The 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament Preview
A comprehensive preview of the 71st 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 71st 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, Toumani Camara, and Branden Carlson 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.
Ace Baldwin Jr., 6’0”, Penn State, Table Setting Guard with Defensive Tenacity
Ace Baldwin Jr. is your classic “coach on the floor.” His pick-and-roll orchestration was the focal point of the offense for the Nittany Lions this season. He has shifty footwork. He’s always changing speeds and directions, making him exceedingly difficult to predict. Even better, he has excellent floor vision and passing creativity. His playmaking is evident by his 36.0 AST% and 7.1 APG. Defensively, he’s a super pesky point-of-attack defender who racked up 2.4 SPG last year, leading the Big Ten. While he is on the smaller side, he has a somewhat stocky build, which helps. He won Atlantic-10 Defensive Player of the Year twice during his VCU tenure and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year during the 23-24 season. The scalability of his defensive output remains in question, given his lack of positional size. How he measures will be very important. Offensively, he’s always lacked scoring efficiency. He’s finished his college career below 40% from the field, and his career 33.4% from deep on low volume for a guard is concerning.
Adama-Alpha Bal, 6-6, Santa Clara, Shot Creating Wing
Adama-Alpha Bal is primarily known for his three-point shooting. He’s a career 36.9% from distance while launching 10.0 attempts per 100 possessions on a wide variety of attempts. He can let it fly in transition, off screens, or pull up off the dribble. Plus, he can get all the way to the rim and finish there. He changes speeds well to create separation and uses fakes well. Bal is also a selfless, heads-up passer who can sling out of his live dribble. Defensively, he leaves a lot to be desired. He doesn’t move well laterally, as he’s lacking in quick-twitch athleticism and reactive foot speed. Off-ball, he lacks assertiveness. As a result, he registered a 1.0 STL% and a 0.4 BLK%, both of which are firmly in red flag territory. Bal doesn’t contribute on the glass, either. His offensive talent is intriguing, the challenge for him this week will be showing that he can live up to the other end of the bargain.
A.J. Hoggard, 6’3”, Vanderbilt, Defensive Guard
A.J. Hoggard is the rare two-time Portsmouth invitee. He has a massive body and long arms, making him one of the most imposing point-of-attack defenders in the field at his position. At 220 pounds, he’s far less of a size mismatch target than most of his peers, too. He’s built like a tank. Offensively, that helps him to put a ton of pressure on the rim. He’s also a smart, steady decision-maker with a career 36.2 AST%. The holdup with Hoggard has always been his shooting. He’s a career 29.2% from deep. This is an issue for him in ball screens, as he only made 27.6% of his pull-up twos and 15.6% of his pull-up threes this year. Hoggard is going to need to prove that he can keep defenses honest with his shot in order to get over the hump.
Andrew Carr, 6’9”, Kentucky, Skilled Forward
Andrew Carr has a high level of skill for a man his size. He’s comfortable putting it on the deck, operating with fluidity and craft downhill. He always keeps his eyes up for teammates and can be counted on to make good decisions (1.7 APG vs. 0.9 TOV). All the better, he’s tough through contact and made 75.3% of his halfcourt rim attempts this season, per Synergy. A career 34% from deep, he has a pure stroke with a high release. On defense, he makes himself long at the point of attack. He does a good job of leveraging his size to stay in front of the ball. His ground coverage isn’t great, but he knows where to be when it’s time to rotate. Currently, Carr is sort of a jack-of-all-trades proposition. If he can show athletic improvements or a greater willingness to shoot, he can make headway in Portsmouth.
Augustas Marciulionis, 6’3”, Saint Mary’s, Traditional Point Guard
Augustas Marciulionis is a wizard with the ball in his hands. His tricky movement patterns consistently shake defenders, and it’s tough to know where he is going to go next. What’s more, he’s an exceedingly clever passer. He’s able to deliver passes on a rope through tight windows. To add to the excitement, his head and eye manipulation totally freeze defenses from time to time. This playmaking prowess enables Marciulionis to get inside, collapse defenses at will, and rack up assists by finding the open man. He’s improving in other areas, too. His 14.2 PPG, 34.7 3PT%, and 4.2 three-point attempts per game were all career highs. His ability to score and shoot will go a long way in keeping opponents honest defensively. The hangup is his defense. He’s a shaky lateral athlete who is slow to cover ground, which could be a dealbreaker at the next level. If Marciulionis can stay in front of opponents and move well at the PIT, it could significantly boost his stock.
Bez Mbeng, 6’4”, Yale, Lockdown Defender
Take a quick moment to say a prayer for the players who will be guarded by Bez Mbeng in Portsmouth. It’s going to be a bad time for them. Mbeng is like glue on the ball. He’s made life exceptionally difficult for opponents like Dillon Jones and Xaivian Lee over the years. His frame is a bit wiry, but he’s really strong. Add in a high level of discipline and smarts, and he’s consistently able to force opposing players into mistakes. His career 3.3 STL% and 1.4 BLK% are strong numbers for a guard. What’s more, it’s not like Mbeng is a zero on offense, either. He won Ivy League Player of the Year thanks to his table-setting (5.8 APPG) and improved jump shot (36.8% from three). I do worry about how real the shot is, though. For his career, he’s still a 30.6% shooter from deep, and teams are content daring him to shoot. But if the shot is legitimate, Mbeng’s size, outrageous defense, and dazzling passing arsenal make him preferable to most guards out there.
*Cameron Matthews, 6’7”, Mississippi State, High Skill Defender
Cameron Matthews is one of the most effective defensive players in the country. He’s big, strong, and reads the opposing offense like he memorized the other team’s playbook. At the point of attack, his combination of strength and lateral agility makes him a mismatch for players one through four. Off the ball, he has the speed to jump passing lanes, the hands to get digs, and the timing to swat shots around the basket. In all, he had a 4.7 STL% and 2.9 BLK%. His feel bleeds over to the offensive end. He’s an impressive playmaking hub who can sling passes from all over the floor. The issue here, as it is for many in the “can this guy be X% of Draymond Green?” mold, is that he’s a poor shooter who only made 20% of his threes on low volume throughout his college career. Still, his size, strength, savvy, skill, and defense make him an extremely intriguing gadget player, warts and all.
Camryn Carter, 6’3”, LSU, Scoring Guard
Camryn Carter is a big-time bucket-getter. He’s best behind the arc, where he sunk 39.2% of his triples on 11.0 attempts per 100 possessions this past season. He’s great off the catch, but he’s also comfortable pulling up from deep, hitting 35.8% of his off-the-dribble threes, per Synergy. He’s a jittery, manipulative ball handler who is tough to contain, which helps him get to his spots inside the arc, too. Carter is a feisty on-ball defender who blocks shots at a high clip for his size (career 1.3 BLK%). Carter faces two primary challenges—interior scoring and playmaking. While he has the wiggle and shake to get to the rim, he only made 38.7% of his halfcourt rim attempters, per Synergy. He can be too content to settle for overly tough, smother shots at difficult angles inside. Better floor vision would help reduce those ill-fated attempts. Carter’s even assist-to-turnover ratio this season is uninspiring, given his size. If Carter can look more like a true lead guard this week, that would go a long way.
Cesare Edwards, 6’9”, Georgia State, Two-Way Forward
Cesare Edwards had three quiet college seasons before popping off at Georgia State. This year, he drained 43.5% of his catch-and-shoot triples with a high release. Still, he can do the dirty work inside the arc. Edwards can face up and attack downhill, or win with a more traditional bruising, back-to-the-basket game. On defense, he registered a rock-solid 4.9 BLK%. Edwards is a solid mover with sharp instincts as a helper. He is ready to rotate and can make opponents think twice at the rim when acting as a low man. His mundane passing, low steal rate, and uninspiring stops at Xavier and Missouri State are concerning. Ultimately, big guys who can hit shots will always be interesting, and that’s Cesare Edwards.
*Chance McMillian, 6’2”, Texas Tech, Scoring Guard
Chance McMillian can shoot the cover off the ball. He made 40.8% of his threes over the course of his college career. What differentiates him from other small shooters, though, is how well he performs when run off the line. He has above-the-rim bounce and made 66.3% of his halfcourt rim attempts this year, per Synergy. That inside-out efficiency makes him one of the most potent scorers out there. And while he didn’t run a ton of offense, he did have a positive assist-to-turnover ratio. Defensively, his stock rates aren’t anything to write home about, and teams will want to see more from him on that front. But McMillian’s low-maintenance, high-efficiency playstyle makes him one of the more interesting guard shooters in this class.
Chase Hunter, 6’3”, Clemson, Combo Guard
Over the course of his college career, Chase Hunter steadily evolved into one of the most complete combo guards in college basketball. He’s turned into an excellent shooter, hitting 40.6% of his threes on 10.2 attempts per 100 possessions this past season. Per Synergy, he hit 41.9% of his triples as a pick-and-roll ball handler, which goes a long way in terms of punishing defenders who try to go under ball screens. He’s also a solid passer (2.5 APG vs. 2.0 TOV). Hunter is a productive defender (2.6 STL%, 1.6 BLK%) with a strong, 200+ pound frame. He has the toughness, tenacity, and power to cover both guard spots. At 24 years old, Hunter has little margin for error. His adequate playmaking and poor rim finishing (50% at the basket in the halfcourt, per Synergy) are concerning when it comes to his NBA translatability. Still, his pro-ready body, jumper, motor, and track record as a winner make him an enticing prospect.
Chris Youngblood, 6’4”, Alabama, Sharpshooter
Chris Youngblood hit 39.3% of his threes over his college career. He loves to let it fly from deep, and his range is anywhere in the gym. While 6’4” might not be ideal wing size, he makes up for it with a powerful, stocky frame that goes a long way downhill and on the defensive end. Youngblood isn’t much of a ball mover (5.6 AST% this year), and he’s not the most intense defender, either. If he can show additional elements to his game beyond his shot, that would go a long way.
Chucky Hepburn, 6’2”, Louisville, Hard-Nosed Playmaker
Chucky Hepburn had one of the most exciting breakout seasons in college basketball this year. He led the show for the Cardinals as their primary initiator. He’s a herky-jerky mover who manipulates ball screens and throws well-placed, deceptive passes to set his teammates up for good looks. His creation craft is bolstered by a strong frame and a willingness to put his body on the line. Hepburn relishes physicality, which allowed him to get into the paint consistently while establishing a secondary residence at the free throw line. That rugged approach is evident on defense, too. He has outstanding hands at the point of attack and is as pesky as they come. Plus, his intellect allows him to read the opposing team’s offense like a book. As a result, he registered a stellar 4.0 STL% this past season. Hepburn has long been an inconsistent shooter from deep, hitting 35.3% of his threes on roller coaster percentages from year to year. If he can iron that out, he’ll check every necessary box for a smaller guard in the modern NBA.
CJ Huntley, 6’10”, Appalachian State, Floor Spacing Big Man
Not many 6’10”, 221-pound dudes can shoot the rock like CJ Huntley. He hit 35.8% of his threes on high volume for a big man this past season. What’s more, Huntley can move into his shot. He’s comfortable off the pop but will also fly out to the perimeter on baseline out-of-bounds plays, which you don’t see too often from a big man. If you want traditional center stuff, that’s here as well. Huntley dunked 44 times this year per Synergy. He gets off the floor well and has great hands. On defense, Huntley moves well in space and can look good guarding smaller players. His footwork on the perimeter can be a bit jumpy at times, and his defensive rate stats leave something to be desired, given the level of competition he faced in the Sun Belt. Ultimately, Huntley was one of the more surprising, “oh, this guy snuck up on me” guys during this exercise. His size, stroke, and bounce are all intriguing. Don’t be surprised if he has a big week and sneaks up on NBA front offices, too.
*Curtis Jones, 6’4”, Iowa State, Microwave Scorer
When Curtis Jones gets hot, there is no stopping him. He scored 17.4 PPG this season despite coming off the bench a hefty majority of the time. Jones has a great three-ball (37.4% from deep), breakneck deceleration to get to his mid-range jumper, and impressive body control at the cup. Still, he manages to mix in some well-timed passes to punish collapsing defenses. On the other end of the ball, he does a good job of picking his spots to accrue steals and blocks. Jones’ skinny frame, stiff lateral agility, and lack of positional size could create problems as he looks to scale up to the next level. However, his scoring, tenacity, and knack for making the right plays make him quite interesting, all-in-all.
Daniel Batcho, 6’11”, Louisiana Tech, Play Finishing Rim Protector
Daniel Batcho is awesome around the basket on both ends of the floor. He was one of the most efficient players in college basketball. He went 68.9% from the field, in large part due to his touch and bounce (41 dunks, per Synergy). As a result, he draws a lot of attention inside, and he leverages that by drawing fouls. He got to the line 6.4 times per game and made 76.1% of his free throws. That also makes me wonder if he could eventually become a threat from beyond the arc. On defense, he blocks a ton of shots, posting an 8.3 BLK% this past year. He has sharp rim rotation instincts and gets up off one foot well. He’s pretty solid laterally, too, so he’s not absolute toast on an island. Batcho may be lacking NBA strength, as he’s never been great on the defensive glass, and he’s a bit easy to move. Additionally, he rarely looks to pass, leading to a brutal 0.5 APG vs. 2.0 TOV this past year. Still, Batcho thrives in two extremely important areas, so he will be of significant interest to many teams.
Darius Johnson, 6’1”, UCF, Two-Way Point Guard
Darius Johnson is cut out for NBA physicality with a powerful 200-pound frame. His polished footwork allows him to get to his spots behind the arc, but it also enables him to reliably pressure the rim. There, he can contort for a clean look or convert through contact. He’s also a sniper behind the three-point line. He made 39.6% of his threes on 10.2 attempts per 100 possessions this past season. Defensively, he uses his body well to make opponents uncomfortable, and he racks up steals at a high clip (3.6 STL%). Johnson’s measurements will be crucial, as he’s going to be small from a height standpoint. Additionally, he’s more of a basic playmaker than an advanced one. Still, he has a chance to provide value on both ends of the floor, and he’s a relentless competitor.
*David Joplin, 6’7”, Marquette, 3-and-D Wing
Marquette’s David Joplin checks a lot of NBA boxes. For starters, he has a 6’7”, 225-pound frame tailor-made for the pro game. His frame works wonders guarding the ball. It’s difficult to get around him or through him. Off-ball, he’s an alert player who can meet opponents above the rim as a rim helper (3.4 BLK%) or dart passing lanes (2.0 STL%) for steals. On offense, Joplin has long been one of the most willing shooters out there. Over the course of his college career, he made a rock-solid 34.9% of his threes, but he launched 12.6 attempts per 100 possessions. He can be prone to forcing some tough shots (28.2% on 71 pull-up threes this year), but the framework of a plug-and-play role player is there. Front offices will also want to see how Joplin makes decisions in Portsmouth, as he posted a paltry 7.6 AST% this year with a firmly negative assist-to-turnover ratio. The big picture stuff is here, but it’s the little things that Joplin will need to display to break out this week.
David N’Guessan, 6’9”, Kansas State, Efficient Big Man
David N’Guessan picks up the low-hanging fruit better than almost anybody. He’s got great touch inside, and he can finish above the rim. That, paired with a hot motor, enables him to get easy buckets off cuts, rolls, and in transition. His 64.4% from the field was the top mark in the Big 12 this year. Plus, he’s a solid rebounder who can guard down the lineup on defense. His efficiency and ability to move make him look the part of an NBA player. Still, I’m not quite certain of how he’d fit on most rosters. He’s an okay passer but not a great one. He’ll take some threes, but the results are poor (career 26.9% from deep). His defense is solid but unspectacular. N’Guessan will need to establish a “hook” that gives him an identity and sets him apart from his peers in Portsmouth.
Deivon Smith, 6’1”, Saint John’s, Traditional Point Guard
Deivon Smith burst onto radars during his senior year at Utah, where he emerged as a persistent triple-double threat. As a graduate at Saint John’s a small shift in roll led to new areas of development. Smith was one of the grittiest point-of-attack defenders in the sport last year. His 3.0 STL% and 1.6 BLK% are phenomenal indicators for a guard prospect. Offensively, he upped his three-point attempt rate. Still, he remained one of the most prolific on-ball creators out there, as evident by his career 29.0 AST%. The question for Smith is scalability. He’s a ball-dominant player who shot a career 33.0% from three and 62.9% from the free-throw line, which is concerning for a guard his size.
Earl Timberlake, 6’6”, Bryant, Stat Sheet Stuffer
Earl Timberlake has a variety of ways to impact the game. He can use his size and speed to pressure the rim. When he gets downhill, he has the vision to punish collapsing defenses, as he slung 4.7 APG to only 2.4 TOV this past year. He’s a good rebounder on both ends of the floor (6.7 ORB%, 16.5 DRB%). Defensively, his frame and athleticism allow him to guard just about everybody. Plus, his feel and tools make him a potent off-ball playmaker (1.6 STL%, 4.8 BLK%). The big issue here is his shot. Timberlake is a career 24.6% from deep on only 65 attempts through five college seasons. A team might buy into him as a gadget player/Swiss Army knife type, but his role malleability will be hampered if he can’t figure out a way to contribute from beyond the arc.
Erik Reynolds II, 6’2”, Saint Joseph’s, Bucket Getting Guard
Erik Reynolds II is a rarity in college basketball—an overachieving mid-major prospect who stayed with his original program for all four years. Reynolds’s dedication was rewarded when he broke Jameer Nelson’s record for the most points in school history. Reynolds is a jittery, shifty mover who does a great job of creating space for himself, and he has limitless range. While his 34.9% from deep over his college career may seem mundane, he did it on 12.9 attempts per 100 possessions, and many of those looks were self-created. He’s also a solid passer who limits his mistakes (2.6 APG vs. 1.5 TOV). The question is what his role will look like at the next level. He’s not a traditional point guard, and he doesn’t offer much in terms of rebounding or defense. The PIT will give him a chance to slide into a lower usage role for the week and prove that he can thrive in those departments when he has less on his offensive plate.
Gabe Madsen, 6’5”, Utah, Sharpshooter
Gabe Madsen's three-point percentage might not have been the best this year, but you’d be hard-pressed to find many players who took 9.5 threes per game. He’s an audacious shooter with deep range and movement capabilities. Madsen also does a good job of getting off the ball when he doesn’t like his look. There’s a nice complementary skill set here. While his defense isn’t a disaster, he doesn’t quite have the strength or speed front offices typically desire from a wing. He’ll need to show growth there—or prove that he can go nuclear from three when he isn’t the top priority on a scouting report.
Great Osobor, 6’8”, Washington, Stat Sheet Stuffer
Great Osobor is listed at 6’8” and 245 pounds. He is both exceptionally powerful and light on his feet. On defense, he moves his feet with grace, enabling him to contain smaller opponents. Still, he has the power and toughness to bang bodies on the interior. Offensively, he can fight his way to his spots, but he’s also a capable passer (3.4 APG). Still, he’s a bit short for a center, and he’s yet to prove himself to be a reliable floor spacer. Add in inconsistency as a passer (19.0 TOV%), and it’s hard to figure out exactly where he’d slot into most roster configurations. Osobor will want to show that his blend of force, finesse, and feel can be harnessed into an NBA mold in Portsmouth.
Ian Schieffelin, 6’8”, Clemson, Skilled Bruiser
Ian Schieffelin is one of the more unique players in the field. He’s been a force on the glass the past two years, registering an 11.6 ORB% and 24.3 DRB% during that time. He also cleans up on the low block, ranking in the 86th percentile on post-up efficiency, per Synergy. His blend of power and touch serves him well inside. Still, there’s an element of modern skill that prevents Schieffelin from being a pure throwback. He’s a willing shooter who hit 34.1% of his threes this year, and he’s a reliable decision-maker who dished 2.7 APG to only 1.6 TOV this season. This gives him an inside-out offensive game. He has some shortcomings defensively. While he can win some perimeter battles with his physicality, his foot speed is poor. Given that he’s undersized for a five, he’ll need to prove he’s up to the task of containing high-level opponents and covering ground at NBA speed. His motor and skill should ensure productivity this week, but my eye will be focused on on how he looks from an athleticism standpoint.
*Igor Milicic Jr., 6-10, Tennessee, Well-Rounded Forward
Igor Milicic Jr. checks a lot of boxes. He’s a career 34.5% shooter from deep who took nearly 10 threes per 100 possessions over the course of his college career. That’s impressive volume and efficiency for a 6’10” player. All the better, he can seamlessly move into his jumper. Milicic can also attack a closeout and use his gravity to cut, leading to an impressive 61.8% on halfcourt rim attempts this season. Plus, he ironed out some of his more adventurous tendencies as a passer and moved the ball well this season. He’s an aggressive rebounder with a great nose for the glass on both ends. Defensively, his instincts help him to make plays off the ball. At the point of attack, he does a great job of using his length to stay in front. Milicic suffers a bit from “jack of all trades, master of none” syndrome, and his game can go frustratingly quiet at times. Still, a 6’10” guy who knows how to play and can impact the game is always a worthy bet, in my opinion.
Jaden Akins, 6’4”, Michigan State, Combo Guard
Jaden Akins has been on the cusp for some time. He’s been a stalwart for Michigan State, playing big roles on good teams throughout his four college seasons. Akins has long been a solid defensive producer and willing shooter. He’s able to create his shot at all three levels. His most impressive mark this year was that he made 56.8% of his halfcourt rim attempts, per Synergy. Akins has always struggled with efficiency, though. His career 50.6 TS% is a troubling figure, particularly given that he’s not the most potent playmaker (career 9.1 AST%). He’ll need to show that he can score consistently and deliver more as a passer in order to move the needle.
Jaemyn Brakefield, 6’8”, Ole Miss, Well-Rounded Forward
In the transfer portal era, many players are constantly in search of a bigger role. Not Jaemyn Brakefield, who showed a commitment to winning by not only staying with Ole Miss in his graduate season but also agreeing to come off the bench. At 6’8” and 225 pounds, he carries himself with an NBA-ready physicality. He’s good on the interior, as he made 61.1% of his halfcourt rim attempts this season. His touch and power allow him to thrive as a roller, cutter, and post player. He also made 36.4% of his catch-and-shoot threes this year. Additionally, Brakefield is a smart, selfless passer who consistently has his eyes up for his teammates. On the other end of the floor, Brakefield can use his big frame well to stifle a variety of opponents. The issue here is that Brakefield is sort of a “jack of all trades, master of none.” He’s a solid athlete, but he’s not a great one. He’s an okay shooter and rebounder. Defensively, his footwork guarding the ball can be too jittery, and he’s not much of a playmaker (1.9 STL%, 1.4 BLK%). A 6’8” dude who knows how to play and can operate within a team construct will always have appeal. For Brakefield, Portsmouth will be about proving he can scale up in that role.
Jahmai Mashack, 6’4”, Tennessee, Defensive Ace
Jahmai Mashack is an elite defender. He’s strong, quick, and tenacious. It’s exceedingly difficult for opponents to find breathing room when he’s at the point of attack. He’s disruptive, too, with a 3.7 STL% and 2.4 BLK% this past season were strong numbers for a wing defender. The question is whether or not he has enough offensive firepower. He’s a career 34.3% shooter from deep and he’s a respectable ball mover, which is solid. Still, not a lot of NBA players averaged 6.0 PPG in their final college season. His 11.6 USG% is a severe red flag. There’s no doubt that Mashack can lockdown other guards and smaller wings, but the question is whether or not he has anything to offer offensively at the NBA level.
Jahmyl Telfort, 6’7”, Butler, Skilled Wing
Jahmyl Telfort presents a tantalizing blend of force and finesse. He has a strong 225-pound frame, and he uses it to fight his way to his spots on offense. He also uses his frame to create space for himself in the mid-range. His touch is baby-soft, as evident by his 54.8% mark on floaters and 54.5% mark on mid-range jumpers per Synergy. Telfort didn’t get many easy looks due to his higher-usage role, but he did drain 39.1% of his catch-and-shoot threes in the halfcourt this year. The icing on the cake is his passing. Telfort sees the floor well and operates with selflessness. He slung 3.4 APG to only 2.2 TOV this year. He’s best on defense at the point of attack, where he plays tight on the ball and often bullies opponents into mistakes. His run-jump athleticism is lacking, leading to poor steal and block numbers (1.7 STL%, 0.9 BLK%). The idea here is that in a lesser role, his catch-and-shoot game and feel could scale back nicely, and he might be able to play with more aggressiveness on the other end.
Joseph Bamisile, 6’4”, VCU, Scorer and Defender
Joseph Bamisile is a strong-bodied guard with NBA athleticism. He’s a high-flying athlete who registered 33 dunks. He can get to the rim at warp speed and hit deep threes. While he only made 33.5% of his threes, he launched them at a high clip with a high degree of difficulty. Defensively, he’s an active, disruptive defender who posted a 2.4 STL% and 2.9 BLK%. His decision-making can be frustrating, as he finished every season of his college career with a negative assist-to-turnover ratio. Given his size, that’s a big issue. Teams will need to see that he can find efficiency from deep and demonstrate more consistency as a passer.
John Poulakidas, 6’5”, Yale, Sharpshooter
John Poulakidas is an unbelievable shooter. He drilled 40.8% of his threes on 12.5 attempts per 100 possessions over the course of his college career. He’s got logo range and a fast release off the catch. Still, he has some sauce putting it on the deck, and he can create his own shot in the mid-range, too. Poulakidas does a great job of playing within the flow of the offense and limits his mistakes, registering 1.3 APG to only 0.7 TOV this past year. On defense, he is an engaged off-ball defender who knows where to go. Outside of his shooting, Poulakidas doesn’t bring a lot to the table. He rarely gets to the rim, he doesn’t rebound much, and he’s a stiff lateral mover. He’s going to have a hard time containing the ball against pro competition. Still, his shooting resume is genuinely elite, and that may be enough to get him over the hump.
Jonas Aidoo, 6’11”, Arkansas, Defensively Versatile Skilled Big
Jonas Aidoo popped during his first three years at Tennessee due to his defensive acumen. His coordination and lift around the basket allow him to block shots at a high clip. Still, he had the fluidity and agility to hold his own on an island. Offensively, he showed comfort with putting the ball on the floor and making decisions in handoff scenarios. His ability to run a two-man game with Dalton Knecht stood out in particular. While his final year at Arkansas saw his minutes and overall counting numbers take a dip, he was more efficient from the field. Efficiency is the last remaining hurdle for Aidoo. He shot 57% from the field, which is on the lower end for a big man who doesn’t shoot threes. Plus, he can get outworked on the boards. Aidoo’s defensive versatility and ball skills are interesting, but teams will want to see him do the dirty work in order to fully buy in.
*Jonathan Pierre, 6’9”, Belmont, Skilled Wing
Jonathan Pierre is an interesting prospect. At 6’9”, he plays more like a perimeter-oriented guard than a power forward. For some players, that spells disaster, but Pierre is actually really good at it. He made 36.9% of his threes while taking 12.2 attempts per 100 possessions this year. He can shoot it both off the catch and off the dribble, and he has a quick release. Plus, he’s got real ball skills at his disposal. He has plenty of counter moves to get to his spots inside and he operates with a fluid process. His 23.1 AST% is a stellar mark for someone his size. Defensively, he’s light on his feet, covers ground well, and elevates well out of his slide. Still, I think I like the idea more than the execution here at times. Pierre is contact averse and settles for poor rim angles, leading to a disappointing 47.7% mark on his halfcourt rim attempts, per Synergy. His defensive counting numbers feel disappointing in light of size, tools, and intellect. Still, Pierre’s size, savvy, and skill make him a player who could steal the show this week.
Johnell Davis, 6’4”, Arkansas, Switchblade Guard
Johnell Davis has a big, strong body for a guard. That strength enables him to cover much bigger players than most of those who are his listed height. Offensively, it allows him to hold his line and bump his way to spots inside the arc. He’s typically overachieved on the glass for his position, thanks to his physical approach. Initially a subpar shooter, Davis grew more willing from deep as the years went on, and he ended his college career at 35.3% from deep. Unfortunately, he didn’t make a similar leap as a playmaker. Davis can suffer from tunnel vision and make frustrating decisions at times. He ended his career with a dead-even assist-to-turnover ratio, which is scary given his height. He’ll want to show that he can play within the flow of the offense while still showing all the things that put him onto radars in the PIT.
Julian Reese, 6’9”, Maryland, Athletic Big Man
Julian Reese moves extremely well. He’s a potent rim runner who can finish well above the rim. Defensively, he can swat shots at the basket. Still, he covers ground more like a wing, and he’s extremely comfortable guarding on the perimeter. Reese has also quietly improved from a feel standpoint this year. While his assist numbers weren’t anything to write home about, he made better, more advanced reads on a more consistent basis. Personally, I think he may have popped more in that respect if he didn’t happen to play next to one of the best passing bigs in college hoops. Still, he’s a bit undersized for a center, and he’s not a shooter, leaving him in a precarious spot positionally at the NBA level. If Reese can show out against traditional bigs, it would go a long way.
J’Wan Roberts, 6’8”, Houston, Skilled Big
Simply put, J’Wan Roberts is a winner. His willingness and ability to do the little things over the years were a big part of Houston’s success as a team. He’s powerfully built but agile, allowing him to guard up and down the positional spectrum. He’ll swallow up smaller players on an island, but he still has the power to hold his own inside. He competes hard on the glass, and he will tip out contested boards if he’s not able to pull them in. Roberts also thrives as a passer from the short roll, elbow, and nail (11.5 AST%). Still, an NBA translation is tricky. He’s not a bouncy athlete and he’s over to shoot over inside. His scoring efficiency (51.1 TS% this year) is poor, and he doesn’t offer floor spacing as a non-shooter. Roberts will aim to show that his productive brand of basketball can contribute to winning at the next level, even if it’s not the most conventional.
Kadin Shedrick, 6’11”, Texas, Shot Blocking Play Finisher
Kadin Shedrick thrives at the two core components of playing the center position—finishing around the basket and protecting the basket on the other side of the floor. He registered 49 dunks this year and can clean up as a roll man. Shedrick draws a ton of fouls (.770 FTr) and he shot 7.16% at the stripe over his college career. Plus, he’s willing to take the occasional three-ball. Defensively, his career block rate of 8.6% is a testament to his timing, instincts, and bounce. Shedrick is pretty thin, which limits his interior defense and rebounding. Plus, he’s not much of a passer, with a career 4.7 AST%. Shedrick can do the basics well, but teams will want to see more of the other stuff in Portsmouth.
Khalif Battle, 6’5”, Gonzaga, Scoring Wing
Khalif Battle is an absolute bucket. He can finish above the rim, create his own shot in the mid-range, and drill deep threes. He also took strides as a playmaker this year and made some impressive dishes on the go. Battle also improved as a defender this year, playing with a higher motor both on and off the ball. His all-around stat profile and age don’t scream “NBA,” so he’ll really need to show out in Portsmouth to gain traction. Still, his scoring profile and improvement trajectory warrant consideration.
*Kobe Johnson, 6’5”, USC, Two-Way Wing
I’ve long been a big fan of Kobe Johnson. He’s best known for his defense, as he’s long been one of college basketball’s most disruptive defenders (career 4.0 STL%, 1.9 BLK%). He reads opposing offenses like a book, constantly finding opportunities in passing lanes and around the basket. His rotational speed, intellect, and scrappiness (18.4 DRB% this season) make him an absolute headache for opponents. There’s a lot to like on offense, too. Johnson is a savvy operator who makes decisions quickly and sees the floor well on the go. His bounce has enabled him to be an effective finisher throughout his college career. Johnson’s rocky jumper remains a question. He hit 36.2% from deep over the year, but his results have ocellated from “uh oh” to “that’s pretty good” each year. Additionally, Johnson has never been much of a scorer (career 7.5 PPG) and has always been more of a low-usage role player (17.3 USG%). Generally, that doesn’t bode well for older prospects. Still, Johnson remains one of my favorites in the field. He has a signature skill (defensive disruption), he plays hard, and he’s a smart player. I’m content to swing on that.
*Kobe Sanders, 6’9”, Nevada, Jumbo Playmaker
Kobe Sanders lives at the intersection of size and skill. There aren’t many dudes this tall who slung 3.9 APG to only 1.8 TOV last season. He’s big enough to bully his way to spots, but he also changes speeds and uses his crafty handle to get deep into the paint. He sees help quickly and reacts to it properly, making sharp, accurate passes to set up his teammates. Sanders can score, too. He’s comfortable shooting threes (34.2% from deep on 7.1 threes per 100 possessions), and he gets his shot off pretty quickly. Sanders can pull up in the mid-range or finish inside (60.5% on halfcourt rim attempts, per Synergy). Defensively, his size and smarts go a long way, but he is a clunky mover with shaky balance. Additionally, he’s never shown much effort on the glass, which diminishes the value of his extra size. How well he holds up athletically will determine how high teams feel comfortable placing him on their internal boards.
*Matthew Cleveland, 6’7”, Miami, Well-Rounded Wing
Matthew Cleveland feels like he’s been on the cusp forever. While Miami was a mess this year, Cleveland quietly had a fantastic season. He shouldered a massive 27.3 USG% but still posted an impressive 60.0 TS%. He shot a career-high 38.2% from deep on the highest volume of his career. Cleveland is comfortable putting it on the deck, whether it’s to create his own shot or find a teammate. He also registered 31 dunks this year, which is a testament to his athleticism. Defensively, his frame and agility allow him to guard two through four comfortably. It feels like he may have quietly arrived. His shot diet could use some work, as he’s a little too in love with the mid-range at times. He’s also not as good of a rebounder as his tools would suggest he should be. Still, it’s high-usage, productive college players who tend to be the best bets on the margins, and that’s what Matthew Cleveland is.
*Max Shulga, 6’4”, VCU, Do-It-All Guard
Max Shulga has always gotten better. He arrived at Utah State for his freshman season with little acclaim. By the time he followed Head Coach Ryan Odom to VCU, he’d started to emerge on draft radars. Shulga has a modern offensive skill set, which allows him to play both on and off the ball. He’s a steady playmaker (4.0 APG to 1.7 TOV last year) who sees the floor well. His handle is night-and-day better than it was a few years ago, which has allowed him to reduce his turnover rate considerably throughout his career. He’s also a deadly shooter, having made 40.2% of his threes on 10 attempts per 100 possessions over the past two seasons. Shulga can pull up from deep or run into his jumper off movement. While he may not be the bounciest athlete, he’s found success at the rim due to his strength and touch. He also draws a ton of fouls (career .496 FTr) due to his physicality and love of contact. Defensively, he’s not the quickest guy in the world, and his ground coverage can leave something to be desired. That said, he dramatically improved his point-of-attack defense and uses his hands really well. His 3.2 STL% this season was a phenomenal mark. The Atlantic-10 player of the year is one of my favorite guards in the field. He has good positional size, he’s strong, he’s savvy, he can shoot, and he’s made big strides on defense. There’s a Sam Merrill-type outcome on the table for the Ukraine native.
Moussa Cisse, 6’10”, Memphis, Play Finishing Rim Protector
Moussa Cisse looks the part. He’s a great run-jump athlete. This leads to a ton of offensive rebounds (17.3 ORB%) and dunks (47 on the year despite only playing 18.2 MPG). On defense, he’s an exciting shot-blocker who swatted 1.7 shots per game throughout his college career despite never playing more than 23 MPG. Plus, he has the foot speed to hold his own on an island. His touch is poor, as he went 30.4% on non-dunks at the rim (per Synergy) and made only 43.8% of his career free throws. Plus, he’s not comfortable dribbling or making decisions with the ball. Cisse’s shortcomings are both severe and significant, but he does the big picture stuff really well. If he can show some improvements in those in-between areas, it would go a long way.
Nate Santos, 6’7”, Dayton, Jump Shooting Wing
Nate Santos is a hard-charging wing who took off during his final two seasons at Dayton. Santos drained 41.8% of his threes on 9.1 attempts per 100 possessions this past year. He gets the ball out of his hands quickly, even if he wasn’t delivered the ball in the perfect spot. More than just a standstill target, Santos can move into his shot or pull up from deep. His bounce enabled him to finish well last year, though he struggled at the basket this season. He’s also a high-effort defensive rebounder (16.6 DRB%) who flies in with reckless abandon to win contested battles on the boards. Santos isn’t much of a playmaker (even assist-to-turnover mark with a low assist rate) or defender. He posted paltry event creation numbers (0.7 STL%, 0.4 BLK%), and he’s prone to getting shaken too easily at the point of attack. If he can prove to be a more reliable defender, there could be something for NBA teams to work with.
Nelly Junior Joseph, 6’9”, New Mexico, High-Motor Athletic Big
Nelly Junior Joseph’s game never goes quiet. He has a frame that looks like it was chiseled out of granite, and he’s mobile in every sense. His motor never stops. NJJ was the top rebounder in the Mountain West this year, with an 11.0 ORB% and 27.6 DRB%. On defense, he can deter shots at the rim and slide his feet with the best of them on an island. On offense, he displayed solid touch in the post. He sets good screens and can finish above the rim as a roller. He’s a hair undersized for an NBA center, and he doesn’t have the ball skills or shooting arsenal to slide down to the four. The question is whether or not his hard-charging style might be enough to bridge that gap.
Nolan Hickman, 6’2”, Gonzaga, Traditional Point Guard
Nolan Hickman is a polished guard prospect who can operate with or without the ball. As an initiator, he’s consistently posted strong assist-to-turnover marks. He’s a smooth mover with some real shake to him who can slither through traffic to create openings for himself and others. Hickman is also a heads-up, low-mistake passer. Off-ball, he’s a lethal shooter who connected on 48.5% of his catch-and-shoot threes this season, per Synergy. Hickman is a contact-averse player who rarely pressures the rim. His off-ball defense can be frustrating, and teams have found success punishing his tendency to get behind the play. Front offices will want to see Hickman get after it on defense and play with a greater level of physicality this week.
Obinna Anochili-Killen, 6’8”, Marshall, Defensive Ace
Obinna Anochili-Killen is an excellent defender. He moves well and is extremely light on his feet. He can fly all over the floor, covering ground at warp speed. He’s a stellar shot blocker who tallied 3.2 rejections per game. He gets off the floor extremely well and has a light second jump. At the point of attack, his ability to slide his feet and change directions makes him difficult to beat. Offensively, he thrives as a roller and cutter. Still, he’ll take the occasional jumper and isn’t a total disaster from three. That said, Anochili-Killen is still likely too thin to play the five in the NBA. As a result, he’ll likely need to find more potency as a shooter or become a more reliable playmaker for others. His defense is his superpower, but teams will want to see more out of him on offense.
Oumar Ballo, 7’0”, Indiana, Garbage Man Big with Skill
Oumar Ballo drove Indiana fans nuts at times this year. His motor doesn’t always run hot, and his lack of hustle can be frustrating at times. Still, he’s pretty interesting. He’s massive and strong, enabling him to bully opponents on the interior. He can finish with touch or jam it home inside. Plus, Ballo has long been an underrated passer. His 14.7 AST% this year is a high-level mark for a center prospect. On defense, his strong chest allows him to swallow up opponents on drives. Still, he holds up better on an island than you might think, as he has solid lateral agility at his disposal. Ballo’s lack of quick-twitch athleticism does bite him at times. He’s slow off the floor, doesn’t have much of a second jump, and struggles to recover when he gets behind the play. Still, his ability to thrive as a rebounder, defender, and finisher, with some real passing acumen at his disposal, makes him an interesting proposition.
Patrick McCaffery, 6’9”, Butler, Tall Shooter
Most NBA role players are tasked with three challenges on offense—be tall, make threes, and keep the ball moving. Patrick McCaffery can do that. He converted 41.6% of his threes this season while averaging 1.6 APG to only 1.0 TOV. He knows how to play within the flow of the offense and will always give his teammate room to operate. McCaffery is a mundane athlete who posted both a steal and block rate below one this past season. Given his age, he’ll need to show he can do more on that side of the ball immediately in order to latch on at the NBA level. Offensively, though, I like what he’s working with.
Saint Thomas, 6’7”, USC, Playmaking Forward
Saint Thomas burst onto the scene as a stat-sheet stuffer at Nothern Colorado last year. While his lone season at USC was up-and-down, there’s a lot to like about him. For starters, he has tremendous ball skills, and he sees the floor well for a player his size. He loves to orchestrate offense from the elbow and nail, and he registered a 21.3 AST% this past season. His length and strength enable him to compete on the glass and on defense. The question is whether or not he can shoot. Thomas is a career 31% from deep. After taking 6.2 threes per game last year, that number strangely dropped to 2.5 per game this season. If he can find his grove, he checks all the boxes. Otherwise, he’s an “everything but the jumper” guy.
*Samson Johnson, 6’10”, UConn, Shot Blocking Play Finisher
This is going to sound like a contradiction, but Samson Johnson plays both bigger and smaller than he is. He plays bigger in the sense that he is an absolute force around the basket. He dunked 42 times this year and made an other-worldly 81.9% of his halfcourt rim attempts. Johnson flies off the floor and has a huge catch radius, which makes him an elite lob target. He makes his impact felt on defense, too, where he’s no stranger to swatting shots around the basket (8.7 BLK%). Johnson plays smaller than he is in ways both good and bad. It’s good in that he moves with a rare quickness for someone his height. It’s bad in that he doesn’t do much on the defensive glass, and his narrow frame opens him up to bullying. Johnson can also get overly aggressive defensively, and he averaged over 10 fouls per 100 possessions for his college career. If he can hold his own on the glass and play within himself more consistently on defense, he could carve out a long career.
Sean Pedulla, 6’1”, Ole Miss, Well-Rounded Guard
It’s tough out there for smaller guards, but Sean Pedulla’s profile is in line with the ones who tend to find NBA success. He has a strong 195-pound frame and big shoulders. Defensively, he holds up well and posted a fantastic 3.3 STL%. Offensively, he’s long been a poised initiator. This year, he averaged 3.8 APG to 2.0 TOV. He sees the floor well and throws accurate passes. Then, there’s his jumper. He’s got deep range, and he’s willing to show it. He hit 39.2% of his triples on 10.9 attempts per 100 possessions this year. Teams can’t go under screens against him. His lack of length still causes issues, though. He’s easier to get around than his bigger peers. Add in a lack of bounce, and he’s a poor finisher who only made 45.8% of his halfcourt rim attempts, per Synergy. How well Pedulla stays in front of opponents, as well as his comfort at the basket, will be worth monitoring this week.
Sebastian Thomas, 6’1”, Rhode Island, Traditional Point Guard
Sebastian Thomas had a huge year at Rhode Island. He can get to his spots at all three levels and competes with a rugged physicality that gets him to the line at a high clip. All the better, he’s a heads-up passer 6.0 APG. His fluidity as a decision-maker is out of this world. He does a tremendous job of reacting to help on the go, and he’s able to fit creative passes through tight windows on the move. Defensively, he does a great job of getting into his opponent’s dribble and picking off errant passes. His 3.4 STL% grades out exceptionally well. The reason he hasn’t been featured on mainstream draft boards is his jumper. Thomas is a career 28.2% from distance, and he’s never shot above 30% from three. At 6’1”, that’s a tough sell. But if he can work out his shot, his passing profile and defensive acumen could give him a puncher’s chance.
Steven Ashworth, 6’1”, Creighton, Traditional Point Guard
Steven Ashworth can make it rain from deep. He’s a career 38.6% from three-point range, and he’s never been shy about letting it fly. He also averaged an impressive 6.8 APG to only 3.4 TOV on the year. He does a great job of organizing an offense and capitalizing on mistakes. He’s one of the older players in the field, he’s on the slender side, and he doesn’t have much to offer on the defensive end. Ashworth’s range and feel make him a pro somewhere, but to get onto NBA radars, teams will want to see more on defense.
Tamar Bates, 6’5”, Missouri, 3-And-D Wing
It doesn’t get much more beautiful than a Tamar Bates jump shot. He hit 39.8% of his threes on good volume this year. He’s great at spotting up and shooting on the move. Chasing him off the line isn’t a recipe for success, either. He registered 22 dunks this year, which is rare for a sharpshooter. Bates converted 72.1% of his halfcourt rim attempts, too. Fouling him isn’t a winning move, either, as he made an astounding 94.6% of his free throws this year. What’s more, Bates takes pride in his defense. His 2.9 STL% pops off the stat sheet. The more I dig into Bates, the more I like him. Still, I worry about his feel. He had a negative assist-to-turnover ratio each of the past two seasons, which is troubling for an older prospect his size. If he can show progress on that front, he could be a big riser coming out of the week.
Terrence Edwards, 6’6”, Louisville, Well-Rounded Wing
Terrence Edwards has steadily ascended from mid-major sixth man to mid-major star to high-major leading scorer over the course of his college career. He’s a slick, slippery mover with the ball in his hands. He’s comfortable creating his own shot at all three levels, and he tends to keep his eyes up on the move (career 18.1 AST%), so he doesn’t just serve himself. Plus, he hit 38.9% of his catch-and-shoot threes this year, which is encouraging for scaling down into a more complementary role. While his defensive counting numbers weren’t anything to write home about, he’s been disruptive in lower usage roles in the past and often took the toughest perimeter assignment for Louisville this year. He’s a bit of a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none currently, so teams will want to see him establish a firm area of strength during the pre-draft process.
TY Johnson, 6’3”, UC-Davis, Two-Way Guard
TY Johnson’s evaluation will lie in the eye of the beholder, to an extent. On one hand, the flaws are clear. He’s a career 29.8% three-point shooter who finished his career with a negative assist-to-turnover ratio. Conversely, he shouldered the largest usage rate in the nation (39.1 USG%). He did everything for UC-Davis, scoring 21.1 PPG with a 24.8 AST% to boot. His speed, slither, and strength help him get to his spots. He’ll deliver some eye-catching pocket passes from time to time. Plus, he’s a nightmare for opponents on defense. Last year, he had one of the best performances against Ajay Mitchell I’d seen all year, consistently taking away his drives by way of his physicality and technique. Despite his massive offense workload, he still registered a 3.9 STL% this past year. Again, the flaws are glaring, but Johnson may have played in the trickiest context of anyone in the field. Front offices will be interested to see what his efficiency and decision-making will look like on a court filled with talented players.
Tyson Degenhart, 6’7”, Boise State, Inside-Out Forward
Tyson Degenhart put together four productive seasons at Boise State. He’s got a strong 235-pound frame that bodes him well on the interior. He loves to bully smaller opponents inside, and he made an astounding 69.4% of his halfcourt rim attempts. Even if it’s not a post-up, his power as a downhill driver still enables him to get clean looks at the cup. Degenhart also ended the year on a heater from deep. He has a pretty jumper and hit 34.1% of his threes on 4.1 attempts per game. Plus, he’s a reliable “.5” decision-maker and ball mover. On defense, he has the instincts to get into the right spots as a helper, and he’s able to out-fight bigger players for rebounds. That said, he’s a clunky lateral mover and he’ll be behind the athleticism curve of the NBA. His 1.1 STL%, 0.8 BLK%, and three total dunks this season are concerning. He’ll likely need to become a flamethrower from deep to overcome these issues and stick around long-term. That said, his strength, toughness, and inside-out scoring make him an interesting proposition.
*Viktor Lakhin, 6’11”, Clemson, Modern Big Man
Viktor Lakhin has a little something for everybody. He’s a productive, versatile defender. He does a tremendous job of using his length in timing in drop coverage, and he registered a 7.3 BLK% this past year. Still, he’s more than comfortable switching. He’s a smooth lateral mover who covers ground well rotationally. Lakhin does a great job with his hands, too, leading to a 2.7 STL%, which is an elite mark for a center. Basically, he’s a threat wherever he is on the floor defensively. Offensively, Lakhin has grown by leaps and bounds over the past two years. Previously, he was a black hole post-up player who rarely passed and relied on hook shots. Since then, he’s expanded his range. He hit 37.5% of his threes on nearly five attempts per 100 possessions, which are both great figures for a college big man. Lakhin has also begun to process the game better. During his first two seasons, he had a combined AST% of 4.5—a microscopic, red-flag level statistic. These past two years, he’s taken that number to 14.2%, which is a great indicator for a big. Lakhin can be inconsistent from game to game, and he finds himself in foul trouble more than I’d like. Still, his defensive output, size, and skill make him one of my favorite prospects in the field.
Wade Taylor IV, 6’0”, Texas A&M, Playmaking Guard
Wade Taylor IV is a First Team All-SEC player who makes plays on both sides of the ball. He’s a speedy point guard who keeps an excellent view of the floor at all times. Taylor is comfortable slinging a variety of passes out of his live dribble, particularly with his strong right hand. His 29.5 AST% is a high-level mark for a guard. Taylor is a willing shooter (career 14.1 attempts per 100 possessions), though he’s struggled with accuracy from deep (career 32.3%). Still, his heavy usage burden, shot variety, range, volume, and free throw percentage (career 85.1%) suggest that he’s a better shooter than the flat percentage would indicate. Taylor is super engaged off the ball on defense. He’s always talking, communicating, and punishing mistakes made by the offense. His hands serve him well guarding the ball, too. His career 3.3 STL% is a great indicator for a smaller guard. Taylor’s scoring inefficiency (career 45.3 eFG%) and lack of size are significant stumbling blocks for his NBA stock.
Wooga Poplar, 6’5”, Villanova, Three Level Scoring Wing
A few years back, Wooga Poplar was a buzzy sleeper name after making an impact for the 2022-2023 Miami squad that made a Final Four run. And while talk of his name may have diminished, he’s still an intriguing prospect. The key skill here is Poplar’s jumper. He made 43.2% of his catch-and-shoot threes this season, he’s comfortable launching off movement, and he’s always been willing to let it fly. When teams chase him off the line, he has a self-creation bag. He plays low with his dribble and does a great job of creating space for himself in the mid-range. Additionally, Poplar has the bounce to finish above the rim. On defense, he can use his sturdy frame to body up opponents. He covers ground well and can fly around to make plays off the ball. Poplar also stepped it up on the defensive glass this year, registering a career-high 22.5 DRB%. The two issues for Poplar have been feel and consistency. He had a negative assist-to-turnover ratio this year and has routinely posted low assist rates, as he suffers from tunnel vision at times. Defensively, his off-ball engagement can wax and wane. Ultimately, Poplar remains an interesting prospect. He’s a great shooter with NBA physical tools; he just needs to iron out the kinks.
Zach Freemantle, 6’9”, Xavier, Well-Rounded Forward
Zach Freemantle will be one of the older players in the field, but there’s a reason his game is still of interest to NBA front offices. Freemantle is tall, competitive, and skilled. His career 7.1 ORB% and 19.7 DRB% demonstrate his tenacity on the glass. While he’s not an other-worldly athlete, he’s a good one who is comfortable guarding different types of players. Offensively, he can bully smaller players inside and punish double teams with smart passes (14.9 AST%, 2.1 APG to 1.7 TOV). A career 33.2% from deep, he also has a chance to provide floor spacing. At nearly 25 years old, though, there is little margin for error. If Freemantle can establish himself as a legitimate knockdown guy, he might be able to find a spot. Otherwise, he’ll be facing an uphill battle.
Zeke Mayo, 6’4”, Kansas, Scoring Guard
Zeke Mayo is an electric shooter. He’s got limitless range from deep and is super comfortable pulling up. This past year, he hit 42.2% of his threes on 6.2 attempts per game. Mayo is also a good rebounder for a guard, and his frame holds up well through contact inside. He made 61.2% of his halfcourt rim attempts this year, according to Synergy, and it’s tough to find marksmen who convert that well at the cup. Mayo has never been the most consistent playmaker, struggling with passing accuracy on the go. There’s also cause for concern on defense, as he’s not particularly quick laterally. He’s likely to be behind the athletic curve, and that could make him a hunting target. With that being said, Mayo scaled up extremely well in his role at Kansas after three years at South Dakota State. Shooting, finishing, and toughness are always valuable, and that’s what Zeke Mayo brings to the table.