NBA Draft Big Board 2020: Latest Updates After the NCAA Regular Season – The Rookie Wire

With the upcoming end of the 2019-2020 NCAA men’s basketball regular season, it’s worth taking a look at the prospects for the 2020 NBA Draft.

While a lot will change on the big boards and mock-ups following the conference tournaments and March Madness, some of the best players have already convinced teams why they deserve serious consideration when the project arrives on June 25, 2020.

Others, with a low ranking, of course still have a lot of time to improve their stock of drafts on the field and in training sessions and interviews. For what it was worth, former top hopefuls entering their first-year campaigns who could return to school for their second-year campaigns (for example, Scottie Lewis of Florida and Wendell Moore of Duke) were not included in this list.

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

1. LaMelo Ball, United States

Guard, 6 feet 7 inches, 18 years old

The main reason to believe in Ball as the best player in the 2020 NBA Draft is because of its ridiculously high advantage. With its unique size, it can set up a triple-double each night. Even when Ball was playing against a much older professional competition in the NBL abroad, Ball almost made a triple-double every 36 minutes. Meanwhile, his defensive stats were also much better than expected and his basketball instinct is strong. It’s hard to find an accurate reading on Ball given the number of different teams he has played for in recent years. However, there should be enough to love him for a team to select him with one of the first choices.

2. Onyeka Okongwu, USC

Tall, 6 feet 9 years, 19 years

Although it is slightly undersized at 6 feet 9 inches, it can play larger than its wingspan of 7 feet 2 inches. For example, its block percentage (10.0%) ranks among the top 5 of all freshmen this season. He is most famous for his defensive ability but the offensive is there too. Okongwu averages 1.14 points per possession as an offensive finisher, by Synergy, who ranks 98th among all NCAA players. Put it all together and the big man from USC currently has the best plus-minus box in college basketball. Even if there isn’t as much star potential as a player like Anthony Edwards of Georgia, he feels much closer to something safe in the NBA.

3. Anthony Edwards, Georgia

Wing, 6 feet 5 inches, 18 years old

Under head coach Tom Crean, the freshman from the University of Georgia was a revelation in the transitional offense. Edwards ranks among the top 5 total scorers in these games, by synergy, with an average of 5.7 points per game. He looks at his best when his shooting attempts arrive closer to the edge, especially considering its 6 foot 9 inch wingspan. Further away from the basket, during this time, more than half of its three pointers were not helped. This shows that he is able to create his own snapshot. Edwards, however, only shot 30.3% beyond the arc over the season. But the reason for loving him as a top three pick is more a matter of size, averaging 21.8 points per game in February.

4. Tyrese Haliburton, State of Iowa

Guard, 6 feet 5 inches, 20 years

Haliburton is a lean and long guard measured with a wingspan of 7 feet and a frame of 170 pounds. But the most important is his precious set of 3D skills. Before her injury, her three-point percentage (41.9%) and theft percentage (3.8%) were both among the best in the NCAA. As a distributor and main trainer of balls, despite an unusually low utilization rate, its assistance rate still ranks among the top 10 among all the subclasses of large-scale programs. Haliburton has been productive enough where it looks like he will take over as an NBA starting goaltender potentially even next season. There may be a low ceiling but there is also a very high floor.

5. Killian Hayes, Ratiopharm Ulm

Guard, 6 feet 5 inches, 18 years old

Like Ball, there are many things to love about Hayes due to its size and overall advantage. He measures 6 feet 5 inches and can be a head balloon carrier who also measured with a wingspan of 6 feet 7 inches. 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 shoots 39.0% beyond the arc in action in Eurocup and has managed to perform well as a scorer as he has become a bigger role.

6. Deni Avdija, Maccabi Tel Aviv

Forward, 6 feet 8 inches, 19 years old

One of the reasons why Avdija’s stock has increased recently is because of his stellar play in the 2020 Eurobasket playoffs. He scored 21 points with eight rebounds, two assists, one block and one flight. Avdija also shot 3 for 6 from beyond the arc, showing that his shot can be an asset to him as he pursues his basketball career. The hype is there too, as the prospect won MVP honors at the 2019 U20 European Championship. Previous winners of this award include NBA talents such as Ersan Ilyasova, Nikola Mirotic and Cedi Osman.

7. James Wiseman, United States

Tall, 7 feet 1 year, 19 years old

The two most important things to know about Wiseman are his size and his distinctions after high school. It measures 7 feet 1 inch with a huge wingspan of 7 feet 6 inches and a massive standing reach of 9 feet 3 inches. For all intents and purposes, he is part of a very talented big NBA man. All of this is further reinforced by the fact that he was the No. 1 global perspective coming out of high school, according to RSCI. What can he really do with it? We are no closer to finding out than we were this time last year due to the recruitment of snafus which led him to play only three games in total college basketball. His high school tape may not be convincing enough to deserve a Top 3 selection with confidence and assurance that his game will translate, as Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report noted.

8. Devin Vassell, State of Florida

Wing, 6 feet 7 inches, 19 years old

Florida state’s second student Devin Vassell is widely regarded as the team’s best defenseman among the NBA prospects. The wing has a solid wingspan of 6 feet 10 inches and with its help, according to KenPom, the defensive rating of FSU currently ranks among the top 15 in the NCAA. On the attacking side of the ball, his three-point percentage (42.7%) has dominated throughout the season. When playing against tougher opponents, Vassell was especially able to seize the opportunity. Its plus-minus box against Top-100 competition ranks the best in NCAA among those who have played more than ten of these games to date. Vassell easily has a case for the most underrated prospect since he played like a lottery talent.

9. Isaac Okoro, Auburn

Wing, 6 feet 6 years, 19 years

Okoro, who is an incredible athlete, pulls 67.9% on the rim and the majority of these attempts have not been assisted. He was more than able to create his own attack during post-up attempts, isolated looks, like the ball carrier in transition and during withdrawals. But Okoro’s biggest concern is that only 17.2% of his field goals have been more than five feet from the basket, which simply won’t fly for someone his size. His talent as a shooter is anemic to the limit, but there could be something to love the rest of his intangible assets to put him in the lottery. If he is unable to understand even a basic catch-and-shoot game, his advantage is limited to a role player.

10. Tyrese Maxey, Kentucky

Guard, 6 feet 2 years, 19 years

Maxey is another impressive athlete who plays taller than his frame thanks to his 6 foot 6 inch wingspan. The offense often crosses it for Kentucky. He currently averages 0.98 points per possession as a ball carrier in the pick-and-roll sets, which ranks 91st among NCAA players. Although his three-point touchdown was not fantastic, his percentage of free throws (81.9%) indicates that there is not much problem with his form. It also has an above average float, hitting at an impressive rate. There is likely a place for him as a branding option on the NBA bench.

11. Vernon Carey, duke

Tall, 6 feet 10, 18 years old

Carey has an easy case for NCAA Freshman of the Year and is simply the best player on the field in almost every game he plays. He’s averaged 17.8 points and 8.8 rebounds with 1.5 blocks per game so far. We could say that the biggest blow to Carey is that it is mainly used as a post-up option for Duke. He finished 46.5% of his offensive possessions against smaller defensemen, which just won’t fly in the NBA. But it may just be a product of the role he plays in the NCAA for the Blue Devils. Looking at the first year, however, it is clear that he boasts of an above average shot for someone his size. Carey shoots 36.8% from a three-point range, which means it’s more than just a post-up threat. If you believe in him as a shooter, it’s a lottery talent.

12. Obi Toppin, Dayton

Forward, 6 feet 9 inches, 22 years old

Toppin, the most prolific dunker in college basketball, currently averages 1.17 points per possession in attack. This ranks second among D1 players who have completed at least 400 possessions so far, by synergy. The high volume finisher helped Dayton defend the most exciting team watch in the NCAA this season. The bad news, however, is that Toppin can probably be played on the floor during big moments because of his very bad defensive instinct. Its pick-and-roll coverage is easy to criticize, and its measurable statistics when guarding opponents don’t help it either. Despite this, its plus-minus box ranks the best among all middle school players. For a great man, he projects himself as a solid actor and a likely starter.

13. Patrick Williams, State of Florida

Forward, 6 feet 8 inches, 18 years old

Florida state freshman Patrick Williams is one of the youngest prospects in the 2020 NBA Draft, which means there is still room to grow and complete his game. The 18-year-old, however, already has effective jump shooting and has been able to shoot both out of grip and dribbling. But given its 6-foot-8-inch frame, its most attractive value may have been its ability to perform pick-and-roll as the primary ball carrier. He also has a two-way potential in defense, as someone who can hold multiple positions to the next level. There is enough upside down on both sides of the balloon to warrant a lottery selection in this class.

14. Precious Achiuwa, Memphis

Tall, 6 feet 9 years, 19 years

Achiuwa, one of the top 15 rookies in this freshman class, averaged 15.3 points and 10.0 rebounds per game. There are flashes of grandeur, like when he scored 22 points and 22 rebounds with 4 blocks in a recent game against Tulane. His defensive rebound percentage (24.3%) ranks second in his lecture and sixth among first-year students. Meanwhile, its block percentage (6.3%) ranks in the top 5 of the American Athletic Conference. In 2017, he measured with a wingspan of 6 feet 11 and a standing range of 8 feet 11. The size is there for him to play a role in the NBA at some point in the near future, more likely as a big man than as an attacker.

15. Cole Anthony, UNC

Guard, 6 feet 3 years, 20 years

Cole Anthony of UNC had a frustrating NCAA campaign that did him no good to increase his draft stock. More than just Tar Heels’ injuries and poor performances, there seem to be real holes in his game. His percentage of field goals within five feet of the basket is among the worst when looking at freshmen with so many opportunities. Anthony also took far too many mid-range shots, given his low effectiveness on these looks as well. But it should be noted that the goalkeeper was considered one of the top three players in the country leaving high school. There are also statistics that tell this side of the story. According to Synergy, he is the second best scorer (3.6 points per game) among D1 players as a ball carrier in a transitional offense.

16. Nico Mannion, Arizona

Guard, 6 feet 3 years, 19 years

In high school, Mannion was twice recognized as the Arizona Gatorade’s player of the year. Now under his leadership, according to KenPom, the University of Arizona is currently boasting of an NBA Top 20 infraction. Mannion, meanwhile, has the third best aid percentage (32.5%) in the Pac-12 conference. Its attendance percentage is also the best among all first year students who play in large conferences. This is nothing new for Mannion, who led everyone on the Under Armor Association circuit in total assists (71) in 2018-19. The rest of his game needs a bit of work, but writing someone like Mannion is for the player he will become rather than who he is right now.

17. Kira Lewis, Alabama

Guard, 6 feet 3 years, 18 years

Alabama averages 75.2 possessions per 40 minutes, according to KenPom, which is the fastest tempo of all the Top 100 teams. Lewis scored 4.9 points per game in transition, via Synergy, which currently ranks among the top 30 of all D1 players. He uses his speed well and is currently a perfect 7 for 7 (100.0%) on leaks in transition and 9 for 11 (81.8%) when cutting in the basket. Although he is a sophomore, as noted by Jackson Frank, the goalkeeper is actually younger than freshmen Nico Mannion and Cole Anthony.

18. Aaron Nesmith, Vanderbilt

Wing, 6 feet 6 years, 20 years

One of the most disappointing moments of the college basketball season was that Vanderbilt star Aaron Nesmith would be sidelined indefinitely due to an injury. The wing tended to point in the right direction to date under head coach Jerry Stackhouse, shooting 52.2% from a three-point madman. Even wilder was that Nesmith was 11 for 18 (61.1 percent) downtown in his two games against top 50 quality opponents. He was incredibly effective when shooting on screens, dribbling and tracking opportunities. If the blow persists, he absolutely has a role for him in any team in the league. The question is whether its success is the result of a small theater or whether it has regressed closer to the average.

19. RJ Hampton, United States

Guard, 6 feet 5 years, 19 years

The truth is that RJ Hampton should not be punished for taking matters into his own hands by exploring professional options abroad rather than playing for free in the NCAA. But on the other hand, it will be difficult for assessors to get a clear picture of Hampton’s improvement since he finished high school. Injury concerns have sidelined him during his New Zealand Breakers games in the NBL and recent history suggests that his representation will likely “hide” him in the NBA draft. However, it only takes one team to fall in love with Hampton for him to be selected for the lottery. With its draft value potentially slipping due to its lack of visibility, it may however seem that a selection from the Top 20 is more realistic.

20. Devon Dotson, Kansas

Guard, 6 feet 2 years, 20 years

Kansas currently boasts of the best defense rating in the country, according to KenPom. Dotson played a huge role because its theft percentage (3.6%) ranks in the top 10 among the subclasses of large programs. It helped him be the favorite player in the KenPom player of the year ranking. Meanwhile, as an offensive prospect, Dotson has shown that he can create from the pick-and-roll and transition with ease. His profile reads like a general on solid ground who can contribute to a first unit or execute the offense for a second unit.

21. Theo Maledon, ASVEL

Guard, 6 feet 4 years, 18 years

Theo Maledon has been a staple of scouts in the NBA community for several years now. He participated in the Jordan Brand Classic for the international team (2017), the European U16 Championships (2016 and 2017) and the U17 World Cup (2018). Maledon has also received more playing time in the Euroleague than most of the other international hopefuls so far this season. Although still young, he has already accomplished a lot and has more to prove.

22. Aleksej Pokusevski, Olympiacos B

Forward, 7 feet, 18 years old

The idea of ​​the NBA 2020 project also including a 7-foot playmaker is pretty crazy. Based on his size and skills, Aleksej Pokusevski could legitimately be among the top five. However, there is also a legitimate chance that he could fall in the second or second round, as he played less than two minutes of action for Olympiacos in the Euroleague. The advantage for him is huge given that Pokusevski set up divisions of 14.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 5.8 blocks and 2.0 three points per 36 minutes at the Championships. Europe under 18 in 2019. The downside is that if it cannot have the opposition of an older and more competitive opposition.

23. Saddiq Bey, Villanova

Forward, 6 feet 8 inches, 20 years old

Even if he is not a future All-Star, the striker of Villanova Saddiq Bey has a long future in the NBA. It pulls 46.5 percent from the three-point range and is also 51.0 percent from downtown at the conference. Bey is already an elite catch-and-shoot and spot-up option. He has led all players 6 feet 8 inches or more in total in three pointers this season. In addition, at his height, it is also particularly impressive that he finished 14.2% of his assets as a ball carrier in pick-and-roll sets. The forward averages 1.03 points per possession on these opportunities, ranking the 94th percentile among all NCAA players. The fact that Villanova allows him to execute their offensive with these sets shows how much head coach Jay Wright trusts Bey, which has helped him prepare for future successes as a pro.

24. Jared Butler, Baylor

Guard, 6 feet 3 years, 20 years

Jared Butler was an anchor for Baylor, easily one of the best college basketball teams. Its theft percentage (3.3%) and its assistance percentage (23.8%) both rank in the top 10 of the Big 12 this season. He was both precise and prolific on penalties and dribbling. Butler can also shoot screens and dribble transfers. As a versatile combo guard, Butler can probably be used as a plug-and-play option in the rear area for almost all teams.

25. Cassius Stanley, Duke

Wing, 6 feet 6 years, 20 years

Before the season started, rookie Duke Cassius Stanley broke his team’s record for the highest vertical jump (46 inches) in the history of the program. This is particularly noteworthy because Zion Williamson was on the Blue Devils last season. He used this athleticism although Stanley is 8 in 10 (80.0 percent) when cutting in the basket and also 10 in 13 (76.9 percent) as a ball carrier in transition, by Synergy. It ranks among the top 5 dunks (28) among all players measuring 6 feet 6 inches or less. As a potential three-point shooter, it should be noted that he shot 41.2% from the three-point range during the Peach Jam Tournament for his AAU team last year.

26. Jahmi’us Ramsey, Texas Tech

Guard, 6 feet 4 years, 19 years

Like Tyrese Haliburton of Iowa State, Jahmi’us Ramsey of Texas Tech is an incredibly long goalkeeper. It measures 6 feet 4 inches but has been measured with a wingspan of 6 feet 10 inches. He looks like real hope in 3 and D as he shoots 43.5% from a three point range. The Red Raiders also have the sixth best defense in college basketball and currently rank in the top 20 in the NCAA. Ramsey and the great Oscar Tshiebwe of West Virginia are the first two for Big 12 Freshman of the Year.

27. Daniel Oturu, Minnesota

Tall, 6 feet 10, 20 years

After a surprisingly sensational second-year campaign, great Minnesota man Daniel Oturu made his mark as the first player in the Big 10 selected for the 2020 NBA Draft. Although his game is still rough in development, he finished the regular season with an average of 20.0 points and 11.4 rebounds with 2.6 blocks per game. Even if his form of shooting is not finalized, the numbers seemed decent as he shot a respectable 34.7% beyond the arc. Oturu can be a pick-and-pop option as a pro and also has a large frame to lower defensive rebounds to an elite pace.

28. Josh Green, Arizona

Wing, 6 feet 6 years, 19 years

One of Green’s concerns, however, is that more than a third of his field placement attempts have come from the mid-range. However, he only shot 27 for 95 (28.4%) on these looks. Green scored 0.9 three points per game, although all but three of his contacts were helped, suggesting that he is far from a plan maker. He has a wingspan of 6 feet 10 with a standing range of 8 feet 7, according to The Stepien, and can probably have an impact if he is selected by the right team.

29. Malachi Flynn, State of San Diego

Guard, 6 feet 2 years, 21 years

The State of San Diego finished with an incredible record in the regular season. But perhaps the best note about Flynn is that when he played against the Top 100, he was particularly impressive. His plus-minus box in these appearances ranks as the best in the NCAA so far this season, by Bart Torvik. Overall, its plus-minus box also ranks second among those playing in mid-major conferences. In his last game, he accumulated 36 points with 5 rebounds and 5 assists.

30. Jalen Smith, Maryland

Tall, 6 feet 10 years, 19 years

Maryland tall man Jalen Smith tested the waters last season and is now poised to be the next Terrapins center to jump into the pros. Its block percentage (8.1%) and its defensive rebound percentage (25.3%) both rank in the Top 5 of the Big Ten Conference. He boasts of a wingspan of over 7 feet 1 inch, which defines his defensive prowess. On the attacking side of the ball, his percentage of goals scored (70.6%) ranks in the top 20 of the NCAA among all players who have had as many attempts. He can stretch the floor a bit and took 2.8 three points per game for Maryland. In fact, it draws 42.4% of the city center against competitors in the Top 100.

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