As conference play begins, Florida forward [autotag]Alex Fudge[/autotag] is starting to emerge as a potential candidate for the 2023 NBA draft. Bleacher Report included him in its latest mock draft, predicting that the Los Angeles Clippers will take him with the 50th overall selection.
Of course, there’s plenty of time for Fudge’s draft stock to go up or down. He’s only faced one Quadrant 1 team this year and has only recently joined the starting lineup after starting the season coming off the bench. Fudge’s potential has always been sky high, but it’s his touch from long distance that’s making him a legitimate draft prospect.
“Fudge is starting to make threes on a regular basis,” Jonathan Wasserman wrote for Bleacher Report, “a significant development for a 6’9″ forward with serious quickness and bounce for finishing and defensive playmaking.”
Florida fans have been wowed all year with Fudge’s finishing power at the rim, and providing some touch from three-point range translates well to the modern NBA game. Consistent shooting from distance is something that [autotag]Colin Castleton[/autotag] has looked to add to his game, but Fudge has found far more success than Florida’s big man.
At the beginning of the year, most would agree that Castleton is the Gator with the best chances of making it to the NBA in 2023, but now that title belongs to Fudge, at least for now. The SEC schedule will provide a much better look at how he performs against high-caliber opponents, and he could leave after the season if he’s considered a lock to be drafted in the early second round (or higher).
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