16. Nico Mannion, Arizona
Guard, 6-foot-3, 19 years old
In high school, Mannion was twice recognized as the Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year. Now under his leadership, per KenPom, the University of Arizona currently brags a top-20 offense in the NCAA. Mannion, meanwhile, has the third-best assist percentage (32.5%) in the Pac-12 Conference. His assist percentage is also the best among all freshmen who play in high-major conferences. This is nothing new for Mannion, who led everyone on the Under Armour Association circuit in total assists (71) in 2018-19. The rest of his game needs some work, but Mannion will be drafted for the player he will become rather than who he is right now.
17. Kira Lewis, Alabama
Guard, 6-foot-3, 18 years old
Alabama is averaging 75.2 possessions per 40 minutes, per KenPom, which is the fastest tempo among all top-100 teams. Lewis has scored 4.9 points per game in transition, via Synergy, which currently ranks among the top 30 of all D-I players. He uses his speed well and is currently a perfect 7-for-7 (100.0%) on leak outs in transition and 9-for-11 (81.8%) when cutting to the basket. Although he is a sophomore, as noted by Jackson Frank, the guard is actually younger than freshmen Nico Mannion and Cole Anthony.
18. Aaron Nesmith, Vanderbilt
Wing, 6-foot-6, 20 years old
One of the most disappointing moments of the college basketball season for many was learning that Vanderbilt star Aaron Nesmith would be sidelined indefinitely due to injury. The wing was trending so far in the right direction under head coach Jerry Stackhouse, shooting an insane 52.2% from 3-point range. Even wilder was that Nesmith was 11-for-18 (61.1%) from downtown during his two games against top-50 quality opponents. He was incredibly effective when shooting off screens, dribble handoffs and spot-up opportunities. If the stroke remains true, there is absolutely a role for him on any NBA team. The question is whether his success was a result of small sample size, or if he would have regressed closer to the mean.
19. RJ Hampton, USA
Guard, 6-foot-5, 19 years old
The truth is that RJ Hampton should not be punished for taking matters into his own hands by exploring professional options overseas rather than playing for free in the NCAA. On the other hand, it will be difficult for evaluators to get a true sense of how much Hampton has improved since he finished high school. Injury concerns sidelined him while playing for the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL, and recent history suggests his representation likely will try to hide him during the NBA Draft Combine. Still, it only takes one team to fall in love for Hampton for him to be selected in the lottery. With his draft value potentially slipping due to him being a bit out of sight, however, a top-20 selection is more realistic.
20. Devon Dotson, Kansas
Guard, 6-foot-2, 20 years old
Kansas currently brags the best defensive rating in the nation, per KenPom. Dotson has played a huge role, as his steal percentage (3.6%) ranks in the top 10 among underclassmen at high-major programs. This has helped him be the frontrunner on KenPom’s Player of the Year Standings. Meanwhile, as an offensive prospect, Dotson has shown that he can create out of the pick-and-roll and in transition with ease. His profile reads as a solid floor general who can contribute to a first unit or run the offense for a second unit.