Tag: Desmond Bane

NBA prospect Desmond Bane: ‘Consistent is the word to describe me’

TCU Horned Frogs senior Desmond Bane has proven to be one of the best 3-point shooters among all prospects eligible for the 2020 NBA Draft.

TCU Horned Frogs senior Desmond Bane has proven to be one of the best three-point shooters among all prospects eligible for the 2020 NBA draft.

Bane, 22, averaged 16.6 points with 6.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.5 steals per game for TCU during his final collegiate season. He also connected on 2.9 shots per game from three-point range, shooting 44.2 percent in 2019-20. During his four years in the NCAA, he shot 43.3 percent from beyond the arc.

As recently noted, for the upcoming draft, seniors like Bane may have an advantage because they have the largest sample size of game film to show front offices.

Most other years, prospects have opportunities to boost their draft stock in the NCAA Tournament or during team workouts and the NBA combine. But with at least some and potentially even all of those scouting events canceled this year due to the coronavirus, upperclassmen like Bane are arguably more valuable than usual due to increased exposure.

HoopsHype spoke to the 2020 NBA draft prospect about what he would bring to a professional franchise.

Last year, you were one of the top prospects at the Pro Basketball Combine. But you decided to return for your final year of NCAA eligibility. What factored into that decision?

Desmond Bane: First off, the Pro Basketball Combine was a great event and it allowed me to showcase some things that I hadn’t been able to showcase in my junior year. I played in front of scouts and other people with power and influence. But I felt like, ultimately, there were some things in my game that I needed to improve. It was the best decision for me and my career. I also had a relationship with a lot of the guys coming into TCU and I really wanted to mentor them the same way that I was mentored when I was coming up. Also, I wanted to get a degree. That was huge. My degree was in education for youth advocacy.

You came back and ended up becoming the all-time wins leader at TCU. What does it mean for you to have that accomplishment?

DB: It is huge. It just shows how I’ve improved each and every year. I started as a freshman playing scattered minutes. I started a few games here and there. But I stuck with the process and just continued to get better. I feel like I did that each and every year.

You got Conference Player of the Week once in February. You did it again in March. How disappointing was it to get the season cut short so suddenly right when everything was clicking for you?

DB: Coach was telling me to be aggressive. He kept putting the ball in my hands and he was trusting me. I was feeling confident. It was clicking. And it sucks that it ended so fast. We never got any closure on the season because it came to an abrupt end. But I can’t just feel bad for myself because everybody is in the same situation that I am in. That has kept me grounded. All the other players also put their heart and soul into their craft and it also came to an abrupt end as well. There are always risers in the tournament so people missed out on that. But everyone is on a level playing field. I’ve connected with guys across the country and we’ve all just had similar conversations and that has helped me through all of this as well.

This year, you did end up getting  1st Team All-Conference. What were some of the biggest improvements that you made to get to where you are today?

DB: I could always catch and shoot and I mostly got open and set shots. But then as I improved, I could make shots off the dribble and make shots off the move and as well as make plays for myself and for my teammates.

You shot 46.6 percent on dribble jumper three-pointers, uniquely better than you shot off the catch – which was still really good at 41.4 percent in 2019-20. What allowed you to become such a fantastic shooter off the bounce?

Desmond Bane: Dribble Jumpers in 2019-20 (via Synergy Sports Tech)

DB: I kept working all summer. Coach Ryan Miller was really influential in my development over the summer. Obviously, his brother Mike Miller played in the NBA for a long time. So he worked hand-in-hand with him. We stuck to the same regimen that he had and it showed. All of the work that we did, it showed in the games.

That’s very interesting considering Mike Miller is one of the best NBA shooters in recent memory. If you have ever spoken to him, what are some of the things that Mike has told you about your game?

DB: I talk to Mike every now and then. He told me that I do things that will get me in the NBA and keep me in there for a long time. I just have to keep working and keep grinding and go in there and just continue to be a great teammate and everything else will take care of itself.

I like that you are one of the most prolific shooters coming off the screen in college basketball, ranking Top-20 among all D-I players in 2019-20. How do you think that skill will translate when you’re paired with NBA big men who are so great at setting screens?

DB: No question. That is something I will be able to come into the league and do. It will be huge. Landry Shamet is really good at that and it allowed him to play right away. I study people like that. I study his game. I like to study Danny Green. I study Eric Gordon, who shoots a bit more off the bounce. I try to see what allows each player to get on the floor. I try to mirror some of the things that they do.

How would you describe your game for someone who has never had a chance to see you play?

DB: I make shots, I defend, I rebound. That’s my game, really. But I make shots in a variety of ways, whether it is off the bounce or on catch and shoots or running off screens. Or I find my teammates after a shot fake and they are in the lane and someone is open. And then I play with a high motor on the defensive end. So even if I am giving up the length or giving up quickness, I’m going to be able to use my frame and my motor to get the job done. I bring a lot to the table that can help me really contribute right away.

I feel the game comes to you at a very natural pace. How are you able to control the speed and the rhythm that you play with?

DB: Film, film, film. I’m always watching game film. All little minor details like picking your man into the screen, the way you set him up for the screen, it creates separation and space. If you get off the screen clean and he can’t get through, you have an advantage at that point. Once you have that space, if you are a good basketball player, you can make reads and make plays at your own pace. It all starts in the film room and with minor details. I have the IQ and awareness to make the right read. I really take pride in that. No one is able to speed me up.

Where do you think your basketball-IQ ranks among NBA prospects? I think it is one of your most elite traits.

Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

DB: I don’t want to be boastful but I do think I have one of the best IQ’s in the class, for sure. I’ve played a lot of minutes for four years at one of the best conferences in college basketball. It doesn’t get any better than that. I’ve played a lot of different roles and positions for one of the best coaches. I’ve guarded a lot of different players including guards like Trae Young as well as bigs like Jaxson Hayes. It’s a wide spectrum and I’ve seen a lot and also learned a lot over my last four years.

What position do you think you will be guarding the most at the next level? I know you played a lot of your minutes at the four for TCU but I’m curious what your most natural fit will be in the NBA. 

DB: I think I will predominantly guard two’s and three’s at the next level. I think I can guard a lot of four’s as well and even some small-ball five’s I can chest up with. For point guards, I think I can guard a big bulk of them. The elite ones like Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook, those guys are really crafty and elite and just so fast with the ball. So I will have to work on my foot speed to be able to stay in front of guys like that. But I think that I can guard a good chunk of the NBA.

Standing at 6-foot-6, you were still running an efficient pick-and-roll as the ballhandler, which I think might be your most underrated trait. How grateful are you to Coach Miller for entrusting you with that though you were not the primary ballhandler on your team. How did it allow you to be a more versatile player given the experience it gave you? 

DB: It was huge for him to give me that freedom and to trust me in those situations. I was never really a pick-and-roll player. But they gave me the ball, which gave me the freedom to get better at it as the year went on. I feel like by the end of the year, I was making the right play almost every time whether it was the dump off to the big or finding the guy on the weak side in the corner or getting a shot for myself based on how the defense rotated. My pick-and-roll was becoming pretty natural for me.

Were you ever a primary ballhandler when you were growing up?

DB: When I was in high school, I was the biggest kid on my team because I went to a really small school. But I still brought the ball up the court. I have always had a little bit of on-ball skills. We had really good point guards and playmakers at TCU, though, so I just played my role. I made shots and I just defended and rebounded. So I was happy.

I know you were a three-sport athlete growing up, also playing baseball and football. How did that help your athleticism now on the court?

DB: Baseball was my main sport growing up. I played shortstop and center field. My favorite team was the New York Yankees. But in eighth grade, I started playing travel basketball and began focusing on basketball a little more. I loved the team camaraderie. I love the process. I’ve always loved going out in the driveway and getting shots up. As I got older and more serious, I loved going on runs and loved doing yoga sets and then getting extra shots after practice. I fell in love with the process of just getting better. Without basketball, I don’t know what I would be doing. Basketball has become my everything,

The Portsmouth Invitational Tournament was canceled, which would have been a great place for your measurables to have been tested. Have any of your athletic testings improved since you recorded them last year at the PBC?

DB: I just got measured. I was 6-foot-6 with my shoes on. I weigh 215. I’ve done the athletic drills with my strength coach. They did get better since last year. My vertical was 40 inches. I got faster at pretty much every category. I recorded 3.28 seconds on my last 3/4 sprint. My bench press of 185-pounds was 21 reps.

You have such a big frame but you did not get to the free-throw line last year as often as I believe you are capable of moving forward. What can you do to draw more fouls and more contact in the NBA?

DB: After watching the film throughout the year, I noticed I was picking up the ball a little far out. Instead of trying to finish through people, I would try to finish around people when I was driving. But I’m bigger than a lot of the guards. I can take that extra dribble and use all of my strength and my size to get into people. I can go off two feet and really just power up and take their shot-blocking ability away instead of trying to finish up and around people. That will get me to the free-throw line and help me round my game out more.

How did you choose your representation to hire your agent Seth Cohen of SAC? 

DB: It was really based on relationships. Seth is a great guy and made multiple efforts to come to see me and see my family. It’s the SAC Sports Family for a reason. I’ve spent time with each and every person in the agency and it really gives a family vibe. It has been great.

Last year, that agency represented one of the best shooters in the class who was also an upperclassman: Cameron Johnson, who was selected at No. 11 overall by the Phoenix Suns. Are there any similarities between you two as prospects?

DB: We do share a lot of the same similarities. I’ve talked with Cam a lot. The first day I was in the gym, they couldn’t believe the similarities because of how well we shoot the ball. We both played a lot of NCAA minutes and been around the block. We’ve seen a lot of everything. Off the court, we’re just good people. I don’t think anyone would have a bad thing to say about either of us.

How would you describe yourself as a person?

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

DB: I’m a gym rat. No question. I love being in the gym. Other than that, I don’t really do too much. I’ve got a girlfriend. Everywhere I go, I’m walking around with a smile on my face and willing to help out anybody. I was just driving and pulled up to the spot. There was a homeless guy and he asked me for some food. I didn’t have my wallet on me but I had some snacks and Gatorade in the back of the car. So I gave it to him. Little gestures like that, really, feels like what it is all about. If I was in the same position he is in and things didn’t fall my way and if I had also ended up homeless, I would hope somebody looked out for me.

What are some of the biggest motivators that you have had in your life?

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

DB: My love for the game. My family. I want to be able to take care of my little sisters. My grandma is the one who kept me grounded like that. I grew up with my great-grandparents, too. But she put me in a private Catholic school. And she was on me, day in and day out. It was all love. I see it now. Back then, I never understood why she was the way she was but now I give her all of the credit and I thank her so much.

What is the one thing you plan to tell an NBA front office to convince them to select you in the upcoming draft?

DB: I’m a consistent player. If you look at my numbers throughout the year, I shot above 40 percent from the three-point range almost every year. My coach used to always say that you can always control your energy and effort. I do that well. Consistent is the word to describe me. I only missed one practice. I never missed a game. I’m somebody you can count on day in and day out. Whether my role is to play five minutes or 10 minutes or if I ended up getting an assignment in the G League. I can step into any role for any organization that needs someone they can rely on. They don’t have to worry about anything going on off the court. I’ll be there early. I’m always just going to be the best teammate possible and be a big part of the organization.

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2020 aggregate NBA mock draft 5.0: International prospects are rising

Scouting and preparing for the upcoming 2020 NBA Draft is incredibly challenging due to circumstances surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

Scouting and preparing for the upcoming 2020 NBA draft is incredibly challenging due to circumstances surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

As always, we examine the mock drafts from the most trusted analysts to give us the best idea of a consensus for what the upcoming class will look like in June. The latest 2020 NBA mock drafts from experts at ESPN, CBS Sports, SI.com, Bleacher Report, NBADraft.net, The Athletic, SB Nation, Sporting News and USA Today Sports Media Group’s Rookie Wire were used for these rankings.

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Currently, the first three players expected to be selected (Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, James Wiseman) have remained in the exact same order for the third aggregate mock draft in a row.

After dropping from No. 5 all the way to No. 11 between December and January, Maccabi Tel Aviv forward Deni Avdija has jumped back to No. 4 for this version.

He played well recently at the 2020 Eurobasket Qualifiers, scoring 21 points with eight rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal while also shooting 3-for-6 from beyond the arc. This was a welcome change of pace for scouts hoping to learn as much as possible about Avdija as he had averaged just 4.0 points in 14.3 minutes in Euroleague games earlier this season.

Several other prospects playing overseas have seen their stock increase as well. This makes some sense considering many in the NCAA rely on their performance in March Madness to solidify their draft position whereas the international players gain momentum in other ways.

Killian Hayes, who was ranked No. 18 overall on our last aggregate mock draft, jumped up to No. 8 for this edition. The 6-foot-5 guard was 14-for-61 (39 percent) from 3-point range while also connecting on 90.9 percent of his free-throw attempts during Eurocup action. Several outlets are currently projecting him as a Top 5 pick in the 2020 NBA draft.

Another prospect playing outside of the United States but currently making waves is Leandro Bolmaro. He debuted on our aggregate mock draft in the most recent edition before this one but has jumped all the way to No. 29 this time around.

Meanwhile, in the NCAA, some college basketball players managed to make some serious momentum for themselves before the season was unexpectedly cut short. Some of those players are seniors Killian Tillie (Gonzaga), Grant Riller (Charleston), Udoka Azubuike (Kansas) and Desmond Bane (TCU).

As mentioned here, it makes sense for upperclassmen to be more appealing in this class than in previous years. Seniors have far more game film to draw film which may be necessary considering individual team workouts and even the 2020 NBA Draft Combine may be canceled. Plus, older players are likely more ready to contribute immediately.

On the flip side, there are freshmen around the country who have seen their draft stock drastically decline in recent months.

Oregon’s N’Faly Dante has fallen off our boards completely after playing just twelve games and making no appearances in the starting lineup. Kahlil Whitney, who was considered a lottery pick when we did this exercise in October 2019, also dropped off after withdrawing from Kentucky.

Some other freshmen who saw their draft stock fall: Duke’s Matthew Hurt was ranked No. 16 overall back in October but is now at No. 76 overall. LSU’s Trendon Watford was ranked No. 14 in October but has fallen to No. 63. Florida’s Scottie Lewis was No. 9 in July and is currently No. 53 overall.

Less drastic but still valid: Arizona’s Nico Mannion has fallen from No. 6 back in January 2020 all the way to No. 16 now in April. Likewise, UNC’s Cole Anthony dropped from No. 2 back in July 2019 to No. 10 in our new study.

But some encouraging news for prospects who were considered Top-25 recruits coming out of high school but had a disappointing freshman year (e.g. Duke’s Wendell Moore as well as the aforementioned Dante, Whitney, Watford, Hurt and Lewis) can be found in Kentucky’s Immanuel Quickley.

The 6-foot-3 guard was the No. 13 overall recruit in the nation coming into Kentucky as a freshman. But after averaging just 5.2 points as a freshman, he returned for his sophomore campaign.

Fortunately, the SEC Player of the Year dramatically improved his draft stock in 2019-20. His season was highlighted by 21.3 points per game in February and a free throw percentage (92.3%) that ranked as the sixth-best among all underclassmen. This month, he debuted on our aggregate mock draft at No. 42 overall.

HoopsHype’s Alberto de Roa contributed research to this report.

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2020 NBA mock draft: Obi Toppin, LaMelo Ball offer intrigue

Rookie Wire breaks down the film and crunches all the relevant statistics to predict all 60 picks of the 2020 NBA Draft.

Like much of the world right now, the 2020 NBA Draft is full of uncertainty due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The cancellation of the NCAA Tournament changes the evaluation process and denies NBA teams the opportunity to see how players react to the pressure of performing on college basketball’s biggest stage. Nevertheless, scouts and front offices are doing their homework on this year’s top prospects.

As of now, the draft remains scheduled for June 25 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. However, the event could be pushed back in reaction to the pandemic.

Meantime, our two-round mock draft accounts for potential fit for every team that currently owns picks. Some teams, such as the Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans and Boston Celtics, have enough picks to trade up or turn them into higher picks for future years. Others, such as the Golden State Warriors, may want to trade down to select a player based on roster fit.

That said, we made our selections without trying to predict trades.

A few quick notes: Some notable freshmen (such as Florida’s Scottie Lewis, Villanova’s Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Duke’s Wendell Moore and Matthew Hurt) have been omitted because Rookie Wire expects them to return to school.

Similarly, top juniors (such as San Diego State’s Malachi Flynn, Iowa’s Luka Garza, Georgetown’s Omer Yurtseven) were excluded because we expect them to return for their senior year.

Generally speaking, players who have already declared for the draft or are testing the waters were given priority over prospects who we may rate a bit higher but have not officially put the name into the draft pool.

Draft order is based on NBA standings when the league went on hiatus.

1. Golden State Warriors: Anthony Edwards, Georgia

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Wing, 6-foot-5, 18 years old

The Warriors, obviously, have little need for a player who needs the ball in his hands as often as Anthony Edwards does. But the SEC Freshman of the Year arguably has the most star power of anyone in this draft class. Edwards averaged a strong 21.8 points per game in February and is a highlight-reel in transition. Edwards could conceivably be traded, which would allow Golden State to collect another asset while also selecting a player (perhaps either Obi Toppin or Deni Avdija) who fits better with the Warriors’ core.

Second pick | Third pick | Fourth pick | Fifth pick | Remainder of lottery | Remainder of first round | Second round

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Ranking the top NCAA seniors in the country based on NBA draft stock

For the upcoming 2020 NBA Draft, seniors may have an advantage because they have the largest sample size of game film to show front offices.

For the upcoming 2020 NBA Draft, seniors may have an advantage because they have the largest sample size of game film to show front offices.

Most other years, prospects have opportunities to boost their draft stock in the NCAA Tournament or during team workouts and the NBA Combine. But with at least some and potentially even all of those scouting events canceled this year due to the coronavirus, upperclassmen are arguably more valuable than usual due to increased exposure.

With that in mind, we broke the top prospects who have elapsed their college basketball eligibility and as such are thus automatically eligible for the 2020 NBA Draft.

1. Cassius Winston, Michigan State

(Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

Guard, 6-foot-1, 21 years old

During his four seasons at Michigan State, Cassius Winston averaged 13.0 assists per 100 possessions. Meanwhile, his career assist rate (43.1%) ranked as sixth-best among all NCAA players since 2009-10. While a bit undersized, he had always been incredibly productive in college and is arguably the most NBA-ready of the seniors who will be in this draft class. Winston is already an incredibly capable finisher and distributor out of the pick-and-roll, which will help his game translate to the next level. He has also been productive as a shooter off the catch, off the dribble and off screens. In fact, he shot above 40.0 percent from 3-point range on each of those attempts. Winston became the second consensus All-American in Michigan State history, also earning All-American honors back-to-back seasons.

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2020 NBA Draft Big Board: Latest updates after NCAA regular season

With the near conclusion of the 2019-20 NCAA Men’s Basketball Regular Season, it is worth taking another look at the 2020 NBA Draft prospects.

With the conclusion of the 2019-20 NCAA men’s basketball regular season fast approaching, it’s worth taking another look at the 2020 NBA Draft prospects.

While quite a bit will change on big boards and mock drafts following the conference tournaments and March Madness, some of the top players have already convinced NBA teams that they deserve serious consideration when the draft rolls around on June 25, 2020.

Others still have plenty of time to improve their draft stock on the floor and in workouts and interviews. For what it is worth, former top prospects coming into their freshman campaigns who could go back to school for their sophomore campaigns (for example, Florida’s Scottie Lewis and Duke’s Wendell Moore) were not included on this list.

Note that statistics are pulled from Synergy Sports Tech, Bart-Torvik.com, KenPom.com, RealGM or Sports-Reference.

1. LaMelo Ball, USA

(Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)

Guard, 6-foot-7, 18 years old

The main reason to believe in Ball as the top player in the 2020 NBA Draft is because of his ridiculously high upside. With his unique size, he can put up a triple-double on any given night. Even when Ball was playing against much older professional competition in Australia’s NBL, Ball nearly averaged a triple-double per 36 minutes. Meanwhile, his defensive stats were also much better than expected, and his basketball instincts are strong. It is difficult to find an accurate read on Ball, given how many different teams he has played for in recent years. However, there should be enough to like about him for a team to select him with one of the first few picks.

2. Onyeka Okongwu, USC

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Big, 6-foot-9, 19 years old

While he’s a bit undersized at 6-9, he can play bigger than his height, given his 7-foot-2 wingspan. For example, his block percentage (10.0%) ranks among the top five of all freshmen this season. He is more celebrated for his defensive ability, but the offense is there, too. Okongwu is averaging 1.14 points per possession as an offensive finisher, per Synergy, which ranks in the 98th percentile among all NCAA players. Put it all together, and the USC big man currently has the best box plus-minus in college basketball. Even if there might not be as much star potential as a player such as Georgia’s Anthony Edwards, he feels much closer to a sure thing in the NBA.

3. Anthony Edwards, Georgia

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Wing, 6-foot-5, 18 years old

Under head coach Tom Crean, the University of Georgia freshman has been a revelation in transition offense. Edwards ranks among the top five nationally in total scoring on these plays, per Synergy, averaging 5.7 points per game. He looks his best when his shot attempts come closer to the rim, especially considering his 6-foot-9 wingspan. Farther from the basket, meanwhile, more than half of his 3-pointers have been unassisted. This shows he is capable of creating his own shot. Edwards, however, is shooting just 30.3% from beyond the arc on the season. But the reason to like him as a top-three pick is more about flashes of greatness, and he is averaging 21.8 points per game in February.

4. Tyrese Haliburton, Iowa State

Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Guard, 6-foot-5, 20 years old

Haliburton is a skinny, lengthy guard measured with a 7-foot wingspan though and 170-pound frame. But most important is his valuable 3-and-D skill set. Before his injury, his 3-point percentage (41.9%) and steal percentage (3.8%) were both among the best in the NCAA. As a distributor and lead ballhandler, despite an unusually low usage rate, his assist rate still ranks in the top 10 among all underclassmen at high-major programs. Haliburton has been productive enough to suggest he can take over as the starting point guard in the NBA as soon as next season. There may be a low ceiling, but there is also a very high floor.

5. Killian Hayes, Ratiopharm Ulm

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Guard, 6-foot-5, 18 years old

Much like Ball, there is a lot to like about Hayes due to his size and overall upside. He can be a lead ballhandler and has been measured with a 6-foot-7 wingspan. Hayes led France to the silver medal in 2018 at the U17 World Cup, averaging 21.4 points and 4.4 assists with 3.6 steals per 36 minutes. He is shooting 39.0% from beyond the arc in Eurocup action and has been able to produce well as a scorer as he has grown into a bigger role.

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2020 aggregate NBA mock draft 4.0: Evaluating the rising upperclassmen

Somehow already past the midpoint of the college basketball season, the 2020 NBA Draft is starting to shape up with far more clear rankings.

Somehow already past the midpoint of the college basketball season, the 2020 NBA draft is starting to shape up with far more clear rankings.

As always, we examine the most trusted analysts to give us the best idea of a consensus for what the upcoming draft class will look like in June. The latest 2020 NBA mock drafts from experts at ESPN, CBS Sports, SI.com, Bleacher Report, NBADraft.net, The Athletic and USA Today Sports Media Group’s Rookie Wire were used for these rankings.

The top four players (Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, James Wiseman and Cole Anthony) have remained the exact same despite none of the latter three players being active for various different reasons.

Meanwhile, Iowa State sophomore point guard Tyrese Haliburton entered the Top 5 and replaced 19-year-old Israeli prospect Deni Avdija – who has not seen much playing time in the Euroleague.

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Included below are brief scouting reports for senior guards who have improved their draft stock the most since our last update. These players listed are all four-year NCAA players who could be ready to make the jump to the NBA like Josh Hart and Malcolm Brogdon did in their respective classes.

MARKUS HOWARD, MARQUETTE

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Aggregate Mock Draft Rank: 46

One of the most important things to know about Marquette senior Markus Howard is that despite the fact he has four years of collegiate experience, he is just 20 years old. Few teams operate their offense through one player quite like Golden Eagles do with Howard, who has taken 42.5 percent of their total field goal attempts. Fortunately, the guard brags one of the most efficient and prolific jump shots among all NCAA players. Howard operates well when he is shooting off the catch and off the dribble, which will make him a good fit for almost any offense in the NBA. He is currently averaging 28.4 points per game while shooting 42.5 percent on three-pointers. Similarly, no guard in college has been fouled more often than Howard has thus far. He should be a lock win Big East Player of the Year and should be a strong contender for the National Player of the Year, too. As a pro, he can likely become a spark-plug scoring option off the bench. His draft stock has improved from No. 68 up to No. 46 month-over-month.

PAYTON PRITCHARD, OREGON

(Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

Aggregate Mock Draft Rank: 47

Oregon senior guard Payton Pritchard was a Top-50 recruit coming into the Pac-12 back in 2016. He attended West Linn High School, where he was able to lead his squad to four consecutive state titles. That accomplishment was an especially impressive feat considering the program had only won the OSAA Boys Basketball Championship once before and it was way back in 1997. He has since played for the Ducks in the Final Four (2017) and also won MVP of the Pac-12 Tournament last season. He is currently averaging 19.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists with 1.7 steals per game. His assist rate (32.7 percent) is Top 20 among seniors and he has connected on 40.7 percent of his three-pointers. Now more than halfway through the season, he is the heavy favorite to win Pac-12 Player of the Year and could be a sleeper for National Player of the Year as well. He has leaped from No. 96 in December all the way to No. 47 now in January.

SKYLAR MAYS, LSU

Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports

Aggregate Mock Draft Rank: 57

During his senior year of high school, Skylar Mays was actually teammates with Howard at Findlay Prep. Also on the roster was 2019 first-rounder PJ Washington and Toronto Raptors two-way wing Oshae Brissett. For what it is worth, their roster also had current college basketball standouts Tristan Clark (Baylor) and Lamine Diane (CSUN). Their team has already sent tons of prospects into the NBA and Mays could very well be the next in line. He is a potential 3-and-D threat, averaging 1.4 three-pointers and 2.1 steals per game for the LSU Tigers as an NCAA senior. Meanwhile, LSU’s adjusted offensive rating (116.6) ranks Top 5 in college basketball. Along with Reggie Perry (Mississippi State) as well as Kerry Blackshear Jr. (Florida), Mays has a strong candidacy to win SEC Player of the Year. He has jumped from No. 90 last month to No. 57 this month.

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Full 2020 NBA Mock Draft: France’s Killian Hayes deserves your attention

We are getting closer to a point in the NCAA and international seasons to get a better idea of what the 2020 NBA Draft class may look like.

We are getting closer to a point in the NCAA and international seasons to get a better idea of what the 2020 NBA Draft class may look like.

Midway through the campaign, it is nearly impossible to predict early entrant decisions. But as the board begins to materialize with a more clear indication of who could be a legitimate help to NBA teams next season, it is worth it to revisit a full mock draft factoring in where each team will be selecting.

Note that some highly-rated freshmen (e.g. Florida’s Scottie Lewis and Tre Mann, Florida State’s Patrick Williams, LSU’s Trendon Watford, Kentucky’s Kahlil Whitney as well as Duke’s Wendell Moore and Matthew Hurt) were not included because of their disappointing first-year campaigns. As such, they are likely to return to school for a sophomore season and improve their draft stock to where it once was.

Typically, selecting the best player available was the biggest factor though team fit was also carefully considered.

Picks: 1 – 14 | Picks: 15 – 30 | Picks: 31 – 40 | Picks: 41 – 50 | Picks: 51 – 60 | Picks: 31 – 40 | Picks: 41 – 50 | Picks: 51 – 60

All stats are updated through January 14, 2020. The draft order is set via Tankathon on January 15, 2020. 

1. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS: LaMelo Ball, Illawarra Hawks

(Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)

Guard, 6-foot-7, 18 years old 

This is a draft where the No. 1 pick might not be selected in that position in prior classes. While there may not be a unanimous selection at this point in the season like Zion Williamson was last season, the youngest Ball brother arguably has the highest ceiling of anyone in this class. He was nearly putting up a triple-double each appearance against professional basketball players in the NBL, scoring 17.1 points with 7.9 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game. He was not as accurate on his jumper as originally expected but he has also not a player who lacks confidence; expect him to keep shooting those and his three will develop over time. With his size and versatility on offense, he makes the most sense in the pole spot and his size would also allow him to guard bigger opponents, making him an option for nearly any team in the league even one as stacked as Golden State.

2. ATLANTA HAWKS: Anthony Edwards, Georgia

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Wing, 6-foot-5, 18 years old 

Under head coach Tom Crean, the Georgia freshman has been a standout prospect. He is averaging 18.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game during his first collegiate season. But a lot of his output has been helped by his high usage rate. He is shooting just 28.1 percent on jump shots in a set offense, per Synergy, and is shooting just 24.6 percent off the dribble. He is also taking too many shots from deep midrange, shooting 25.8 percent on these looks. Fortunately, Edwards has been an above-average defender and is averaging 1.4 steals per game. The young star can stay in his hometown for this pick, too.

3. NEW YORK KNICKS: Killian Hayes, Ratiopharm Ulm

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Guard, 6-foot-5, 18 years old

Hayes has exceptional court vision and instincts as well as a true point guard mentality to create opportunities for his teammates. He is averaging 17.2 points and 8.3 assists per 36 minutes while facing professional talent in the Euroleague. He is also capable of creating his own shot off the dribble and many of his own buckets have been unassisted. As noted by Bleacher Report draft expert Jonathan Wasserman, the prospect is shooting 153-of-178 (85.9 percent) on free throws since the start of his 2018-19 campaign. Hayes has a very natural shooting stroke and is someone whose hype should continue to grow.

4. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS: Onyeka Okongwu, USC 

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Big, 6-foot-9, 19 years old 

The player who has helped his draft stock the most is Okongwu, who is putting up 16.9 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. He has 32 dunks so far this season, which ranks sixth-best among all NCAA players and can be one of the more immediately impactful lob threats in the NBA. The big man is 13-for-18 (72.2 percent) when rolling to the basket in pick-and-roll sets, which shows how he can fit into a pro scheme. On the defensive end, his block percentage (10.7 percent) trails just one player in college basketball this year. He would play a fantastic two-man game with Darius Garland and he can help their frontcourt depth with the likely departure of Kevin Love.

5. WASHINGTON WIZARDS: RJ Hampton, New Zealand Breakers

(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Guard, 6-foot-5, 19 years old

The Washington Wizards are far from being close to a winning franchise but they do have extraordinary talent on the wing with Bradley Beal. If they add to that by selecting Hampton, who can develop under the leadership of Beal, the fans can sell some hope to a franchise that has gotten a taste of it with the impressive play of Rui Hachimura during his rookie campaign thus far. Like Hachimura, however, Hampton will need some time to develop.

6. DETROIT PISTONS: Tyrese Haliburton, Iowa State

Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Guard, 6-foot-5, 20 years old 

The Iowa State sophomore is one of the most polarizing prospects in recent memory. He is producing 16.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game so far this season. The guard has been a solid shooter, connecting on 41.3 percent of his attempts from three-point range. His assist rate (39.1 percent) ranks Top 5 among all underclassmen in the NBA. Haliburton also fits the bill as perhaps the lengthiest guard in this draft class, measured with a 7-foot wingspan. As a defender, the guard is averaging 2.6 steals per game and his steal rate (4.0 percent) ranks third-best in the Big 12. He seems like a perfect point guard of the future for the rebuilding Pistons, who don’t have much of a direction.

7. CHICAGO BULLS: James Wiseman, USA 

(Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

Big, 7-foot-1, 19 years old 

The biggest reason why Wiseman is this high on draft boards is that he was the No. 1 overall player on RSCI, which combines all of the top high school rankings in the country. The other biggest factor is his massive size, notably his 7-foot-6 wingspan. While it will be hard to see what else he is able to add to his game while he is away from the NCAA following an incredibly brief stint with the Memphis Tigers, he can be an appealing development project. Much like Edwards in New York, the bright lights of Chicago would be an awesome way for Wiseman to start his professional career.

8. CHARLOTTE HORNETS: Isaac Okoro, Auburn

(Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Wing, 6-foot-6, 19 years old

The hyperathletic freshman wing has shown a nice mix of offensive and defensive upside for his undefeated Auburn team, averaging 13.2 points with 4.5 rebounds per game. His jump shot is still a work in progress but he is finishing well near the basket, connecting on 65-for-88 (73.9 percent) for looks within five feet of the basket. As a defender, he is elite guarding the perimeter and has also averaged 0.9 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. They need a strong defender alongside their young backcourt and after hitting well on the PJ Washington selection, this could be another fantastic pick.

9. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS: Obi Toppin, Dayton

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Forward, 6-foot-9, 22 years old

The New Orleans Pelicans are going to be a team likely defined by Zion Williamson for years to come. Much like Williamson, Toppin is a high-flyer who currently leads the NCAA in dunks with 3.2 per game. But he won’t clog the paint from the dunker spot as he is averaging 2.6 three-point shot attempts per game. When determining potential fits for the Pelicans, it is worth considering their ability in transition offense because of their schemes. As such, it is important to note Toppin is 27-for-38 (71.1 percent) on these opportunities.

10. SACRAMENTO KINGS: Vernon Carey, Duke 

Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Big, 6-foot-10, 18 years old

The Kings could continue their tradition of drafting big men from Duke by adding Carey to the mix. He would join Marvin Bagley and Harry Giles as former Blue Devils in the frontcourt for Sacramento. Carey has been an elite college basketball player, averaging 17.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. He leads all freshmen in defensive rebound percentage (28.0 percent), ranks Top 5 among freshmen in total dunks (24) and Top 10 in block percentage (7.8 percent) as well. If he eventually adds a more constant three-pointer to his arsenal, he could be a starter in the NBA very soon.

11. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES: Nico Mannion, Arizona

(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)

Guard, 6-foot-3, 19 years old 

Mannion is averaging 14.4 points and 6.3 assists per game, already an elite distributor at the NCAA level. He is a high-level scorer and passes well out of the pick-and-roll and his assist rate (36.5 percent) currently ranks as third-best among freshman so far this season. His assist-to-turnover ratio (2.3) is a good indication of his instincts. While he may be too young for a starting role next season, he is someone who projects in the first unit for a long time.

12. PHOENIX SUNS: Precious Achiuwa, Memphis

(Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

Forward, 6-foot-9, 19 years old 

After the absence of Wiseman, the Memphis Tigers have turned to Achiuwa as the face of their team under Penny Hardaway. He has responded well and his defensive rebound percentage (25.4 percent) leads the American Athletic Conference. As a defender, his block percentage (7.4 percent) ranks third-best in the conference as well. He has turned it on as a scorer lately but he would not be leaned on as the primary option for a team with Devin Booker leading the charge.

13. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS: Aleksej Pokusevski, Olympiacos B

Forward, 7-foot, 18 years old 

One of the most fascinating, underrated prospects for the 2020 NBA Draft is currently playing in the Greek HEBA A2 league. With a 7-foot-3 wingspan, Pokusevski has the ability to play a bit bigger than his already impressive 7-foot frame. He is averaging 16.9 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.4 three-pointers per 36 minutes. The Serbian-born prospect has also connected on 32.6 percent from three-point range. As a defender, his size has helped him secure 2.8 blocks per 36 minutes as well. Portland could play him in several different places but could provide his most value as a necessary help on the wing.

14. SAN ANTONIO SPURS: Josh Green, Arizona

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Wing, 6-foot-6, 19 years old 

The Arizona freshman was a fantastic scorer on the AAU circuit playing for West Coast Elite, averaging 20.2 points per game. This season, he has put up 12.9 points per game for the Wildcats. Green has also grabbed 5.1 rebounds per game, which has allowed him to be an interesting option operating as the ball handler in a transition offense. Green is currently averaging 1.35 points per possession on these opportunities, per Synergy, which ranks in the 95th percentile. He also has a 6-foot-10 wingspan, which will help him a lot on the defensive side of the ball.

Picks: 15 – 30 | Picks: 31 – 40 | Picks: 41 – 50 | Picks: 51 – 60

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Hidden gems in the 2020 NBA draft who are currently dominating NCAA

When analysts label a draft class as weak, that often refers to the talent projected early. But there are always good prospects waiting to be found.

When analysts label a draft class as weak, that often refers to the talent projected early. But there are always good prospects waiting to be found.

Every year, there are players who either out of the second round or who went undrafted that emerge as solid rotational options in the NBA.

Below are guys who were not top recruits coming out of high school and have not been included very high on many mock drafts or big boards. Yet in their 2019-20 campaigns, each has shown appealing traits for their draft stock.

GRANT RILLER, CHARLESTON

(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)

Guard, 6-foot-3, Senior

Charleston’s Grant Riller is currently averaging 22.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. The senior has been one of the most efficient and prolific scorers and creators out of the pick-and-roll. As such, his assist rate (31.7 percent) ranks second-best in his conference. When including assists, he is averaging 1.33 points per possession in a set offense. That ranks in the 93rd percentile this season, per Synergy. Despite his 6-foot-3 frame, Riller is shooting 71.6 percent within five feet of the rim and is capable of attacking the basket. He has also drawn 6.8 fouls per 40 minutes, which ranks No. 18 among all NCAA players. Overall, Riller is a high usage point guard who can potentially make an impact off the bench as an elite mid-major prospect.

DANIEL OTURU, MINNESOTA

Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports

Center, 6-foot-10, Sophomore

Minnesota big man Daniel Oturu is averaging 19.1 points and 12.2 rebounds per game. He has the best defensive rebound percentage (27.2 percent) in the Big Ten Conference. Meanwhile, he is averaging 3.0 blocks per game as well and his block percentage (9.4 percent) ranks third-best in the conference. On the offensive side of the ball, Oturu has connected on 80-of-98 (81.6 percent) attempts within five feet of the basket. That currently ranks as the third-best (minimum: 80 FGA) among all college basketball players. He has also shown some improvement as a potential pick-and-pop option at the next level. There is enough upside on both offense and defense to make him a draftable player potentially even in the first round, especially with his size.

JARED BUTLER, BAYLOR

Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

Guard, 6-foot-3, Sophomore

The Baylor Bears are off to an electrifying start to the season with an 11-1 record, including wins over Arizona and Villanova. The program has been led by sophomore guard Jared Butler, who has scored 17.3 points per game. Overall, Butler can shoot well off the catch or the dribble. The sophomore has scored up 2.9 three-pointers per game while shooting 42.2 percent from long range. There is serious 3-and-D potential, too, as he put up 1.5 steals per game and the Bears have a Top 10 defense in the NCAA. If his team keeps it up, there is a chance he plays his way into first-round consideration.

ELIJAH HUGHES, SYRACUSE

Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Wing, 6-foot-6, Junior

Syracuse wing Elijah Hughes has put up 19.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. He has mostly been used as a spot-up shooter this season, where he is averaging 1.12 PPP – which ranks 84th percentile, via Synergy. Hughes is also 24-for-29 (82.8 percent) on attempts within five feet, which ranks at No. 13 among all players with as many opportunities. Considering his playmaking numbers and rebounding ability, he brings a bit of everything needed to eventually crack a rotation in the NBA. Hughes currently falls No. 97 on ESPN’s big board and No. 92 on The Athletic’s with plenty of time still to rise.

KERRY BLACKSHEAR JR., FLORIDA

Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

Center, 6-foot-10, Senior

After three years at Virginia Tech including a redshirt season due to injury, Kerry Blackshear Jr. became a graduate transfer for the Florida Gators. Now in his final collegiate campaign, he is putting up 14.9 points along with 9.0 rebounds per game. His defensive rebound percentage (23.7 percent) currently ranks fourth-best among all players in the SEC. One thing to note is that he is 84.4 percent in free throws, which shows some promise for his shooting. Blackshear has taken more three-pointers each season he has played, currently averaging 0.9 per game. Overall, he has been a threat in the pick-and-roll both as a roller and on pick-and-pop plays for Florida.

NATHAN KNIGHT, WILLIAM & MARY

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Center, 6-foot-10, Senior

One of the most underrated players in the country is Nathan Knight, who has averaged 20.1 points per game. Overall, he is averaging 1.12 points per possession. That currently in the 95th percentile among all NCAA players, per Synergy. Only 10 players in the country have scored more field goals (75) within five feet of the basket. But the most important thing to know about the big man is that he leads all D1 players in points scored on pick-and-pop possessions, scoring 3.6 points per game. That is a trait that will undeniably impress scouts and executives considering how often this play is run in the NBA. Meanwhile, Knight has also pulled down 9.9 rebounds per game and his defensive rebound percentage (29.1 percent) ranks twelfth-best among all players in the country.

MALACHI FLYNN, SAN DIEGO STATE

(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)

Guard, 6-foot-2, Junior

After 15 games, San Diego State is still undefeated – including four wins against conference opponents. Their best player has been junior guard Malachi Flynn, whose assist rate (30.7 percent) has helped keep them as one of the more relevant teams in the NCAA. His assist-to-turnover ratio (3.3) has been fantastic and he has looked sharp against Top 75 teams. Flynn is averaging 15.9 points per game and is shooting 43.0 percent from 3-point range. He has shown flashes shooting on handoffs and off screens. But his biggest strength has been his ability to help his team score in the pick-and-roll. When including his passes, per Synergy, Flynn ranks Top 25 in total points created in the PnR among all D1 Players.

MALIK FITTS, SAINT MARY’S

Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Forward, 6-foot-8, Junior

Saint Mary’s has looked better than expected this season and currently have a Top 10 offense, per Ken Pomeroy. As a team, they have the best three-point percentage in the NCAA. Malik Fitts has helped lead this charge with 15.8 points per game while shooting 41.4 percent from three-point range. He is also grabbing 7.9 rebounds per game with a defensive rebound percentage (24.8 percent) that ranks second-best in his conference.

HONORABLE MENTIONS 

Darius Days, LSU (Forward)

Mason Jones, Arkansas (Guard)

Matt Haarms, Purdue (Big)

Nate Hinton, Houston (Wing)

Desmond Bane, TCU (Forward)

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2020 aggregate NBA mock draft 3.0: Michigan State players are climbing

After over a month of the college basketball season, we are starting to get a better picture of what the 2020 NBA Draft will look like.

After over a month of the college basketball season, we are starting to get a better picture of what the 2020 NBA draft will look like.

For example, Georgia Bulldogs freshman Anthony Edwards is beginning to separate himself as a near-consensus No. 1 overall pick. On the other side of the coin, though, several of the projected top selections (LaMelo Ball, James Wiseman, Cole Anthony and RJ Hampton) will miss extended time due to either injury or suspension.

In order to get a better read of the bigger picture, we collected opinions from the top experts and analysts that cover the draft. The latest 2020 NBA mock drafts from ESPN, CBS Sports, SI.com, Bleacher Report, NBADraft.net, The Athletic as well as USA Today Sports Media Group’s Rookie Wire were used for these rankings.

One of the most interesting takeaways is that the Michigan State Spartans have three players (Cassius Winston, Aaron Henry and Xavier Tillman) all trending up.

After making the Final Four in last year’s March Madness, the program was expected to take another leap forward for their 2019-20 campaign.

Despite three losses in their first 10 games, the Spartans still rank No. 15 overall this season. This can be attributed to the fact Michigan State currently has the third-best offense in college basketball, per KenPom.com.

They also have three of the most improved players since our last aggregate mock draft. The full list, and more on each of the MSU players moving up draft boards, is included below.

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Cassius Winston, Guard

Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

AMD Rank: 29

Since our last AMD, this has moved up 17 spots in our rankings.

Despite already being 21 years old, the 6-foot-1 guard currently has a first-round grade from ESPN as well as Sports Illustrated and CBS Sports.

Winston has been one of the best distributors since he began at MSU. 67.1 percent of all field goals for the Spartans have been assisted, which is the sixth-most among all teams so far this season. His career assist rate (44.1 percent) ranks No. 1 overall among all college players who have played at least 50 games since 2009-10, via Sports-Reference.

During his freshman season, he had the second-best assist rate (46.7 percent) in the NCAA. Then as a sophomore, his assist rate (43.5 percent) trailed only Trae Young for the best in college basketball. Last season, his assist mark (44.8 percent) ranked third-best and behind only Ja Morant among all who played for teams that made the tournament.

But he has also shown strength as one of the more accurate shooters in the NCAA.

Winston was 75-for-151 (49.7 percent) from beyond the arc in 2017-18. That helped him join the exclusive 50-40-90 club for field-goal percentage, three-point percentage and free-throw percentage. Even as a sophomore then, the guard was one of the few to have a membership with at least two three-point attempts per game.

There is some enough NBA readiness to show he can contribute right away for a winning team.

Aaron Henry, Wing

AMD Rank: 33

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Since our last AMD, this has moved up 26 spots in our rankings.

Henry was of the players who helped himself the most during the 2019 NCAA Tournament. Then a freshman, he put up 20 points with 6 rebounds and 6 assists during a victory over LSU.

While he has not yet taken the leap some expected as a sophomore, draft experts still have confidence in him as a prospect. His highest ranking right now comes from Jonathan Wasserman, who has him at No. 28 overall (via Bleacher Report):

“The eye test on Henry looks more convincing than the numbers. He isn’t a high-level creator, which limits him in Michigan State’s offense. But the 6’6″ guard is hitting open shots, capitalizing on driving lanes and making impact defensive plays. This late, teams will overlook Henry’s production for his fit.”

Perhaps the best news for the wing is that there is room for improvement. However, there have also been moments that show what Henry is capable of accomplishing at the next level.

This season, for example, the sophomore has been one of the most effective shooters off the catch. He is averaging 1.78 points per possession on catch-and-shoot attempts in a set offense, per Synergy Sports, which ranks in the 98th percentile.

Henry is also shooting 72.7 percent at the rim, which is an especially solid rate for a wing. Overall, he looks like someone capable of being a 3-and-D player in an NBA rotation.

Xavier Tillman, Big

AMD Rank: 50

Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Since our last AMD, this has moved up 13 spots in our rankings.

Michigan State has always been a team that plays better with Tillman on the court. Last season, for example, the big actually had the third-best box plus-minus in the NCAA — trailing only Zion Williamson and Brandon Clarke.

Jeremy Woo recently helped contextualize what professional teams may like about the 6-foot-8 junior (via SI.com):

“Tillman specializes in doing the dirty work and has been a largely unheralded yet invaluable piece of the Spartans’ success dating back to last season. He’s not particularly tall for a center but has a chance to be a quality rotational big in the pros with what he adds defensively and on the glass. Tillman has worked on extending his shooting range, and if he ends up being able to shoot the three, he’ll have a fairly strong window of opportunity as a role player. A lot of the things he does as a screener and defender don’t show up in the box score, and while he’ll never be more than a fourth or fifth offensive option, he might be able to thrive in that capacity.”

His best trait so far this season has been his ability to cut to the basket. He is shooting 15-for-17 (88.2 percent) on these attempts, per Synergy.

But he has also added value on the offensive glass and as a rim protector for Michigan State. His willingness and ability to make the most of time on the floor makes him a draftable professional prospect.

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