NBA Draft Big Board 1.0

1. Paolo Banchero / Freshman / Duke / 6’10’’ / Forward

Banchero has been everything we’ve expected and more in his one and only year at Duke. Offensively, he’s a three-level scorer who has shot the ball at a respectable clip so far. His strong frame gives him an excellent ability to bully defenders and get to the rim with ease. He’s already proven to be a dominant one-on-one scorer, both in the post and off the dribble. Defensively, he has some work to do, but with his frame, I think he projects as a plus defender in the NBA. As a 6’10’’ do-it-all offensive weapon, I believe he’s the most NBA-ready player in this year’s class.

2. Jabari Smith / Freshman / Auburn / 6’10’’ / Forward

The rise of Jabari Smith has been one of the biggest storylines so far this year in college basketball. There’s so much to get excited about with the Auburn freshman. So far, he’s shooting a phenomenal 43.7% from three-point range so far on over five attempts per game. The shooting prowess is what gives Smith such a high floor, but his ability to defend and, potentially, score off the dribble is what makes his ceiling so appealing. If he can tighten up the handle a bit and be more aggressive one-on-one in the remainder of the season, Smith will likely overtake Banchero for the number one overall slot. However, I’m a bit more comfortable taking the more polished prospect with the first overall pick.

3. Chet Holmgren / Freshman / Gonzaga / 7’0’’ / Unicorn

Like Smith, Holmgren too has the potential to rise all the way to number one on Draft Day. He has a unique skill set as a 7-footer who can protect the rim, shoot the three, facilitate the ball, and grab and go in transition. A combination of situation and overall role is why the freshman is currently ranked third. He hasn’t quite gotten the chance to showcase the off the dribble skill set that we were all raving about in high school. Holmgren’s lack of strength will also strike fear in some teams. While he does need to add a few pounds, I think Chet has shown us that he’s not going to be defined by his slim frame. He’ll get bullied by stronger bigs now and again, but he’s never afraid to get up and continue to challenge them. Holmgren’s rim protection is his elite skill, currently ranking seventh in the nation with 3.4 blocks per game.

4. Jaden Ivey / Sophomore / Purdue / 6’4’’ / Guard

Ivey came out of the gates on fire this year, proving to everyone who saw promise in him as an athlete in his freshman season. What's been the difference maker for him so far in his sophomore season has been his ability to shoot the three, improving his 26% three-point percentage from last year to 43% this season. On 4.6 attempts per game, it’s nothing to balk at. Ivey is the most athletic guard in the class, which makes him an absolute menace in transition. He’ll charge at defenders from the three-point line, yet still have the agility to knife past them for easy layups. While he hasn’t quite gotten the opportunity to in college, I believe he’ll be able to play point guard at the NBA level. He’s shown flashes of his ability to make advanced, fast reads in the halfcourt. The defensive focus needs some work, but with the length and athleticism, it’s not the end of the world.

5. Johnny Davis / Sophomore / Wisconsin / 6’5’’ / Guard

Jabari Smith has been incredible, but the number one story in college basketball this year has undoubtedly been Wisconsin's Johnny Davis. His rise from role player as a freshman to National Player of the Year candidate has been incredible to watch. Davis has carried Wisconsin to their #11 ranking and who knows how far he can take them come tournament time. Davis is a good, not great athlete, however, he uses what he has exceptionally. Davis’ scoring versatility is what’s gotten him here. He can beat you from deep, at the rim, out of the post, in the mid-range, and at the foul line. His sneaky strength and crafty finishing mixed with his vision on the drive make him nearly impossible to defend. He’s also shown solid defensive promise, a smart defender who jumps lanes when he sees an opportunity. NBA GMs are always looking for guys who can score in the halfcourt and Davis may just be the best in the class.

6. Shaedon Sharpe / Freshman / Kentucky / 6’5’’ / Guard

If Shaedon Sharpe decides to enter the draft this summer, he immediately becomes one of the most exciting shot creators in the class. Obviously, the competition Sharpe has faced so far in his young career is nothing compared to most of the prospects in this draft, but the skillset he possesses could be one of the most intriguing . Sharpe is a dynamic isolation scorer who has shown great promise from beyond the arc. He’s an excellent athlete above the rim who is constantly flying around the court looking for lobs. That likely won’t be a huge part of his game going forward, but it showcases the type of athleticism he has. He’s a smart scorer who’s able to play off the ball and picks his spots in the mid-range. The reported 7’0’’ wingspan is what puts Sharpe over the top. It’s easy to see him guarding 1-4 if he puts on some weight. It’ll be very interesting to see how his stock moves as we move closer to the draft, especially if he does get the chance to take the court for the Wildcats.

7. Bennedict Mathurin / Sophomore / Arizona / 6’6’’ / Wing

Mathurin is one of the nation’s most exciting players to watch. What he’s done as the focal point in Arizona’s rise to become one of the top teams in the country has been incredible. The Montreal native’s smooth, dynamic athleticism allows him to do so much on the court. He’s the ultimate threat in transition, violently attacking the basket with his incredibly long strides. He has some of the most vertical potential in the class as a constant lob threat with or without space. He’s a proven shooter, especially from spot-up situations, which is something GM's love to hear. With or without the ball, Mathurin will have an impact on a game and there is always room for that on an NBA roster. The one-on-one scoring is the last part of his game to be fully unlocked. If that does come around, I see him as a possible number two option offensively on a playoff team.

8. Jalen Duren / Freshman / Memphis / 6’11’’ / Big

Duren hasn’t had the chance to show what he’s truly all about this year at Memphis. The lack of a true point guard has limited his chances to attack the basket in pick and roll opportunities, which is his elite skill on offense. However, I still view him as a legit prospect in this Draft. Duren’s chiseled frame at such a young age is shocking. Remember, he reclassified before this season, which means he should technically be a senior in high school. Duren will only be 18 when he plays his first NBA game. The defensive upside is unquestionable. He knows how to move his feet and has excellent instincts around the rim on both ends. He’s a constant lob threat who cannot be stopped if he gets moving to the basket. He’s shown some flashes of a mid-range jump shot, which would be a major plus if he can be more consistent with it. The sheer athleticism alone makes him tough to pass on at this point.

9. A.J. Griffin / Freshman / Duke / 6’6’’ / Wing

After getting off to a slow start, Griffin has been on an upwards trajectory since Christmas. He’s played over 20 minutes in each game since December 22nd, culminating in an electric 22 point performance in a 88-73 win over Wake Forest on January 12th. He’s started to show a lot more wiggle one-on-one, which could be his swing skill in the league. His strong core and lower body combined with his length make him a force on defense. In the halfcourt, he’s found success aggressively attacking close-outs. Once he’s past the first man, his 7’0’’ wingspan makes him dangerous when attacking the basket and his crafty finishing in the air is something to get excited about. While his attempts have been limited, (2.8 per game) the three-point shot has been extremely efficient, hitting at a 44% rate. If he gets more chances to attack in isolation, he could rise all the way into the top 5.

10. Kennedy Chandler / Freshman / Tennessee / 6’0’’ / Point Guard

Kennedy Chandler is everything you want in a point guard. He’s a maestro in the pick and roll, shoots the ball well from outside, and does a solid job of scoring at the basket. His height is something he’ll have to overcome to find success in the league. I believe he has what it takes to overcome the obstacle. Chandler’s basketball IQ is up there with the best in the class. When he needs to play fast, he plays fast, if he needs to slow it down, he does so, if he sees a teammate is in a groove, he’ll find a way to get him the ball. He makes advanced reads off of ball screens and can even weave through defenders and get to the rim when he needs a bucket himself. When he gets to the rim, he’s a crafty finisher who can adjust well in mid-air. His first step is quick, which always makes him a threat to get downhill on you, but he's never afraid to pull it back and take a three. He does a great job of taking what the defense gives him, which is rare in college basketball. Of course, the height is a concern, but I think the intangibles Chandler possesses will define his NBA career down the road.

11. TyTy Washington / Freshman / Kentucky / 6’3’’ / Guard

Washington has had a solid start to the season in Lexington, which was punctuated by a 17 assist performance against Georgia on January 8th. The Phoenix native has shared the backcourt with junior Sahvir Wheeler, which has limited his reps as a true point guard. He’s a very good passer who is dynamic in the pick and roll. He can thread small pockets with his crisp passing. TyTy is also very capable of creating for himself. He’s an extremely decisive shot creator, getting to his spots when he wants to and efficiently executing in the mid-range. He’s been a great three-point shooter as well, making 41% of his 3.3 attempts per game. He does a very good job of using his length to make up for his lack of athleticism to finish at the rim. TyTy's intermediate game is excellent, boasting one of the best floaters in the nation. Washington is simply an incredibly smart hooper and his combination of playmaking and shot creation makes him an excellent combo guard for teams to consider.

12. Keegan Murray / Sophomore / Iowa / 6’8’’ / Wing

Murray is currently the nation’s leading scorer, clocking in at 23.9 points per game. It seems like every time he gets the ball, he’s looking to score. Keegan has an arsenal of ways to score at the basket. His strong frame gives him the ability to post up fours and fives with great success and when he gets to the basket, does a great job of scoring through contact. He’s not the quickest lateral mover, which can make it tough for him to create separation sometimes, but he’s often able to shoot over a lot of defenders due to his length. The three-point shooting has been promising as well, currently shooting 36% from beyond the arc on over four attempts per night. He’s a versatile scorer, especially down low and the combination of strength and length is something that NBA teams love to see. He’s also able to grab and go effectively and is never afraid to attack the rim in transition.

13. Ochai Agbaji / Kansas / Senior / 6’5’’ / Wing

If Ochai Agbaji was a freshman, he’d undoubtedly be a top 10 pick. He’s been incredible so far for Kansas, averaging 21.3 points per game with an absurd 47% 3-point percentage. Agbaji’s a great vertical athlete as well, which makes him dangerous in transition. He’s able to attack close-outs, but likely won’t be able to create much one-on-one consistently at the NBA level. His shot is especially good from the corner, which NBA prospects will love on Draft Day. Ochai doesn't need the ball in his hands, constantly moving on offense and looking to create space for himself and his teammates. Defensively, Agbaji is very competitive one-on-one but can get disconnected off the ball from time to time. If he can straighten that out, he’s one of the best 3-and-D prospects in the class.

14. Nikola Jovic / Mega Bemax (Serbia) / 6’10’’ / Forward / 18 y.o.

It’s so easy to get excited about Nikola Jovic’s offensive upside. He’s a 6’10’’ do-it-all offensive weapon with guard skills. When Jovic has the ball in his hands, you better watch. He’s got a quick first step and is an agile athlete while driving to the rim. The second he grabs a rebound on the defensive side of the ball he’s looking up for an outlet pass, which is one of his best skills. He can score from the mid-post and his game stretches to the three-point line, where he’s currently hitting on 37% of his attempts. Jovic has also shown flashes of advanced-level playmaking in the halfcourt. He’s a flashy passer who always knows where his teammates are on the court. Of course, Jovic will be a project when his name gets called in July. On Draft Day, he’ll still be just 19 years old and will need to play the game more physically if he wants to make it in the NBA. The defense also needs a ton of work, but that’s not what anyone is picking Jovic for at this point. However, the combination of height and quickness could be intriguing down the line. With the right development, Jovic could be a household name in a few years.

15. Kendall Brown / Baylor / Freshman / 6’8’’ / Wing

I think the Kendall Brown hype train may have left the station a bit too early. Some have him mocked well inside the top 10, but I don’t think there’s been enough offensively to justify that ranking. Sometimes it looks like he has no feel when he gets the ball in the halfcourt. Before a 10 point performance against Oklahoma on January 22nd, Brown went on a six-game skid where he didn’t hit double digits. After his 10 assist performance on November 15th against Nicholls State had scouts raving, he only has one game with more than 3 assists since. The athleticism is undeniable. The ease with which he gets off the ground is jaw-dropping and it's what gets him in the lottery discussion. There’s no question about his defensive game. He’s already proven that he’ll almost certainly be able to guard 1-4 in the NBA, which can’t be said for many freshman prospects. Brown still has the opportunity to improve his stock, he’ll just need to start being more aggressive on offense.

16. Dyson Daniels / Ignite / 6’6’’ / Guard / 18 y.o.

It’s a shame the G-League Ignite hasn’t truly used Dyson Daniels to the best of his abilities. With 2023 top prospect Scoot Henderson and 38-year-old veteran Pooh Jeter getting most of the reps at point guard, Daniels' opportunities to run the offense have been limited. That’s not to say he hasn’t been impressive, though. He’s not a spectacular athlete, but he moves smoothly and has excellent body control on his way to the rim. Daniels is dangerous in transition, able to find the open man or get to the rim when necessary. The shot isn’t there yet, as Daniels is connecting on just 25% of his three-point attempts. However, there’s no lack of confidence, with Daniels taking upwards of 3 per game, including hitting huge shot in the dying moments against Salt Lake. In his limited role as a ball handler, Daniels has done well to average 4.4 assists per game, which showcases his playmaking ability down the road. Defensively, Daniels projects excellently. He competes hard on every possession and has quick hands, currently averaging just under two steals per game. He’ll be able to guard 1-3 at the least in the NBA.

17. MarJon Beauchamp / Ignite / 6’7’ / Wing / 20 y.o.

MarJon Beauchamp came along at just the right time. In today’s NBA, everyone is looking for long and athletic wings that can get out and run in transition. That’s exactly what Beauchamp has done this season for Ignite. The bouncy wing is a great finisher at and above the rim. When he gets the ball down low, he’s very patient with the ball, which usually leads to easy baskets. The defensive upside is there for MarJon, who is a great lateral mover with long arms. Beauchamp is always active on the court, constantly looking for different ways he can impact the game. Beauchamp’s biggest weakness is the shot, which will be his swing skill.

18. Patrick Baldwin Jr. / UW Milwaukee / Freshman / 6’9’’ / Wing

Patrick Baldwin Jr.’s freshman season at UW Milwaukee has been nothing short of a disaster. The team is simply terrible and Baldwin has been asked to do far too much to supplement them offensively. It’s tough to even evaluate the situation he’s in. He’s currently shooting a putrid 37% from the field and 31% from three, which was supposed to be one of his elite skills coming in. Don’t get too worried about the shot, however. Many of the three-pointers he’s taken are extremely contested and it’s just something he won’t be asked to do at the next level. However, the compete level may be something to worry about. Multiple times, there’s been a clear drop in effort when his team goes down big. He’s not the quickest laterally and hasn’t been able to get much going in one-on-one situations. The foundation is there: a 6’9’’ wing who can shoot and handle the ball. It’ll be interesting to see how much this season will affect his draft stock in July.

19. Tari Eason / LSU / Sophomore / 6’8’’ / Wing

Tari Eason’s impact on LSU early this season has been immense. The Cincinnati transfer has done everything coach Will Wade has asked of him and more. Eason’s game starts on the defensive end. He currently boasts the nation’s best defensive rating at 76.6, while often taking on the opponent’s best scorer. An extremely gritty defender, Eason never loses focus. The lean forward has a surprisingly strong frame and he uses it well on both ends. He’ll be able to guard 1-4 at the next level. Offensively, he’s been LSU’s best player, leading the team in scoring at 16 points per game. He attacks the rim viciously with his vertical athleticism and can use his strength to create space for him to finish down low. The handle can be a little loose, but for a guy with his size, it’s pretty promising. Eason plays the game very quickly, which should transition very cleanly in the NBA.

20. JD Davison / Alabama / Freshman / 6’3’’ / Point Guard

JD Davison plays the game at the speed of light. The problem is, he’s not good enough to do so yet. Far too often, he gets too sped up and throws a pass into the third row or gets the ball swiped from him. However, if he’s able to harness that elite athletic ability, he could be one of the best point guards in the draft. At 6’3’’ he’s one of the bounciest point guards in the nation, making highlight-reel dunks look easy in transition. He’s a smart rebounder, using that bounce when he sees the chance and stealing boards from bigs. He’s an excellent competitor, never afraid of contact when driving to the rim and a transition nightmare who is unstoppable in any sort of space. The path for Davison to become a top point guard is there, improve his feel for the game and pick his spots to hit the second gear.

21. Mark Williams / Duke / Sophomore / 7’0’’ / Big

Mark Williams will absolutely be a capable NBA player. The freakish 7’6’’ wingspan combined with his ability to get down the floor is something that will make him very attractive to NBA teams. Williams will excel in a rim-runner role on offense and could easily develop into one a top rim defender defensively. He’s dangerous in the paint, always a threat to get easy points off of tip-ins. He makes life incredibly difficult on guards driving into the paint. On a per 36 minutes basis, Williams is averaging 5.5 blocks per game. The Duke big man's floor is simply too high to pass on him here.

22. Jaden Hardy / G League Ignite / 6’4’’ / Shooting Guard / 19 y.o.

As Michael Jordan would say, the ceiling is the roof for Jaden Hardy. However, he just simply hasn’t been good enough for Ignite to warrant a lottery selection. The 6’4’’ shooting guard from Detroit has been a woefully inefficient scorer, shooting just 35% from the field. His shot selection has been ugly and is currently taking over 17 shots per game. Hardy’s handle has also raised questions. When driving the lane, he's quite loose with the ball, which often leads to unnecessary turnovers (3.5 per game). The passing has been uninspiring as well, far too often throwing the ball into traffic or the stands. Overall, it’s just been a disaster of a season for Hardy. Whichever NBA team picks him will hope he can regain his pre-draft promise, when many had him mocked in the top 5.

23. Hugo Besson / NZ Breakers (Australia) / 6’3’’ / Guard / 20 y.o.

French guard Hugo Besson has surpassed teammate Ousmane Dieng as the top prospect on the Breakers this season. He’s become one of the most exciting prospects to watch this year. Besson plays with a flair like none other in the class. He can play off the ball but is an incredibly dangerous pull-up shooter. He’s got a quick trigger and deep range that make him an extremely tough matchup defensively. He’s a confident shooter, taking over six three-point shots per game despite his average 33% 3-point percentage. Besson is also a dynamic passer in the pick and roll. He’s patient and knows exactly when to flip it off to a teammate or put his head down and get to the rim. His sneaky athleticism allows him to get by guys on the perimeter and attack the rim efficiently. Sometimes, the confidence gets the best of him, which is why his three-point percentage is a bit low. If he can simplify his game a bit, he should find success at the next level.

24. E.J. Liddell / Ohio State / Junior / 6’7’’ / Wing

E.J. Liddell is turning into one of my favorite prospects in this draft. He is an extremely unique player who possesses very useful skills on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he’s been able to stretch his game out this year, hitting 40% of his 3-point attempts. He can get you a bucket in the post and is always wreaking havoc on the offensive glass. Defensively, he’s turned into a shot-blocking machine, currently swatting 2.8 shots per game, which puts him inside the top 20 in the nation, which is very impressive for a guy of his size. The devotion he’s shown to improve his game every year is promising and I think it’ll continue when he gets in the league.

25. Jean Montero / Overtime Elite / 18 y/o / 6’2’’ / Point Guard

It’s nearly impossible to get a good read on how good Jean Montero actually is. The level of competition is essentially AAU. I honestly don’t know what to do with that. Of course, he looks good in the limited sample size we’ve seen, but I don’t see how an NBA team gambles on him in the top 20. He plays with a ton of flair and has shown excellent upside as a playmaker. If he’s running at you, he’s probably already by you. When he gets to the rim, he’s a creative finisher with soft touch on his runners. He takes a ton of pull-up mid-range jumpers and has shown flashes of Curry-like range for Overtime. That’s all I got.

26. Julian Champagnie / St. John’s / Junior / 6’7’’ / Forward

Julian Champagnie is just a hooper. If you need one bucket, there’s an argument that Champagnie may be the best option in the class. He’s one of the most difficult halfcourt assignments in the nation because he can score in so many different ways. He needs no separation to hit his mid-range shots. He’s strong enough to body his defender up and get to the basket. He hits the three at a 38% clip. He’s got a legit stepback. Julian is just an elite isolation scorer and NBA teams will love that about him. He’s not a freaky athlete but is quick when he needs to be. Defensively, he could be league average, but the pure offensive game is special.

27. Blake Wesley / Notre Dame / Freshman / 6’5’’ / Guard

When Blake Wesley gets aggressive, he’s very tough to stop. The quick, shifty, and incredibly long guard is a constant threat in transition but has also been able to do damage in the halfcourt. Coming off screens, he turns the corner quickly and uses his near 7’0’’ wingspan to convert tough shots at the rim. He’s shown flashes of post scoring, which do wonders for his stock if it’s something he can do more consistently down the stretch. Defensively, Wesley is quite versatile and able to guard 1-3 at the moment. If he puts on a few more pounds, I can see him guarding some fours in the NBA. The shot is a bit worrying, especially at the line, where he’s shooting just 67%. Nonetheless, the athleticism and ability to create for himself is promising for Wesley. Like many prospects, the shot will be his swing skill.

28. Jeremy Sochan / Baylor / Freshman / 6’9’’ / Forward

Freshman forward Jeremy Sochan absolutely has the chance to rise up boards and become one of the top 3-and-D guys in this class. At this point, he just hasn’t shown me enough to get him inside the top 20. Offensively, nothing wows you. He’s a solid passer and cutter but doesn’t do anything spectacular. The three-point shot is coming along, shooting 53% since December 12th. However, it’s a pretty small sample size due to shortened minutes and a nagging injury. Sochan truly shines defensively. He’s got great instincts to go along with his 7’0’’ wingspan, which means he could guard up to 2-5 in the NBA. Sochan projects to be an extremely solid pro that could fit on any NBA roster.

29. Trevor Keels / Duke / Freshman / 6’5’’ / Guard

Trevor Keels is a pretty exciting prospect to watch, but the NBA fit is worrying for me. If he’s going to be a first-round pick, teams will have to believe the shot is going to come. That shot has been extremely inconsistent throughout his freshman season. The combo guard has been a decent passer, but likely won’t be asked to run an NBA offense at any point. The strength and defensive effort are Keels’ bread and butter. As a freshman, Keels is already one of, if not the strongest guard in the nation. When he puts his head down, have fun trying to stop him. On defense, Keels’ engine is remarkable. His strength and agility make life extremely difficult on guards. If he’s able to consistently hit threes, Keels could jump up into the lottery.

30. Dereon Seabron / NC State / Sophomore / 6’7’’ / Unicorn

I’m taking my shot here. Dereon Seabron is one of the most electrifying players in college basketball and I think there’s a spot for him in the NBA. Seabron has been dominant at the rim for NC State so far this year, averaging 19 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game for the Wolfpack. Seabron attacks the rim like no other player in college basketball, with nearly all of his attempts coming in the paint. This leads to a ton of free throws, where Seabron ranks fourth in the country in attempts. He often brings the ball up the court for NC State and has proven himself as a legitimate creator for his teammates. He’s a great decision-maker on the drive, which is an essential part of his game. Realistically, Seabron can play all five positions on the court. At 6’7’’ with a reported 6’11’’ wingspan and quick feet, he could be an extremely switchy and versatile defender at the next level. If you haven’t yet, check out some Dereon Seabron tape.