While certain NBA teams like the Trail Blazers seem destined for next year’s draft lottery, fans can start getting excited about the potential picks coming up in June. The upcoming draft class is loaded with notable talent from the college ranks, a refreshing change from previous years.
1. Cooper Flagg
SF, Duke Blue Devils
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Flagg’s reputation has only grown following his impressive performances at the USA Basketball minicamp against professional players. While he may not emerge as a top scorer in the NBA, his game-changing abilities are significant. Picture a player with Draymond Green-like defensive skills — able to block shots and defend various positions — coupled with a continually improving offensive skill set, and you have Flagg.
2. Ace Bailey
G-F, Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Bailey’s blend of size and skill at 6′ 10″ with a seven-foot wingspan and his shot-making prowess make him a high-ceiling prospect. Although he lacks Flagg’s polish, his potential is arguably higher. A standout year at Rutgers could position him as a top draft choice next summer, reminding many of Kevin Durant and other elite tall wings who have excelled in the modern NBA.
3. VJ Edgecombe
SG, Baylor Bears
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Edgecombe has rapidly improved his stock with standout performances for the Bahamas national team in Olympic qualifiers. While he continues to develop his shot creation skills, his athleticism and ability to slash make him a likely standout at Baylor, known for developing NBA talent. This setting should maximize his one year in college.
4. Dylan Harper
G, Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Coming from a family of NBA players, Dylan Harper might be the most gifted. His large frame as a point guard allows him to overpower most defenders to the basket. Teaming up with Bailey at Rutgers, both are likely to be heavily scouted by NBA teams this season, and Harper could be the first guard called up in the draft.
5. Khaman Maluach
C, Duke Blue Devils
Despite his youth, Maluach’s prospects are high thanks to his mobility and height at 7′ 2″, along with his shot-blocking and emerging shooting skills. Still learning the game, his potential is significant if he can refine his abilities. However, his playing time might be limited by Duke’s strong roster of big men.
6. Hugo Gonzalez
G, Real Madrid (Spain)
Gonzalez is a standout among international prospects, known for his relentless play and versatility. His performance against top competition has kept his draft stock high, with a good shooting season potentially cementing him as a top-five pick.
7. Nolan Traore
PG, Saint-Quentin (France)
Traore, with his impressive size and playmaking skills, is a point guard who could vie for the top draft spot. While his decision-making needs improvement, his potential is evident. The competition between him and Harper for the top point guard spot in the draft will be intriguing.
8. Tre Johnson
SG, Texas Longhorns
Securing Johnson was a significant achievement for Texas coach Rodney Terry. Johnson’s decision-making may be inconsistent, but his scoring talent is undeniable. His freshman year at Texas, surrounded by other talented scorers, should provide ample opportunity to display his skills.
9. Egor Demin
G/F, BYU Cougars
Demin’s move from Real Madrid to BYU was a major shift in international basketball dynamics. At 6′ 9″, he excels as a connecting wing, capable of shooting and playmaking. His pivotal role at BYU could signal a trend of top international players opting for college over professional routes early in their careers.
10. Liam McNeeley
SF, UConn Huskies
McNeeley is seen as a top three-and-D prospect and is likely to be UConn’s next lottery pick. His intelligence off the ball, combined with his elite three-point shooting and defensive skills, make him a coveted prospect. His intense competitive nature is well-matched with UConn coach Dan Hurley’s style.
10 more names to know
- Kon Knueppel, Duke
- Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois
- Will Riley, Illinois
- Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina
- Drake Powell, North Carolina
- Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
- Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
- Jalil Bethea, Miami
- Motiejus Krivas, Arizona
- Alex Karaban, UConn
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