The 2024 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament Preview
The 2024 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament Preview
A comprehensive preview of the 70th Annual Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, with a scouting report on every player in the field!
Draft Sickos…it’s combine season!
The first major pre-draft event in the cycle is the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. This event, now in its 70th year, sees seniors from across college basketball compete in a series of games. In doing so, they hope to impress NBA front offices and continue to build momentum heading into the NBA Draft. Players like Jimmy Butler, Robert Covington, Pat Connaughton, Richaun Holmes, Royce O’Neale, Alex Caruso, Dorian Finney-Smith, Derrick White, Kendrick Nunn, John Konchar, Terance Mann, and Toumani Camara have come through the event. While older prospects are often overlooked, Portsmouth provides them with a springboard, and many go on to have long, impactful NBA careers.
Today, I will be digging into every player in the field. I’ve noted some of my favorite prospects in the field with an asterisk. As always, if you want to support this type of work, please consider subscribing to No Ceilings +, as it helps keep the lights on over here. Also, make sure to follow me on Twitter!
All statistics are courtesy of Synergy Sports, Sports Reference, and BartTorvik.
A.J. Hoggard, 6’4”, Michigan State, Defensive Table Setting Guard
In an era where smaller guards are having a hard time in the NBA, teams will be drawn to a player like A.J. Hoggard. At 6’4”, he’s tall, but he’s also a massive 210 pounds, which enables him to guard up the lineup more easily than his peers. He’s physically strong but nimble, helping him stifle penetration regardless of who is in front of him. He’s great at getting into the ball to generate steals (3.0 STL%) and he’s a good shot blocker for his position (1.4 BLK%). Offensively, he uses his physical tools to pressure the rim. He’s an intelligent distributor who limits his mistakes and places his passes well (5.2 APG to 1.8 TOV). He’s long been plagued by shooting woes. While his three-point percentage has improved every season (up to 34.7% this year), he’s still tentative from deep. He lacks an off-the-dribble shooting game, going 4-for-41 on pull-up twos and 0-for-7 on pull-up threes. Front offices will want to see Hoggard prove that he can make teams pay if they sag deep under screens. If he can, his physical profile, high-feel passing game, and potent defense will generate tremendous appeal.
Aaron Estrada, 6’3”, Alabama, Lead Guard
After stops at Oregon and St. Peter’s, Aaron Estrada burst onto NBA radars during his time at Hofstra. After winning back-to-back CAA Player of the Year Awards, he moved onto Alabama, where he started every game during the Crimson Tide’s run to the Final Four. Estrada brings a ridiculous amount of craft to the table. His handle, footwork, and use of misdirection get him into the paint consistently. There, he can reliably find the open man (4.6 APG to 2.3 TOV) or finish at a high level (59.3% at the rim in the halfcourt, per Synergy). He’s a good rebounder for a guard. Defensively, he posted solid playmaking metrics with a 2.8 STL% and 0.7 BLK%. He’s great at using hands for on-ball strips and he displays a good nose for the ball in passing lanes. The fact that he’s bigger than many other guards in the field should work in his favor. The knock on Estrada has always been his jumper and off-ball value at the NBA level. He’s far from unwilling as a shooter and he’s always been good at the charity stripe (career 86.3%), but his 33.6% from long range leaves a lot to be desired given his position. If he can make an impact offensively on spot up possessions at the PIT, that will help his perception.
Alex Ducas, 6’7”, Saint Mary’s, High Feel Shooter
Alex Ducas is another in a long line of successful players from the Australia-to-Saint Mary’s pipeline. An All-West Coast Conference Second-Team selection, Ducas possesses an intriguing blend of shooting, connective playmaking, and toughness. He made 43.8% of his threes this season, and that wasn’t a blip, either. Ducas hit 40.6% of his triples over five college seasons. He can hit from NBA range off movement, and he isn’t fazed by closeouts. Ducas showed off some slickness as a passer and averaged 1.9 APG to 1.0 TOV this year. At 220 pounds, he’s no slouch physically. He’ll bang bodies on the glass and use his frame to swallow up drives on defense. Ducas faces some athletic questions, as he’s a bit heavy on his feet laterally and doesn’t have the first step burst to get to the rim often. How he looks from a mobility and agility standpoint will determine if he’s more of an Exhibit 10 type or a guy who could climb into second-round discussions.
Ali Ali, 6’8”, Akron, Skilled Forward
Ali Ali is a mesmerizing watch. At 6’8”, he’s more than comfortable putting the ball on the deck. He’s a silky self-creator who drilled 58.5% of his pull-up twos. He doesn’t lock in to finding his own shot, either, as he posted 2.8 APG to only 2.1 TOV. It’s hard to come by 6’8” guys who move as well with the ball as he does. Scouts will want to see whether or not he can knock down threes off the catch and if he can find a way to provide value on defense. He only hit 29.2% of his threes this past year. Despite having great physical tools, his defensive metrics profile like those of a much less athletic player. If he can lock in and look the part on defense, teams will have a hard time looking past him. His offensive skill set is a rare one, and teams will be more patient with his jumper if he can impact the game on both ends of the floor.
Allen Flanigan, 6’6”, Ole Miss, Athletic Wing
It’s hard to miss Allen Flanigan when he’s on the floor. At 6’6” and 215 pounds, he looks and moves like an NBA player. Defense is his calling card. He posted a 2.8 STL% and 2.5 BLK% this past season, both excellent marks. His combination of length, athleticism, and want-to forces opponents to make mistakes time and time again. His timing and tools make him a consistent playmaker that offenses need to account for at all times. Offensively, he’s a potent above-the-rim finisher who has developed his ball skills considerably over the years. The feel that allowed him to make plays on the defensive end has begun to manifest on offense, as he posted a career-high 18.4 AST% this past season. Unfortunately, his jumper has never been a consistent tool in his bag. Flanigan has only made 29.4% of his career threes. Mechanically, it’s a bit of a mess, with his body nearly sideways to the basket and a double-clutch style kick from his lower body on the way up. If Flanigan can get his shot in order, NBA teams may take significant interest, as he’s clearly up to the task physically and has an otherwise desirable skill set.
Boogie Ellis, 6’3”, USC, Scoring Guard
When Boogie Ellis is cooking, he’s tough to stop. He gets microwave hot and he’s exceptional from long range. Whether he’s launching off the catch or using one of his slick step-backs to create space off the bounce, every ball Boogie shoots from behind the arc has a chance. He made 41.8% of his threes while taking 7.2 per game this season. There’s a real suddenness to his movement patterns that makes him difficult to stick with. He’s also shown solid effort defensively over the past few seasons, working around screens and hustling to cover ground. Outside of the typical “small guard questions,” teams will want to see Ellis distribute the ball more consistently. He can get a little too locked into creating his own shot. He’s also more of a perimeter shot-maker than a guy who gets deep into the paint to collapse the defense. If Ellis can generate rim pressure, finish, and find the open man, it would help bolster his stock as we head into June.
*Branden Carlson, 7’0”, Utah, Stretch Big
Branden Carlson may be the best shooting big man in this class. He knocked down 37.9% of his triples on high volume for a center (4.7 per game) this past season. He’s great at setting his feet, and he gets into his beautiful shooting motion with the speed of a much smaller player. Carlson is outstanding from deep on pick-and-pops (52.6%), and he’s also shown movement flashes as a transition trailer (34.5%). There’s a genuine NBA functionality to how he gets to his shots. When he’s in the dunker spot, he’s always ready for a lob. He gets off his feet easily, which is really beneficial on defense. Carlson is a timely rim helper, and when you add in his vertical pop, he’s able to turn away opponents on a fairly regular basis. At 220 pounds, he’s on the slender side and he’s not a great rebounder. Given that he’ll turn 25 before the draft, his frame does present a genuine issue. He’ll likely require additional size around him to be effective. Still, the back-to-back All-Pac-12 First Team member is a seven-foot-tall deadeye shooter who can move, and those aren’t easy to come by. If he plays with physicality and controls the glass, that will raise eyebrows.
Clarence Daniels, 6’6”, New Hampshire, Physical Forward
The American East Player of the Year Clarence Daniels may not have played on the biggest stage, but he’ll get his shot at the spotlight in Portsmouth. He was a constant double-double threat this year, averaging 19.4 PPG and 9.6 RPG. The lefty has a sweet stroke from deep, hitting 37.4% of his D-I threes without needing to hug his toes to the line in order to convert. He also uses a gorgeous high pump fake to get defenders off-balance before attacking the rim. His “shoot or drive” spot-up game should work nicely at the pro level. His length and tenacity work wonders on the glass and on defense. While smaller school players can be stigmatized, ten seconds of Daniels’s tape shows that he won’t be dramatically behind any sort of movement or athleticism curve. As a leading man at New Hampshire, Daniels tended to stop the ball a lot. His 0.4 APG and 2.9 AST% would be poor numbers for a rim-running center, let alone a forward. Daniels will want to use the PIT to prove that he can scale up, but also that he’s comfortable playing within a team concept as a more complementary competitor.
D.J. Horne, 6’2”, NC State, Scoring Guard
After stops at Illinois State and Arizona State, D.J. Horne saved his best for last. He was a key part of NC State’s run to the Final Four. Horne is an electric scorer who posted a career-high 16.9 PPG this past season. Horne knocked down 40.4% of his threes on high volume (6.5 per game). He brings the off-the-dribble scoring game required of pro point guards, but he’s also phenomenal off the catch (45.2% from three on catch-and-shoot attempts), giving him on-ball and off-ball equity. Still, he’s never been the greatest table setter, never topping 3.0 APG. His size has limited him as a finisher and defender, too. NBA teams know that Horne can put the ball in the basket, but they’ll want to see a more well-rounded output from him in Portsmouth.
*Daniss Jenkins, 6’4”, St. John’s, Do-It-All Guard
An All-Big East Second-Team selection, Daniss Jenkins is one of the most well-rounded guards in the field. It certainly doesn’t hurt that he’s 6’4” and 185 pounds, either. He’s a talented self-creator. Jenkins knocked down 35.4% of his threes as a pick-and-roll ball handler, commanding the respect of the defense. He also made 51.0% of his pull-up twos this past season, making him one of the best mid-range scorers in college hoops. Even better, he’s a gifted passer who sees the entire floor and can fit the ball through tight windows in traffic(5.4 APG to 2.4 TOV). He’s an aggressive defender with excellent timing and the foot speed to guard tight. He knows when he can swipe the ball at the point-of-attack or with a help dig. That bleeds into his shot-blocking, too, as he’ll occasionally rotate and reject opponents around the cup. Jenkins’s biggest questions are how good of a shooter he truly is, and whether or not he can improve as a finisher. With regarding to the jumper, his 35.8% mark over the past two seasons is more decent than good. The finishing is the bigger issue, as he made only 49.0% of his halfcourt rim attempts this season. If he can better play through contact and get himself better angles at the cup, it will be worth noting. Regardless, few guards in the field check as many boxes as Jenkins.
Donta Scott, 6’8”, Maryland, Well-Rounded Forward
At 6’8” and 230 pounds, Donta Scott checks the NBA size box. He’s pretty light on his feet defensively, too. Scott slides seamlessly and has no problem throwing his body on a guy, which makes him exceedingly difficult to get past. He pays attention off the ball, too. He’s always been a solid rebounder. Offensively, his 36.1% mark on catch-and-shoot triples gives hope that he could turn into a 3-and-D type role player. Unfortunately, he’s one of those prospects who’s been on the cusp for what feels like an eternity, but he’s never gotten over the hump. The fact that we haven’t seen significant improvement from Scott in any one area may give teams pause, as there’s reason to be concerned about his upside. If Scott can make his long-awaited breakout in a field this loaded at the forward spot, he may jump to the front of the line given his physical tools and defensive prowess.
*Drew Pember, 6’11”, UNC Asheville, Skilled 3-And-D Big
Drew Pember kicked off his college career with two quiet seasons at Tennessee before he transferred to UNC Asheville. That decision paid dividends, as Pember emerged as one of the most impactful and well-rounded bigs in college basketball. Want a 6’11” guy who can stretch the floor? Pember shot just under 37% from deep over the last three seasons while consistently upping his volume. Chase him off the line, and he has no problem driving to the rack and drawing fouls. He took 8.6 free throws per game over the past two years and made 84.1% of them. Need your big to orchestrate offense? Pember posted 3.5 APG and a 24.9 AST% this season. Defensively, he slides his feet well on the perimeter. He’s also got serious bounce around the basket, averaging 2.4 BPG during his time at UNC Asheville. He ranked 13th in the country in BPM thanks to this wide-ranging production. Where things get dicey for Pember is his wiry, 215-pound frame. He’ll likely need to play alongside another big man at the next level. He’s struggled at times against high-major opponents, particularly when it comes to physicality and turnovers. How well he holds up against other draft candidate bigs will influence how teams view him going forward. While I do worry about his strength, I’m partial to Pember as a jumbo four who can do a lot of things with the ball and provide secondary rim protection.
*Enrique Freeman, 6’7”, Akron, High Motor Forward
College basketball’s leading rebounder was a 6’7” hustler named Enrique Freeman. Thanks to his non-stop effort, toughness, and physicality, Freeman snagged 12.9 RPG, including 3.6 on the offensive glass per contest. He’s a force to be reckoned with on the boards and must be accounted for at all times. Those same tools carry over into his defense. Freeman was a MAC All-Defensive Team honoree each of the past four seasons. He’s stronger than his listed 206-pound weight would indicate, and he slides his feet well. He covers ground in a hurry but still displays great balance when he needs to change directions quickly. Freeman can pop off the floor to reject shots as a weakside rim protector. Offensively, he’s best around the basket, having made 64.4% of his twos during his five college seasons. How teams feel about Freeman will boil down to how much they believe in his perimeter game. He’s never been much of a passer or shooter. While he made 37% of his triples this year, he only took 1.5 per game. Still, Freeman was almost a complete non-shooter prior to this season, so to go from nothing to that is still impressive. If Freeman can look like a wing offensively while doing the things that got him into the mix, he could be the biggest climber coming out of the event.
Eric Dixon, 6’8”, Villanova, Bruising Skilled Four
Opponents never get an easy night against Eric Dixon. He’s both strong and tough. He throws his weight around on the glass, racking up offensive boards at a higher clip than most forwards. Defensively, he often took on the task of guarding traditional big men as Villanova’s tallest rotation player. He held his own thanks to his power and technique. When he was switched down to cover smaller players, he sat down in his stance and managed to stay above board. Dixon has some exciting skills, too. He hit 37.1% of his threes during his college tenure, and he’s slowly developed into a solid passer, too. His NBA role might look much different. He’s likely not long or bouncy enough to hold down the fort as a five. I’m also unsure if he has the foot speed to cover ground or keep up with quicker players on the wing. The PIT will provide Dixon with a chance to give teams clarity as to what he’ll look like at the next level.
Eric Gaines, 6’2”, UAB, Athletic Guard
FDA Warning: Please consult your doctor to make sure your heart is healthy enough for Eric Gaines highlights before consuming. Gaines has long been one of the most electric players in college hoops. His lightning-fast first step and ridiculous bounce off one foot have led to several memorable dunks over the years. Defensively, he can fly all over the floor to pick-six passes and swat the shots of opponents above the rim. His career 4.0 STL% and 2.1 BLK% both grade out exceptionally well for a guard. Don’t sleep on his feel, either. Gaines operates with genuine craft and has real creativity as a passer, which led to him posting 5.5 APG to only 2.4 TOV this season. Still, as a guard, there are expectations as a shooter, and Gaines might not be able to meet them. He hit only 26.9% of his threes this past season, and teams will want to see progress on that front. Even with that issue in mind, Gaines possesses a rare set of tools backed by an ability to process the game at a high level. Given that, shooting improvements could do wonders for his stock.
Fardaws Aimaq, 6’11”, California, Bruising Big with Skill
Fardaws Aimaq will play with force and physicality on the glass. He uses his 245-pound frame to box out and secure boards, snagging 11.0 RPG this season. However, he’s more than just a bruiser. Aimaq can step out and stretch the floor, as he hit 37.9% of his pick-and-pop threes this season. He’s also a dazzling passer, whether he’s on the block at the top of the key. His 14.3 AST% is a fantastic mark for a center. Aimaq does have limitations defensively. He’s not the fleetest of foot, nor is he a bouncy vertical athlete. In Portsmouth, he will want to prove that he’ll be able to hang on that end of the floor. If he does, his blend of power and finesse could make him an intriguing option.
Hunter Cattoor, 6’3”, Virginia Tech, Sharpshooter
Hunter Cattoor can shoot the cover off the ball. During his five college seasons, never once did he dip below the 40% mark from long range. That level of consistency at the high-major level has earned Cattoor his PIT spot. Cattoor thrives off movement, with the ability to slam on the breaks, get his feet under him, and pull up with a gorgeous jumper. He’s got juice off the bounce, too, having made 36.6% of his pull-up threes and 45.2% of his pull-up twos in the halfcourt. He’s got some footwork to generate space for himself in the mid-range. While he doesn’t pressure the rim much, he can finish with either hand, and he’s not totally ground-bound. Cattoor’s issues stem from positional size. His on-ball defensive footwork leaves a lot to be desired. There are fair questions about whether or not he has the speed to contain NBA point guards or the size to guard up the lineup. On offense, his limited handle and basic passing game will likely prevent him from being a lead guard. Front offices will want to know who Cattoor guards and what his offensive role will look like in the NBA coming out of Portsmouth.
Isaac Jones, 6’9”, Washington State, Small-Ball Big
All-Pac-12 First Team selection Isaac Jones brings a blend of old-school toughness and modern skill to Portsmouth. He’s physical as all get out and consistently bullies opponents in the post. He also has a finesse post-up game, and he can put defenders on skates with his shiftiness and spin moves. Jones can finish above the rim as a lob target. He makes some nice passes from time to time, too. Defensively, he brings a genuine versatility that’s tough to come by. His physicality prevents few players from overpowering him. He’s got springs and his legs and can turn away drivers at the basket. Jones is also light on his feet, which enables him to lock down smaller players on an island. Jones’ biggest question is what an NBA role looks like for this type of player. He’s a non-shooter (21.2% from three, 69.3% on free throws during his two D-I seasons) who doesn’t quite have the shot blocking or rebounding numbers to anchor a defense, making him a precarious fit for many teams. Jones will need to show either that he’s so good that it doesn’t matter, or that he can bend his game into a modern construct.
Isaiah Cozart, 6’7”, Eastern Kentucky, Rim Protecting Play Finisher
The NCAA Division-I leader in blocked shots this past season was 6’7”, and his name is Isaiah Cozart. To say he plays bigger than his listed height would be an understatement. He’s powerfully built at 235 pounds, and he has fantastic bounce. His 3.9 BPG and 11.8 BLK% are both elite marks. There’s a real art to his rejections. He can turn guys away at the basket, fly for blocks on mid-range jumpers, and swat shots with either hand. Even more impressively, he did this while only registering 2.2 fouls per game. Offensively, he’s an explosive dunker who converted 65.2% of his field goals. At the next level, his lack of positional size may become more of an issue. His poor free throw shooting (54.6% at the charity stripe) and lack of ball skills (0.6 APG to 1.5 TOV) limit his utility, too. While he’s a great vertical athlete, he’s shakier when it comes to lateral agility. Portsmouth will provide an interesting litmus test for Cozart. If he remains impactful against a slew of high-caliber bigs with size, NBA interest in him could grow.
*Isaiah Crawford, 6’6”, Louisiana Tech, Versatile Wing
Over the past several years, it’s been hard to run BartTorvik queries that don’t lead to Isaiah Crawford popping up. That’s because he’s good at a lot of different things. While the volume is low and he’s a bit passive from deep, he’s made 41.7% of his threes over the past two seasons. He keeps a stellar view of the floor and showcases creativity as a passer, with a career 16.1 AST%. One of my favorite things about Crawford is his frame and how he uses it to produce on the defensive end. He’s got long arms and heaps of power at 220 pounds. Add in his feel and awareness, and he’s constantly mucking things up. He uses his length to generate swipes and his timing to block shots. His 3.8 STL% and 5.8 BLK% are out of this world. He can box out larger opponents to grab boards. Crawford isn’t the best lateral mover, nor does he have the greatest hips. That, plus his hesitance to let it fly from deep, could hold him back. But I also think there’s a real chance he’s the Craig Porter Jr. of this year’s PIT—even if his performance here doesn’t blow teams out of the water, simply having teams look at his statistical output will help him generate traction with front offices. Length, strength, and smarts go a long way, and Crawford has all three.
Jahmir Young, 6’1”, Maryland, Well-Rounded Guard
While the Maryland Terrapins had a tough season, Jahmir Young was a major bright spot. The speedy lefty is tough to keep out of the paint. He has the handle, quickness, and slither to effectively split screens, weave through the paint, and pressure the rim. Young can leverage his gravity with slick interior passes to reward his bigs. His 20.4 PPG and 4.2 APG this season were both career highs. His agility and quick-twitch movement abilities make him a potent defender too. Young’s 2.3 STL% and 0.9 BLK% are both rock-solid marks for a guard with a hefty offensive workload. His holistic output led to him ranking 23rd in the country in BPM. The two questions facing Young are his finishing and shooting, but there’s reason to buy in. Maryland was a dreadful shooting team (28.9% from three as a squad, which was 350th in Division I), which cramped his spacing at the rim. Young’s 32.4% from three is concerning for a small guard, but his 90% at the free throw line on high volume (6.9 attempts per game) was encouraging. How Young looks on his nearest and farthest shots may dictate interest going forward.
Jahvon Quinerly, 6’1”, Memphis, Dazzling Point Guard
Few players can get the offense going like Jahvon Quinerly. He constantly finds ways to get defenders off balance. Quinerly is speedy, slippery, and slick. He recognizes when his shooters have space on the perimeter and can whip them the ball out of his dribble. On the interior, he reads the helping big man well and times his dump-off passes well. His 4.9 APG to 2.3 TOV are demonstrative of his creation acumen. Still, the world is cruel to smaller guards. At 6’1”, Quinerly has long struggled to score on the interior due to his lack of size and bounce. His three-point shot is more streaky than reliable. Defensively, he can be a step behind the curve and could be a mismatch target at the next level. Front offices will want to see consistency, efficiency, and defensive intensity from Quinerly this week.
Jamarion Sharp, 7’5”, Mississippi, Rim Protecting Play Finisher
There is “having good positional size,” and then there’s Jamarion Sharp. It’s hard for opposing teams to score when he’s on the court. Sharp swatted 8.9 shots per 100 possessions over the course of his three D-I seasons, good for a career BLK% of 16.3. Offensively, he feasts on put-backs and dunker spot drop-offs to score efficient baskets. How well Sharp can handle the speed and physicality of the NBA game remains a question. He’s likely going to be limited to deep drop coverage as he’s not the smoothest mover, particularly when backpedaling. His skinny frame has also limited his impact on the defensive glass. Still, someone so tall who puts a lid on the basket will always have appeal. If Sharp can look good from a mobility and contact standpoint, it will be hard to overlook him.
James Bishop IV, 6’2”, George Washington, Scoring Guard
James Bishop IV can pick teams apart. That’s why he averaged 18.9 PPG during four college seasons at George Washington. He’s a solid shooter off the catch. The lefty can make defenders dance with the ball in his hands before pulling up from deep or attacking. He manages to get into the paint consistently, and he operates with fluidity when there. He may dribble out, he may go up to finish, and he may sling the ball to an open teammate. He’s not afraid of contact and gets to the free throw line a lot regularly. Though he’s wired to score, he did average 4.7 APG over the past two seasons, and he’s far from selfish. Bishop will need to prove efficient at Portsmouth, as his career shooting splits of 40.7/32.9/78.5 are underwhelming on the surface. Teams will also want to see if he takes on more responsibility as a rebounder and defender when he isn’t one of his team’s only creation options. There’s a chance Bishop could shine with less of a usage burden and boost his stock this week.
Jamison Battle, 6’7”, Ohio State, Big Shooter
Few college basketball players put the ball in the basket as well as Jamison Battle this past season. For starters, he’s a deadeye shooter. Battle knocked down 43.3% of his triples on six attempts per game. He can drill spot-ups, but he’s also capable of moving into his shot off handoffs, running into it in transition, and pulling up off the bounce. He’s also a great mid-range scorer who hit 44.9% of his pull-up twos. Battle’s 220-pound frame, and his willingness to use it, does him wonders on both ends, too. The question for Battle becomes if he can do enough other stuff to maximize his value. His defensive playmaking metrics are poor and he’s a pretty basic passer. Still, his length and size give room for growth on defense, and he’s never been a guy who makes a lot of mistakes, either. If he gets hot this week, it will be hard for teams to get hung up on the particulars given the value of his shooting when paired with his frame.
Jarod Lucas, 6’3”, Nevada, Sharpshooter
Jarod Lucas rose to prominence as a key part of Oregon State’s Elite Eight run in 2021. He eventually moved on to Nevada, where he earned back-to-back All-Mountain West Second-Team nods. It’s all about the shooting with Lucas. He made 38.3% of his threes during his college career while shooting 11.3 attempts per 100 possessions. That’s a great marriage of volume and efficiency. He’s a versatile shooter who can hit off screens (41.3%), in transition (48.6%), or pulling up out of a ball screen (42.1%). Teams will want to see Lucas impact the game in other ways. He’s always posted low assist and rebound rates, and he doesn’t have much in the way of defensive tools. If Lucas can prove to be a more complete player, he’ll build up a stronger case for himself heading into the pre-draft process.
*Jaylin Williams, 6’8”, Auburn, Modern Forward
Jaylin Williams gives you a little bit of everything, and he does it with a 6’8”, 235-pound body that’s built for the modern game. After some up-and-down shooting years, Williams hit 39.5% of his threes this year. Even better, he often faced harder closeouts and showed more comfort further behind the line. He’s a potent driver, too. In a simple straight line, his burst enables him to finish above the rim and rise through contact. His 40 dunks on the year and 71.8% at the rim in the halfcourt are about as good as it gets for a non-center. Even better, Williams can get to the rim with creativity, too. He can use dribble moves and pass fakes to freeze defenders and get into the paint. His career 14.7 AST% demonstrates a level of feel necessary for modern rotation players. Defensively, he has the foot speed to play tight on the ball, even against smaller players. His smarts show up here, too. He’s engaged and able to rotate to the rim when needed. This well-rounded skill set ranked him 18th in the nation in BPM this season, per BartTorvik. With Williams, things ultimately boil down to his shot and the scalability of his game. While he shot the three well this season, he’s always been a moderate volume shooter (6.6 per 100 possessions) and the mechanics look a little funky. Playing at Auburn has also allowed him to act as a role player throughout his career. While that’s not a bad thing, it may have disguised some warts that would otherwise be on display. If Williams dominates and drains threes this week, those questions can be put to bed. But even if he struggles, a guy with his tools who knows how to play will always carry real value to NBA teams.
Jermaine Couisnard, 6’4”, Oregon, Combo Guard
An All-Pac-12 Second Team honoree, Jermaine Couisnard boosted his stock by scoring 72 total points in two NCAA tournament games this year. He’s 210 pounds and has good speed. Add in his aggression, and he gets inside a lot. That collapses defenses and gets him to the line reliably. He sees the floor pretty well and has some juice as a passer to punish help (3.3 APG to 1.7 TOV). He’s also a solid off-the-catch three-point shooter (37.4% per Synergy), which should help him scale back in role. His hands help him generate steals on defense, and his strong frame helps him to contain the ball. Couisnard is on the older side, even by PIT standards, giving him less time to work through his flaws. He’ll need to be a more consistent pull-up shooter and passer. Additionally, he can drift off the ball defensively and display a lack of discipline on that end of the floor. Couisnard’s physicality will go a long way at the PIT, but showing a measured, engaged approach on both ends will help put him over the top.
Jesse Edwards, 6’11”, West Virginia, Rim Protecting Play Finisher
Jesse Edwards flew under the radar this past season. After earning an ACC All-Defense Team and an All-ACC Third Team selection at Syracuse in 2023, Edwards moved on to West Virginia. Unfortunately, the Mountaineers faced loads of injuries, eligibility issues, and other problems that kept them out of tournament contention. Still, Edwards was good. He’s got long arms and he has real bounce to him. He can feast on lobs, and his output on the offensive glass (13.2 ORB%) allows him to get easy buckets on put-backs. While he’s not a unicorn, Edwards is more than comfortable putting the ball on the attack, whether it’s part of a DHO action or to get to the rim. He’s always hung his hat on his shot-blocking, with a career 9.8 BLK%. While he benefitted from playing in a zone, he still swatted 1.7 shots per game in a more traditional defense this year. He has good help instincts and will use either hand to reject an opponent. Some questions remain about his NBA upside. He’s thin up top and not super fluid laterally, limiting him on ball screen defense at times. His 52.3% at the charity stripe this season was daunting, too. Still, Edwards does the basic things (finishing plays and stopping opponents from finishing plays) well enough that he could move the needle with a strong PIT outing.
Joel Soriano, 6’11”, St. John’s, Persistent Double-Double Threat
Joel Soriano feels like he would be a chore to play against. At 6’11” and 250 pounds, he has NBA big man size. His motor on the glass doesn’t shut off. He averaged 10.7 RPG over the past two seasons, and his 14.2 ORB% grades out exceptionally well. Soriano feasts off putbacks; if teams aren’t cognizant of boxing him out every trip down the court, he’ll make them pay. After spending years as a good long-two shooter, Soriano took 18 threes this year and made seven of him, so floor spacing isn’t totally off the table here, either. He’s not a bad athlete, either. His 6.6 BLK% was a solid mark for a center prospect and he moves his feet alright in space. The straightforward nature of his game may not be the most exciting to front offices. He’s not a bouncy rim runner or high-level defensive anchor, nor is he exceptionally skilled as a passer. What Soriano is, though, is effective. Don’t be shocked to see him climb if he out-bodies and out-works his PIT peers.
Jordan Wright, 6’6”, LSU, Scoring-and-D Wing
After four seasons at Vanderbilt, Jordan Wright hopped over to LSU, where he led the team in scoring with 15.6 PPG. Given that Wright weighs 235 pounds and has some real wiggle with the ball, it’s hard to stop him from getting where he wants. He doesn’t shy away from physicality on the glass and he led the Tigers in rebounds this past season. He’s an intriguing defender with real versatility. Wright ranked in the 100th percentile as an isolation defender on Synergy this past year. He’s long, strong, and he competes. He has the foot speed to play tight on the ball and the necessary shiftiness to slither around screens while staying in front. His timing for strips is fantastic. He’s an attentive off-ball defender, too, and will get to balls in passing lanes when opponents aren’t careful about their reads. The question for Wright is going to be if he can slide into an off-ball shooting role offensively. He’s a career 32.1% three-point shooter, though he made 33.5% this past year. He also has a tendency to stop the ball on offense, though it’s hard to know how much of that was a part of his leading role this season. Teams will want to see Wright bring his defensive output to Portsmouth while showing that he can hit shots and move the ball within the flow of an offense.
Josh Oduro, 6’9”, Providence, Brusing Big with Skill
Josh Oduro is a powerful, physical dude. He’s got a strong, 240-pound frame, and he’s not afraid to use it. Whether he’s setting a hard screen, clearing space in the post, or carving out room on the glass, Oduro makes his presence felt. Still, Oduro has a real level of grace, particularly with regard to his touch. He made 81.9% of his free throws and 63.0% of his non-dunk rim attempts this season. Oduro is comfortable putting the ball on the deck in a faceup setting. He can pass, too, with a 17.3 AST% over the past three seasons. The challenge for Oduro in Portsmouth will be proving that he can fit into an NBA system. He’s a pretty ground-bound and doesn’t appear to have true center length, which has always limited him a rim protector. For him to work at the four, he’ll need to improve his lateral agility and prove he can be a reliable shooter. While his 29.1% mark from three this season isn’t great, the fact that he made 37.0% of his unguarded catch-and-shoot attempts while draining free throws at a high clip gives room for hope.
Kalib Boone, 6’9”, UNLV, Small Ball Big
Kalib Boone has a lot of what NBA teams look for on the defensive end. The 6’9” graduate is an outstanding mover in every sense of the word. He’s agile laterally, he covers ground at warp speed, and he has the vertical pop to swat shots. Boone can reject opponents at the rim, but because he’s so light on his feet, he generates a good number of blocks on the perimeter, too. His 8.1 BLK% and 2.8 STL% are both awesome marks for a big. Offensively, he mostly did his work on the block, using post moves and his baby soft hook shot to get buckets. Listed at 215 pounds, he lacks the positional size to play the five in the NBA, and he hasn’t shown the shooting range to play the four (a career two-for-nine from deep). The key for Boone will be to show that he can find a way to fit in offensively in an NBA landscape that increasingly values floor spacing across the positional spectrum.
Keylan Boone, 6’8”, UNLV, Versatile Wing
Keylan Boone is the twin brother of the aforementioned Kalib Boone, but he plays a much different game. Keylan is a much more willing shooter and converted 37.9% of his threes on high volume over the past two seasons. He’s a pretty silky mover with the ball and can get to his spots in the mid-range. Still, like Kalib, he’s active on the glass and a potent defender (though skinnier and not as much of a rim protector). He moves with real quickness and can disrupt plays. His 1.6 STL% and 4.0 BLK% are rock-solid marks. Going purely off the eye test, I’d bet he’ll measure well from a wingspan perspective, too. Physicality will be a big part of the equation for him. Boone is skinny and can struggle through contact. He doesn’t get to the rim much and doesn’t score efficiently when he’s there (45.9% in the halfcourt per Synergy). He’s also a limited passer, though he doesn’t make many egregious mistakes. His length, shooting ability, and defensive impact give him a chance to be one of the biggest needle movers at PIT.
Kelvin “KJ” Jones, 6’6”, Emmanuel, Skilled Wing
Just because Kelvin “KJ” Jones played at the Division II level doesn’t mean he can’t hoop. He’s been on my radar, and that of many NBA teams, for the past two seasons now. He was the top scorer in Division II this year (26.2 PPG on 46.9/36.6/87.7) and was named NABC Division II Player of the Year. Jones is both smooth and skilled. His blend of fakes and footwork enables him to consistently create advantages. Jones is a three-level scorer. Even better, he sees the floor well. He has the vision to locate open teammates and the craft to deliver clever passes (4.0 APG). Jones will live dribble pass with either hand. His length and feel also enable him to gobble up steals at a high clip. Coming from the D2 level, the biggest question for Jones will be how well he can deal with a court full of better, stronger, faster athletes. While he’s no slouch from that standpoint, he didn’t feel like a physical outlier at his level and he’s on the slender side. Scouts will also be intrigued to see how he fits into a more complementary role when he doesn’t have to carry a heavy offensive burden.
Kenan Blackshear, 6’6”, Nevada, Point Forward
Kenan Blackshear comes from the Hunter Maldonado mold of stat-sheet stuffing jumbo initiators. He posted averages of 15.1 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.4 SPG, and 0.5 BPG for a Nevada Wolfpack team that earned an NCAA Tournament bid this season. He’s physically strong, but he’s not just a bully ball operator. Blackshear has polished footwork and a creative handle to get defenders off balance and generate space for himself in the mid-range. His head is always up and he can thread needles to generate assists. Defensively, his ability to read the floor and positive physical tools make him a chore to deal with. He readily punishes mistakes and plays a step ahead of the offense. The biggest issue for Blackshear is his jumper. He’s a career 28.4% three-point shooter on low volume. He’s too passive behind the arc and teams will want to see improvement there. Given the intersection of size, athletic traits, skill, and savvy that Blackshear brings, he’s one of those, “only a jumper away” types. Assertiveness and efficiency from deep at Portsmouth could do wonders for his stock.
*Kevin Cross, 6’8”, Tulane, High-Skill Forward
Tulane’s Kevin Cross had always been intriguing, but this year, his skills actualized themselves in a very exciting way. His 17.5 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.3 SPG, and 0.9 BPG would leap off the page anywhere, but especially in a solid league like the AAC. Few 6’8” players can match him from a ball skills perspective. He’s a phenomenal offensive hub from the top of the key and elbows. He can wire passes to cutters or sling the ball to the open man. Cross also has a slick handle, allowing him to get downhill and finish at the rack. He’s also improved as a shooter, knocking down a career-high 42.3% of his threes while sinking 81.8% of his free throws. Despite an increased offensive load, Cross still improved defensively, better holding position inside and making timely rotations. There’s some question about where he slots positionally. He’s a lower-volume shooter, and he’s not super quick laterally, nor does he have NBA center size. Teams will want to see Cross move well, show assertiveness from deep, and hit open shots. If he does that, teams will be thrilled. Cross fits a valuable archetype, so he could be off to the races if he knocks PIT out of the park.
Kyle Rode, 6’7”, Liberty, High Feel Shooter
NBA teams are always on the lookout for shooters with size who know how to operate within the flow of the offense. Liberty’s Kyle Rode is one of those dudes. With a 6’7”, 220-pound frame, Rode is built for physicality and contributes on the boards. He converted 38.8% of his triples while launching 15.9 per 100 possessions this season. He has both the power to open himself up by setting screens and the footwork to run off screens set by others. His quick release helps, too. Rode takes care of the ball and makes the smart “.5” decisions required of NBA rotation players. Over the past three seasons, he’s averaged 3.4 APG to only 1.5 TOV. There are some athletic questions here. He’s not the most agile mover defensively and he struggled around the basket this season. If he stays above board on defense while knocking down shots, he could generate serious interest coming out of Portsmouth.
*Malevy Leons, 6’9”, Bradley, Defensive Forward
After playing basketball growing up in the Netherlands, Malevy Leons made his way to the U.S. in 2019. First, he spent two Junior College seasons at Mineral Area College in Missouri. There, he found great success and was named NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Player of the Year. Next, he transferred to Bradley. The long-armed defensive specialist spent the next three seasons developing into one of the most disruptive forces in college basketball. Leons boasts an exceptional nose for the ball and excellent timing, which led to him posting a 5.0 BLK% and 2.7 STL% this past season. His prowess on that end of the floor led to him earning back-to-back Missouri Valley Defensive Player of the Year awards. Still, he’s no slouch on offense, as he’s a solid three-point shooter (career 35.7% on moderate volume) who can finish above the rim. His ball skills aren’t anything special, but his defensive versatility and ability to knock down shots at his height make him one of the most intriguing prospects in the field. If Leons gets hot from deep, his stock could skyrocket.
Marcus Domask, 6’6”, Illinois, Playmaking Forward
After four seasons at Southern Illinois, Marcus Domask up-transferred to Illinois, where he was a key part of their Elite Eight run. Domask has always been a tremendous playmaker for his size. He demonstrates real craft as a ball screen operator and plays with grit going downhill. Domask sees the floor well and makes good decisions. His career 22.3 AST% and a firmly positive assist-to-turnover ratio (3.9 APG to 2.3 TOV) demonstrate impressive passing prowess for his size. He’s a solid rim finisher who gets up a little better than you might think given his paltry dunk and block numbers, and he’s a great mid-range pull-up shooter. Shooting and defense remain concerns, though. Domask only hit 29.7% of his triples this year and is a career 34.5% from deep. He’s much more comfortable operating out of the mid-post than acting as a standard wing spacer who attacks closeouts. Defensively, he’s slow-footed, leading to issues both on and off the ball that were more obvious at the high-major level. If Domask shows effective assertiveness from deep and keys in on defense, teams may be enticed by his combination of size and skill.
Max Abmas, 6’0”, Texas, Scoring Guard
Max Abmas is always going to be remembered as the dude who led Oral Roberts on a Cinderella run. He’s always been a gunner and exceptional shotmaker with limitless range. Abmas shot a career 38.3% from deep while launching 13.7 threes per 100 possessions. Teams can’t give him an inch of space or he’ll make them pay. However, since his noteworthy tournament run, Abmas has become a more complete offensive player. He’s more of a “true point guard,” and he just posted a career-high AST% of 22.6. Abmas has never been much of a defender, though. Front offices will want to see him lock in on that end of the floor to prove he can hang on an NBA court. Given that he’ll likely be a mismatch target due to his size, he will need to find as many avenues to contribute on that end as possible.
Max Fiedler, 6’11”, Rice, Skilled Big
Few 6’11” guys on Planet Earth can pass the ball like Max Fiedler. He’s been the focal point of Rice’s offense the past few seasons. This year, he racked up 5.3 APG to only 2.3 TOV. He’s always thinking two steps ahead of the defense. He blends both sizzle and steak to effectively orchestrate offense and leave defenses in shambles. Fiedler has exceptional scoring touch, too. He’s a career 66.6% two-point shooter despite not being an above-the-rim athlete. He works hard on the glass, too, posting a fantastic 14.2 ORB% while grabbing a total of 9.3 RPG this past year. I’m not sure where he’d land positionally in the NBA, though. Teams can pick him apart in ball screen coverage defensively because he’s a clunky mover in space who can be slow to recover. He’s not going to anchor the defense at the basket, nor does he appear quick enough to switch. Regardless, few players bring his combination of size, skill, and feel. If Fiedler shows off a jumper or improved defensive chops, he could be a climber following the event.
Quincy Guerrier, 6’7”, Illinois, Play Finishing Forward
Quincy Guerrier takes what’s given to him. Give him space from deep, and he’ll make you pay. He knocked down 37.4% of his threes for the Illini this past season. Guerrier is also a violent cutter who is no stranger to finishing above the rim. His 33 dunks this season are a great mark for a forward prospect. Given his efficiency from deep and on the interior, he grades out well on “dunks and threes” queries. His body is NBA-ready, and he uses it to rack up boards. Defensively, he can leave the viewer wanting more. When he’s locked in, he can sit low in his stance and stick with just about anybody. Still, his 0.6 STL% and 1.2 BLK% are disappointing. His effort and engagement off the ball can be frustrating. Guerrier also stops the ball quite a bit, and he tallied only 11 assists in 38 games played this season. For Guerrier, Portsmouth will be about showing that he can be a consistent defender and play within the flow of an offense.
Quincy Olivari, 6’3”, Xavier, Scoring Guard
Transferring up in competition typically leads to players taking a reduced role and seeing their production drop off. I say typically because Quincy Olivari proved himself to be an exception. After transferring up from Rice, he scored 19.1 PPG on 42.5/40.9/81.4 splits. Olivari is a pro scorer with range beyond the NBA three-point line. He’s dynamic as a shooter, too. Olivari made 44.3% of his spot-up threes, 48.3% of his threes as a pick-and-roll ball handler, and 54.8% of his handoff triples. He has the polish to create space for himself paired with a sturdy, 200-pound frame that enables him to play through contact. His 2.1 APG-to-1.6 TOV was a career-best mark. On defense, he uses his chest well. He’s also a really good rebounder for a guard (16.9 DRB%). How Olivari measures and distributes the ball will be critical for his projection. If he posts a big wingspan, it will alleviate concerns about him playing a more tertiary role. But if he measures short, he’ll need to prove more capable as a playmaker for others. That being said, it’s hard to imagine the week passing without him taking over at least one game.
RaeQuan Battle, 6’5”, West Virginia, Wing Scorer
RaeQuan Battle is a bucket-getter. His 16.0 PPG led the way for the Mountaineers this season. He’s comfortable dribbling and creating for himself. Battle is willing to pull up from deep and elevates beautifully on his jumper. He’s also clever when it comes to using fakes and misdirection to bait opponents into fouls. Defensively, he exhibits a strong level of off-ball awareness, enabling him to make plays as a helper. His 4.4 STK% was a career-high, and the fact that it came during his first high-major season shows that he’s made strides on that end of the floor. The issue for Battle is that he’s not a particularly efficient scorer (47.7 eFG% this year), and his slender frame may not scale up seamlessly. His 0.7 APG and 2.0 TOV on the year, combined with the fact that he’s never had a positive assist-to-turnover ratio, create concerns about his connective feel. That said, Battle’s potent scoring and defensive output are nothing to sneeze at—especially because they came during a season where an eligibility waiver issue left him without a runway. If he can play within a team construct and score efficiently this week, he could excite teams to the point that they push the bizarre context of his West Virginia season to the side.
RayJ Dennis, 6’2”, Baylor, Traditional Point Guard
If you were to ask your dad to describe his ideal point guard, he would describe someone a lot like RayJ Dennis. He’s a crafty, selfless playmaker. He consistently creates advantages by utilizing misdirection and changing speeds with the ball in his hands. He’s a talented live dribble passer with both hands. His 6.7 APG this past season led the Big 12. His 56.8% at the rim in the halfcourt is a solid mark for a guard, and his mid-range pull-up warrants respect, too. His feel carries over to his defense. Dennis knows where to be and thinks a step ahead, allowing him to rack up steals (2.5 STL%). The elephant in the room is his three-point shot. Dennis was a career 32.1% from long range. It’s tough to butter your bread in the NBA as a guard if teams aren’t going to come out to guard you. If Dennis can get his jumper to go, his hyper-intelligent stylings could make him one of the more appealing guards in this mix.
*Riley Minix, 6’7”, Morehead State, Modern Forward
After an All-American career at Southeastern, an NAIA school in Florida, Riley Minix made the leap to Division I this past season. He scaled up unfathomably well. Minix stuffed the stat sheet, averaging 20.9 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.3 SPG, and 1.0 BPG. Coming into the year, Minix was renowned as a shooter, given that he converted over 40% of his threes during three of his four NAIA seasons. While he only made 34.9% of his threes this year, his ability to hit off movement from the NBA line and his past results give room for optimism. Even in cold shooting games, Minix still brought value. He’s built like a tank at 230 pounds and has the springs to finish above the rim. Minix’s three-level scoring arsenal and passing feel led to a monstrous 6.9 OBPM. His motor never goes cold on the glass. Defensively, he does a great job of reading the floor and making plays within a team construct. The two things scouts will focus on with Minix are how well he shoots and how well he moves defensively. If his jumper rounds into form against the Portsmouth crop, it will move the needle for him. He can be a bit heavy-footed laterally, but the same was true of Hunter Tyson one year ago. Teams will be intrigued to see how he moves on a court filled with fellow prospects. Minix is one of my favorites in the field given his well-rounded skill set and physicality.
Sam Griffin, 6’3”, Wyoming, Scoring Guard
Wyoming’s Sam Griffin capped off his college career with an excellent scoring season for the Cowboys. He averaged 16.9 PPG on 43.1/39.2/83.5 splits. His combination of NBA range, ball screen manipulation, and speed changes make him one of the tough covers out there. His 45.0% on catch-and-shoot threes also lends itself well to a more off-ball role at the next level. After dealing with inconsistency as a playmaker, his 22.2 AST% this past season was a career high. That being said, teams will want to see Griffin act as more of a facilitator. He’ll also be facing some athletic questions. Griffin is a below-the-rim athlete on offense who blocked only one shot during his five college seasons. His defense needs work in general, as he can be far too passive on that end of the floor. He ends up behind the ball handler coming out of screens too often. Griffin will look to show that he’s up to the task of facing higher-level opposition, particularly on defense, this week in Virginia.
Santiago Vescovi, 6’3”, Tennessee, Sharpshooter
Uruguay native Santiago Vescovi brings a high-octane, high-energy off-ball play style to the table. A career 37.2% shooter from deep on 11.6 attempts per 100 possessions, Vescovi can be an exhausting cover for defenses. He’s capable of sprinting off screens, running in transition, and flying off handoffs before setting his feet and launching beautiful three-balls. When teams chase him off the line, he’s proven to be a dynamic downhill passer, registering 2.5 APG to only 1.0 TOV this season. On defense, he’s a pesky playmaker who racks up steals due to his awareness, quickness, and timing. Unfortunately, Vescovi is coming off a down year where he shot only 36.8% from the field and 32.6% from three. In Portsmouth, he will need to prove that this past season was an outlier. Teams will also be curious to see how he stacks up physically and athletically, as he’s a limited vertical athlete who could potentially be mismatch hunted due to his lack of size at the next level. If Vescovi looks like his old self again, he could re-heat his stock.
Sean East II, 6’3”, Missouri, Scoring Guard
Sean East II had a winding road through college hoops, taking stops at UMass, Bradley, and John A. Logan JuCo before settling in at Missouri. While the Tigers struggled this season, East quietly had an awesome season. He scored 17.6 PPG on 52.1/45.0/85.6 splits. East is a chore to stay in front of defensively. He’s got a slick handle that he’s able to keep alive for a prolonged period of time, clever footwork, and loads of counters. He’ll make defenders dance until they can’t dance any longer before getting a bucket. He pressures the rim effectively and finishes well there (63.0% in the halfcourt per Synergy), and he’s a devasting pull-up shooter (45.3% on pull-up twos, 41.7% on pull-up threes). East leveraged his scoring gravity to tally 4.0 APG, too. Unfortunately, East gets overambitious as a passer at times, throwing overly difficult passes that lead to turnovers (3.0 TOV). His slight frame and upright posture defensively lead to too many easy bucks on the other end, too. Teams know East can score, but they’ll want to see steadier playmaking and positive defensive output in Portsmouth.
Shahada Wells, 6’0”, McNeese State, Do-It-All Guard
It’s been a journey for Shahada Wells. After two years at Tyler Junior College, he jumped up to UT-Arlington, where he had a spectacular season. Then, he moved to TCU, where he was a solid but uninspiring reserve player. He transferred to McNeese State this past season and proceeded to blow the doors off the competition. Wells led McNeese State to a 30-4 record and an NCAA Tournament bid while also earning the distinction of Southland Conference Player of the Year. He scored 17.8 PPG on 46.2/38.4/79.4 splits. He’s a creative ball handler who’s tough to telegraph, enabling him to get wherever he wants on the floor. He can pressure the rim or punish defenses with his pull-up game (40.4% on pull-up twos, 37.3% on pull-up threes). His ability to create advantages and see the floor well led to him posting 4.7 APG to only 2.0 TOV. Wells is also a bandit on defense, snatching 3.0 SPG thanks to his quick hands and excellent off-ball positioning. He was 14th in the country in BPM thanks to his stat sheet stuffing ways. Given that he turns 25 in August, Wells will have to overcome stigmas regarding his age, size, and the fact that he only produced at a high level while at smaller programs.
T.J. Bickerstaff, 6’9”, James Madison, Small Ball Big
T.J. Bickerstaff transferred to James Madison after two quiet seasons at Boston College. To say he found his footing in this new environment would be an understatement. Bickerstaff was the second leading scorer on the 32-4 squad Dukes that made it to the second round of the tournament. Bickerstaff relishes in the dirty work. He’s fantastic on the glass thanks to his toughness and bounce. He posted a gaudy 8.4 RPG in only 23.5 MPG, leading to an ORB% of 12.7 and a DRB% of 26.9. He’s great as a roll man. Bickerstaff gets good contact but will also set some Gortat screens on the way to the cup. When he slips, he’s quick downhill. That same speed helps him cover ground on defense. Projecting his NBA position is a tricky predicament, though. He’s a non-shooter on offense and a poor rim protector on defense. True centers are able to move him pretty easily, and he doesn’t have the best shot-blocking instincts. At Portsmouth, Bickerstaff will want to show that he can either space the floor and play the four, or that he has the defensive acumen to play the five in certain lineups.
*Ta’Lon Cooper, 6’4”, South Carolina, Modern Complementary Guard
Ta’Lon Cooper checks a lot of boxes for an NBA guard. Good size? Check. He’s 6’4” with a strong 200-pound frame. Good decision-making? Check. Cooper can get downhill and sling out of his dribble with either hand or make a simple “next one” skip in a hurry. His 4.2 APG to 1.2 TOV this past year speaks to his playmaking prowess and mistake-free play. Comfortable playing without the ball in his hands? Check. Cooper is more than content operating in a complementary role, and he’s an outstanding floor spacer. Cooper knocked down 48.0% of his catch-and-shoot threes this season and he’s capable from the NBA line. Holding his own on defense? Check. Cooper’s powerful body helps him wall off smaller players and he’s still nimble enough to chase guys around off-ball screens. The final question remaining is whether Cooper can translate being a great college role player into being a role player at the NBA level. He’s never been a dominant force in college, particularly as a scorer, as he never posted more than 10 PPG. It’s uncommon for non-stars in college to latch on in the NBA. But in Cooper’s case, he may be good enough at the important things to be an exception. If he can stand out at Portsmouth instead of blending in, that could help his case.
Tolu Smith III, 6’11”, Mississippi State, Post Up Big
Tolu Smith III has been an integral part of Mississippi State’s success in recent years. He earned back-to-back All-SEC First Team selections the past two seasons. Smith has a polished interior scoring game. Whether he’s facing up or operating with his back to the basket, he has the moves and counters to put his man in a blender before getting easy buckets. He’s also a force on the offensive glass, grabbing over three offensive boards per game during three of his college seasons. Whether or not Smith’s old-school style can translate to the NBA remains a mystery. He’s not a floor spacer, nor is he a big-time leaping lob target. Defensively, he’s alright in space, but he makes positional lapses in ball screens and has never been a true rim protector. If Smith can show a more distinct defensive identity while operating as more of a roll man/dunker spot player effectively, his track record of production and winning could generate more NBA looks for him going forward.
Tristan Enaruna, 6’8”, Cleveland State, Versatile Forward
I always say that “there’s value in being The Man,” and Tristan Enaruna exemplifies that. The former Top 100 recruit didn’t get much run during his stops at Kansas and Iowa State, so he went to Cleveland State. There, he was The Man, and he blossomed. Enaruna stuffed the stat sheet this year, posting 19.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, and 0.9 BPG. At 6’8” and 220 pounds, he’ll come to the NBA with a pro build. He’s silky with the ball in his hands with soft touch around the basket and a buttery mid-range jumper. Enaruna is also a reliable decision-maker who posted a positive assist-to-turnover ratio. His smooth movement patterns show up on defense, too. He’s a solid lateral athlete who covers ground well. His length and help instincts allowed him to post a 2.1 STL% and 3.0 BLK%, even in a high-usage role on offense. The question is whether or not Enaruna can shoot well enough from three to make the rest of his skill set sing. He made only 32.2% of his threes on lower volume this year, but his solid free throw marks (72.2%) and intriguing pull-up numbers (46.9% on twos, 31.8% on threes) give room for hope. If Enaruna is looking confident and effective from deep, there won’t be much to quibble about given his size and skill set.
Tyler Burton, 6’7”, Villanova, Physical Forward
Tyler Burton doesn’t shy away from the dirty work. He’s strong, tough, and competitive. He’s always been a plus rebounder for his position. Defensively, he uses his powerful frame to wall off the drives of opponents. He’s a rugged driver who won’t shy away from contact at the rim. While his counting numbers took a dip in a more tertiary role at Villanova this season, he also posted a 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio, posting a positive mark on that front for the first time in his career. Burton’s decision-making isn’t otherworldly, but he’s at least learned how to limit mistakes. The concern for him is his jump shot. He’s been up-and-down from long range over the years, ending his college career at 32.8% from three. If Burton can look the part of a knock-down guy, his physical brand of basketball should endear him to front offices.
Tyler Robertson, 6’6”, Portland, Playmaking Forward
Portland’s Tyler Robertson has long been one of my favorite players to watch, purely from an entertainment standpoint. The Australian native earned the nickname “The Fridge” from his teammates because he’s difficult to move thanks to his 235-pound frame. While he’s got a big body, he has the skills of a smaller player. Robertson has a pretty, quick release from deep (37.2% from three this year). He can put the ball on the deck and his vision is phenomenal. Robertson reads the entirety of the floor and has the passing acumen to whip the ball accurately through tight windows or across the court. Not many 6’6” guys have a career 25.1 AST%. The question is where Robertson falls positionally on defense in a fast-paced NBA. His power goes a long way, but he can struggle with lateral quickness against faster opponents. If he can hang on that end, teams may come away enamored with his blend of power and skill.
Tyler Wahl, 6’9”, Wisconsin, Skilled Forward
There’s real value to having size and knowing how to play the game. That’s why Tyler Wahl is here. There’s a lot to like on defense. Wahl moves his feet well while using his length to contain the ball on defense. He also showcases good timing for strips and blocks. After five years at Wisconsin, he ended his college career with both his STL% and BLK% over two. On offense, he’s a sharp decision-maker who uses his length to punish shorter players inside. At the PIT, teams will want to see exactly where he fits into an NBA construct on offense. He was mostly a post-up guy in college and he shot 23.2% from three during his college career. Carving out a clear offensive identity for the next level should be his mission this week.
Tyrece Radford, 6’3”, Texas A&M, Scrappy Guard
Teams who subscribe to the “get guys you wouldn’t want to play against” philosophy will probably have eyes on Tyrece Radford. He doesn’t take plays off. This shows up most on the glass, as he may have been the best rebounding guard in the country last year. Radford grabbed 6.3 RPG last season, including 2.6 ORB. He’s the rare “you’ve got to box him out, or he’s a put-back threat” 6’3” guy. The two issues for Radford are that he didn’t show much effort defensively this year and he wasn’t an efficient scorer. While he did average 16.5 PPG, his 41.1/28.90/69.2 splits leave a lot to be desired, especially for a guard. Scouts will want to see Radford bring an increased level of competitiveness on defense while showing improvement as a shooter.
Tyrese Samuel, 6’10”, Florida, Well-Rounded Big
Tyrese Samuel packs a lot of power into his 6’10”, 239-pound frame. He’s not afraid to use it, whether it’s to bully smaller players or make an impact on the offensive glass. Throw in his speed and one-footed leaping ability, and he’s a high-level transition rim runner. Still, dig into the tape, and there’s a real level of finesse to him. He’s a skilled face-up attacker who can put the ball on the deck. While Samuel is no stranger to rocking the rim as a roll man, he still has soft touch when the jam isn’t there. Samuel sees the floor well and makes good decisions as a passer. Defensively, his size helps against true bigs. He’s also very adept at using his hands and jumping passing lanes for a man his size, leading to a 2.3 STL% this season. He’s never quite been a defensive anchor, though. His career BLK% of 3.6 grades out poorly, and he’s often been helped by playing alongside another player who could protect the rim. He’s not a shooter, either, given that he only made 27% of his threes in college. Samuel will want to show that he can stretch the floor enough to play the four or that he can hold down the fort defensively as a five in order to generate more immediate traction.
Tyson Walker, 6’1”, Michigan State, Scoring Point Guard
Over the past two years, few others in college hoops could match the takeover scoring ability of Tyson Walker. Not only can he get microwave hot, but he’s also consistent, as he was only held below 10 points one time this past season. He’s an outstanding pull-up shooter who knocked down 44.2% of his off-the-dribble threes this past season, per Synergy. Walker pressured the rim well, too, and made nearly 60% of his halfcourt shots at the basket. His handle, grit, slither, and coordination make him tough to contain. While he’s a score-first player, he still posted a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. He’s no slouch defensively, either. Walker won the CAA Defensive Player of the Year Award back in 2021 and posted a 3.4 STL% this past season. Front offices will want to see Walker set the table more readily and prove that while a stigma may exist against small guards, he has enough to get over the hump.
Vonterius Woolbright, 6’6”, Western Carolina, Point Forward
To say that Vonterius Woolbright stuffed the stat sheet this season would be a massive understatement. The Southern Conference Player of the Year posted 21.1 PPG, 12.0 RPG, and 5.6 APG. He’s an offense unto himself. His impact on the glass allows him to grab and go and set up the offense. He’s a silky attacker and ambidextrous finisher. Woolbright is also an exciting passer, often palming the ball like a Nerf ball before slinging it to open teammates. He’s constantly getting into the heart of the defense, and he draws a ton of fouls (8.4 FTA/game). Teams will want to see how Woolbright looks in a more secondary/tertiary role. He’s a non-shooter (24.5% from three on low volume) and he didn’t show much effort defensively. If he can pop by doing the little things while not being “the guy” out there, NBA teams may find themselves interested in him as a Swiss Army type.
Will Baker, 7’0”, LSU, Stretch Big
It’s hard to find seven-footers who can shoot, but Will Baker is one of them. After earning an All-Mountain West Third-Team nod as a junior at Nevada, Baker transferred to LSU. There, he showed he could still score effectively at a high-major level. He’s got a polished post game and soft touch on the block. From an NBA translation standpoint, though, his shot is what stands out. Baker knocked down 35.3% of his catch-and-shoot threes this season. Baker is going to face athletic and defensive challenges at the next level, and he’ll be looking to quell those concerns in Portsmouth. He’s never been much of a rebounder (14.3 DRB%) or shot blocker (3.1 BLK%). NBA teams will want to see him show that while he can shoot like a wing, he can still do the big man stuff inside, too.
Xavier Johnson, 6’1”, Southern Illinois, Do-It-All Guard
Xavier Johnson’s out-of-nowhere breakout campaign for the Southern Illinois Salukis was one of the coolest stories in college hoops this past season. After four years of bog-standard production, Johnson exploded during his graduate campaign, averaging 22.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 6.1 APG, and 1.5 SPG. His 36.8% from deep may not blow you away, but I buy his shot. He had to take 146 of his 183 triples off the bounce led to a lower percentage than he would’ve shot in most settings. The fact that he’s deadly off the catch (45.9%) and has NBA range is enticing when envisioning him in a more complementary role. His creation game is nice, too. He has rhythm and rock with his handle, legitimate quickness, and plays ball screens in a variety of ways to keep defenders off-balance. He looks off his feeds and has showcased tricky deliveries to thread needles. Defensively, his strong frame and lightning-fast hands allow him to stay in front of his man and rack up steals at a high clip (career 2.6 STL%). Johnson’s lack of height, turnover issues (3.3 per game), and substandard finishing marks will be held against him. NBA teams will want to see a more refined and efficient Johnson in a setting where he doesn’t have to take on such a large creation burden.