Hey, everyone! Let's dive right in and explore some of the top prospects you need to watch out for. First on the list is Chet Holmgren from Gonzaga. This guy is just a towering 7-foot-1 presence with a 7-foot-6 wingspan. Can you imagine that? At only 19 years old, he's already drawing comparisons to the likes of Kevin Durant and Kristaps Porzingis. What sets him apart is his ability to shoot from beyond the arc with a 39% three-point percentage last season. Plus, his shot-blocking ability is insane. In a single game against Dixie State, he recorded seven blocks. That's just one game! He’s definitely someone to keep an eye on.
Next up is Paolo Banchero from Duke. He's got the size and skill set that make him a formidable power forward. Standing 6-foot-10 and weighing 250 pounds, this 19-year-old kid averaged 17.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. He's not just raw stats though; his court vision and basketball IQ are through the roof. Scouts love his ability to create scoring opportunities not only for himself but for his teammates as well. If you saw the game against Gonzaga, where he scored 21 points, you'd know why he’s projected to go high in the draft. Plus, his versatility on both ends of the court is something that any team would find valuable.
Have you heard about Jabari Smith Jr. from Auburn? This kid is another phenomenal talent. At 6-foot-10 and 220 pounds, he averaged 16.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. Plus, his 42% shooting accuracy from the three-point line is quite remarkable for a power forward. Not to mention, he has that killer defensive instinct. In a game against Alabama, he recorded three steals and two blocks, showing just how versatile he is. With a wingspan of 7-foot-1, he's got the physical tools to match up against NBA players. If a team is looking for a two-way player, Jabari is their man.
And then there's Jaden Ivey from Purdue. At 6-foot-4 and 195 pounds, he's not the tallest shooting guard, but he more than makes up for it with his athleticism and speed. This 20-year-old averaged 17.3 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. His explosiveness is off the charts. If you recall the NCAA Tournament game against Texas, he scored 18 points and practically sealed the win for Purdue. His ability to drive to the basket combined with his improved three-point shooting—where he clocked in at 35.8%—makes him a dual threat.
Shaedon Sharpe is another name buzzing around. Originally committed to Kentucky, he decided to enter the draft straight from high school. Sharpe is 6-foot-6 and 200 pounds. He has that smooth shooting touch, with reports suggesting he shot over 40% from three-point range in high school. His athleticism is also off the charts; he once recorded a vertical leap of 49 inches. Remember, he is just 18 years old, so there's a lot of room for growth. He could be one of those high-risk, high-reward picks, but the potential is clearly there.
How can we forget Keegan Murray from Iowa? This 6-foot-8, 225-pound forward averaged 23.5 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. What’s shocking is his efficiency—shooting 55.4% from the field. In the Big Ten Tournament, he scored 26 and 26 points in consecutive games against Northwestern and Rutgers. His ability to score in multiple ways, whether it's shooting from beyond the arc or driving to the basket, makes him a versatile scorer. He can also defend multiple positions, making him an ideal two-way player for the modern NBA.
If you want a true all-around player, Bennedict Mathurin from Arizona is a solid choice. Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 210 pounds, this 20-year-old wing player averaged 17.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. His 41.8% shooting from the field, combined with his 36.9% from three-point land, makes him a reliable scorer. In the game against UCLA, he not only scored 27 points but also grabbed seven rebounds. His combination of size, athleticism, and shooting ability makes him an intriguing prospect.
Then there is AJ Griffin from Duke. This 6-foot-6, 222-pound small forward is only 19, yet he has the physique and skills that many scouts drool over. Averaging 10.4 points and shooting 49.3% from three-point range, Griffin has that deadly shooting touch. In a crucial game against Gonzaga, he scored 22 points and hit four three-pointers, showing his ability to step up in big moments. His defensive skills are also worth mentioning, making him another versatile player that many teams could use.
Let’s chat about Johnny Davis from Wisconsin. At 6-foot-5 and 195 pounds, this shooting guard averaged 19.7 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. His ability to perform under pressure is noteworthy. He scored 30 points in a game against Houston, leading his team to a victory. His scoring ability, combined with excellent rebounding for his position, makes him a valuable asset. Teams looking for a reliable scorer with a knack for clutch performances should definitely consider him.
Finally, there’s Jalen Duren from Memphis. Standing at 6-foot-11 and weighing a solid 250 pounds, this 18-year-old center averaged 12.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. His physical attributes alone make him a daunting presence in the paint. His shot-blocking ability was showcased in the game against Virginia Tech, where he had six blocks. He’s not just a defensive anchor; he’s got impressive post moves and a developing mid-range game. A team looking to shore up its defense while getting a young, promising big man would be thrilled to pick him.
That's my take on some of the standout prospects. These guys have shown incredible talent and skill, and it’ll be interesting to see how they transition to the next level. If you want more details on the draft and these players, you can check out the nba draft 2022 for more insights.