Scottie Barnes – Page 15 – Syndication Server

2021 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Latest updates before March Madness

This mock should provide an update, if the season ended today, on the talent that could be available when your favorite team is on the clock.

We’re rapidly approaching March Madness and top prospects like Jonathan Kuminga have started their long-awaited season, which means the 2021 NBA draft finally has some more clarity.

Even though it took a while for us to see the G League Ignite in action, the bubble season is underway in Florida, giving us a more confident assessment of the full class. Meanwhile, in the NCAA, enough of the regular season has eclipsed to extract meaning from a larger sample size of scouting.

Despite the unusual circumstances surrounding the collegiate season due to the ongoing pandemic, this class has multiple players that project as potential stars. Remember, though, this class is incredibly fluid.

This mock should provide an update, if the season ended today, on the talent that could be available when your favorite team is on the clock.

For more information on many of the second-rounders, as well as some sleepers that were not included in this mock draft, I expanded in my big board published late last month.

The main difference from the big board is that this mock factors intel, team fit, front office philosophy and roster construction. For example, there are more international players included here because I’m projecting teams with surplus picks will select draft-and-stash players rather than roster four or five rookies next season.

This draft order, which factors in trades and pick protections, was pulled from the latest Tankathon update following the games on Feb. 11.

All relevant statistics are from BartTorvik.com, KenPom.com, Sports-Reference, RealGM and Synergy Sports Tech. Data is accurate as of February 11, 2021.

2021 NBA Draft Big Board 1.0: Who are the top players to know?

While the college basketball season has been strange, we have a more clear idea of which top prospects are expected in the 2021 NBA draft.

Unfortunately, putting together a big board at this point in the year is an incomplete task. The inaugural NBA G League Ignite team, a new developmental team that plays exhibitions and is meant to serve as an alternative to college for some players, has not yet begun their season.

That makes it impossible to track development for top prospects like Jonathan Kuminga and Jalen Green as well as potential risers like Isaiah Todd and Daishen Nix.

While there are some honorable mentions included for some fringe prospects, several names (e.g. Duke’s DJ Steward, UNC’s Caleb Love, Texas Tech’s Terrence Shannon, Miami’s Earl Timberlake) were omitted on account of projected returns to the NCAA. As of right now, however, it is still a great challenge to predict who will be in this class.

The key to this draft is fluidity and being willing to accept that things will change quickly. Players will have slumps and some may be slow to adapt to the new normal. Rankings now are hardly reflective of where they will be as we get closer to March Madness.

Note that any conversations with NBA scouts mentioned in the article were held under the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on behalf of their teams.

All relevant statistics are from BartTorvik.com, KenPom.com, Sports-Reference, RealGM and Synergy Sports Tech. Data is accurate as of January 22, 2021.

2021 aggregate NBA mock draft 2.0: How has the NCAA season changed rankings?

Now that the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball season is underway, we are getting a more clear picture of the top prospects in the upcoming class.

Former top recruits like Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley and Jalen Suggs have made a great first impression and have confirmed why many already feel they are going to be solid future professionals in the NBA.

Of course, considering the unusual nature of the college basketball season, some players are struggling a bit more than others. The performance on the court will likely stray closer to the mean with a larger sample size as the year continues.

But to get a better sense of where everyone stands right now, we compiled mock drafts from ESPN, NBADraft.net, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo, The Athletic and USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s For The Win to see where the prospects rank at the moment.

We highlighted the prospects who have been the biggest risers since we published our last edition of this exercise.

College basketball standouts who have most drastically improved their draft stock through the early parts of the season include Keon Johnson (Tennessee), James Bouknight (UCONN), Jared Butler (Baylor), Corey Kispert (Gonzaga), Day’Ron Sharpe (UNC), Aaron Henry (Michigan State), Ayo Dosunmu (Illinois), Marcus Bagley (Arizona State), Moussa Cisse (Memphis), Charles Bassey (Western Kentucky), Jason Preston (Ohio) and Luka Garza (Iowa).

Below are the rankings based on the latest mock drafts from top analysts and experts:

HoopsHype’s Alberto de Roa contributed research to this report

2021 NBA Mock Draft: Predicting all 60 picks, starting with Cade Cunningham

Now that the 2020-21 NCAA Men’s Basketball season is in full swing, we examined what the 2021 NBA draft class is shaping up to look like.

Consider this an introduction to the top players in college, as well as those on the inaugural NBA G League Ignite team, a new developmental team that plays exhibitions and is meant to serve as an alternative to college for some players. We’ll also look at international prospects who are playing abroad.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, this is going to be an unusual season for all hopeful pros. The bizarre offseason made it hard to get in the swing of things and some may struggle early as they adjust accordingly. As they already have been, games will inevitably be postponed or outright canceled.

Even in a normal season, a mock draft this early is a bold move. With these circumstances in mind, our mock draft is obviously going to look very different from how the actual night will shake out next offseason.

But it does offer a general starting range to encapsulate where the top prospects may be selected if they draft were held now. It also gives some insight on the kinds of players who may be available when your favorite team is on the clock.

The draft order was determined by projected wins from ESPN’s Kevin Pelton, whose projected real plus-minus has “outperformed” the over-under figures from Las Vegas since 2015. Pick swaps and trades were pulled from the future draft picks section on RealGM.

Note that all conversations with NBA scouts mentioned in the article were held under the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on behalf of their teams.

All relevant statistics are from BartTorvik.com, KenPom.com, Sports-Reference, RealGM and Synergy Sports Tech. Statistics for 2020-21 college basketball freshmen were calculated from their most recent AAU season via Open Look Analytics.

2021 NBA Mock Draft: Introducing high school, international prospects

With the NBA trade deadline approaching, there may be some swaps of picks in the 2021 NBA Draft, which is considered to be a strong class.

Now that the rosters for the McDonald’s All-American Game have been announced and the Hoophall Classic is complete, top prospects are emerging as future stars in the league.

This list does not include any of the top international prospects who will likely be selected in 2020 like Killian Hayes and Theo Maledon. It also does not mention any of the top returning players in the nation as it will be unclear who will opt to play in the NBA and it is still tough to predict at this point.

Instead, it offers an introduction to the current high school seniors and the international

All statistics are updated through February 3, 2020 and are pulled from D1Circuit.com, MaxPreps and RealGM unless stated otherwise.

1. Cade Cunningham, Oklahoma State (Committed)

Guard, 6-foot-7, 18 years old, Montverde Academy (Florida)

Cade Cunningham is currently the anchor for Montverde Academy, which is being called the best high school team of all-time. They are currently ranked as the top school in the nation. The point forward is so good that an NBA scout recently told Yahoo’s Krysten Peek he would likely be the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft if he were eligible. That indicates he might already be the best player who is not currently in the league. For proof: Cunningham averaged 18.0 points and 8.5 assists per 36 minutes at the U19 World Cup, trailing just one player for total assists (40) during the tournament. With his size and his playmaking ability, he is already showing flashes of becoming a future franchise cornerstone.

2. Jalen Green, Uncommitted

Guard, 6-foot-5, 17 years old, Prolific Prep (California)

Jalen Green is an incredibly explosive athlete who has improved as a shooter over the past few years as well. The scorer has become a more consistent and reliable option on the floor, offering an attacking mentality that will continue to develop as his competition continues. One of his crowning achievements thus far: He took home tournament MVP during the U17 World Cup in 2018, leading the United States to the gold medal behind 15.7 points per game. He averaged 7.7 three-pointers per 40 minutes during this competition, showing he is a fearless shooter. His natural stroke from the free-throw line shows that his three-point percentage will likely increase within time, too.

3. Evan Mobley, USC (Committed)

Big, 7-foot-0, 18 years old, Rancho Christian (California)

Evan Mobley was 2019’s Gatorade Player of the Year in California and came into the summer as the highest-rated player on RSCI, which compiles all of the rankings on recruiting sites like 247 Sports and Rivals. The versatile big brags a 7-foot-5 wingspan with a 40-inch vertical leap, a rare measurement combination. He has recently been listed as a small forward, however, which Sports Illustrated’s Jeremy Woo says “points to the dissonance” between his current identity and the best eventual fit in the NBA for someone his size. Still, there is arguably more to like about Mobley’s potential than that of 2020 projected lottery big man James Wiseman.

4. Scottie Barnes, Florida State (Committed)

Forward, 6-foot-8, 18 years old, Montverde Academy (Florida)

Scottie Barnes currently plays alongside Cunningham at Montverde Academy and has a lot to offer as he continues to develop. He is a stat-sheet stuffer capable of putting up impressive lines for points and rebounds as well as assists. Like Cunningham, he has a point-forward mentality which is elevated by the fact that he is also measured with an incredible 9-foot-1 standing reach. Barnes can be a plug-and-play option for almost any team on both offense and defense in the NCAA and eventually in the NBA. That was an especially attractive trait for him for Team USA in the U19 World Cup, where he was a strong facilitator from the elbow. He assisted on 16.8 percent of scores for his team when he was on the floor despite never acting as his offense’s primary playmaker.

5. Ziaire Williams, Uncommitted

Wing, 6-foot-8, 18 years old, Sierra Canyon (California)

Ziaire Williams is currently playing high school basketball at the high-profile Sierra Canyon. While he had to sit out the first few months of his senior year because of transfer rules, he has been a force to be reckoned with already. But that was no surprise for those who have followed the prospect. Williams led his AAU team (which also briefly included the aforementioned 2021 projected lottery pick Jalen Green) in points as well as rebounds and assists per game on the U17 circuit. The prospect has shown he is an above-average finisher near the rim, which will be important as he continues his growth. The Stepien’s Ross Homan also believes Williams can become the best shooter in this class. It will be fascinating to monitor his collegiate decision as he is the highest-rated recruit without an NCAA commitment yet.

Picks: 6 – 10 | Picks: 11 – 15 | Picks: 16 – 20 | Picks: 21 – 30 | Picks: 31 – 50

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McDonald’s 2020 All-American Game: Boys and Girls rosters unveiled

The official McDonald’s 2020 All-American Games rosters were unveiled on Thursday afternoon.

The rosters for the McDonald’s 2020 All-American Games were unveiled on Thursday afternoon with the next wave of boys and girls set to play in the annual game on April 1.

Five-star recruits Evan Mobley, Scottie Barnes, Jalen Green and Jalen Suggs among others headline the deep roster of boys set to participate in the event in Houston.

Meanwhile, five-star prospects Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, Cameron Brink and Caitlin Clark are among the girls to earn an invitation to play in the game.

Most boys and girls have committed to a college while some are still undecided.

The official boys and girls rosters for the 2020 McDonald's All-American Games were unveiled on Thursday afternoon: pic.twitter.com/uFV0DPQMBl

— Cody Taylor (@CodyTaylorNBA) January 23, 2020

Forty-eight high school seniors – comprising the top 24 girls and
24 boys in the country – were selected by a committee of basketball experts from more than 900 nominated players.

The players unveiled on Thursday will look to leave their mark and attempt to join recent MVP winners like Cole Anthony, Nassir Little, Sabrina Ionescu, Jordan Horston and others.

The games will be telecast live on ESPN and ESPN.

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Early Signing Period: Recapping Day One

We break down the news and happenings from day one of the Early Signing Period.

Ask any college basketball coach and he’ll tell you that, as excited as they are to get commitments from elite players, they don’t fully breathe a sigh of relief until they’re holding a signed National Letter of Intent.
Wednesday kicked off the NCAA’s Early Signing Period and from USA Today’s Chosen 25 stars still mulling over decisions to super teams being formed we’ve managed to zero-in on the biggest news from around the country from day one.

Cade Cunningham made it official

After Cunningham committed to Oklahoma State last week, speculation ran rampant that the top player in the Chosen 25 could potentially hold off on signing until the spring, but at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Cunningham, a point guard at Montverde (Florida) Academy, put pen to paper and made it official to the Cowboys. Cunningham is the highest ranked recruit in Oklahoma State’s history and is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Oklahoma State hired Cunningham’s brother, Cannen, to be an assistant on head coach Mike Boynton’s staff in June, which Cunningham said is what ultimately helped the Cowboys win out.

It’s official! @OSUMBB https://t.co/nKYtoG0UWu

— Cade Cunningham (@CadeCunningham_) November 13, 2019

Michigan commit Isaiah Todd to wait until the spring

Todd is the highest ranked (No. 8 in the Chosen 25) committed recruit that does not plan to sign during the Early Period. Todd, a forward at Word of God Christian Academy (Raleigh, North Carolina), said he “can’t wait” to play at Michigan next season, but isn’t ready to sign.

Josh Hall could make the call soon

The Moravian Prep (Hickory, North Carolina) wing is expected to make his decision during the Early Signing Period with a top three of N.C. State, DePaul and Louisville. Hall, a five-star prospect, would be ranked in USA Today Sports’ Chosen 25 if not for his reclassification last season. His come-out party came this summer when he dominated his one and only session on the Nike EYBL with Team CP3 (North Carolina), averaging 30 points a game. Sources indicate that Hall’s commitment could potentially come this weekend.

Best fall signing classes

From Duke’s depth Chosen 25 and four-star talent to Texas Tech’s emergence as a contender we analyze the top five classes for 2020.

1. Duke: When IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida) center Mark Williams committed to Duke earlier this month, he posed a question regarding Duke’s 2020 class: “What don’t we have?” The Blue Devils have depth and elite talent with three Chosen 25 players (IMG’s Jalen Johnson, Whitney Young (Chicago) combo guard D.J. Steward, Huntington (West Virginia) Prep wing Jaemyn Brakefield), four-star studs (Williams, Virginia Episcopal (Richmond, Virginia) forward Henry Coleman III) and Paul VI (Fairfax, Virginia) point guard Jeremy Roach, who would be ranked in the Chosen 25 if not for sitting out all last season with a torn ACL. Roach will play this season.

2. North Carolina: The Tar Heels have a talented haul with three Chosen 25 players (Montverde Academy forward Day’Ron Sharpe, Christian Brothers (St. Louis, Missouri) point guard Caleb Love, Woodward Academy (Fairburn, Georgia) center Walker Kessler), and two four-star scoring wings (Hillcrest Prep’s (Phoenix) Puff Johnson, Archbishop Stepinac’s (White Plains, New York) R.J. Davis).

3. Kentucky: The Wildcats boast two of the best perimeter players in the class in Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, California) shooting guard B.J. Boston and Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, New Hampshire) shooting guard Terrence Clarke, both of which are ranked in the Chosen 25. Kentucky also has two four-star forwards (Vashon’s (St. Louis, Missouri) Cam’Ron Fletcher, Camden’s (New Jersey) Lance Ware) in the stable.

4. Tennessee: The Vols landed a big fish last month in IMG Academy combo guard Jaden Springer, a Chosen 25 star. He joins The Webb (Bell Buckle, Tennessee) shooting guard Keon Johnson, a four-star recruit who was just on the cusp of making the Chosen 25, and Hargrave Military Academy (Chatham, Virginia) four-star wing Corey Walker.

5. Texas Tech: The Red Raiders landed Chosen 25 star Nimari Burnett, a point guard at Prolific Prep (Napa, California), to go with two four-star wings in Duncanville’s (Texas) Micah Peavy and St. Augustine’s (San Diego) Chibuzo Agbo.

Most important signings

From historic signings to timely signings here’s a look at the most important names that either came through fax machines on Wednesday or are scheduled to come this week and why.

1. Cade Cunningham (Oklahoma State): Cunningham, ranked No. 1 in the Chosen 25, is the highest ranked recruit the Cowboys have ever landed and is the type of player that other elite players want to play with.

2. Nimari Burnett (Texas Tech): Burnett, ranked No. 15 in the Chosen 25, was arguably the best guard on his summer travel team which featured three other Chosen 25 guards. Burnett could be the steal of the class.

3. Sharife Cooper (Auburn): Cooper, ranked No. 2 overall in the Chosen 25, is known amongst his peers as the point guard that makes everyone better. That could mean more elite commitments for the Tigers. Cooper will sign during the Early Period.

4. Scottie Barnes (Florida State): Barnes, ranked No. 10 in the Chosen 25, has earned the reputation as the most competitive player in the country, and as a playmaker he’s respected amongst his peers.

5. Caleb Love (North Carolina): The Tar Heels will lose Cole Anthony to the NBA Draft this spring and having Love as the next man up eases everyone’s tensions about the transition next season.

i wanna thank God first for blessing me with this opportunity, i wanna thank my parents for pushing me and guiding me every step of the way, i wanna thank Coach Tatum, my trainers, and everyone else that has played a major part in life. that being said i am committing to…🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/9VYXB8XaBH

— Caleb Love (@caleb2love) October 2, 2019

Who’s left?

Here’s a look at the best recruits who remain uncommitted and are expected to make their decision during the Spring Signing Period (April 14-20, 2020).

1. Jalen Green
Schools being considered: Fresno State, Memphis, Oregon, Auburn, USC
Latest buzz: Green, ranked No. 3 in the Chosen 25, had originally planned to commit on Christmas but will likely make his decision in the spring.

2. Greg Brown
Schools being considered: Kentucky, Texas, Memphis, Auburn, North Carolina
Latest buzz: Brown’s only official visit was to Texas, but he’s taken unofficials to every other school on his list. Brown, ranked No. 7 in the Chosen 25, plans to take officials to the other four in the coming months.

3. Ziaire Williams
Schools being considered: USC, North Carolina, Stanford, Oregon, Arizona
Latest buzz: Williams, ranked No. 9 in the Chosen 25, has already taken official visits to USC, North Carolina and Stanford and is considering taking other officials to Oregon and Arizona.

4. Cam Thomas
Schools being considered: UCLA, LSU, Auburn
Latest buzz: Thomas, ranked No. 11 in the Chosen 25, told USA Today Sports that he still could potentially decide during the Early Period; LSU and UCLA lead.

5. Josh Christopher
Schools being considered: Howard, Michigan, Missouri, Arizona State, UCLA
Latest buzz: Christopher, ranked No. 16 in the Chosen 25, has a long way to go with most of his visits ahead of him; still, most agree that it will be hard to lure Christopher away from the west coast.

Josh Christopher's scoring package is UNREAL. pic.twitter.com/tfcCPItN9Q

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) November 8, 2019

Follow Jason Jordan on Twitter: @JayJayUSATODAY

Early Signing Period: Where do the Chosen 25 players stand

On the first day of the Early Signing Period we take a look at where recruitment stands for the USA Today Chosen 25 players.

From Blue Bloods to mid-majors to waiting on NBA petitions, there are currently 10 players in USA Today Sports’ Chosen 25 for 2020 that are still undecided on where they’ll suit up next season.

Here’s a look at where each player stands.

1. Cade Cunningham

Montverde Academy (Fla.)

Point Forward/ 6-5 / 180

College: Oklahoma State

2. Sharife Cooper

McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.)

Point Guard / 6-0 / 155

College: Auburn

3. Jalen Green

Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.)

Combo Guard / 6-5 / 165

College: Uncommitted

The latest: Green has already taken visits to Memphis, Oregon, Auburn and USC, and may squeeze in a visit to UCLA and potentially Fresno State before he announces in the spring.

4. Terrence Clarke

Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, N.H.)

Shooting Guard/ 6-6 / 190

College: Kentucky

5. Jalen Johnson

IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)

Forward / 6-8 / 220

College: Duke

6. Evan Mobley

Rancho Christian (Temecula, Calif.)

Center / 6-11 / 210

College: USC

7. Greg Brown

Vandegrift (Austin, Texas)

Forward / 6-7 / 180

College: Uncommitted

The latest: Brown is down to Kentucky, Texas, Memphis, Auburn and North Carolina, and has visited each school, but on the Longhorns have received an official visit. Brown told USA Today Sports that he plans “to wait until the spring” to decide.

8. Isaiah Todd

Word of God Christian Academy (Raleigh, N.C.)

Forward / 6-10 / 200

College: Michigan

9. Ziaire Williams

Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.)

Small Forward / 6-7 / 176

College: Uncommitted

The latest: Williams has already taken official visits to USC, North Carolina and Stanford and is considering taking other officials to Oregon and Arizona. Williams’ decision won’t likely come until the spring.

10. Scottie Barnes

Montverde (Fla.) Academy

Forward / 6-7 / 180

College: Florida State

Cam Thomas is down to UCLA, LSU and Auburn. (Photo: Catalina Fragoso/USA TODAY Sports)

11. Cameron Thomas

Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.)

Shooting Guard / 6-3/ 180

College: Uncommitted

The latest: At this point it’s a two-horse race for Thomas between UCLA and LSU, but Auburn remains in the mix. Thomas told USA Today Sports that he could potentially decide during the Early Signing Period, but wouldn’t say for sure. “If I feel like I’m ready I would do it. I just have to see.”

12. Makur Maker

Pacific Academy (Irvine, Calif.)

Center / 6-11 / 230

College: Uncommitted

The latest: Maker’s focus is the NBA. He’s already petitioned the NBA to be allowed to forgo college and enter the draft and is currently waiting on the results of that decision.

13. Jaden Springer

IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)

Shooting Guard / 6-4 / 170

College: Tennessee

14. Brandon Boston

Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.)

Shooting Guard / 6-5 / 180

College: Kentucky

15. Nimari Burnett

Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.)

Combo Guard / 6-3 / 190

College: Texas Tech

16. Josh Christopher

Mayfair (Bellflower, Calif.)

Shooting Guard / 6-4 / 190

College: Uncommitted

The latest: Christopher has already taken an official to Howard and plans to visit Michigan, Missouri, Arizona State, UCLA and potentially Kentucky over the next few months. Expect a spring decision here.

17. Jalen Suggs

Minnehaha Academy (Mendota Heights, Minn.)

Point Guard / 6-3 / 180

College: Uncommitted

The latest: Suggs has already visited Gonzaga and is also considering Florida, Minnesota, Florida State or going overseas to play professionally. The pro route is a real possibility and for that reason don’t expect a decision until the spring.

18. D.J. Steward

Whitney Young (Chicago)

Point Guard / 6-3 / 160

College: Duke

19. Jaemyn Brakefield

Huntington Prep (W.Va.)

Forward / 6-9 / 170

College: Duke

20. Walker Kessler

Woodward Academy (Fairburn, Ga.)

Center / 6-10 / 220

College: North Carolina

21. Daishen Nix

Trinity International School (Las Vegas)

Point Guard / 6-3 / 190

College: UCLA

22. Isaiah Jackson

Waterford Mott High School (Michigan)

Forward / 6-9 / 185

College: Uncommitted

The latest: Jackson will decide between Kentucky, Syracuse and Alabama on Saturday.

23. Hunter Dickinson

DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Md.)

Center / 6-11 / 225

College: Uncommitted

The latest: Dickinson is down to Michigan, Florida State, Duke and Notre Dame and has taken official visits to all four. He could make a decision during the Early Signing Period.

24. Caleb Love

Christian Brothers (St. Louis, Mo.)

Small Forward / 6-3 / 173

College: North Carolina

25. Day’Ron Sharpe

Montverde Academy (Fla.)

Forward / 6-9 / 225

College: North Carolina

Follow Jason Jordan on Twitter: @JayJayUSATODAY