2024 NBA Draft Big Board: Ron Holland out for season, freshmen sleepers explode

Folks. It's almost here. March Madness approaches, and with it, a monsoon of NBA Draft speculation and evaluation.

The 2024 NBA Draft class has developed a fairly negative reputation, but that's not entirely fair. The 2023 draft featured more high-end talent at the top, but parity and uncertainty doesn't necessarily equate to a lack of quality. Most rookies don't enter the league fully developed. It takes time for new skills to emerge.

In the end, we can never know the ceiling of a draft class with absolute certainty. We can only give it our best, most educated guess.

As we edge closer to the biggest month of the year for draftniks (aside from June), the landscape is shifting. The big news to hit the NBA Draft world this week regards the G League Ignite program. Ron Holland, a projected top-five pick, is expected to miss the rest of the season with an injured right thumb.

Then, to add insult to injury, NBA commissioner Adam Silver took to the media over All-Star weekend to openly question the future of the program. Team Ignite is 6-31, by far the worst team in the G League. It's hard to watch an Ignite game and come away thinking that it's a great spot for player development. Roster construction is a major issue. As NIL takes the college world by storm, Ignite is no longer addressing a key hole in the marketplace. Silver appears ready to shift his focus to youth development in America, rather than fixating on a domestic professional pipeline.

We will see how it all unfolds.

Meanwhile, a few surprising freshmen have taken the college basketball world by storm.

Kansas wing Johnny Furphy entered the starting lineup 11 games ago (Jan. 13). Since then, he has averaged 13.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals on .540/.412/.763 splits, effectively occupying the 3-and-D archetype NBA teams desire.

In South Carolina, Collin Murray-Boyles is building a strong draft case despite his unconventional skill set. He, too, entered the starting lineup 11 games ago — on the same day as Furphy. Over that span, Murray-Boyles has averaged 12.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks on 59.4 percent shooting. He's a unique tweener at the four spot, but the defense and basketball I.Q. pop regularly. If he can develop a jumper, he will have a long role player career at the next level. Maybe more.

Neither is a guaranteed entrant in the 2024 NBA Draft, but with the perceived weakness of this class, more teams will bet on upside-laden freshmen with particularly valuable skill sets.

Here's are the updated prospect rankings.

2024 NBA Draft Big Board: Top 80 prospect rankings

Nikola Topic is the latest basketball prodigy from Serbia’s Mega MIS (recently recalled to Euroleague’s Red Star). At 6-foot-6, he’s the preeminent slasher of the 2024 class, constantly rumbling downhill and generating paint touches. Topic knows how to mix speeds and nix defenders with timely acceleration. He can finish every which way around the rim. The jumper projects reasonably well, even if his 3-point consistency stands to improve. There are valid defensive concerns, but he’s a smart team defender who won’t get bullied due to his size. The ability to initiate actions, collapse defenses, and finish so prolifically around the rim makes Topic one of the best star bets in the draft.

Read our full Nikola Topic scouting report here.

Alex Sarr has the potential to effectively anchor an NBA defense for the next decade. That will keep him firmly in the No. 1 mix, no matter the offensive concerns. Sarr is a mobile 7-footer who has no trouble finishing above the rim or fluidly attacking downhill, but his limited physicality and inconsistency as a shooter are holdups. Sarr will attempt 3s, but the results are rather unreliable. He doesn’t rebound at the rate teams want from their centers either. Sarr can guard up in space, navigate the perimeter on defense, and block shots at a healthy clip. His ability to cover ground is unique, and there are shades of the rangy 7-footers who have defined recent NBA Draft classes. Sarr needs to level up on offense to fully convince scouts, but he’s worthy of investment.

Read our full Alex Sarr scouting report here.

Reed Sheppard will continue to battle concerns about his limited 6-foot-3 frame, but the dude is a winner. He’s one of the best shooters on the board, comfortable curling around screens and launching on the move, or torching defenders with deep pull-up range. He doesn’t have the greatest first step, but Sheppard is comfortable as a secondary, connective playmaker who makes rapid-fire decisions with the ball. On defense, he’s a thorny passing lane resident who makes up for athletic limitations with a preternatural understanding of where he needs to be, and when. His high activity level and smarts should lead to significant NBA interest.

Read our full Reed Sheppard scouting report here.

Ron Holland is a bold downhill attacker, sometimes to his detriment. Poor surroundings at G-League Ignite impact Holland’s ability to locate fissures in the defense, which can lead to sloppy turnovers when he runs headlong into a brick wall. There are other instances, however, where Holland’s combination of burst, body control, and touch yields spectacular results. As the 3-point shot comes around, Holland should be able to carve out a secondary or tertiary role in the NBA. He needs to improve as a decision-maker, but the foundation is rock-solid. He has a path to becoming the best wing defender on the board. His competitiveness is well-documented and he covers a lot of ground at 6-foot-7.

Read our full Ron Holland scouting report here.

Rob Dillingham is a treat to watch. The slender 6-foot-2 frame is a concern, but Dillingham’s ball-handling creativity and shot-making versatility quiet those qualms. He’s shifty and elusive with the ball — possessing a particular knack for skating into pull-up jumpers. He is one of the most efficient volume scorers in the freshman class, combined with excellent court vision and the ability to make complex reads on the move. His ability to generate breakdowns and exploit fissures in the defense hints at genuine All-Star upside. On the other end, Dillingham competes hard. He’s a natural target due to his size, but activity in passing lanes and a fiery spirit should help Dillingham stick at the next level.

Read our full Rob Dillingham scouting report here.

Matas Buzelis is 6-foot-9 with a skill set well-suited to the modern game. He doesn’t score with the aggressiveness scouts tend to prefer in top-shelf picks, but Buezlis has great connective instincts on offense. If you believe in the 3-point shot, his ability to attack closeouts, pass on the move, and use his length to finish around the rim are extremely promising traits. He should be able to defend several different positions, too, especially once his frame fills out.

Cody Williams is a toolsy 6-foot-8 wing who competes hard on both ends of the floor. He doesn’t possess much wiggle as a ball-handler, but Williams attacks downhill, weaponizing long strides and a high release to carve out efficient finishes in the paint. He loves to push the tempo in transition, and the defensive activity is highly promising. So long as the spot-up 3s continue to fall, Williams should be able to carve out a strong complementary presence at the next level. He’s the younger brother of OKC forward Jalen Williams.

Zaccharie Risacher has been a high-level pro contributor, which carries even more weight than usual in a relatively weak class. At 6-foot-8, he’s a fairly versatile 3-point shooter with clean, compact mechanics. He doesn’t offer much self-creation, but Risacher can straight-line drive against errant closeouts and make quick decisions in the flow of the offense. He’s not going to self-create a ton, but Risacher uses his length effectively to create space and finish around the rim. What makes him a legitimate No. 1 pick candidate is the defense. He covers a ton of ground with his length and effectively navigates screens to bottle up ball-handlers.

Kyle Filipowski was a potential top-20 pick in 2023 before his surprise decision to return to Duke for a sophomore season. He brings a lot of interesting skills to the center position. He can shoot, pass, handle the rock, and finish above the rim — a lot of teams will salivate over his offensive potential. That said, 7-footers with negative wingspans who struggle to defend in space and lack discipline can present serious downside risk too. Filipowski will have to convince scouts his offensive dynamism can offset the defensive limitations.

At 6-foot-6, Stephon Castle has great positional size for a combo guard. Castle doesn’t explode past his defenders, but he places with pace and is comfortable shifting gears off the dribble, getting his man off balance with hesitations and head fakes before elevating into pull-up jumpers. His tough shot-making gene is strong and he’s a creative passer, to boot. He profiles as a versatile defender. His 3-point shot is the swing skill. Castle doesn’t always create a ton of separation, but he is great once he’s moving downhill with his head on a swivel. That will be difficult at the next level if defenders don’t respect the jump shot.

Ja’Kobe Walter will supply ample shooting dynamism on the wing. At 6-foot-5, he’s comfortable flying off screens or handoffs and taking off-balance jumpers. He doesn’t generate much separation off the bounce and he lacks in the playmaking department, but Walter’s shot-making is electric and he’s a bursty straight-line driver. He absorbs contact on finishes and isn’t afraid of traffic at the rim. On defense, he contains the point of attack well and takes special pride in getting stops. There is positional versatility tied to his 6-foot-10 wingspan.

A bouncy shot-blocker who can catch lobs and run the floor all game, DaRon Holmes should be able to transition smoothly to the next level. He’s one of the best shot-blockers in college basketball and his shooting touch extends out to the 3-point line. He’s not the most robust offensive player, but Holmes is a fundamental offensive big who puts in the effort to set screens and make himself available at the rim.

As expected, Donovan Clingan has elevated into a more prominent sophomore role for the reigning champs. At 7-foot-2 with a 7-foot-7 wingspan, he towers over the competition inside. His instincts as a rim protector, combined with soft touch and power-finishing ability on offense, make him a bankable two-way presence with a high NBA floor.

Isaiah Collier is the engine that drives USC’s offense. There are turnover concerns, as Collier often relies on his strength to bludgeon his way to open spaces at the rim. He’s not the most advanced decision-maker, often predetermining rather than intuitively reading the floor. And yet, he’s a walking paint touch who can score with either power or finesse around the rim. He’s going to get the offense into sets and create advantages moving downhill. The 3-point inconsistency is a persistent problem, and Collier’s defense leaves much to be desired, but the physical tools are easy to buy stock in. He’s listed at 6-foot-5 (but probably shorter) and he’s built like a tank. He won’t be able to bully his way to points the same way in the NBA, but he will still bump defenders off their spot before elevating into a crafty finish.

Read our full Isaiah Collier scouting report here.

A springy 6-foot-8 athlete, sophomore Ryan Dunn covers a ton of ground defensively for Virginia. He’s not hitting 3s yet, but Dunn can provide enough offensively as a cutter, full-court sprinter, and above-rim finisher to get by on elite defense. Whether he’s shadowing the ball-handler, blowing up passing lanes, or impacting shot attempts from the weak side, Dunn has the motor and instincts to leave his imprint on every game.

 A 6-foot-9 freshman who can shoot the lights out, Johnny Furphy has a solid floor and ample room for growth. He doesn’t provide much of anything as a creator, but he finishes efficiently at the rim off cuts and straight-line drives. He’s a projectable athlete on the wing and his defensive energy is a plus. Think of Furphy as a coloring book. He has the outline of a great prospect — NBA teams will hope to fill it all in.

Kel’el Ware was considered by many to be a lottery talent in the 2023 class but he struggled to impact winning as a freshman. Even so, 7-footers with Ware’s blend of mobility, explosiveness, and outside shooting touch don’t come around very often. He needs to get stronger, but Ware is a sky-scraping lob threat who stretches defenses out beyond the 3-point line. He can struggle against physicality and pressure, but the occasional mid-range flourish is enough to maintain confidence in Ware’s unique ceiling. On defense, he covers a ton of ground and displays tremendous instincts as a shot-blocker. His impressive second and third leap leads to a major presence on the glass.

One of the best freshman shot-blockers in college basketball, Yves Missi has a streamlined-but-effective skill set NBA teams should gladly buy into. He won’t offer much traditional upside, but he hammers the glass on both ends, protects the rim at a high level, and finishes efficiently in the paint on offense.

He doesn’t fit naturally into a standard NBA role, but Collin Murray-Boyles has excelled defensively as a freshman. At 6-foot-7 and 231 pounds, he can guard a few positions on the wing. His footwork guarding the perimeter and his physicality at the point of attack stand out. He doesn’t shoot 3s yet — an obvious red flag — but Murray-Boyles’ efficiency as a play-finisher and impressive passing flashes lay the groundwork for a dynamic, impactful complementary piece.

 At 6-foot-10, Kwame Evans brings a lot of desirable, modern traits to the frontcourt. He’s fluid with ball skills and a projectable jumper. He can finish with finesse or power in the paint, and there’s built-in defensive versatility with his frame. Evans already shows a special knack for generating deflections and protecting the rim from the weak side. The percentages are wonky as a freshman, but Evans’ physical tools and high free-throw percentage provide a strong foundation for long-term belief.

Kevin McCullar has made a notable senior-season leap, providing more live-dribble scoring and playmaking to accompany his typically excellent wing defense. NBA teams will want to see the 3-point consistency improve, but McCullar is 6-foot-6 with strength to finish on drives, impressive connective instincts, and a relentless two-way motor.

He’s 6-foot-2 with middling burst and no outlier traits athletically, but KJ Simpson has been a titanic presence for the Colorado offense. He’s comfortable on or off the ball, with deep 3-point range and compact mechanics. He’s excellent at manipulating defenders off the dribble, changing speeds and shifting direction to offset his lack of pure speed. Simpson creates angles on drives and finishes well inside the arc for a player his size. He’s more off-guard than point guard, but Simpson can create on the move and he doesn’t turn the ball over much.

Ajay Mitchell doesn’t get the benefit of elite competition at UC Santa Barbara, but the 6-foot-5 point guard is too productive to ignore. He’s not an explosive athlete, but Mitchell uses gear shifts and craft to generate space and create advantages working downhill. He’s one of the best guard finishers in the draft, with vision working out of pick-and-rolls and enough touch to support optimism in his 3-point shot long term. NBA scouts may ding him for soft competition, but guards with Mitchell’s raw production, efficiency, and I.Q. generally profile well.

He’s a middling athlete as a 6-foot-6, 22-year-old senior, but Dalton Knecht looks ready-made to fly around screens, bomb 3s, and provide connective tissue in an NBA offense. He is scoring at all three levels for Tennessee. If the defense translates, Knecht has a long future in the association.

The 6-foot-8 senior should impress scouts with his shot-making and discipline. He can score at every level, plus he’s an advanced passing hub at the four spot. Concerns about athleticism and age will hold him back, but da Silva has a well-rounded skill set and high basketball I.Q. that should translate smoothly to the NBA. 

At 6-foot-9 with appealing explosiveness on the wing, Tidjane Salaun profiles as a strong upside bet in a class weak on top-end talent. He needs to become a more consistent shooter, but he will hit contested 3s, attack the lane fluidly, and make flash plays on defense. He will require a patient hand at the next level, but there is plenty of clay to be molded.

He’s not the best athlete on the board, but 6-foot-3 freshman Jared McCain has carved out a starting role at Duke. He’s a talented shooter with versatility off the dribble or off the catch. He’s also skilled in the playmaking department, blessed with shifty handles and a great sense of pace. He will struggle to generate advantages against length due to his average first step, but the skill level and I.Q. earns him draft board status.

At 7-foot-4 and 285 pounds, Zach Edey occupies quite a lot of space on both sides of the ball. There are obvious and valid concerns about his potential to hold up defensively in the NBA — he doesn’t move very well in space — but he can still wall off the paint, inhale rebounds, and contribute with surprising skill on the offensive end. He’s one of the most dominant players in college basketball and is going to earn some looks at the next level. 

The Syracuse sophomore presents ample upside with his rim pressure and in-between scoring. Plus, the 3-point shooting is on the right path. Judah Mintz is a bursty downhill attacker who has solid point guard instincts and enough defensive oomph to overcome his slender 6-foot-3 frame.

He’s not the best shooter, but the 6-foot-3 D.J. Wagner from Camden, N.J. is an absolute beast inside the arc. His twitchy athleticism and excellent feel for playmaking shine on the regular. He’s one of the best guard finishers in the draft on paper and he is dynamite on the fast break. He will also get after it with strong point-of-attack defense on the perimeter. 

Dillon Jones averaged a double-double in his junior season. He was also a Combine standout before withdrawing from the 2023 draft. He’s a bit of a tweener on defense at 6-foot-6 and 235 pounds, but he competes hard and his skill set screams useful role player. He crashes the boards, makes quick passing reads in the flow of the offense, actively screens and cuts — some NBA team is going to fall in love.

Jaylon Tyson is a proficient on-ball creator at 6-foot-7, which carries natural appeal. He’s shooting 3s at a healthy clip, making quick passing reads on the move, and consistently creating advantages with ball-handling craft. He needs to cut down on turnovers and address concerns about streakiness, but players in Tyson’s mold are difficult to come by.

Tyler Smith is 6-foot-11 with a beautiful lefty jumper that consistently finds the bottom of the net. He’s comfortable running off screens and stepping into movement jumpers like a wing, plus there’s defensive potential tied to his frame and athleticism.

In full breakout mode as a senior, P.J. Hall has muscled his way into the NBA Draft picture as a true 7-footer who can score with equal touch and physicality in the post. He’s also comfortable beyond the arc, where he’s a constant threat to hit trailing 3s in transition. He will anchor the paint well enough, but there are valid concerns about his ability to defend in space at the next level.

A lanky 6-foot-8 wing, Pacome Dadiet displays a compelling blend of shot-making potential and defensive versatility. He’s comfortable launching 3s and he can get to his spots as a pull-up shooter in the mid-range. Dadiet also operates with impressive tempo as a slasher, using hang dribbles and hesitation moves to lull his defender into disadvantageous positions.

He will have to prove that he can score and defend well enough to stay on the floor in the NBA, but Juan Núñez is one of the smartest players on the board – an expert manipulator with the ball in hand, lulling defenders to sleep with stop-start handles before rocketing perfectly-placed passes from anywhere, to anywhere on the court.

With limited burst at 6-foot-3, there are serious creation doubts with Tyler Kolek. Still, he’s a brilliant passer and ridiculously confident 3-point bomber who should be scrappy enough to stick on NBA radars. He won’t put a ton of pressure on the rim, but he will connect dots and stretch defenses with his jumper.

Devin Carter is one of the top guard defenders in college basketball, with elite anticipation skills and a hunger for stops. He glides over screens, mirrors ball-handlers at the point of attack, and supplies a persistent nuisance in passing lanes. The offense can get streaky, but he flashes pull-up range out to the 3-point line and he handles with enough zip to command backup point guard duties in the NBA.

At 6-foot-5, Mantas Rubstavisius has a ton of traits NBA teams covet on the wing. He’s a plus shooter who can launch quickly off the catch. He also has a knack for beating closeouts, finishing with touch around the rim, and even making the occasional high-level pass on the move. He operates mostly north-to-south, but plus-shooting wings who offer ancillary skills tend to project well at the next level.

Adem Bona is a rugged rim-runner and shot-blocker who should earn NBA looks after his second season at UCLA. He doesn’t provide much in terms of ancillary skills, but his strength and athleticism as a finisher, combined with plus instincts on defense, provide a firm foundation. Foul trouble could limit Bona at the next level, though. He will need to improve his discipline and channel his energy more selectively.

After two productive seasons at Iona, Walter Clayton transferred to Florida for his junior season. He’s a bubbly shot-maker who creates genuine havoc on the defensive end, but there are natural concerns tied to his 6-foot-2 frame. He can absorb contact on drives and finish with touch around the rim, though, and his pull-up shooting should translate to the next level. NBA teams in need of a bench spark should take note.

Zvonimir Ivisic impresses scouts with his size, mobility, and skill. He’s a competent 3-point shooter and shot-blocker, who flashes immense upside attacking off the dribble and carving out shots around the paint. He needs to get much more disciplined on both ends, but the tools for success are there. NBA teams will monitor his progress closely. Few 7-foot-2 bigs can match Ivisic’s perimeter skill, and rim protection.

Alex Karaban is a strong 6-foot-8 forward with a skill package that should translate to the next level. He’ll have to prove that he can defend in the NBA, but Karaban is a versatile shooter who looks right at home in DHO and pick-and-pop actions on the perimeter. He’s also a capable driver with some face-up juice. He doesn’t generate much separation in the lane, but he possesses tremendous touch and creative footwork.

A future role player who can impact the game with shooting, passing, and hustle despite his lackluster athleticism and limited frame. Scheierman’s unfettered confidence and creativity oozes off the screen. He will bury deep contested 3s, whip beautiful passes on the move, and finish with touch in the paint.

Milan Momcilovic is a 6-foot-8 freshman with a knack for tough, contested jumpers. He loves one-footed fallaways in the mid-range and he’s comfortable sticking a pull-up in his defender’s face. There are concerns about how he will translate stylistically to the next level, but his positional size and shooting touch is hard to deny.

Trevon Brazile was well on his way to first round consideration in 2023 before a torn ACL tanked his season. Still, the junior is impactful as a rim finisher and shot-blocker. Brazile’s reliance on athleticism rubs up uncomfortably against his knee injury, but assuming the medicals check out, NBA teams will line up around the block. His roaming presence on defense, combined with efficient 3-point shooting (on low volume) and flashes of face-up potential, will appeal to a variety of teams.

Wooga Poplar loves to run out in transition, where he puts his elite burst and penchant for high-flying acrobatics to use. He’s a quality defensive guard with positional size at 6-foot-5. Now, the 3-point shooting is spiking as a junior. If Poplar can combine his downhill explosiveness with a dynamic jumper, there’s real offensive upside to tap into. He will need to improve as a decision-maker and creator for others, though.

A bulky 6-foot-2 guard who presents intriguing versatility as a shooter, Kylan Boswell is embracing an expanded role as a sophomore. Boswell is torching nets and making quick, connective decisions on offense, all while scrapping his way to a positive impact on defense.

There are concerns about Trey Alexander’s limited size at 6-foot-4, he’s one of the most efficient and versatile 3-point shooters in college basketball. Plus, the junior has made noticeable strides as a passer and driver who could supply invaluable connective tissue at the next level.There are concerns about Trey Alexander’s limited size at 6-foot-4, he’s one of the most efficient and versatile 3-point shooters in college basketball. Plus, the junior has made noticeable strides as a passer and driver who could supply invaluable connective tissue at the next level.

Kobe Johnson is an elite wing defender for USC, always on the prowl in passing lanes. He will do the dirty work and could contribute immediately at the next level as a result. The offense is a work in progress, but he’s a smart team player who explodes on cuts to the rim and hits enough 3s to warrant long-term confidence.

Kyshawn George has caught scouts’ attention with 6-foot-8 size, fluid athleticism, and a smooth 3-point stroke. The defense is a work in progress, but George occupies a valuable archetype on the wing. He flashes as a passer and on-ball creator, even if the handle needs a lot of cleaning up. That, combined with believable 3-point success, makes George a strong upside bet in a weak class.

A towering 7-foot-1 center, China’s Hansen Yang threatens to inject old-school post artistry back into the evolving NBA. We are seeing more and more the value of smart, skilled interior bigs. If Yang can translate his intricate footwork and feather-soft touch, while adding more dynamism as a passing hub around the elbow and on the block, there’s definite NBA upside. He will need to prove that he can hang in space on defense, but the rim protection will come naturally.

Spaniard Izan Almansa spent last season in the Overtime Elite league showcasing the kind of size, athleticism, and skill intersection that gets NBA scouts out of bed in the morning. Almansa doesn’t quite space the floor yet, but he’s comfortable working out of pick-and-rolls and exploding downhill for finishes at the rim. His passing touch at 6-foot-9 is highly impressive and he profiles as a versatile defensive forward who can slide over to small-ball five in certain matchups.

The Marquette senior presents a unique set of skills that screams useful (if atypical) NBA role player. At 6-foot-9, he’s a hard-nosed defender and a genuine passing hub on offense. He can spray passes all over the court facing up from the elbow and he’s a fixture in DHO actions for the Golden Eagles. He scores efficiently at the rim, too. The absence of a 3-point shot is a strike against him, but Ighodaro is young for a senior and the fundamentals are razor-sharp.

A twitchy 6-foot-nothing guard, Jackson Shelstad makes his impression as a scorer. He’s a deadly pull-up shooter, able to shift gears at will and hit the turbo button before elevating into a quick, concise pull-up jumper. He displays touch shots around the rim and confidence well behind the 3-point line. His next step is playmaking for teammates. Defense will be a concern at the next level.

Although questions about his lackluster burst and unconventional shot release persist, Adama Bal has breached the NBA radar with his spot-up 3s, off-kilter handles, and creative finishes as a slasher. He’s scoring at all three levels, he can defend well enough, and there is legitimate playmaking equity to tap into.

Baba Miller is the perfect modern wing on paper — 6-foot-11 with ball skills, 3-point range, and spurts of disruptive defense. In practice, however, Miller has been far too passive at Florida State. He doesn’t take (or make) enough 3s to leave front offices confident in the jumper. His flashes as a finisher and passer are enough to stay invested, but Miller needs to start leaving his impression on the game with increased regularity.

With decent positional size at 6-foot-5, Hunter Sallis electrifies with live-dribble shot creation. He’s a twitchy ball-handler, able to shift gears and explode down the lane for finishes. He is limited as a playmaker for others, but Sallis generates advantages from scratch and he’s a prolific long-range shooter. He profiles as a classic bench scoring spark plug in the NBA.

Bronny James lacks the explosive upside of a traditional lottery pick, but he’s a brilliant basketball mind who understands how to contribute in the small ways. He’s one of the best perimeter stoppers on the board and he can splash 3s efficiently. He doesn’t offer much self-creation at this stage, but he feasts on cuts to the rim and makes quick decisions in the flow of the offense.

A heady, versatile off-guard who can connect dots with his passing and defense. NBA scouts will want to see KJ Lewis shoot more 3s and impact the game as a scorer eventually, but his sharp-edged defense and rapid-fire processing suggest role player upside. He finishes well at the rim and has the strength to emerge as a legitimate slashing threat.

Nobody really saw this coming from Cartlon Carrington, but the four-star recruit exploded out of the gates. He went for a triple-double in his first ever college game, showcasing a blend of shot-making, passing vision, and two-way effort that could immediately land him in the lottery on draft boards. He’s a speedster in transition, a versatile shooter beyond the arc, and he doesn’t turn the ball over much either. He’s a dude.

At 6-foot-7, Harrison Ingram’s junior season transfer to North Carolina has paid dividends. He’s drilling spot-up 3s and operating effectively in a connective role, processing the game at a high level and firing quick-trigger passes to keep the offense in motion. Ingram is comfortable attacking downhill and firing passes on the move, too. Factor in a strong and physical presence on defense, and Ingram has positive role player traits in spades.

A solidly built 6-foot-7 wing who torched nets from 3-point range in France, it’s not hard to see teams buying Melvin Ajinca’s high 3-and-D floor in a draft class plagued with uncertainty. He doesn’t create his own shots on a regular basis, but he can pop on drives to the rim and the 3s will fall fast and furious in the NBA.

With rather cut-and-dry appeal as a 3-and-D wing, Jalen Bridges is a strong role player bet. He defends multiple positions at 6-foot-7. On offense, he’s constantly hitting relocation 3s, cutting backdoor, or collecting easy buckets in transition. He doesn’t offer much in the self-creation department, but Bridges can complement stars and finish off possessions.

With appealing assist numbers, a skyrocketing 3-point percentage, and plenty of strong connective traits, 6-foot-5 Pelle Larsson has the look of an NBA wing. He needs to up his 3-point volume, but the spot-ups look smooth and he’s a smart off-ball operator, frequently moving into open space or attacking downhill off the catch.  

Sporadic playing time at Wake Forest limited Bobi Klintman’s exposure to national audiences as a freshman. He has a ways to go developmentally, but fluid 6-foot-10 athletes who can grab-and-go in transition, navigate traffic off the bounce, and shoot the 3 aren’t easy to find. His upside is significant.

A fifth-year senior and recent UConn transfer, Cam Spencer took center stage for one of college basketball’s top programs. He is a limited athlete at 23 years old, but the impressive perimeter shot-making and high basketball I.Q. stand out. Spencer works diligently in the “small things” department — screens, cuts, general hustle plays — and he makes sharp decisions in the flow of the offense.

At 6-foot-7, Justin Edwards is an explosive lefty scorer who can attack downhill off the catch or feast on cuts to the rim. His pull-up jumper looks good and he can defend across the positional spectrum on the perimeter. The Wildcats can be a tricky team to scout because of John Calipari’s outmoded system, but Edwards has the talent to pop — as most Kentucky five-stars ultimately do. He will eventually want to showcase more aptitude on the ball to deliver on his initial first round hype.

A bursty scoring guard with shifty handles, Caleb Foster should appeal to NBA teams yearning for a creation punch in the second unit. He needs to improve on defense and display more awareness as a passer, but Foster can slyly maneuver through pick-and-rolls, get downhill, and or hit spot-up 3s.

Kanaan Carlyle has been an efficient scoring hub for the Stanford offense, stepping confidently into both pull-up and spot-up 3s and creating off drives with elusive, arhythmic handles. He’s not the quickest guard and his playmaking numbers aren’t great, but Carlyle’s shot-making at 19 years old demands attention.

 A 6-foot-8 wing who’s comfortable running the floor, attacking on straight-line drives, and finishing with touch around the basket, Alex Toohey should pop as a potential connective wing in the NBA. He doesn’t have much wiggle off the bounce and he won’t explode past defenders with his first step, but Toohey has the ability to hit 3s, beat closeouts, and make smart decisions in the flow of the offense.

Dillon Mitchell is a tier-one athlete at 6-foot-8. He can’t shoot 3s, which is a huge drawback, but his explosive play-finishing at the rim, in addition to upside as a chaos engine on defense, makes him a worthy upside swing in a weak class. He will crash the boards, cover lots of ground, and provide the spunk necessary to swing the momentum of games.

Nikola Djurisic started last season as a projected lottery pick. Injuries and uneven play sent him rocketing down draft boards and now he’s looking to bounce back in 2024. It’s the perfect opportunity for him to do just that with so little established top-tier talent. He’s a mobile 6-foot-8 wing who’s comfortable creating his own shot off the bounce. If the jumper starts falling more consistently, he’s a teenager with a track record of success in the pros. NBA teams will catch on.

Despite concerns about age (23) and limited athleticism, Antonio Reeves continues to earn NBA looks with his shot-making talent. He’s a prolific 3-point shooter at 6-foot-4, with feather-soft touch on in-between shots. He won’t pressure the rim or create prolifically for teammates, but he is a bucket.

The freshman needs to boost his scoring efficiency (a lot), but Garwey Dual’s explosiveness as a driver pops every time he steps on the court. He makes a few enticing passes and hits enough pull-up jumpers to keep scouts invested. The defensive playmaking upside is pronounced. He hasn’t put all the pieces together, but the raw materials merit consideration.

Xaivian Lee lacks the traditional strength and athleticism of NBA prospects, but the 6-foot-3 Princeton sophomore has made a name for himself with wit and skill. He’s a confident, dynamic shooter with slippery handles and a keen eye for passing. His ability to locate the smallest pocket of air and create shots from scratch is valuable. He’s comfortable working pick-and-rolls. It’s a matter of whether or not his creativity translates against the superior athleticism of NBA competition.

Reece Beekman, a 6-foot-3 senior, doesn’t possess flashy athleticism or great physical tools. He simply knows how to play ball. He gets after it on defense and presents a useful balance of instinctual playmaking and 3-point shooting on offense. He can play on or off the ball and he should be ready for day-one contributions at the next level due to his experience.

Aaron Bradshaw is an athletic 7-footer with genuine rim protection equity and shooter’s touch on mid-range jumpers and fadeaways. That said, he needs to put on muscle and operate more forcefully around the basket. A fractured foot could impact his draft stock.

Keshad Johnson does the dirty work on both ends. He doesn’t offer much in the way of self-creation, but he’s a devoted screener and off-ball mover with the strength to absorb contact and finish plays inside. He hits enough 3s for confidence on that front. Meanwhile, the defensive effort is commendable at 6-foot-7 and 225 pounds. Johnson is built strong and should offer some positional versatility.

A 6-foot-7 wing who is comfortable flying around screens and bombing 3s, Cade Tyson has utility upside at the next level. He can beat closeouts with straight-line drives and he finishes well around the rim or with one-dribble pull-ups at the elbow. That said, he will struggle to translate his defense to the NBA and he won’t offer much more than play-finishing.