% from three on 10.3 attempts per 100 possessions) with a strong frame that helps him to score in the paint and compete on the glass. His defense and playmaking could still stand to improve. 6’5” freshman wing Rakease Passmore has an NBA build and heaps of explosiveness. He’s also taken strides as a shooter and passer in recent years. Minutes might be tough to come by on such a veteran-laden team, but he could be a surprise breakout candidate. 6’7” forward KJ Adams is a funky player. He can guard multiple positions, and he thrives as a short roll playmaker and finisher. Unfortunately, he’s been a total non-shooter thus far. 6’8” freshman Flory Bidunga is cut from a similar cloth. He has long arms and broad shoulders, enabling him to play the big spots. He’s fast and explosive, enabling him to block shots and finish with fury. He can also put the ball on the deck a little bit. Still, he’s also limited in terms of his range, so he’s likely a longer-term proposition. Lastly, we’ve got Hunter Dickinson. The 7’1” graduate has long been derided for his defense, which is fair. But I still think he’ll at least be an Exhibit 10 guy come next year. He rebounds really well, he can orchestrate offense from the top of the key (15.3 AST%), and he can shoot pretty well for a big (career 35.8% from three). He’s been on enough good teams, and he has enough modern offensive skill, to warrant NBA looks.
For starters, I’m intrigued just to see what Kansas’s rotation looks like. They’ve got a million talented players who could make a case that they deserve the bulk of the usage. It will be interesting to see who gets the minutes and who appears to be The Guy for them early in the year. We’ll get big matchups on the wing with Drake Powell against AJ Storr and Rylan Griffen. Storr should test Powell’s physicality on defense, and Griffen won’t let him get anything easy on the other end. We’ve also got loads of backcourt talent clashing. This one should be a blast.
2. Baylor at Gonzaga, Monday, 11:30 P.M./ET
Again, this is the case of a game not technically being “on campus” for the home team but extremely nearby. Anyway, let’s talk prospects.
All eyes will be on Baylor guard Valdez “V.J.” Edgecombe. He’s often projected in the Top 5, and for good reason. The 6’3” guard is a big-time athlete. He looked right at home playing alongside other NBA pros for the Bahamas’ national team. Offensively, he’s quick, takes long strides, and can soar off one foot to finish high above the rim. That said, he’s developing a more polished perimeter game. He’s a good three-point shooter off the catch. Occasionally, he looks like a real deal shot maker in the mid-range, using his dribble and footwork to generate east-west separation for himself before elevating high off the floor for a bucket. Obviously, his explosiveness makes him a serious threat at the basket. Edgecombe has also rounded out his playmaking, keeping his eyes up as he heads to the cup. He’s started to showcase more creativity and better timing with his dishes over the last year.
There’s a lot to like on defense, too. He moves his feet well, and he’s really started to fill out his frame. His ground coverage is exceptional. He can fly around the court to deliver potent closeouts or pick off passes. The issue here is that Edgecombe is somewhat stuck between positions, given his 6’6” wingspan. If he’s going to be a lead guard, he’ll have to continue to develop as a playmaker. While I like his passing, he doesn’t quite have the dribble game associated with NBA initiators. He can go too fast with the ball rather than remaining poised and under control. He needs to anticipate help better and avoid driving into heavy traffic without a plan. Should Edgecombe look more comfortable countering and creating for himself, he could find himself in the mix for the top spot. Even still, his motor, tools, and all-around skills are extremely enticing.
As is Baylor tradition, they somehow have 703 other really good guards on their team, too. From an NBA standpoint, my next favorite among them is Jayden Nunn. The 6’4” guard has quietly improved across the board throughout his college career. He’s filled out his frame and become a much better interior finisher. He’s a threat from deep, both off the catch and pulling up. Nunn drained 43.9% of his threes last season, and he’s at a career 40.4% from distance. He’s also a defensive menace who loves to guard his man the full length of the court. His career 2.9 STL% and 1.6 BLK% are good marks. He’s always been more of an off-ball guard than a true lead guard, though. For that reason, he’s probably more of a margins prospect, but one I’d be eyeing if I was in an NBA front office. There are a lot of great complementary skills going on here.
Redshirt junior Langston Love made a bit of a leap last year. He’s a big 6’5” shot creator who killed in as a sixth man, posting 11.0 PPG on 46.5/48.0/78.3 splits. He needs to show more as a passer and defender, but his size and scoring are interesting. It’s going to be weird seeing 6’1” graduate Jeremy Roach in something other than a Duke uniform. He’s not the greatest defender or rebounder, but he knows how to run an offense, and he’s improving as a shooter. He’ll definitely be on Portsmouth Watch. 6’1” freshman Robert Wright III might get buried on the depth chart, but he was Montverde’s leading assist man last year, and he can stroke it from three. Freshman forward Jason Asemota could steal some minutes. The 6’8” prospect looks the part and has a well-rounded game. He has some really impressive moments of putting the ball on the deck. He’ll need to be more consistent as a shooter to break through. 6’7” energy big Norchad Omier has been on the cusp for ages. He cleans up on the glass (career 11.0 RPG), finishes inside well, and has the tools to guard up and down the line-up. He’s also begun to expand his range to three. Omier can still be turnover-prone. Given his size, he’ll likely need to clear that up while continuing to develop as a shooter.
The Gonzaga prospect I’m most excited to see is Michael Ajayi. He’s 6’7”, 227 pounds, and he’s got a 7'0.75'' wingspan. It doesn’t get more “built like a pro” than that. Ajayi uses his frame to get to his spots and score. He scored 17.2 PPG at Pepperdine last season. While he often cooked in the mid-range (44.2% on 129 pull-up twos), his 49.3% on 71 catch-and-shoot threes is encouraging with regard to a change in shot diet that will be required at the next level. Ajayi competes on the glass on both ends (7.6 ORB%, 27.6 DRB%). While his defense was spotty last season, his frame is outstanding, and Pepperdine generally hasn’t been the best defensive program in recent years. For those reasons, I think he can get better on that front. He struggled inside a bit more than he should have, he still has work to do as a passer, and he needs to tighten up his handle. Still, Ajayi is on a rapid ascent. He was 5’7” as a high school freshman, didn’t hit 6’5” until his senior year of high school, and he had no D-I offers upon graduating. He’s here because he loves the game and never stopped working. I’m buying the tools and production because I believe he’ll keep putting in the work to get better.
I recently covered 6’3” senior Nolan Hickman. He’s a poised playmaker and outstanding shooter, but he’ll need to improve defensively and play a more physical brand of basketball to get over the hump. Ryan Nembhard has never been my cup of tea as a small guard who struggles from distance. But the 6’0” senior is undeniably a great passer (6.9 APG to 2.3 TOV). If he extends his range to three, he could be an Elite Camp guy ala Isaiah Stevens. I’m interested in sophomore Emmanuel Innocenti as a long-term sleeper. The 6’5” guard needs to score more efficiently, but he did a little bit of everything at Tarleton State last year. 6’5” wing Khalif Battle gets buckets, and he’s definitely a pro somewhere. To get into the NBA conversation, he’ll need to be a more dynamic creator and show more on defense. Graham Ike is a big strong dude at 6’9” who can bully his way to interior buckets, but he’s also started to shoot the occasional three. From an NBA standpoint, he’ll need to prove he can anchor a defense. 6’6” sophomore Dusty Stromer needs to get stronger and he’s not much of an athlete, but he showed a little bit of everything last year. 6’10” sophomore Braden Huff can score inside and out, but he will need to improve as a rim protector. Still, I love his scoring touch, and I think there’s a passing leap in him, too. Lastly, I’ve long had a soft spot for Ben Gregg. The 6’10” senior isn’t a great athlete, and his lack of a handle has kept him in a lower usage role. But he shoots well (37.7% from deep for the last two seasons), keeps the ball moving (1.2 APG to 0.7 TOV), and he mucks it up on defense (2.9 STL%, 3.0 BLK%). I’d love him on a Summer League flier, if nothing else.
In total, there’s a lot to like here. Edgecombe and Ajayi are two prospects who are firmly in the mix, we’ve got a bunch of dudes jostling on the margins, and some long-term names to watch. In particular, seeing who stands out in this battle between loaded backcourts will be worth monitoring.
1. Baylor vs. Arkansas, Saturday, 7:30 P.M./ET
Hey, look, I know we just talked about Baylor, but this match-up against Arkansas is going to be a hoot. Let’s talk about who the Razorbacks are bringing to the dance and why this game is a must-watch.
The Razorbacks have some intriguing incoming freshmen, but Boogie Fland is hands down the most exciting to watch. The 6’2” guard will have his limitations, as he’s skinny and doesn’t go inside very often. With that being said, he’s a tremendous long-range shot creator. His footwork is fantastic, and his deceleration is absurd. Add in a quick release and logo range, and Fland is one of the most dynamic shooters in the freshmen class. He’s a solid passer who, at his best, can be deceptive in looking off his feeds. Defensively, Fland has good playmaking instincts and timing away from the ball. The NBA’s lack of demand for small guards could keep Fland in school for a few years, but there’s a reason he’s on 2025 mock drafts, and it’s because he’s extremely talented.
Karter Knox and Billy Richmond III are two other interesting newcomers. The 6’6” Knox has a strong build, and he’s a potent interior scorer. His shot appears quick and functional, too. His tools should enable him to guard multiple positions. He’ll need to grow as a passer, as he can be too content to force pull-up shots. The 6’5” Richmond is a force on the defensive end. He’s got fast hands that he uses to generate strips and deflect passes. On offense, he’s quick and slithery, allowing him to get inside and finish. He’s a poor outside shooter right now, and he’ll also need to become a more consistent decision-maker.
D.J. Wagner has the most buzz among their returners. The 6’'3” sophomore follows coach John Calipari to Arkansas from Kentucky. He was up and down as a freshman. His combination of power and speed allows him to put a ton of pressure on the rim. Per Synergy, 37.8% of his halfcourt rim attempts came at the basket, which is a high-end mark for a guard. He saw the floor well for the most part, too, posting 3.3 APG to 1.5 TOV. Defensively, he can really fight at the point of attack. He can sit in his stance, stay connected around screens, and use his physicality to his advantage. Still, there were bumps in the road. He didn’t score efficiently anywhere (45.9 eFG%) and he got lost off the ball at times on defense. Kentucky was worse with him on the floor. He was the only guy on the team who played real minutes but ended the year with a negative BPM. The tools and feel are there, but Wagner will need to show more consistency, efficiency, and refinement in year two.
I’ve long been high on Zvonimir Ivisic, another former Kentucky player. The sales pitch here is simple—Ivisic is huge, standing 7’2” and 245 pounds. He can anchor a defense in drop coverage, as evidenced by his 11.9 BLK%. He can also stretch the floor. Ivisic has long been a confident long-range shooter. While his sample was small last year, he went 6-for-16 beyond the arc and hit 77.3% of his free throws. He has his moments as a passer, too. Based on his sheer dimensions, rim protection, and acceptable athleticism at his size, I think he’s a draftable prospect. But I think the wrinkle of his shooting makes him a guy who could climb higher than people expect as the year progresses—3-and-D bigs are tough to find, and Ivisic has a path to deliver both elements of that monicker at a high level.
Don’t overlook their other big man, Tennessee transfer Jonas Aidoo. The 6’11” senior feels primed for a breakout. He averaged 13.3 PPG, 8.3 RPG, and 2.2 BPG during SEC play last season and earned a spot on the league’s All-Defense team. Defensively, Aidoo is light on his feet and gets off the floor easily, making him a threat both in space and around the basket. Offensively, he showed real comfort running a two-man game with Dalton Knecht. He also knocked down the occasional mid-range jumper, leading me to wonder if he can extend his range out to three. Aidoo’s modern defensive game and expanding offensive arsenal make him an interesting under-the-radar name to watch.
Junior Adou Thiero is another popular breakout target. It’s all energy, all the time with Thiero. He’s a dude who makes things happen. Defensively, he’s agile and physically strong, enabling him to guard much of the positional spectrum. He consistently uses his power and athleticism to force opponents into mistakes. He can also make highlight reel plays as a help defender, thanks to how he flies off the floor (5.3 BLK%). He puts his bounce to good use offensively, frequently finishing above the rim. He can fly in for putbacks or drive hard for a big finish. His cutting instincts are top-of-the-line. Thiero will also sling the occasional eyebrow-raising downhill dime, too. He’s still raw, though. Thiero can commit frustrating fouls, get too sped up offensively, and blow the occasional finish. He’s also yet to prove he can shoot, going 10-for-31 from deep through two college seasons. If it all clicks for Thiero, it could be scary. His physical tools and instincts are great; he just needs to polish up his overall skill set.
Florida Atlantic transfer Johnell Davis is another dude who’s in the NBA mix. He’s 6’4” and built like a tank. He has no problem driving downhill and displacing opponents to get himself clean looks. Davis also hit a career-high 41.4% of his threes on 7.4 attempts per 100 possessions last year. Defensively, his strength enables him to guard more positions than most his size. He’s also a good rebounder. The big hangup here is Davis’ offensive processing. He barely posted more assists than turnovers during his senior season, which is a red flag for someone his age and height. If he can see the floor more consistently, he could climb despite his age.
Lastly, we have one of the few guys who actually played basketball for Arkansas a year ago, Trevon Brazile. The 6’9” senior has been on NBA radars for years, and it’s easy to understand why. He’s tall, long, and athletic. Defensively, Brazile is able to switch onto smaller opponents with ease. He has terrific lift, enabling him to swat shots around the basket. Offensively, he’s a big-time lob target. He’s also a solid and willing shooter, having made 35.4% of his career threes on 5.1 attempts per 100 possessions. Plus-tools, defensive versatility, interior finishing, and potential shooting is a strong combination. Unfortunately, it’s not a totally coherent package. Brazile’s feel is lacking, which is most evident in his career assist rate of 5.5%. If he can develop more of that connective tissue under this new regime, he could sneak up on people, as the big-picture stuff is intriguing.
Matching these guys up with Baylor, there’s a lot to like. How will Boogie Fland generate separation against the doggedness of a Jaden Nunn? What is going to happen when DJ Wagner’s rugged style clashes with the explosive athleticism of VJ Edgecombe? How does the physicality of Norchad Omier match up against the size of Zvonimir Ivisic? It’s going to be fascinating to see play out. This game is going to provide an early litmus test for so many players, both at the top of the draft board and down on the margins. If you love basketball, and specifically the NBA Draft, you owe it to yourself to ignore your family and loved ones to watch this game. Don’t tell my wife I said that.
Well, that does it for…JUST KIDDING! There is more to this column. Subscribers to No Ceilings + will get a secret, special, extra segment to The Prospect Overview EVERY SINGLE WEEK for the entire season. What is it? Well, if I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret anymore. Plus, there’s no better way to support the site! Come join the party!
Maxwell's Expanding Big Board, Week One
Folks, it’s back…
MAXWELL’S EXPANDING BIG BOARD!
If you’re newer to the site, welcome. The Expanding Big Board is an exercise I started back in 2021. The premise is that, well, it’s a personal Big Board that expands. I think making Big Boards super early in the season can be a bit silly. We don’t have as many relevant data points, and it’s hard to have firm, meaningful opinions about so many prospects early in the draft cycle. So, with that in mind, I devised The Expanding Big Board. Each week, I add one player to the board. This way, I can take my time to develop a more focused board based on more developed convictions. I don’t have to worry about where to slot a player I’ve only seen in one college game this season or any of that nonsense. Every week, I will add one new player to the board. BUT THERE’S A TWIST! Once a player is on the board, they cannot be taken off. For example, during the 2021-2022 season, I added JD Davison and Patrick Baldwin to my board early in the year. Whoopsie! As the year progressed, I grew disillusioned with them as prospects, but The Expanding Big Board held me accountable for those errors. That’s the fun of it!
So, in summary:
-The Expanding Big Board is a personal project. That means that these are my personal rankings and are not reflective of the other members of the No Ceilings collective.
-The Expanding Big Board adds one player each week.
-Once a player is added to the board, they cannot be removed, so as to hold me accountable.
Now, let’s get into it. To spice it up, we’re starting with not one, but TWO players on the board!