The Roadmap to The 2024 NBA Draft (Part I)
You can get lost when trying to figure out the 2024 NBA Draft class. A Roadmap just might help you navigate a path toward finding the right prospect.
Sometimes in life, we get lost.
We suddenly find ourselves frantically looking around for some sort of direction. Questions fly around our head like a rocketship scorching through the sky. The first step in the next process is evaluating your current situation. Where am I? Where do I need to get? How do I take the next step in getting back on the right track?
Life is all about baby steps. We’re all looking to get to our final destination in as little time as possible. Sometimes, it takes small steps in the right direction to get to our goal. During that path, we find remarkable lessons along the way.
The 2024 NBA draft has drawn plenty of questions. It’s gotten some of the most talented evaluators in the basketball world lost at times. With no sure-fire top prospect, we’ve quickly pointed at this year as being a “bad” draft.
It takes patience to see the road that lies ahead. That same realization can come forward when it comes to this years draft class. I’ve found myself obsessing over this draft class more than any other. I’m one of those that looks at a challenge and starts to dissect how can the picture get clearer?
Well, I think I might be onto something… The hope with this segment is that it helps you put the pieces of the puzzle together.
This isn’t for the faint of heart.
This is a beast of epic proportions.
If you have a prospect on your mind, the hope is that this segment gives you a quick “map” as to why you should be intrigued with that individual.
Because of the size of this juggernaut, I figured it was “smart” to break it up into two parts.
Here’s Part I.
DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST, OFFENSIVE QUESTIONS
“Defense wins championships…right? Is this thing on?”
Alexandre Sarr, F/C, Perth
Sales Pitch: Defensive potential with athleticism & an unfinished offensive game.
7’1”, 217 | 2005 Born (18)
9.8 PTS, 4.6 REB, 1.0 AST, 1.4 BLK
50.3 FG%, 28.6 3P%, 71.0 FT% (27 G, 18.0 MIN)
Everyone is going to be buzzing when it comes to big man Alexandre Sarr. After spending the last couple of years with the Overtime Elite, Sarr has been playing overseas this year in the NBL for the Perth Wildcats.
It didn’t take long for Sarr to “drop a mic” in the NBA draft world. After a pair of eye-opening performances to start the year in a showcase against the G League Ignite, Sarr quickly soared up draft boards as one of the top talents in the 2024 class. Since then, it’s been a mixed sample of performances for the young big man.
At 7’1”, Sarr has the fluidity and versatility to be a dangerous asset on the defensive side of the ball. The harsh truth with prospects like this? It’s difficult for us to get “excited” about a defensive-first big man for an entire draft cycle. It’s even more challenging when a young talent like this is battling to get consistent minutes on a nightly basis. Offensively, Sarr shows flashes that leave you constantly wanting more. His stock could be “watered down” throughout the rest of the cycle…
But an important reminder…it doesn’t take long for NBA front offices to get excited about size, especially during the predraft process. Executives are going to see Sarr in an open gym playing against the notoriously “tough” chair defender and buy into the tools.
The fit will be curious with Sarr for teams projected to be near the top of the lottery. Can you buy in on the defensive upside while the offensive game tries to catch up?
Ryan Dunn, G/F, Virginia
Sales Pitch: Freak of nature defender.
6’8”, 216 | Sophomore (21)
8.9 PTS, 7.0 REB, 0.9 AST, 1.5 STL, 2.4 BLK
57.7 FG%, 22.2 3P%, 53.6 FT% (26 G, 27.6 MIN)
If you’re looking for a wing defender with tremendous versatility, Virginia Cavaliers sophomore Ryan Dunn is going to have you drooling. Dunn is one of the best defensive prospects regardless of position to come through the draft process in the last couple of years.
Yes, it’s that good.
But as impressive as the defensive flashes are, the questions about his offensive role echo loudly off the walls of a deep cave. Dunn has solid fundamentals, especially when it comes to his outside shot. But there’s a lack of confidence with his shot, something that teams are going to have to be convinced can shift down the road.
Plenty of times when evaluating, we ask ourselves: “what is this player’s NBA skill set?” Well, when it comes to Ryan Dunn, he has the ability to be an All-Defensive type of talent.
But can that idea get teams to be comfortable with the strange fit on the offensive side of the ball? There’s going to have to be a plan in place to allow Dunn to be himself. It seems like a silly statement, but Dunn’s overall fit on a roster could be the difference between him going in the lottery compared to the early 20s.
If you have a roster that features a plethora of offensive juggernauts, Dunn could slide in and just focus on being a serious asset on the defensive side of the ball.
I LIKE YOU, BUT I WANT TO LOVE YOU
“Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.”
Ron Holland, F, G League Ignite
Sales Pitch: High motor athlete who has some oustanding highs & could thrive with the right fit.
6’6”, 204 | 2005 Born (18)
19.5 PTS, 6.7 REB, 2.9 AST, 2.3 STL
46.0 FG%, 24.0 3P%, 72.8 FT% (29 G, 31.9 MIN)
Coming into the 2024 NBA draft cycle, Ron Holland was viewed as a candidate to make a push toward being one of the top prospects in this upcoming class. It doesn’t take long to understand why there’s so much intrigue with Holland. He’s a high-motor forward who plays with passion and can fly around the court, making him a dangerous weapon in transition.
Holland has the tools to be a legit talent on the defensive side of the ball. He’s active with his hands, as shown by his steals per game this year. There’s going to be some areas with his overall defense that need to be ironed out, but that’s expected with almost every incoming rookie.
Throughout the 2023-24 cycle, Holland has had his fair share of ups and downs. It hasn’t helped his case that the G League Ignite program this year has been a struggle fest. Another wrinkle in the situation is the recent news from Marc Spears indicating that Holland will miss the remainder of the year while recovering from a thumb-injury.
Including the two showcase games against the Perth Wildcats, Holland ends the year with averages of 18.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.3 steals and 3.2 turnovers. His shooting splits put him at 46.3% from the field, 25.2% from three-point range, and 73.7% from the charity stripe.
Holland’s outside shot will continue to be the area of focus moving forward. If teams are convinced that it can come around, then there’s plenty to get excited about. One thing that cannot be overstated is the youth for Holland, as he won’t be turning 19 until he steps on the court at Summer League.
Ja’Kobe Walter, G, Baylor
Sales Pitch: Tools to be a dangerous offensive creator with defensive potential.
6’5”, 195 | Freshman (19)
14.4 PTS, 4.4 REB, 1.6 AST, 1.2 STL
38.5 FG%, 33.1 3P%, 85.5 FT% (25 G, 30.5 MIN)
There was plenty of buzz surrounding freshman guard Ja’Kobe Walter coming into the year. The Baylor Bears product has good size at 6’5” and has shown the potential to be an offensive force with multi-level scoring ability. Walter started out the year on fire, looking like a potential dark horse to be mentioned in the Top 3 of this year’s class. After his first 6 games, Walter averaged 17.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game on shooting splits of 46.9/42.9/88.9.
Then things started to trend slowly in the other direction…
Walter posted splits of 14.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while shooting 42.7/40.0/82.4 over his next seven games.
Lately, it’s taken another serious push in the wrong direction.
In his last 12 games, Walter has averaged 12.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 32.0/24.7/84.4.
There’s going to be plenty of questions about the role at the next level for Walter. In theory, he’s a talented offensive wing with the tools to have some tremendous upside on the defensive side of the ball. There’s a good chance that Walter shoots the crap out of it throughout the predraft process, giving himself a bit of a jolt when it comes to his draft stock. For now, it’s going to be fascinating to see if Walter can get out of his funk and start to buzz again.
Matas Buzelis, F, G League Ignite
Sales Pitch: Promising upside who could be dangerous with time and patience.
6’10”, 195 | 2004 Born (19)
13.0 PTS, 6.2 REB, 1.7 AST, 1.6 BLK
46.4 FG%, 26.2 3P%, 68.0 FT% (26 G, 29.7 MIN)
Another intriguing talent that has deserved our close attention this year is former high school phenom Matas Buzelis. After putting up some impressive numbers at Sunrise Christian Academy, Buzelis announced he would suit up this year for the G League Ignite.
Listed in the 6’9”- 6’10” universe, Buzelis has some intriguing tools to offer right out of the gate. He’s going to be a raw forward with some floor-spacing ability who is on the right path when it comes to his development as an on-ball scorer. Buzelis has some plays that start to get you excited like a kid who just had a sugar high after leaving a candy store.
You find yourself wanting more. While the Ignite program this year has drawn more reviews than the latest film on Rotten Tomatoes, Buzelis could be one of their most fascinating case studies. Sure, the Ignite haven’t won a lot of games (not surprised, folks). But we’re starting to see some promising stuff when it comes to the overall development of Buzelis.
What’s even more interesting now is the recent news I mentioned earlier regarding fellow potential Top 10 selection Ron Holland being sidelined for the rest of the year. That presents an interesting opportunity for Matas Buzelis to really start to get peppered with minutes and touches for the rest of the year. Something that will surely get the attention, again, of scouts and evaluators to monitor closely.
Buzelis has been one of the ultimate “keep checking in” prospects this draft cycle. Each time you watch, it seems like there’s something to get more intrigued by. As of the All-Star break, Buzelis is averaging 12.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game with shooting splits of 47.1/27.8/70.4.
For a player who was thought to be one of the top outside shooting forwards in this class, Buzelis has yet to find that consistency. He’s starting to trend in the right direction, especially with some of the progress on the defensive side of the ball. If Buzelis can take this opportunity and start to put together some efficient stretches, that stock is going to heat up in a hurry.
OFFENSIVE WEAPON
“Hey, I’m really good at putting the ball in the hoop.”
Dalton Knecht, G/F, Tennesssee
Sales Pitch: Gritty bucket-getter who continues to overcome the odds & has legit athleticism.
6’6”, 213 | Senior (22)
20.0 PTS, 4.9 REB, 2.0 AST, 0.8 BLK
47.6 FG%, 40.0 3P%, 75.5 FT% (26 G, 29.5 MIN)
Arguably one of the best stories in college basketball this year has been the revolution of Dalton Knecht. If you want to read more in depth, our own Maxwell Baumbach broke it down and started the Dalton hype train before the season.
After spending the last year impressing at Northern Colorado, Knecht transferred to Tennessee this year and has been one of the baddest dudes in college basketball for the 2023-24 season. Because of that, scouts and evaluators are starting to fall in love with the ability of Knecht as well.
While some might pause to say “okay, well how ‘in love’ are we talking here?” That question remains one of the more interesting ones of this entire cycle. Knecht was viewed at the beginning of the year as a potential early second-round to late first-round sleeper. Now, we find ourselves bringing up his name in debates when we reach a certain point near the end of the lottery.
There are going to be clear questions when it comes to Knecht. Let’s address the elephant in the room. Knecht is a fifth-year senior and will be turning 23 years old in April. Other questions remain about the defensive ability of Knecht and if that part of his game can transition at the next level.
While those areas could scare some teams, the realization is that his development in recent years has been outstanding. Knecht has skyrocketed in his growth over the last couple of years and it’s resulted in him terrorizing defenders at the NCAA level. At some point in this draft, teams are going to be hunting for an offensive force on the perimeter. He’s currently averaging 20.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game with shooting splits of 47.6/40.0/75.5
Regardless of the questions you could have, Knecht has the juice and mentality to be a heck of a piece for an NBA organization. It would seem unwise to think that Knecht cannot overcome adversity and make it at the next level as well.
Nikola Topic, G, Crvena Zvedza
Sales Pitch: Playmaking wizard with great size and ability to weave through traffic
6’6”, 201 | 2005 Born (18)
16.4 PTS, 3.6 REB, 6.1 AST
49.8 FG%, 28.2 3P%, 87.8 FT% (19 G, 30.8 MIN)
You’ve probably heard about Nikola Topic.
Everyone wants to talk about Nikola Topic.
Let’s talk about Nikola Topic.
There are two names that continue to buzz with their play in Europe this year: Zaccharie Risacher (more on him in a couple of minutes), and Serbian-born guard Nikola Topic.
Topic spent the majority of the first half of the 2024 draft cycle playing in Serbia for Mega MIS before it was announced he would be joining Crvena Zvedza AKA “Red Star” in the EuroLeague. While playing with Mega, Topic was putting on a show with his production and eye-opening playmaking ability.
He’s listed at around 6’6”- 6’7” and has the tools to be a talented floor general at the next level. Topic plays with tremendous feel, understanding how to be patient and play angles on the basketball court. He baits defenses into moving around, before exploiting lanes and throwing tight-window dimes. Plenty of questions will remain about the outside shot and defensive ability going forward.
But here’s the big picture with Topic. You need a guard in this class? Do you need someone who can make his teammates better? Do you need a guard with size and ball-handling ability who can run the show? Chances are that Topic is going to be leading the category in most of those conversations. So, despite the outside shot having questions, and despite some of the other concerns, Topic might be the most gifted playmaking guard in this class. When you realize that, you then get excited once you remind yourself that he’s also 6’6”-6’7”.
Am I saying that Topic is perfect? Absolutely not.
But I’m not going to be surprised if there are some teams that are big fans. I’m also not going to be surprised if there are other teams that are much lower on Topic than the public might be. Topic thrived while playing with Mega. After a couple of performances with Crvena Zvedza in the Euroleague, Topic has been sidelined with an injury. We will all wait and see what Topic can showcase with a larger sample size at the EuroLeague level.
Rob Dillingham, G, Kentucky
Sales Pitch: Microwave scorer who can get in “NBA-Jam” mode quickly & has shown awesome strides as a playmaker.
6’3”, 176 | Freshman
14.7 PTS, 3.2 REB, 4.0 AST, 1.0 STL
48.0 FG%, 43.9 3P%, 72.3 FT% (24 G, 23.3 MIN)
If an NBA team is looking to add a potential “microwave scorer” in the 2024 draft, then Kentucky Wildcats freshman guard Rob Dillingham is going to be at the top of their wishlist. Dillingham is lightning in a bottle. He’s a player that can see one shot go through the net before quickly entering “NBA Jam” mode and going on impressive stretches throughout a game.
Coming into the 2023-24 NCAA season, Dillingham had plenty of questions in the scouting world. There was no denying his ability as a scorer. That was evident since last year, when he was showcasing his ability with the Overtime Elite. But evaluators wanted to see if Dillingham could offer versatility on the offensive side of the ball. His decision to commit to Kentucky was a welcomed one, given the developmental history of that staff.
The playmaking strides that Dillingham has made this year have been sensational. Not only has Dillingham shown the ability to be a dangerous shot creator, but he’s also now demonstrated the willingness to set up his teammates for easy offensive looks. That alone has made him a prospect that should be an intriguing talent for NBA teams.
The question moving forward is the fit. While it sounds like an easy addition, given Rob’s offensive firepower and playmaking strides, there are still questions about his role at the next level. Can Dillingham make an impact on the defensive side of the ball? If you’re concerned about that, can your roster construction allow you to invest in adding his strengths to your team?
Offensively, the advanced numbers back up what you’re seeing on tape. Dillingham ranks in the 92nd percentile via Synergy as a pick-and-roll ball-handler with an EFG% of 63.9%. He’s also ranked in the 94th percentile in spot-up opportunities.
The other side of the ball? Well, those numbers can get unpleasant.
Dillingham ranks in the 17th percentile when defending jump shots. He also ranks in the 20th percentile when defending the pick-and-roll ball-handler. Scouts and evaluators will have plenty of questions about his size at the next level. Despite a reported impressive offseason of putting on weight, Dillingham is still considered thin-framed. He’s listed by Kentucky’s website at 6’3”, 176 pounds. That height listing has drawn plenty of questions and doubt from scouts and executives around the league.
“SAFETY FIRST”
“Is there any prospect that will help me sleep better at night?”
Zaccharie Risacher, F, JL Bourg
Sales Pitch: 3-and-D wing with untapped upside who is starting to believe
6’9”, 204 | 2005 Born (18)
11.3 PTS, 3.5 REB, 1.1 AST, 1.0 STL
50.6 FG%, 44.8 3P%, 68.6 FT% (40 G, 22.8 MIN)
There’s no such thing as a safe pick when it comes to the NBA draft. But there can be prospects that suggest the idea of a high floor. NBA organizations have become blood thirsty over the years when it comes to finding the idea of a player who can thrive as a potential 3-and-D prospect. It’s a tag we often like to try to add to a player immediately, pointing out that they at least would be able to contribute in two important areas of the game.
In theory, if a prospect can space the floor from deep while also making an impact defensively, it should present a road to carving out a lengthy career at the NBA level. But there are also times in which that idea can be a building block for the opening foundation of a trajectory.
That’s why so many evaluators are getting excited (again) about the potential of Zaccharie Risacher. No prospect has gone through such a frantic turnaround when it comes to their draft stock as Risacher has in the last 6+ months. After generating buzz over the years as the “next” international prospect to keep an eye on after San Antonio Spurs rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama, Risacher was projected as a potential Top 5 pick.
That was until a disappointing stretch that included his showing at the Nike Hoop Summit and overseas last summer during FIBA play. Risacher had looked timid on the court and was a player who looked to be begging to discover any sort of confidence.
That confidence has been found. After spending the last couple of years with ASVEL, Risacher decided to suit up for JL Bourg for the 2023-24 season. It’s been a tremendous decision, as Risacher has looked like a completely different player.
Listed at around 6’9”, Risacher has the two-way versatility to entice teams that there’s plenty of untapped basketball waiting to be unlocked. His outside shot has become a legit weapon this year.
What’s been even more impressive is the aggressiveness he’s shown on both sides of the ball. For a player who looked previously as someone who was just trying to move the ball and “fit in,” Risacher has shown instances of grab-and-go before throwing down jams with anger.
He’s going to project early as a high-upside talent that can thrive on the defensive side of the ball while offering a dangerous catch-and-shoot weapon. Because of that, Risacher is going to have plenty of teams intrigued near the top of the draft.
THERE ARE QUESTIONS, BUT YOU ROCK
“What if we are overthinking and this guy is just really good at basketball?”
Stephon Castle, G, UConn
Sales Pitch: Offensive-minded guard who has gone all-in to be a dynamic defensive weapon and is a shot away from becoming something scary.
6’6”, 215 | Freshman (19)
10.8 PTS, 4.4 REB, 3.2 AST, 1.0 STL
48.1 FG%, 32.4 3P%, 70.0 FT% (20 G, 26.3 MIN)
One of the top guards coming out of the high school basketball scene last year, Stephon Castle has been a talent that is oozing with upside. Heading into the 2023-24 NCAA season, evaluators were intrigued to see if Castle could develop into a multi-level scoring option. There’s a lot to get excited about when it comes to Castle. He’s listed at 6’6” and 215 pounds, and he possesses outstanding feel on the offensive side of the ball.
When evaluating Castle as a high school prospect, there was a dangerous individual just waiting to be unlocked. Castle showcased the ability to completely take over a game in a number of different areas. He played the game with swagger and was fearless on the court. As a senior, Castle averaged 20.1 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 3.0 steals and 2.0 blocks per game. If you needed a game to sell yourself on Castle, his 41-point performance against Ron Holland and Duncanville, then the #1 team in the country, was a ringing endorsement.
Especially given the fact that after suffering a bloody nose, Castle played most of the second half with a paper towel hanging from his face.
Castle’s freshman year at UConn will puzzle some. His outside shot just simply hasn’t come around on a consistent level. It will be an area that NBA teams will need to be comfortable with when it comes to stressing patience and allowing their developmental staff to go to work. But an even more pleasant development for Castle this year has been his defense.
After some pre-season “buzz” praising Castle’s defensive ability in UConn’s practices, the demonstrations evaluators are seeing on tape lately are remarkable. Castle is trending as a combo guard with a serious offensive upside that can be a dangerous weapon defensively.
He’s checking the boxes as a player who understands how to make winning plays and contribute, regardless of the outside shot being a question. Castle currently has promising advanced numbers to back up the tape. He ranks in the 90th percentile, via Synergy, when it comes to transition offense. He also finds himself ranked in the 84th percentile as a pick-and-roll ball-handler.
Defensively, those numbers check out as well. Castle ranks in the 100th percentile when defending pick-and-roll ball-handlers and ranks in the 83rd percentile in halfcourt defense.
The most important question to consider now is…what if the outside shot DOES come around? That’s something that could get plenty of NBA personnel buying all in on the potential.
Reed Sheppard, G, Kentucky
Sales Pitch: High basketball IQ & dangerous shooter who plays with tremendous feel & violent hands on defense.
6’3”, 187 | Freshman (19)
12.1 PTS, 4.4 REB, 4.1 AST, 2.6 STL
52.6 FG%, 51.4 3P%, 80.8 FT% (25 G, 28.4 MIN)
Reed Sheppard continues to do freaky stuff on the basketball court. There’s no punchline there, folks. What he’s doing is absolutely insane.
Scouts and evaluators have been waiting for Sheppard’s freakish numbers to level out throughout the 2023-24 NCAA season. Then another month went by…
And another…
As of February 19th, Sheppard is averaging 12.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.6 steals per game. He’s also shooting 52.6% from the field, 51.4% from three-point range, and 80.8% from the free throw line in 28.4 minutes. He’s also currently posting a true shooting percentage of 68.4% from the field.
Please allow a few moments for you to go back and re-read that previous paragraph.
Need some more? Okay, fine let’s do it.
Sheppard is currently ranked in the 99th percentile in Spot Up offense, with an effective field goal % of 74.3%. He’s also in the 92nd percentile as a P&R ball handler, 99th percentile in Jump Shots, and 99th percentile in Catch and Shoot opportunities.
Defensively, Sheppard ranks in the 91st percentile when defending the pick-and-roll ball-handler and 75th percentile in halfcourt defense.
The numbers are insane. But how will teams project Sheppard’s game at the next level? It doesn’t take long to fall in love with Sheppard as a prospect. He checks boxes with rapid pace, and the film backs up the numbers. Sheppard stands out with his high basketball IQ and ability to understand how to navigate to his spots. He’s a lethal shooter who can pick you apart from multiple levels on the court.
Much like his teammate Rob Dillingham, scouts are convinced that Sheppard’s height being listed at 6’3” will be favorable. Will NBA teams be convinced that Sheppard can hold his own at the next level as a point guard? With this type of production and efficiency, is it a point of throwing out the height/position concerns and just drafting a damn good basketball player? Time will tell…
LET’S DREAM A LITTLE
“I’m terrified of how much fun this could be if everything comes together.”
Cody Williams, F, Colorado
Sales Pitch: Tremendous upside who is starting to build confidence and has bundles of potential to be found.
6’8”, 190 | Freshman (19)
14.2 PTS, 3.4 REB, 1.8 AST, 0.8 STL
59.2 FG%, 47.1 3P%, 70.8 FT% (17 G, 31.0 MIN)
Heading into the 2023-24 draft cycle, one NBA scout gave me a ringing endorsement when it came to the potential of Colorado freshman Cody Williams.
“The tools are scary and when it comes to them coming together…it’s not a matter of if, but when…”
Williams had had plenty of scouts excited about his upside since his days at Perry High School (Gilbert, Arizona). That was obvious when Williams was ranked #7 by ESPN and #4 by 247sports out of high school. Many evaluators were buying into the long-term upside when it came to Cody moving forward.
Coming into the 2023-24 NCAA season, Williams was viewed by many as a potential “upside-swing” if he would eventually be a one-and-done prospect. Others believed that it could take a couple of years before Cody started to truly spread his wings. This was given after the fact that Cody had a pair of solid showings at the Nike Hoop Summit and overseas during FIBA play. He continued to look like a player who was simply trying to build some confidence and put together the pieces on the basketball court.
It didn’t take long for all of those ideas to be thrown out the window…
Williams has been sensational throughout the 2023-24 NCAA season with Colorado. The brother of Oklahoma City Thunder rising star Jalen Williams, Cody looks to be trending towards becoming a Top 5 selection in this year’s class. If he can continue to build off his impressive season, Williams will find his name in conversations near the top of the draft.
Tijdane Salaun, F, Cholet Basket
Sales Pitch: Tremendous motor and freakish tools who will require patience to let the pieces fall into place.
6’9”, 203 | 2005 Born (18)
9.4 PTS, 3.4 REB, 0.7 AST, 1.2 STL
41.5 FG%, 35.9 3P%, 78.6 FT%, (38 G, 21.7 MIN)
Plenty of people have had questions surrounding the crop of draft-eligible prospects stateside. At the same time, the International class has started to drop a hammer with some tantalizing talent. One of those prospects who had buzzed throughout the year has been French-born forward Tidjane Salaun.
Listed at 6’9”, with a rumored 7’1” wingspan, Salaun looks like an absolute giant on the court. He plays with a tremendous motor and flies everywhere. Salaun has showcased some intriguing skills in promising areas. Given his general rawness, it’s a promising start to work with given the fact he won’t turn 19 until August.
Salaun has shown strides as an outside shooter, and while the feel still needs some work, there’s been serious growth from the beginning of the year. Salaun has shown an understanding as of late of how to impact the game away from the ball.
Moving forward, scouts are going to need to be willing to be patient with Salaun. The foundation is exciting to work with. Salaun has great size and fluidity on the court and can cover some ground in a hurry. In every draft, there reaches a point in the first round in which the “swing” could be worth it.
The question remains, how enticing will a player like Salaun be for a potential NBA organization? In order for Salaun to reach his potential, he’s going to need some extreme patience. Could teams with multiple first-round selections be looking to use one of their picks on a “project” like Salaun?
There was buzz earlier in the year about Salaun marching up draft boards. Even the thought of Salaun being a sleeper to climb his way toward some part of the Top 10 was becoming a popular debate. When asking around the league, that idea has seemed to get some restraint. Scouts might be a bit lower on Salaun right now than the public eye might realize. But there’s still plenty of time for the lengthy forward to get in front of NBA personnel and swing his stock in the right direction once again.
Yves Missi, C, Baylor
Sales Pitch: Hulk-like big man with serious athletic pop who can contribute with his strengths while game continues to develop.
6’10”, 235 | Freshman (19)
11.1 PTS, 5.6 REB, 0.4 AST, 1.6 BLK
64.6 FG%, 57.9 FT% (24 G, 22.4 MIN)
If you’re looking for a raw big man with power and freakish athleticism, then Yves Missi is going to be grabbing your attention in a hurry. Missi is a raw ball of clay. Except this raw ball of clay is a hulk-like figure with serious vertical pop. There’s legit upside for Missi, who is just starting to scratch the surface of the type of big man he can be down the road.
Missi’s numbers won’t make your jaw drop. He’s currently averaging 11.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 64.6% from the field. The idea for Missi is finding a physical force inside that can offer potential as a dangerous lob threat. We’ve seen plenty of athletic bigs earn a lot of money at the NBA level, especially if they can thrive in crucial areas. What Missi has going for himself is a number of skills that make him a desired big man addition at the next level.
Missi isn’t going to be someone that teams look to feed in the post. That’s just not his game right now, and frankly to be honest…it may never be. Instead, the 6’10”, 235-pound big man is a dream lob threat in the pick-and-roll. In fact, Missi ranks in the 93rd percentile as the pick-and-roll roll man via synergy. He also ranks in the 85th percentile on offense as a cutter.
The role for Missi early on in his NBA career can be simple. Be an effective lob threat, clean up the glass, and offer rim protection on the defensive side of the ball. Those are all areas he could thrive on early while the rest of the game comes together. Missi showcases some freakish examples of awesome athleticism on the court. For a player who is still so raw in their development, it’s going to get teams more than excited about the best basketball ahead.
If you need an example of a game in which Missi’s impact can be felt through the television screen, his performance against Duke on December 20th was a good one. That game saw Missi go toe-to-toe with Duke big man Kyle Filipowski. He finished that game with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks.
UPPERCLASSMEN FLYING HIGH
“Who cares about how old I am…my game is aging like a fine wine. Check ball.”
Kevin McCullar, G/F, Kansas
Sales Pitch: Can hang his hat on versatility on both sides of the ball & makes winning plays in his sleep.
6’7”, 212 | Senior (22)
19.0 PTS, 6.4 REB, 4.4 AST, 1.5 STL
46.3 FG%, 35.2 3P%, 79.3 FT% (23 G, 35.4 MIN)
There’s always a player who seems to be “underappreciated” when it comes to each draft class. Unfortunately, that category often involves an upperclassman who has spent multiple years in college working on their game. We saw it last year with Miami Heat rookie and former UCLA Bruins wing Jaime Jaquez.
Despite improving each year at UCLA, Jaquez was viewed by many as a player who didn’t have the upside as some of the younger prospects. After a tremendous predraft process, Jaquez ended up being selected 18th overall by the Heat, and looks to be a big piece of the puzzle for the organization already.
This year, Kansas Jayhawks senior Kevin McCullar Jr. has the chance to be the next upperclassman to outplay his draft position. McCullar spent the first three years of his collegiate career at Texas Tech before transferring to Kansas for the 2022-23 season. He built a reputation over those four years as a winning player who thrived with his defensive versatility and ability to play a wide range of roles on the court.
McCullar was viewed by many evaluators last year as a potential dark horse to sneak his way into the first round of the 2023 NBA draft. That was after he averaged 10.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.0 steals per game for the Jayhawks while posting shooting splits of 44.4/29.6/76.1.
He would eventually decide to return to Kansas for another year, and the Jayhawks handed McCullar the keys and said, “it’s your turn to be the guy.” For a player that checks so many boxes in a hurry, there was one clear area that was holding McCullar back from being a complete two-way weapon.
You guessed it…the outside shot.
McCullar attempted 2.9 three-point attempts per game during the 2022-23 season and shot 29.6% from deep. This year? McCullar has made the three-point shot a legit part of his arsenal.
As of February 19th, McCullar is averaging 19.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.5 steals per game with shooting splits of 46.3/35.2/79.3. The jump in production across the board has been sensational. It’s even more impressive when you realize that McCullar is up to 4.6 3PA per game this year.
The advanced numbers check out as well. McCullar currently ranks in the 82nd percentile in Transition offense, 76th percentile in spot-up opportunities and the 74th percentile as a cutter. He’s also in the 80th percentile offensively in catch-and-shoot opportunities, with an EFG% of 59.0%.
Defensively? McCullar continues to get it done, as he’s ranked in the 85th percentile in halfcourt defense. There are plenty of prospects that are going to offer more upside than McCullar. There’s no denying that. However, the talented senior is going to be ready to roll from the moment he walks across the stage. Whatever role his next team asks him to do, McCullar will be ready for the assignment.
Dillon Jones, F, Weber State
Sales Pitch: Big-bodied wing who is a bucket-getting, dime-throwing machine with impressive feel for the game.
6’6”, 235 | Senior (22)
20.5 PTS, 9.5 REB, 5.2 AST, 2.0 STL
49.0 FG%, 34.9 3P%, 85.0 FT% (26 G, 36.7 MIN)
This one has plenty of fans in both scouting circles and NBA personnel. What Dillon Jones is doing this year for Weber State is nothing short of spectacular. Given the year that Jones just had during the 2022-23 season, it’s even more remarkable.
Last year, Jones had a remarkable season for the Wildcats. He averaged 16.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per game with shooting splits of 46.2/30.3/81.3. Jones did a bit of everything for Weber State and took the challenge to test the waters for the 2023 NBA draft. After some sensational showings at the NBA draft combine, it looked as if Jones was a name that was picking up some legit steam as a second rounder.
It was pretty much as good of a predraft process as you could hope for…But that’s when Dillon Jones became the “gambling man.”
Jones decided to pull out of the draft and double down on improving his stock for the 2024 class. It was a BALLSY move, especially for a player that just had such an impressive statistical season. How could you possibly improve from that? What else can you showcase that’s going to get scouts drooling?
Well, that’s just what Dillon has done this year. He’s become a dominant force on the basketball court. Listed at 6’6” and 235 pounds, Jones is a bully on the basketball court. He understands how to get defenders out of position before attacking and getting to his spots. Jones can hit you with a dribble sequence before pulling up for an effortless jumper. At the same time, he can make defenders dance before putting his head down and bullying his way to the rim.
Not only has Dillon shown the ability to be a star when it comes to his offensive versatility, but the playmaking has been sensational. He ranks in the 78th percentile as a pick-and-roll ball-handler, 83rd percentile in spot-up opportunities, and 85th percentile in isolation.
There’s going to be plenty of teams that are going to question the role at the next level. At the same time, when you ask around the NBA, there are plenty who are “loving” the versatility and intangibles.
Tyler Kolek, G, Marquette
Sales Pitch: Swagger & fearless floor general who isn’t afraid to go to war.
6’3”, 195 | Senior (22)
15.7 PTS, 4.9 REB, 7.2 AST, 1.7 STL
48.3 FG%, 40.4 3P%, 88.2 FT% (25 G, 33.3 MIN)
There are players who just look like they have the potential to find a way to carve out a role at the next level for a long time. One of those players in this class is Marquette senior guard Tyler Kolek.
Kolek is fearless. Honestly, he’s a player that is never going to back down from a fight. The crafty lefty plays the game with swagger and a massive chip on his shoulder. Kolek might not have the upside or versatility to be a complete game-changing prospect in the backcourt. But he’s the type of presence that could be a dream addition to a team’s rotation for years to come.
When Kolek has been cooking this year, Marquette has been almost unstoppable. He’s a player who can take over a game in multiple areas. Kolek’s numbers look impressive on paper for the year. What’s even more impressive is the fact that Kolek’s numbers look that good after one of his worst stretches of the year.
During a seven game span, Kolek averaged 12.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 7.7 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. While those numbers look pretty solid, Kolek went on to shoot 38.9% from the field and 21.7% from three during that stretch. Marquette would go 4-3 over that span.
His next eight games would see Kolek showcase just how lethal he can be when he’s in a groove. Kolek averaged 20.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 9.4 assists, and 1.5 steals per game with shooting splits of 51.7/47.6/80.6. Marquette during that span? You guessed it…8-0. That was until, of course, Kolek and the Golden Eagles ran into the buzz saw which is the UConn Huskies.
There’s a chance for Kolek to offer some sensational value during the 2024 NBA draft. He’s a tough-minded floor general who will be ready to rock given any role. That could be intriguing, especially for teams looking to add a boost to their backcourt rotation.
COULD THRIVE IN THEIR ROLE
“Rebuilding teams will be distracted by upside. Playoff contenders might trade up for them. Title contenders might draft them early.”
Tyler Smith, F, G League Ignite
Sales Pitch: Boring but good. Knows his role. Can shoot it & offers defensive potential.
6’11”, 224 | 2004 Born (19)
13.6 PTS, 4.9 REB, 1.5 AST, 0.9 BLK
48.6 FG%, 39.2 3P%, 73.8 FT% (35 G, 22.0 MIN)
Somtimes, we find players that simply know how to play to their strengths on the basketball court. These players aren’t the ones that get scouts or evaluators in their feelings. They aren’t the ones that will get a fan base going all-in on the idea of selecting them in the Top 10. But at the same time, they are the ones that can eventually present sensational value at some point in the draft.
One player that continues to impress this year is G League Ignite forward Tyler Smith. Despite the lack of attention surrounding the Ignite this year, Smith has been a joy to watch on the basketball court. He’s a player that is comfortable on the court and understands where he can impact the game.
Smith has intriguing size at around 6’11” with some good athleticism to pair with impressive mobility. He’s not going to be someone you ask to create offense off the bounce. Instead, Smith knows he can be a dangerous asset as a floor spacer, especially given his frame.
Another impressive area of Tyler’s game this year has been his shot-blocking ability, especially as a help defender. He’s shown the desire to meet challengers at the rim with emphatic rejections. Too many times, we search for players who can offer a wide range of versatility and youth.
But sometimes, we need to be intrigued with the individuals who know how and where they can make an impact right away. Tyler Smith will be a talent that can come in and give a boost in two important areas. Those areas will be high in demand for NBA organizations.
Oso Ighodaro, F/C, Marquette
Sales Pitch: Versatile defender with playmaking chops and a high feel for the game.
6’9”, 225 | Senior (21)
14.2 PTS, 7.3 REB, 2.8 AST, 1.2 BLK
61.7 FG%, 63.7 FT% (25 G, 32.6 MIN)
This is a prospect I’ve personally done a complete turnaround on in the span of a year. The reasoning is that I understand that there’s a chance for Oso Ighodaro to carve out a role at the NBA level for a very long time.
Ighodaro is coming off a solid year for Marquette, which saw him average 11.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game. This year, that production has taken a solid step up, but there are some aspects to his versatility on both sides of the ball that should have plenty of fans in NBA circles.
We all know that at some point in the NBA draft, teams are going to start looking for depth on their roster. If this year, a team is looking for a potential plug-and-play rookie who can hit the ground running in the rotation, Ighodaro could be one of the top candidates. He’s a veteran-type of presence on the court who understands how to make an impact despite a watered-down offensive game. While Ighodaro might not be a big man that you look to feed in the post, he checks plenty of boxes that make him a fascinating talent.
Sure, Ighodaro is undersized for a prototypical center at the next level. He’s listed at 6’9”, 225-pounds, but Oso makes an impact all over the floor. The shot blocking is legit, paired with strong instincts. Ighodaro impressed me earlier in the year during a brutal three-game stretch for Marquette. He more than held his own against UCLA, Kansas, and Purdue, averaging 17.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. His most impressive performance during that stretch came against Kansas, in which Oso finished with 21 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and two blocks on 9/15 shooting.
Ighodaro is a talented playmaker as well. Don’t let his 2.8 assists per game average fool you. He can get an initial pass on a handoff before throwing one-handed bullet passes back on the money.
Oso ranks out in impressive categories when you look at the advanced numbers. He’s in the 84th percentile via Synergy as a pick-and-roll roll man, 86th percentile as a cutter, 79th percentile in transition and 88th percentile in post-up opportunities.
This is the type of big man that smart, playoff-contending teams jump all over at some point. This is the type of big man that we look up down the road and realize he’s played 10+ years at the NBA level.
Kyle Filipowski, F/C, Duke
Sales Pitch: Fearless big with potential to be floor spacing asset.
7’0”, 248 | Sophomore (20)
17.0 PTS, 8.3 REB, 2.7 AST, 1.7 BLK
49.7 FG%, 34.5 3P%, 65.1 FT% (25 G, 30.2 MIN)
Duke Blue Devils big man Kyle Filipowski showcased some impressive flashes during his freshman year. Many considered Filipowski as a potential candidate to go somewhere in the middle-to-late first round for 2023. As a freshman, Filipowski averaged 15.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game while shooting 44.1% from the field and 28.2% from downtown.
Filipowski surprised the draft space with his decision to return to Duke for his sophomore campaign. It was a welcomed one, as Filipowski has shown the potential to be a floor-spacing weapon, but the consistency never came around as a freshman.
One of the most interesting storylines with Filipowski occured before the start of the 2023-24 NCAA season. It was reported that Filipowski underwent hip surgery to replace a lingering issue that had been bugging him since his high school days.
Filipowski admitted early in the year that he’s felt a sizeable difference after the surgery. That concept has shown up on tape this year as well, as Filipowski looks much quicker than his freshman year.
Teams are going to be intrigued with the offensive firepower that Filipowski can bring to the table. He’s a potential pick-and-roll weapon, as someone who can get downhill and power his way to the basket, while also stepping out and hitting the outside shot. As a pick-and-roll roll man, Filipowski currently ranks in the 66th percentile, via Synergy, with an EFG% of 64.0%.
This year has been exactly what evaluators have wanted to see from Filipowski, especially when it comes to the three ball. After shooting just 28.2% from downtown as a freshman, Filipowski is currently at 34.5% on the year. With the offensive potential and desire to battle on the boards, he should have a wide range of suitors in front offices.
PJ Hall, F/C, Clemson
Sales Pitch: Relentless worker who battles & offers potential to be a dangerous pick & pop weapon.
6’10”, 245 | Senior (21)
19.5 PTS, 7.2 REB, 1.6 AST, 1.6 BLK
49.4 FG%, 31.4 3P%, 80.2 FT% (25 G, 29.5 MIN)
Another intriguing big man that deserves your attention is Clemson senior PJ Hall. Much like Kyle Filipowski (above), Hall is going to hang his hat on his ability to do damage around the basket while also being able to step out and hit the three.
Hall is one of those guys that continues to impress you on tape. He looks like an Olympic weightlifter who suddenly developed a thirst for the boards. Hall understands how to use his power to deflect defenders off of him. But he also showcases the ability to set up defenders with outstanding hesitations and footwork.
Then, there are the moments when PJ will put the ball on the ground and explode down the lane like a bat out of hell. There’s some general nastiness to PJ’s game. He’s shown the ability to offer touch around the basket and his three-point shot can stretch beyond the parking lot.
Hall’s tape will impress you. Then you’ll start to dig into the advanced numbers before finding you’re getting in your feelings: 88th percentile in halfcourt offense, 83rd percentile in transition, 87th percentile in post-up offense, and 82nd percentile as a cutter.
The 2024 class has had plenty of questions about the top, when it comes to chasing star power. But when it comes to the big man class, there’s plenty of talent and teams will have the opportunity to “pick their flavor.” PJ Hall is going to have the intrigue as a potential serious boost in the rotation for big man depth. Teams will need to be convinced about the defensive versatility sticking, although Hall has shown some great strides this year as a shot-blocker in drop coverage.
I’M SCARED, BUT IN A GOOD WAY
“They should be good. They seem like they are good. But why do I keep looking over my shoulder like I’m being followed by Jason Voorhees?”
Donovan Clingan, C, UConn
Sales Pitch: Has the tools to be legit defensive-enforcer with soft hands and feel around the basket
7’2”, 280 | Sophomore (19)
12.3 PTS, 6.5 REB, 1.5 AST, 2.2 BLK
64.4 FG%, 20.0 3P%, 54.0 FT% (21 G, 20.5 MIN)
Preseason big boards are always fun. We start to project the idea of certain individuals who should be in the conversation for a specific range of an upcoming draft class. The truth is, there’s always a number of prospects that you’ll see in preseason ranks that fail to “live up to the hype.”
Heading into the 2023-24 NCAA season, UConn big man Donovan Clingan was penciled in as a potential breakout candidate. Clingan spent the 2022-23 season with the Huskies as a reserve big man behind Adama Sanogo. He thrived in a limited role and was a huge reason why the Huskies went on to become national champions.
With Sanogo off to the NBA, it looked as if it was time for the Huskies to let Clingan run wild. There’s plenty to be excited when it comes to the giant in the middle. Listed at 7’2”, 280 pounds, Clingan is an absolute monster on the court. He’s got the awareness and feel to stand out on both sides of the floor. Clingan has soft hands and impressive touch around the basket, making him a dangerous pick-and-roll weapon. There’s been buzz that his outside shot continues to come along, although it hasn’t been on full display this year.
The concern with Clingan moving forward is his lack of minutes. Clingan suffered a foot strain in practice before the start of the year which held him out of most of the preseason. Then another injury to the foot popped up in the second half of a game against Seton Hall this year. That injury required Clingan to miss 3-4 weeks with an injury to the tendon in his right foot. The injuries occurred in the same foot, although head coach Dan Hurley stated that the injuries were unrelated.
Time will tell if Clingan can stay healthy and if the minutes can see an uptick. After averaging just 13.1 minutes per game as a freshman in a reserve role, Clingan has still only managed to average 20.5 minutes per game this year. UConn could be playing it safe for now, waiting for March Madness to fully unleash the beast. That’s at least the hope evaluators have moving forward.
Isaiah Collier, G, USC
Sales Pitch: Bully-ball floor general who builds real estate at the free throw line & could entice with playmaking upside.
6’4”, 205 | Freshman (19)
16.2 PTS, 2.8 REB, 4.4 AST, 1.5 STL
48.5 FG%, 31.7 3P%, 66.9 FT% (20 G, 29.6 MIN)
One of the top high school basketball floor generals coming into the 2024 NBA draft cycle was Isaiah Collier. Listed at 6’4” and 205 pounds, Collier is the definition of a bully on the basketball court. He’s a tough-minded point guard who is at his best when he can get out and get downhill. Collier has the juice to be a dangerous threat in transition. He can find driving lanes and attack with an extra gear, welcoming any challenger in his path.
When Collier is cooking, it’s hard not to see why so many were fascinated with his talent. He’s a big-bodied floor general with playmaking upside who can build real estate at the free-throw line. Collier welcomes any opponent who tries to get physical with him. He can weave his way through traffic before altering his body in the air and finishing with finesse.
There was no denying that Collier had the tools to put up some big numbers at USC during his freshman year. Collier started out the year with some impressive numbers. In his first five games, Collier averaged 19.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 53.3% from the field and 42.9% from downtown. The problem was that Collier was also averaging 5.2 turnovers per game during that stretch.
Other questions started to arise when it came to Collier’s inconsistent motor on the defensive side of the ball. Some early questions about Collier could also point fingers in the direction of the situation going on at USC. The team has been an inconsistent roller coaster throughout the year. Could scouts look to this as a potential “bad” situation and remind themselves of the previous slate of their big picture evaluations?
Collier has showcased an improved outside shot this year, something that remains his biggest question moving forward. After missing some time with a hand injury, Collier has returned to the Trojans and has looked much improved. In his last four games, Collier is averaging 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.5 steals and just 1.8 turnovers per game. During that same stretch, Collier has posted shooting splits of 41.8/33.3/68.3.
The turnover issue trending in the right direction is a big deal for Collier. He’s going to be a name to watch closely, as the remainder of the season could be big for swinging his draft stock back in the right direction. The tools are there, but will teams start to buy in again on the potential?
Kel’el Ware, C, Indiana
Sales Pitch: Big with floor spacing upside who offers potential as a rim protecing asset.
7’0”, 223 | Sophomore (19)
15.0 PTS, 9.4 REB, 1.6 AST, 1.6 BLK
56.8 FG%, 43.3 3P%, 67.3 FT% (22 G, 36.0 MIN)
Kel’el Ware drew plenty of intrigue as a freshman during the 2022-23 NCAA season. Heading into the 2023 NBA draft cycle, many viewed Ware as a potential lottery selection. After a disappointing year with the Oregon Ducks, Ware decided to hit the transfer portal before announcing he would suit up for the Indiana Hoosiers for the 2023-24 season.
If you haven’t watched Ware before, it doesn’t take you long to get intrigued with the tools he has. He’s a lengthy 7-footer who can glide on the court and will come out of nowhere for volleyball spikes when it comes to protecting the rim. Scouts wanted to see what Ware could do with a larger role, and when chasing numbers alone, he hasn’t disappointed.
Ware is averaging 15.0 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 56.8% from the field and 43.3% from three on 1.4 attempts per game. It’s helped Ware this year that Indiana has done everything in their power to get him going offensively. He currently ranks in the 94th percentile in Half Court offense and 75th percentile in Half Court defense.
There are simply going to be plenty of NBA teams that are intrigued with the tools. You don’t often find a big man with this type of size who offers the upside to be a floor spacing center with shot blocking instincts. Intel and the predraft process will go a long way for Ware. For now, he’s one to keep a close eye on.
WHAT DO WE DO HERE?
“Alright, who around here has the guts to do this?”
Zach Edey, C, Purdue
Sales Pitch: A literal giant who continues to open eyes with production and improvement
7’4”, 300 | Senior (21)
23.2 PTS, 11.9 REB, 1.8 AST, 2.3 BLK
61.3 FG%, 71.1 FT% (26 G, 30.8 MIN)
Zach Edey is not a small human being.
Now that we got that out of the way, let’s talk about the big man from Purdue. Over the last several years, Zach Edey has been the most dominant force in college basketball. Edey is listed at 7’4” and 300 pounds, and he continues to put up laughable production.
The question on everyone's mind moving forward: who has the guts to take Zach Edey? If this is going to work for some NBA team, then you better bet that some organization will roll the dice on the giant.
Edey has had another tremendous season for the Boilermakers. He’s shown an improved physique and continues to be a legit force on both sides of the floor. Edey has soft hands and finishes around the basket with touch. He’s a beast in the paint, altering shots with his ability to put himself in the right position. The role moving forward will be the million dollar question.
Do teams see a way in which Edey can be a consistent part of their rotation? Do you draft him as a potential back-up who can come in and do his damage against bench players? There’s plenty of buzz about Edey moving forward.
Who is going to be the team that is willing to take the chance on the giant from Purdue?
YOU’RE STARTING TO MAKE SOME NOISE
“If you make any more noise, the neighbors might start to complain.”
Jared McCain, G, Duke
Sales Pitch: High basketball IQ who continues to open challenges and plays the game with great feel.
6’3”, 197 | Freshman (19)
13.8 PTS, 4.9 REB, 1.8 AST, 1.1 STL
46.2 FG%, 41.1 3P%, 84.0 FT% (25 G, 30.2 MIN)
The Duke Blue Devils featured another exciting class of incoming freshmen ahead of the 2023-24 NCAA season. One name that didn’t get as much spotlight as he deserved was freshman guard Jared McCain.
On paper, McCain won’t wow you with his physical profile. He’s listed at 6’3”, 197 pounds and plays more of a combo guard role on the court. But it’s what McCain does on the floor that starts to get you buying into his upside at the next level.
McCain is simply a gamer.
He’s a player who understands how to adapt and play any role that might be required of him. There are too many times in which we want to focus on what a prospect might “not” be in his current state. McCain isn’t going to wow you with his athleticism. He’s not going to have the greatest bag of handles in the world. He’s not going to be a lethal weapon on the defensive side of the ball.
But the dude can play some basketball, and he understands how to make his team better.
The advanced numbers back it up. Via Synergy, McCain ranks in the 85th percentile in transition, 83rd percentile in halfcourt offense, and 97th percentile as the pick-and-roll ball-handler. He also ranks in the 88th percentile in jump shots and 83rd percentile in catch-and-shoot opportunities.
In his last nine games, McCain is averaging 17.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.4 steals per game with shooting splits of 47.9/40.0/84.0.
Jared McCain can flat-out play. It’s time that NBA teams start to take notice as well.
KJ Simpson, G, Colorado
Sales Pitch: Crafty floor general who has continued to improve each year
6’2”, 189 | Junior (21)
19.2 PTS, 5.6 REB, 4.7 AST, 1.7 STL
48.8 FG%, 44.5 3P%, 88.1 FT% (26 G, 33.6 MIN)
At some point, we always wait for certain prospects to come back down to earth. We can always be fooled by an impressive stretch of games, before a player starts to show us what we thought before. That hasn’t happened this year for Colorado guard KJ Simpson.
Simpson has been a bad man on the court this year for the Buffaloes. There’s an argument to be made that he’s been one of the top floor generals in the country this year. He averaged 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game last year with shooting splits of 39.6/27.6/81.7. The fact that Simpson has exploded for that much of a statiscal jump this year is remarkable.
KJ has shown the ability to be a floor general who can overtake a game in a variety of aspects. He’s an intelligent player on the court who knows how to work to get to his spots. The NBA has been drawn to finding point guards who offer size in the modern NBA. But the 2024 NBA draft class is going to test that theory more than ever.
There’s a plethora of small guards who have done everything in their power to convince NBA organizations that they can hang at the next level.
Simpson will find himself in that conversation as well. Yes, he’s listed at 6’2”, 189 pounds. But what else do you need to see from him at this point? Simpson has been efficient and dominant. He ranks in the 87th percentile in halfcourt offense and 89th percentile in jump shots.
This is a crafty guard who understands how to play with hesitations to create windows. At some point in the draft, Simpson is going to have teams wondering if they could find some tremendous value, especially if the outside shot is consistent.
Nique Clifford, G, Colorado State
Sales Pitch: Versatile wing with serious defensive chops and offensive tools
6’6”, 191 | Senior (21)
13.0 PTS, 7.1 REB, 2.5 AST, 1.4 STL
56.0 FG%, 40.8 3P%, 81.4 FT% (26 G, 29.5 MIN)
After spending three years at Colorado, Nique Clifford decided to transfer to Colorado State for his senior year. Clifford is listed at 6’6” and 191 pounds, and he wasn’t viewed early on this year as a potential name to monitor closely for the 2024 NBA draft. But that’s the beauty of scouting, as Clifford has started to shine this season for the Rams.
Clifford has an impressive amount of versatility on the court. He plays much bigger than his size, and he glides on the floor. The jump in production has been awesome this year for Clifford, after averaging just 5.9 points per game in 21.7 minutes last year.
Players who know how to make an impact are going to generate more buzz in NBA circles than in the public eye. While we love to obsess over box scores and stat watching, NBA personnel are looking for the players who can thrive in their projected role. Anything additional is just a bonus.
Clifford has the chops to be a dangerous asset on the defensive side of the ball. He plays the game with swagger and welcomes opponents who look to challenge him. Nique also showcases the ability to be a strong defensive ally away from the ball.
When you start to look at the advanced numbers, you start to wonder if you need to go get your eyes checked: 91st percentile in jump shots, 95th percentile in catch-and-shoot opportunities, 88th percentile in halfcourt offense, and 81st percentile in defending jump shots.
Nique Clifford has the goods to be a versatile piece at the next level. It’s time for that draft buzz to start warming up a bit more.
Jaylon Tyson, G/F, Cal
Sales Pitch: Versatile offensive threat who has impressed with production
6’6”, 213 | Senior (22)
20.3 PTS, 7.1 REB, 3.3 AST, 1.2 STL
48.8 FG%, 37.2 3P%, 78.7 FT% (25 G, 34.3 MIN)
Another name that continues to buzz in the draft space is California Golden Bears wing Jaylon Tyson. After spending a year at Texas and Texas Tech, Tyson has been thriving this year and is putting up remarkable production.
Tyson averaged 10.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game last year for the Red Raiders. The fact that he’s seen such a massive jump in production this year is going to get the attention of evaluators.
He’s a crafty wing with the ball in his hands who can be a smooth operator in the pick-and-roll game. Cal force feeds Tyson in the pick-and-roll, which is a promising category to thrive in given the NBA game today. As a pick-and-roll ball-handler, Tyson ranks in the 88th percentile with an EFG% of 57.6.
Teams will be intrigued with his shot-making upside and feel for the game. If Tyson can continue on this path, he’s going to become a name who can start to heat up in draft circles.
PART II COMING NEXT WEEK
“All good things to those who wait.”