2022 NBA Draft: Seniors who can make noise in draft

Underclassmen have taken over the NBA Draft, but there are still some seniors who can make instant impacts when they take their talents to the professional level. While the conversations surrounding the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft features some babyface talents, the team over at CBS Sports attempted to identify four seniors to keep an eye on when the time comes.

“Teams outside the early range of the draft won’t have the luxury of taking players regarded as surefire generational talents,” wrote David Cobb. “Instead, franchise general managers with picks outside the top 10 are tasked with finding value. In some cases, that means taking older players.”

Here’s who the team at CBS Sports singled-out as possible seniors who can change a franchise from the jump.

Seniors who can make some noise in the 2022 NBA Draft, via CBS Sports:

Ochai Agbaji, Kansas Jayhawks — First, Agbaji has to start any conversation when it comes to seniors in the 2022 NBA Draft. At the moment, the former Kansas star is the lone elder statesmen expected to be a Round 1 selection.

“The Most Outstanding Player of the 2022 Final Four is a 6-foot-5 athlete who can reliably make 3-pointers and effectively guard multiple positions — and guys like that are super valuable in the NBA these days, so I’m a believer,” wrote Gary Parrish. “.. I’d bet on him being a top-10 rookie next season while playing meaningful minutes right from the jump.”

Andrew Nembhard, Gonzaga Bulldogs — After Agbjai, identifying seniors with a chance at a positive NBA career becomes difficult. Still, Matt Norlander is looking towards Gonzaga, as point guard Andrew Nembhard sticks out to him while he’s scouting potential No. 1 selection Chet Holmgren.

“Nembhard is a 6-foot-5 point guard with good length and modern-NBA instincts,” wrote Norlander. “The ball doesn’t stick, he distributes willingly, he’s a good rebounder, and he can grow into a capable defender.

“.. He’s an ideal take-a-flier-on-him guy for Summer League. At worst, he has a fruitful overseas career awaiting him, but other than Agbaji, I think he’s my favorite senior in this draft class.”

Keon Ellis, Alabama Crimson Tide — During the NBA Draft, most teams are looking for rotational pieces, not the next superstar of the league. According to Kyle Boone, the size, skill and scoring Ellis possesses could mold him into one.

“He has great positional size at 6-foot-6, and he’s a killer spot-up shooter and a reliable 3-point threat,” wrote Boone. “He has the full package of size, skill and scoring that should help him stick in the league as a role player for a long time.”

Tevin Brown, Murray State — The Racers have another quality NBA talent on their hands. No, Brown isn’t Ja Morant, but Cobb believes the guard who can knock them down from three-point range has great three-and-d potential.

“Brown is more than just a specialist whom you tell to go stand in the corner,” wrote Cobb. “He’s a facilitator who can create offense himself or a weapon for whom you can draw up a play.

“Given the winning pedigree of his college program and his competency in every facet of the game, it stands to reason that Brown can latch on with an NBA franchise and stick in the league for longer than you might expect of someone who may be a late second-round pick or undrafted free agent.”