#1- James Wiseman Center Memphis Freshman

Player Bio: 7 feet 1 inch 237 pounds 19 years old

Season Averages: 19.7 points 10.7 rebounds 0.3 assists 3.0 blocks 0.3 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 77% FG 70% FT *only played 3 games*

Strengths

• High Motor and Elite Athlete

  • Plays hard all the time and makes consistent second and third efforts on both ends of the floor. His athletic frame makes him a challenge to deal with around the rim and on the glass.

• Soft Touch from Mid Range and Around the Rim

  • High level jump hook over both shoulders and ability to finish through contact. He has a very natural looking jump shot and can consistently knock down a mid range jumper. The ability to develop a solid three point jumpshot could definitely be a part of Wiseman’s game in the future.

• Shot Blocking and Rebounding-

  • Elite shot blocking skills where he averaged 3 blocks a game in his short career at Memphis. He is an elite out of area rebounder with his 7’4 wingspan. Wiseman has the ability to hunt down rebounds that most players can’t get. He also averaged over 4 offensive rebounds per game.

• Ball Handling for a Big Man

  • Extremely skilled with the ball in his hands and ability to put the ball on the floor to get to the basket.

Areas for Improvement

• Seeing and Passing Out of Double Teams

  • With Wiseman’s talent level he was seeing consistent double and triple teams when he caught the ball near the rim. He has a tendency to put his head down on drives and misses some open shooters when opponents pack the paint.

• Tendency to settle for fadeaway jump shots

  • Turns to his fadeaway jump shot too often when it is not needed. It can be a great shot for Wiseman in the NBA but can’t be forced or taken too often. I would like to see him go at smaller defenders and finish rather than settle for jump shots.

• Defensive Pick and Roll Coverages

  • Wiseman is a young play and certainly can still improve in this area. He has elite length so when he learns how to use it effectively he could turn into an All-NBA defender considering his elite motor. He gets caught in between guarding the ball handler and roller at times but he will be taught this more and more at the NBA level.

#2- LaMelo Ball Point Guard Illawarra (NBL-Australia)

Player Bio: 6 feet 7 inches 190 pounds 18 years old

Season Averages: 17 points 7.5 rebounds 7 assists 1.7 steals 2.4 turnovers

Field Goal Percentages: 37% FG 25% 3PT 72% FT 12 games played

Strengths

• Playmaking skills

  • Ball is by far the best playmaker and passer in the draft. He puts his teammates in great spots to be successful and is elite at making hit ahead passes. With great positional size at 6’7 he is able to see over the defense and deliver passes on time and on target.

• Advanced Ball Handling

  • Elite ball handler in transition and in pick and roll situations. Ball can weave through his defenders on the past break and can pick apart defenses in the pick and roll. He is extremely crafty and gets to his spots at ease.

• Shot Making Ability

  • He can score the ball at all three levels even though his percentages weren’t great in his one season in Australia. He has great range on his jump shot and has a smooth pull up jump shot. He is a crafty finisher around the rim with an elite floater and creativity around the rim.

• Confidence and Swagger

  • Ball plays with a clear swagger and believes he is the best player on the floor at all times. He will never get discouraged by missed shots or a bad play and will keep going out the defense for the entire game.

Areas for Improvement

• Energy and Effort on Defense

  • Ball has a tendency to not give 100% effort all the time on the defensive end. He tends to wander around and won’t be in an athletic stance all the time.

• Lacks Elite Explosion and Speed

  • He lacks blow by speed and explosion going towards the rim. He isn’t the strongest at this point in time but strength can be developed over time just like his brother Lonzo showed in the NBA. He is only 18 years old so that will come over time.

• Shooting Inconsistencies

  • He has the ability to go on cold stretches during games which shows in his low shooting percentages in Australia this season. His jump shot release is low compared to other NBA players but I don’t see it being a major problem at the NBA level.

#3- Anthony Edwards Guard Georgia Freshman

Player Bio: 6 feet 5 inches 225 pounds 18 years old

Season Averages: 19.1 points 5.2 rebounds 2.8 assists 1.3 steals 2.7 turnovers

Field Goal Percentages: 40% FG 29% 3PT 77% FT

Strengths

• Scoring Ability

  • Talented scorer who can get a bucket at all three levels. Fluid jump shot from mid range and three and also has a high level step back jump shot. He has the ability to finish around the rim from many different angles. He is a talented ball handler and gets to his spot well.

• Athleticism, Strength, NBA Body

  • Edwards has a strong body for his size at 225 pounds and has a lot of explosiveness. He is able to finish through defenders at the rim with his high level strength at such a young age. He is an extremely athletic guard who has the ability to explode and finish above the rim and over centers. He also has a near 7 foot wingspan giving him potential to develop into a great defender.

• Transition Offense

  • He is an elite player in transition both as a scorer and a passer. He has good speed getting up the court and will get to the rim if not stopped and can also hit a pull up jump shot on a full sprint. He likes to make hit ahead passes to his teammates when they are open ahead of him.

Areas for Improvement

• Effort and Energy on Defense

  • Edwards is not always locked in on the defensive end of the court. He stands around at times and won’t be in a stance. Considering his wingspan and athleticism, if his effort improves on this end he could turn into a great defensive player. He is a solid on ball defender but has struggles when defending off of the ball.

• Tunnel Vision Mode at times

  • Will look for his shot too much at times even when he is not open. At the college level, double teams were consistently thrown at him because of his talent as a scorer. Rather than finding the open man he at times will try to just get a bucket himself. He is a talented passer so he certainly can improve in this area.

• Consistency in Pick and Roll

  • Edwards is not great in pick and roll situations but he will learn this much more at the NBA level. He is hesitant at times to attack off of ball screens but can certainly improve in this area the older he gets.

#4- Obi Toppin Forward Dayton Sophomore

Player Bio: 6 feet 9 inches 220 pounds 22 years old

Season Averages: 20 points 7.5 rebounds 2.2 assists 1.2 blocks 1.0 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 63% FG 39% 3PT 70% FT

Strengths

• Shooting and Scoring Ability

  • Toppin is a dominant scorer who can score from anywhere on the court. His shooting percentages this past season at Dayton moved him to be a top draft prospect. He can really shoot the ball and can be dominant scoring in the paint as well. He will have the ability to play the 4 and the 5 at the next level depending on the matchup.

• Rim Running in Transition

  • Toppin is great at getting out and running in transition. Shows extreme effort running the floor to beat his man down the floor and is always a lob threat. With the NBA becoming a fast and playmaking driven league, Toppin can become a mismatch nightmare for teams.

• Length and Athleticism

  • He is a great athlete who has the ability to cover ground on both ends. He has the potential to turn into a great shot blocker with his high level explosion and instincts.

• Instincts

  • Has a good IQ and is great at reading passes and jumping into passing lanes. He is a smart and mature player who makes the correct read most of the time on both ends.

Areas for Improvement

• 1 on 1 Defense

  • Toppin got beat a lot on the perimeter in one on one situations. Struggles with his lateral quickness at times and has difficulty staying in front of quicker players. His quick bounce on the defense end lacks at times but with his length he can be taught to improve in this area. Tendency to play too tall at times and won’t get in a stance consistently.

• Defending the Rim

  • Even though he averaged over a block per game, he missed many opportunities to block more shots than he did. He has room to grow as a weak side defender coming across to defend the rim as well. However, with his great size and length he still has time to develop into a better defensive player.

#5- Issac Okoro Forward Auburn Freshman

Player Bio: 6 feet 6 inches 225 pounds 19 years old

Season Averages: 12.9 points 4.4 rebounds 2.0 assists 0.9 blocks 0.9 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 51% FG 29% 3PT 67% FT

Strengths

• Defense

  • Okoro is a high level defender both on the perimeter and in the paint. He can guard quick guards and also can contain bigger forwards. He has the ability to be an elite and versatile defender at the NBA level.

• Finishing at the Rim

  • He had great success at Auburn getting to the rim on drives and finishing through and over defenders. Once he gets a step on his defender, he is able to finish creatively around the rim with both hands with great consistency.

• Athleticism

  • Okoro uses his strength and quickness on both ends of the floor. He is able to explode to the rim and finish with strength on defenders. Both in the half court and in transition he will get his head above the rim to throw down dunks or go get rebounds. Okoro also plays very hard consistently on both ends and willingly dives on the floor to get extra possessions for his team.

Areas for Improvement

• Shooting

  • Okoro is more of a streaky shooter right now and isn’t consistently a great shooter. He shot a decent percentage as a freshman at Auburn but certainly has a lot of room to improve.

• Creating Own Shot

  • When Okoro can’t get all the way to the rim he struggles to create shots for himself. He doesn’t have a fully developed mid ranged jump shot. However, when he does get to the rim he is hard to stop.

• Shot Mechanics

  • At times his shooting mechanics can change from shot to shot. It sometimes looks like he making two different movements when he his going up to shoot. This can certainly be coached up when he gets to the NBA. He shot 29% from 3 this season and improved mechanics will certainly improve that number.

#6- Onyeka Okongwu Forward USC Freshman

Player Bio: 6 feet 9 inches 245 pounds 19 years old

Season Averages: 16.2 points 8.6 rebounds 1.1 assists 2.7 blocks 1.2 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 61% FG 25% 3PT 72% FT

Strengths

• Shot Blocking

  • Great instincts around the rim which shows in his stats where he averaged 2.7 blocks per game in his one season at USC. Even when he is not blocking shots he is constantly bothering shots around the rim which could really help a NBA team on the defensive end.

• Finishing Around the Rim

  • Okongwu goes up strong all the time and will always dunk the ball when he can. He has skill with both hands and almost always is finishing above the rim which makes it hard for defenders to block his shot. He also can put the ball on the floor in the half court and in transition to get to the rim. In high school when he played with the Ball brothers he got used to getting out and running at a fast game tempo. The rest of his offense game has room to grow but is absolutely a work in progress.

• Athleticism

  • He can simply jump out of the gym and has great lateral quickness and speed for a big man. In addition to his jumping abilities he is able to switch onto guards and move his feet to stay in front. This is huge for a big man in today’s high tempo NBA game.

Areas for Improvement

• Shooting

  • He does not have a fully developed jumpshot even though he was a solid foul shooter in college. He has the ability to become a nice mid range jump shooter and maybe get out to the three point line but that is not a vital part of his game at this time.

• Passing/Finding Shooters

  • He is not a great passer right now and doesn’t see the floor well to set up his teammates. On post ups and offensive rebounds he often has tunnel vision and will always go up even when shooters are open.

• Goes For Fakes

  • He is always going for blocks which sometimes puts him bad spots when he bites on shot fakes. With his energy and enthusiasm to defend the rim he will be taught to improve in this area

#7- Deni Avdija Forward Israel

Player Bio: 6 feet 9 inches 215 pounds 19 years old

Season Averages: 12.3 points 5.9 rebounds 2.4 assists 0.7 blocks 0.7 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 47% FG 35% 3PT

Strengths

• Playmaking/IQ

  • He is a smart player on both ends of the floor. He can read passing lanes as a defender and also finds his open teammates in creative ways. He is very comfortable with the ball in his hands and can pick apart defenses in pick and roll situations.

• Scoring

  • Avdija can score from just about anywhere on the floor and in many different ways. He can shoot the ball from distance with great range and has a fluid pull up jumper. He can finish around the rim with both hands and has a well polished floater. He can also score on post ups on smaller defenders and can make a post fade jumper. His scoring skills are very highly developed as he enters the NBA.

• Crafty Player

  • He has a clear feel for the game when you watch his film. He thinks the game all the time and reads the defense very effectively. He is a versatile offensive player who can really help a team picking in the top 10.

Areas for Improvement

• Strength and Physicality

  • Avdija is definitely still a young player but his strength needs to improve. To guard fours and stronger threes in the league he will need to put the time in to get stronger. He was pushed around in the post and on the boards in his professional career to this point. This is an area that needs improvement if he wants to hold up with the physicality and longer season in the NBA.

• Quickness

  • At certain points he has the tendency to get beat by quicker players. He plays too tall on defense sometimes but once he gets in a stance and works on his frame, his on ball defense will certainly improve.

#8- Tyrese Haliburton Guard Iowa State Sophomore

Player Bio: 6 feet 5 inches 175 pounds 20 years old

Season Averages: 15.2 points 5.9 rebounds 6.5 assists 0.7 blocks 2.5 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 50% FG 42% 3PT 82% FT

Strengths

• Playmaking/IQ

  • With his passing instincts in addition to his long wingspan, Haliburton could be an elite passer at the NBA level. As a taller guard he can see over defenses and delivers passes on time and on target. He is a smart player on the defensive end as well and reads passing lanes. His frame could allow him to become an elite defender at the next level.

• Shooting

  • Even though his shot release is a little low and slow, he can really shoot the ball. His shooting percentages in his two years at Iowa State were really impressive and I believe that production will translate to the next level. I am not overly concerned with his shot form because he makes shots at a high percentage.

• Athleticism

  • His great length and speed will translate well at the next level. He can explode to the rim in the half court and in transition. I believe he has the potential to be an elite playmaker in transition because of his length and speed. Athletically he will adjust well to the NBA on both ends.

Areas for Improvement

• Strength

  • He will need to improve his weight when he gets to the next level and that will benefit him in many ways. He got knocked around in college at times and had some difficulties finishing through contact around the rim. He will be tough to stop if he adds strength to his already lengthy body.

• Could Be More Assertive

  • At times he will play too slow in half court offense and won’t attack the defense enough. He will come off screens too slow at times and won’t put pressure on the defense. Once he learns to consistently attack I believe his playmaking skills and numbers will rise even more. Once he improves in this area I think he could be a statistic machine in the NBA.

#9- Precious Achiuwa Forward Memphis Freshman

Player Bio: 6 feet 9 inches 225 pounds 20 years old

Season Averages: 15.8 points 10.8 rebounds 1.0 assists 1.9 blocks 1.1 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 49% FG 32% 3PT 60% FT

Strengths

• Offense in Transition

  • He is great offensive player in transition. As a rim runner he was dominant at the college level and consistently beat players down the floor for easy scores. He also can take rebounds off the boards and bring the ball down the floor himself looking to score or set up teammates. He will be able to contribute in this area immediately at the next level.

• Motor/Energy

  • Achiuwa is always playing hard and with great energy which will serve him well in his NBA career. He may be more of a development players at this point in time but his energy will cover up other mistakes early in his career. He attacks the boards on both ends and is relentless on the offensive glass. His shot blocking and steals numbers show how hard he plays on the defensive end.

• Handle

  • He can handle the ball in transition and in the half court very well for a big man. He can bring the ball down the floor but can also beat defenders off the dribble one on one to get to the basket.

Areas for Improvement

• Shot Selection

  • He has a tendency to take bad shots which definitely hurt his shooting percentages. Will take contested jump shots far too often and tends to take a lot of fadeaway jump shots. He has such a physical frame that I would like to see him focus on getting to the rim more rather than bailing out the defense with jump shots.

• Finishing Through Contact

  • He misses a lot of close shots when defenders are around him. He also got his shot blocked more than he should have in college. He is a great athlete so he needs to learns how to hold off defenders so he can finish at a higher percentage around the rim.

#10- Killian Hayes Guard France

Player Bio: 6 feet 4 inches 187 pounds 18 years old

Season Averages: 12.8 points 2.3 rebounds 6.2 assists 0.2 blocks 1.5 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 45% FG 39% 3PT 90% FT

Strengths

• Playmaking/Passing

  • Talented passer and always looks for his teammates. He has a good feel for the game and consistently creates for the guys around him. He has a talented IQ in the halfcourt and in transition.

• Scoring

  • Hayes can score the ball in many different ways. He has a fluid jump shot and shoots a high percentage from 3. He has a very consistent pull up jump shot and can make floaters from all angles. He is very crafty around the rim and can finish in many different creative ways.

• Ball Handling

  • He can pick apart defenses in the pick and roll and has comfort getting to his spots. He is a creative ball handler and keeps the defense on their heels.

Areas for Improvement

• Turnovers

  • He has a tendency to over pass and force passes to his teammates. As a guard in the NBA he needs to improve in taking care of the ball and not giving away possessions.

• Defense

  • Hayes needs to be more consistent on the defensive end of the floor and needs to be more locked in. He is athletic enough to defend but it is a matter of being focused on that end of the floor more often.

• Strength

  • As many young players in this draft, Hayes needs to improve his strength so he can deal with the physicality of the NBA. This will have the ability to take Hayes' game to the next level. He needs to be able to add strength to his high skill level.

#11- Tyrese Maxey Guard Kentucky Freshman

Player Bio: 6 feet 3 inches 198 pounds 19 years old

Season Averages: 14.0 points 4.3 rebounds 3.2 assists 0.4 blocks 0.9 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 42% FG 29% 3PT 83% FT

Strengths

• Scoring

  • Volume scorer who can score from anywhere on the floor. He was a streaky 3 point shooter at Kentucky but had the ability to get hot. Maxey has a really good pull up jump shot and has an advanced floater game. He is creative around the rim and has the ability to finish through contact. He is very crafty and smooth off the dribble to get to the rim with force.

• Motor

  • It is clearly noticeable on film how hard he plays every game. He rarely takes a play off and was a leader even as a freshman. Will give up to body to hunt down loose balls and hit boards with bigger players.

• Defense

  • He is an energetic on ball defender and can blow up the opponents entire offense. He puts consistent pressure on the ball along with being a great off ball defender. He has a great defensive IQ and talks a lot to his teammates on that end of the floor. He won’t take many risks but is definitely a gritty and solid defender.

Areas for Improvement

• Shooting

  • Maxey goes through cold stretches shooting from the perimeter at times. He has a good looking jump shot so with more reps at the NBA level, I see him being able to improve in this area if he puts the work in.

• Passing

  • He gets tunnel vision at times and misses wide open teammates. He is charge prone because he has a tendency to put his head down when he goes to the drive the ball.

• Shot IQ

  • Takes a fair amount of bad shots which directly hurt his field goal percentage. Relies on his floater too much at times rather than shooting pull up jump shots or getting all the way to the rim.

#12- Cole Anthony Guard North Carolina Freshman

Player Bio: 6 feet 3 inches 184 pounds 19 years old

Season Averages: 18.5 points 5.7 rebounds 4.0 assists 0.3 blocks 1.3 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 38% FG 34% 3PT 75% FT

Strengths

• Shot Creation

  • Can create offense for himself at all times, especially when the offense breaks down. Has great range on his jumpshots and really can pull up from anywhere. Savvy finisher around the rim and is sneaky athletic.

• Ball Handling

  • Advanced ball handler and great at getting to his spots. Tight and compact dribble and does not play around with the ball too often. He is a good player in pick and roll situations.

• Rebounding for Guard

  • Competes on the glass and is a great rebounder at the point guard position. He will hunt down long rebounds and out jump bigs and forwards for 50/50 rebounds.

Areas for Improvement

• Shot Selection

  • With the high confidence he plays with, he takes some very bad shots. His bad shooting percentage proves this point as he tries to do too much at times and consistently takes highly contested shots.

• Passing/Turnovers

  • Misses open teammates at times and has difficulty picking apart a defense. He averaged 3.5 turnovers per game at UNC and that number will need to come down at the NBA level. This is very important for a point guard too but he definitely can still develop in this area.

• Injury History

  • Anthony had ankle troubles in high school and a major knee injury at North Carolina so this can be seen as a cause for concern.

#13- RJ Hampton Guard Breakers (NBL- Australia)

Player Bio: 6 feet 5 inches 181 pounds 19 years old

Season Averages: 8.8 points 3.9 rebounds 2.4 assists 0.3 blocks 1.1 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 41% FG 30% 3PT 68% FT

Strengths

• Athleticism

  • Hampton has a very quick first step and can explode to the rim when he has his man beat. His athletic frame allows him to finish above the rim and over shot blockers.

• Versatile on Offense

  • I can see Hampton as a combo guard at the NBA level with the ability to play the 1 or the 2. He can handle the ball comfortably but has the skills to play off the ball as well. The NBA stresses versatile players so Hampton will be able to fit well with the right team.

• Transition Offense and Finishing

  • He is a problem for defenses out in transition and is a very creative player in space. He has great speed and has the ability to blow by defenders on the break. He is able to finish strong over defenders using his athleticism and was certainly tested in that area by playing pro ball in the NBL.

Areas for Improvement

• Strength

  • His weight is a little light and has some difficulty when defenders get physical with him. He is a freak athlete so if he can put more muscle on he will hold up great physically in the NBA.

• Outside Shooting

  • His shooting motion looks good but his percentages were not great this past year. He did shoot 30% last season but certainly has room to improve that if he wants to become a great guard in the league.

• Quick Decision Making

  • Gets too sped up at times and forces bad passes. He is so good in transition that at times he will try to do too much. This is an area that will take him time to improve but once he gets used to the speed of the NBA he will improve in this area as he gets older.

#14- Devin Vassell Guard Florida State Sophomore

Player Bio: 6 feet 7 inches 180 pounds 19 years old

Season Averages: 12.7 points 5.1 rebounds 1.6 assists 1.0 blocks 1.4 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 49% FG 41% 3PT 74% FT

Strengths

• Defensive IQ

  • Vassell is an excellent defensive player both mentally and physically. His length allows him to be disruptive on the defense end both on the ball and off of it. Great help defense player and has a clear high basketball IQ.

• Shooting

  • Really good shooter especially from 3 point range. Has a good looking mid range jumpshot but is definitely more of a 3 point shooter. Vassell has a quick release and knows how to create space for open shots.

• Motor

  • Vassell plays really hard on both ends of the floor and makes consistent hustle plays. With his great athletic frame he has length to get into passing lanes and works hard on the boards.

Areas for Improvement

• Full Offensive Arsenal

  • Vassell needs to improve his entire offensive game if he wants a very successful NBA career. He is an advanced 3 point shooter but still needs to improve his overall game off the dribble.

• Finishing and Strength

  • He gets knocked off balance at the rim a lot but he will improve over time when he adds strength at the next level. He is a great athlete so this is an area he will be able to improve over time.

• Gambles for Steals

  • He gets over confident on the defensive end at times and goes for steals that he simply can’t get to. This is an easy fix for teams and once he gets into a team system this can be solved fast.

#15- Saddiq Bey Forward Villanova Sophomore

Player Bio: 6 feet 8 inches 216 pounds 21 years old

Season Averages: 16.1 points 4.7 rebounds 2.4 assists 0.4 blocks 0.8 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 47% FG 45% 3PT 77% FT

Strengths

• Shooting

  • Bey might be the best overall shooter in this draft class. Great 3 point shooter and can get really hot after he hits a few. Quick release and always ready to shoot when defenders have a hand down.

• Scoring Within Offense

  • He is a great off the ball player finding gaps and creating space for himself. He cuts hard and sets up his cuts well. He will fit in well with an NBA offense because he is a smart player who can really score.

• Defense

  • Shows great intensity on the defensive end and really improved in that area during his sophomore season. He guards the ball with a lot of energy and forces a lot of bad shots. Solid and smart defensive player.

Areas for Improvement

• First Step

  • Lack explosion to blow by guys off the bounce. This is not a big part of this game but could be an issue when guarded by highly athletic players at the NBA level.

• Finishing Around Rim

  • Bey could really improve his consistency finishing around the rim through contact. He is a great overall scorer so I think he is the kind of player that can definitely improve in this area.

• Consistent Aggression on Offense

  • Would like to see Bey be a little more aggressive all the time. He is a great team player which will serve him well in the NBA but he is a very talented scorer which makes me believe he should aggressively look for his shot more.

#16- Nico Mannion Guard Arizona Freshman

Player Bio: 6 feet 3 inches 190 pounds 19 years old

Season Averages: 14.0 points 2.5 rebounds 5.3 assists 0.0 blocks 1.2 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 39% FG 32% 3PT 79% FT

Strengths

• Scoring

  • Mannion is a talented scorer who is always composed trying to get to his spots. Has a well developed floater and can shoot mid range jump shots consistently with success. Has range on his jump shot from the perimeter as well.

• Playmaking

  • Can make any read that he needs to set up his teammates. Mannion is a really good passer out of the pick and roll and in transition. Very poised point guard who does not get rattled by physical defenders.

• Defensive Competitiveness

  • He really works hard on the defensive end and is a good communicator. He fights through ball screens with enthusiasm and just competes all the time even when matched up with more athletic players. Averaged over 1 steal per game.

Areas for Improvement

• Athleticism

  • Mannion does not jump off the screen athletically even though he can get above the rim on occasion. He has a small frame which will cause difficulties for him in the NBA especially early in his career.

• Creating Space and Finishing

  • He has a steady step back jumpshot but he does struggle to create space to get to the rim. He is a smart player who relies on his skill but not the kind of player to go finish through multiple big men inside.

• Consistent Shooting

  • He was a streaky shooter in his freshman season at Arizona. His shooting percentages were low for a scoring guard and an improved jump shot will serve hm very well in the NBA.

#17- Aaron Nesmith Forward Vanderbilt Sophomore

Player Bio: 6 feet 6 inches 213 pounds 20 years old

Season Averages: 23.0 points 4.9 rebounds 0.9 assists 0.9 blocks 1.4 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 51% FG 52% 3PT 85% FT *14 games played*

Strengths

• Scoring

  • Even though he did not win many games this season at Vanderbilt, his scoring numbers were up towards the top of the country. He is very crafty off the dribble and is a good cutter. He can score from all 3 levels which is why he averaged 23 point per game.

• Shooting

  • Nesmith shot an insanely impressive 52% from 3 point range in the 14 games he played this season. He can really shoot the ball and from great range. He sets up his cuts well and will shoot whenever he has space.

• Defense

  • He is a competitor on defense and is a smart defender off the ball. He had very good steals and blocks numbers in both of his seasons at Vanderbilt.

Areas for Improvement

• On Ball Defense

  • Gets beat off the dribble at times because he plays too tall on defense. He is a strong player so he needs to improve keeping his guy in front.

• Speed and Quickness

  • This directly relates to his troubles defending the ball. He needs to improve his burst on both ends of the floor because if he does he can become a scoring machine in the NBA.

• Playmaking

  • His assist number were really low in both of his college seasons. He gets flustered when double teams are thrown at him. Considering how much he was scoring, his assist numbers should be much higher than they are. Averaging under one assist per game won’t work in the NBA for any team.

*Had foot injury during the middle of his sophomore season but returned by end of season*

#18- Jahmi’us Ramsey Guard Texas Tech Freshman

Player Bio: 6 feet 4 inches 195 pounds 18 years old

Season Averages: 15.0 points 4.0 rebounds 2.2 assists 0.7 blocks 1.3 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 44% FG 42% 3PT 64% FT

Strengths

• Scoring

  • Ramsey can really shoot the ball from the perimeter where he shot 42% from 3 as a freshman. He is a tough player and can get to the rim and finish through contact. He will be an impact scorer the second he steps into the league.

• Transition Offense

  • He is lethal in transition and will push the ball hard with full intention to get to the rim every single time. He is a talented vertical athlete and has a great burst to start a fast break.

• Defense and Motor

  • When watching his games at Texas Tech, Ramsey usually was always playing the hardest out of everyone on the floor. He locks in on defense by always getting in a stance and makes the offense work. He makes consistent hustle plays to get his team’s energy going.

Areas for Improvement

• Decision Making/Playmaking

  • Had a tendency to force things at times leading to bad turnovers. In the NBA he will be taught to slow down at times because he has a tendency to get too sped up with how hard he plays.

• Defensive IQ

  • Ramsey is only 18 years old so he will learn how to become a better defender over time. The energy he plays will help his cause a lot as he tries to learn the NBA game as a very young player.

• Pull Up Jumpshot

  • If he can add a consistent pull up jumpshot to his game he will be almost impossible to stop on the offensive end. This may be the one missing piece in his offensive game.

#19- Vernon Carey Jr. Center Duke Freshman

Player Bio: 6 feet 10 inches 270 pounds 19 years old

Season Averages: 17.8 points 8.8 rebounds 1.0 assists 1.6 blocks 0.7 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 57% FG 38% 3PT 67% FT

Strengths

• Physical Paint Presence

  • Carey is a beast in the paint and can score with both hands on the block. He is really good at carving out space and finishing. Has the potential to be a dominant big man in the NBA.

• Potential to Be Inside Out Scorer

  • He did not shoot many jump shots at Duke but shot a good percentage when left open. He was 8/21 from 3 point range this season which shows he is capable of making a jump shot. This could make him even more difficult to stop.

• Rebounding

  • Carey does not take his size for granted on the boards. He is physical and makes contact with the opponent to secure rebounds. He is great at rebounding the ball and finding his guards fast.

Areas for Improvement

• Perimeter Defense

  • He has difficulty staying low and guarding quicker players in space. Carey needs to improve in this area if he wants to be able to stay on the floor for long stretches in the league.

• Passing

  • Once Carey gets a paint touch, most times the ball is never passed back out. I like his aggressiveness in the paint but he needs to learn to learn to kick it out when doubled in the post.

#20- Isaiah Stewart Center Washington Freshman

Player Bio: 6 feet 9 inches 250 pounds 18 years old

Season Averages: 17.0 points 8.8 rebounds 0.8 assists 2.1 blocks 0.5 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 57% FG 25% 3PT 77% FT

Strengths

• Strength

  • Stewart is a strong player who has the ability to be a force inside at the NBA level. He finishes through guys and with extreme force.

• Motor

  • He plays really hard and competes on the offensive and defensive glass. We will carve out space and pursue the ball which led to great success in college with his elite strength. He is a very capable shot blocker as well.

• Shooting Potential

  • Struggled shooting from 3 point range but has a good looking jump shot for a big man. He is a very comfortable mid range jump shooter and looks to face up and shoot it when he can.

Areas for Improvement

• Finishing Around the Rim

  • He needs to improve his touch around the rim when heavily guarded. Had difficulties at times scoring in the post against good defensive players and teams.

• Perimeter Defense

  • Stewart gets beat on the perimeter by quicker plays. He is another big man in this draft that has to improve in this area if he wants to see consistent playing time with a team right away.

• Passing

  • He is not a great passer right now but as a very young player he has time to improve in this area. Once he gets more of a feel for his entire offensive game it will serve him well.

#21- Jaden McDaniels Forward Washington Freshman

Player Bio: 6 feet 10 inches 200 pounds 19 years old

Season Averages: 13.0 points 5.8 rebounds 2.1 assists 1.4 blocks 0.8 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 40% FG 34% 3PT 76% FT

Strengths

• Athleticism

  • Long and athletic player who plays above the rim on both ends of the floor. McDaniels can really get out and run in transition using his great length. Elite ability to cover ground in fast time.

• Defense and Motor

  • McDaniels really does play hard on the defensive end and causes a lot of havoc. He can have the ability to be a high end NBA defender. He is a great shot blocker where he averaged 1.4 blocks per game in college. His length along with his motor on defense will get him on the floor in the NBA.

• Offensive Skill and Potential

  • At his size McDaniels has the potential to be a great all around offensive player. He can score on all three levels when he wants to and will aggressively put his head down to get to the rim. At his size as a wing player his potential is through the roof.

Areas for Improvement

• Frame

  • To be only 200 pounds at his height is definitely a little concerning. He will need to put on weight if he wants to hold up at his position in the NBA. Finishing through contact was a struggle for him in college.

• Decision Making

  • McDaniels led the Pac-12 in fouls and turnovers which is not a good stat. He needs to slow down and not force things all the time on both ends. He plays so hard which is the positive but this needs to be cleaned up if he wants a long NBA career.

• Scoring Consistency

  • Even with high potential as a scorer, McDaniels has his fair share of struggles at times. He doesn’t seem to have a go to move or have one elite offensive skill. He is good at a lot of things but would be beneficial to become great at something.

#22- Tre Jones Guard Duke Sophomore

Player Bio: 6 feet 3 inches 185 pounds 20 years old

Season Averages: 16.2 points 4.2 rebounds 6.4 assists 0.3 blocks 1.8 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 42% FG 36% 3PT 77% FT

Strengths

• On Ball Defense

  • Jones is the best on ball defender in this draft and will pick you up full court. Moves his feet well and truly is a ball hawk both on and off the ball. Averaging 1.8 steals per game is a great indicator of this. He commits to the defensive ends and competes.

• Passing and Decision Making

  • He has a very IQ and is an extremely steady point guard. He can create for his teammates in transition and off the dribble in the half court. He will make the extra pass to get the best shot for his team. He is a very smart point guard and his 3 to 1 assist to turnover ratio will serve him well as a young point guard. Most importantly he is a great leader and his teammates love playing with him.

• Scoring Ability

  • Has potential to be a good scorer in the league with the ability to create his own shot. Very crafty finishing around the rim with both layups and floaters. His advanced handle allows him to create space and take good shots.

Areas for Improvement

• Shooting

  • Jones has taken great strides with his outside shooting but there is still room for improvement. Improved as a three point shooter from 26% his freshman year to 36% as a sophomore. He is a competitor and a worker so I believe he will continue to improve his shot.

• Athleticism

  • Jones is not overly athletic but relies on his IQ and skill to counter that. If he can develop more quickness and explosion I believe that will help him even if he isn’t an elite vertical athlete.

#23- Josh Green Guard Arizona Freshman

Player Bio: 6 feet 6 inches 210 pounds 19 years old

Season Averages: 12.0 points 4.6 rebounds 2.6 assists 0.4 blocks 1.5 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 42% FG 36% 3PT 78% FT

Strengths

• Defensive Ability

  • Strong on ball defender who will compete on that end of the floor. Good at moving his feet and keeping his man in front. Will contest shots and close out to finish possessions. He is also active in passing lanes ready for steals.

• Athleticism

  • Green has great strength at his position and is a great vertical athlete. He is strong in transition and will finish above the rim with two hands whenever he can.

• Shooting

  • Very good stand still three point shooter and can make shots at a high volume. Has a good looking shot and a quick release to get shot off even with defenders closing out.

Areas for Improvement

• Finishing Around Rim

  • Green is such a strong guard so he needs to improve as a finisher. He goes for reverse finishes too often and tries to avoid contact in the air. As a stronger guard he needs to use that to his advantage more to finish through defenders.

• Scoring Arsenal

  • He will need to develop the rest of his offensive game besides just being a three point shooter. He will need to improve his in between mid range game in addition to finishing around the rim.

• Defensive IQ

  • Loses his man on backdoor cuts far too often and gets beat when he goes for steals too aggressively. He will be taught this more in the NBA but must improve if he wants to play consistently.

#24- Theo Maledon Guard France

Player Bio: 6 feet 5 inches 174 pounds 19 years old

Season Averages: 7.4 points 1.8 rebounds 3.1 assists 0.1 blocks 0.3 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 45% FG 37% 3PT 69% FT * 17 minutes per game *

Strengths

• Frame and Versatility

  • Maledon has a very athletic frame which allows him to play multiple positions. He can play the 1 or the 2 on offense and can guard to the 1, 2, or 3 on the defensive end as well. He has the ability to excel in many different areas.

• Shooting

  • He is a good looking jumpshot and has shot a high percentage for a number of years playing professionally in Europe. Can really shoot the ball from the perimeter off of catch and shoot opportunities.

• Passing

  • Very smart guard who has a great ability to find his teammates. Always has his head up and is really good at finding cutters. It is clear that he has a very high basketball IQ.

Areas for Improvement

• Offensive Game

  • He needs to continue to improve his entire offensive game besides just jumpshots. Needs to develop getting to the rim more consistently and a pull up jumpshot.

• Consistent Aggression

  • At times he will seem hesitant to go make a play so he doesn’t make a mistake. He does not have great explosion and quickness which factors into his scoring aggression as a guard. Once he develops his game more, his confidence to score should follow.

• Defensive Activity

  • His blocks and steals have always been pretty low which could use some improvement. With his frame he needs to develop into a more active defensive player.

#25- Patrick Williams Forward Florida State Freshman

Player Bio: 6 feet 8 inches 225 pounds 18 years old

Season Averages: 9.2 points 4.0 rebounds 1.0 assists 1.0 blocks 1.0 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 46% FG 32% 3PT 84% FT

Strengths

• Defense

  • Williams is a really good defender who can guard multiple positions. Talented wing defending the rim and will block shots both from on the ball and coming from the help side. He is a very talented athlete.

• Mid Range Scorer

  • Has a good looking pull up jump shot with good mechanics and a high release. Uses his length to get to his spots and get a good shot over the defense. This can be a really effective shot for him in the NBA.

• Versatile Offensive Player

  • He is a smart player who can score in many different ways. He is a great cutter and that opens up great scoring opportunities for himself. He can also score off of offensive rebounds when he crashes the glass hard.

Areas for Improvement

• Three Point Shooting

  • Need to improve his perimeter shooting where he only shot 32% from 3 at Florida State. As a wong play in the NBA you have to be able to knock down open shots.

• Finishing

  • Has trouble finishing through contact at time and this needs to improve. He has the ability to be a talented scoring wing but he needs to make strides as a finisher.

• Defensive Closeouts

  • Has struggles keeping quicker players in front of him off of switches and also closing out on his own man. His close outs have a tendency to be flat footed leading to blow by drives.

#26- Kira Lewis Jr. Guard Alabama Sophomore

Player Bio: 6 feet 3 inches 165 pounds 19 years old

Season Averages: 18.5 points 4.8 rebounds 5.2 assists 0.6 blocks 1.8 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 46% FG 36% 3PT 80% FT

Strengths

• Quickness and Speed

  • Lewis Jr. is an extremely quick and shifty player. He has a quick first step and can really explode past defenders consistently. He has breakaway speed and plays at a very fast pace.

• Ball Handling and Passing

  • Has a very advanced and creative handle. Uses his speed to collapse the defense and find open teammates. He is talented enough to pick apart a defense off the dribble.

• Transition Offense

  • He is lethal in the open court both with his skill and speed. He is great at changing speeds and getting to his spots.

Areas for Improvement

• Finishing Around Rim

  • Has a slight frame at only 165 pounds and can be pushed around at times. Has difficulty consistently finishing around the rim which will have to improve at the NBA level. He is also very right hand dominant when scoring at the rim.

• Defensive Consistency

  • He falls asleep on the defensive end at times and gets beat on backdoor cuts. He also may struggle physically with stronger guards in the league.

• Turnovers

  • Averaged 3.5 turnovers per game in his sophomore season at Alabama. He needs to improve in this area if he wants to be a successful lead guard in the NBA.

#27- Jalen Smith Forward Maryland Sophomore

Player Bio: 6 feet 10 inches 225 pounds 20 years old

Season Averages: 15.5 points 10.5 rebounds 0.8 assists 2.4 blocks 0.7 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 54% FG 37% 3PT 75% FT

Strengths

• Versatile Offensive Player

  • He is a very skilled offensive player with the ability to stretch the defense with his great jump shot for a big man. He has the ability to play the 4 and 5 at the NBA level.

• Defense and Motor

  • Averaged 2.4 blocks per game which says a lot about his defensive skill. Smith also plays very hard all the time and is a great rebounder where he averaged 10.5 rebounds per game. He is a very competitive player on both ends.

• Athleticism

  • He is a great athlete who can excel in the fast paced NBA game. He has good length and speed for a big man.

Areas for Improvement

• 1 on 1 Defense

  • Has a tendency to get beat off the dribble by quicker players and plays hunched over when guarding the ball. He struggles covering ground as an on ball defender.

• Passing

  • Averaged less than an assist per game this season at Maryland so needs to improve in finding his teammates. He is very skilled so I think he can improve in this area over time.

• Weight

  • He has a thin body for a big man and can get pushed around at times. He will need to put on some weight if he wants to be able to compete physically with NBA bigs.

#28- Elijah Hughes Forward Syracuse Junior

Player Bio: 6 feet 6 inches 215 pounds 22 years old

Season Averages: 19.0 points 4.9 rebounds 3.4 assists 0.8 blocks 1.2 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 42% FG 34% 3PT 81% FT

Strengths

• Shooting

  • He is a streaky shooter at times but has a good looking jumpshot. I think he has the potential to be a knock down shooter at the next level. There is a lot of intrigue in Hughes as a prospect.

• Playmaking

  • Talented playmaker for a forward and can find open teammates. He is a smart offensive player and took major strides as a passer during his junior season. He is an older draft prospect so he is much more developed than most prospects.

• Off Ball Offensive Player

  • He is a smart player off the ball and is a skilled cutter to create great shots for himself. Cuts well and comes off screens well making him a well polished offensive prospect.

Areas for Improvement

• Finishing

  • He needs to improve as a finisher to take his offensive game to the next level. He has good strength for his size so he should be able to improve in this area over time.

• Man to Man Defense

  • He played in the famous Jim Boeheim Syracuse 2-3 zone in college so likely will be behind when it comes to NBA defense. He will need to learn fast if he wants consistent playing time.

• Shot Selection

  • His lowered shooting percentage is a direct correlation to his shot selection. Has a tendency to force shots both in the paint and from the perimeter.

#29- Cassius Winston Guard Michigan State Senior

Player Bio: 6 feet 1 inches 185 pounds 22 years old

Season Averages: 18.6 points 2.5 rebounds 5.9 assists 0.0 blocks 1.2 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 45% FG 43% 3PT 85% FT

Strengths

• Shooting

  • Can shoot the ball with great success both off the dribble and in catch and shoot situations. Winston loves to pull up from 3 in transition. He has a very polished mid range game as well.

• Playmaking

  • Talented guard who makes his teammates better in all areas. He is one of the best guards in the draft in pick and roll situations and can really pick apart a defense. He plays at his own pace and gets the defense on their heels.

• Ball Handling

  • He has a strong handle and takes care of the ball well against physical defense. He will be a great option for any team to handle the ball.

Areas for Improvement

• Creating Space

  • He struggles creating space against quick and physical defense. He may have difficulty getting open shots off consistently in the NBA.

• Defense

  • He will need to improve as a defensive player because he had struggles at times in college. He may struggle defensively against more talented NBA guards.

#30- Udoka Azubuike Center Kansas Senior

Player Bio: 7 feet 270 pounds 21 years old

Season Averages: 13.7 points 10.5 rebounds 0.9 assists 2.6 blocks 0.5 steals

Field Goal Percentages: 75% FG 44% FT

Strengths

• Dominant Post Player

  • Azubuike was a dominant post presence at Kansas. He has a massive body and is a very physical player. Has good hands and has improved as a finisher every year at Kansas. He shot an impressive 75% this season even though mostly all of his shots were taken right at the rim.

• Defense

  • Has improved as a defender a lot and will likely adjust well defensively in the NBA. He is a dominate shot blocker as he averaged 2.6 blocks per game last season. He is also a good ball screen defender and is a great rebounder.

Areas for Improvement

• Offensive Fit

  • He can not stretch the floor at all which makes scouts wonder what his fit can be on a team. He only shoots around the rim and the NBA currently is a wide open shooting league. Whatever team picks him will have to have a defined role for him at center.

• Free Throw Shooting

  • Shot 44% from the foul line last season which is actually his best percentage in his four years at Kansas. He needs to commit to improving in this area if he wants to have any success in the NBA.