2024 NBA Draft: CBS Sports releases updated Top 30 player rankings

CBS Sports released its latest top 30 player rankings ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft in a handful of months.

Now that college basketball is one month away from March Madness, the stars of this class can really make their mark. But don’t forget, there are international players to keep track of as well.

Let’s dive into CBS Sports’ latest draft rankings.

1. Zaccharie Risacher, SF – France

The 18-year-old plays for JL Bourg of the LNB Pro A and the EuroCup overseas. Fans who don’t know about him in the states might want to.

He aided the French U19 team to a Silver Medal in the 2023 World Cup. Based on his ability to score and defend at such a high level, he’s the projected top prospect in the 2024 draft class.

2. Alex Sarr, C – France

The Perth Wildcats star was born in France but plays Down Under. He was a part of the Silver Medal team for France as mentioned above, being roommates with Risacher.

The next international big man? This is your guy, per CBS Sports. Now, we’ll see the college prospects making waves this season.

3. Cody Williams (Fr.), SG – Colorado

The Coach Prime effect! All kidding aside, Williams has been great this season for the Buffaloes. In 13 games this year, He averages just a shade under 15 points per game.

He also shoots 57.9% from the floor and 52% from three-point range. Great numbers. While dealing with injuries this season, Williams made his court time count as it stands in early February.

4. Nikola Topic, PG – Serbia

Topic is another young buck from overseas. The Serbian guard was the MVP of the FIBA U18 European Championship in 2023 and an ABA League Champion in 2022.

He’s a guy who can push 20 points per game as a point guard, so it might be wise to invest in him as a lottery pick. It looks like he’ll go top five as of now.

5. Ja’Kobe Walter (Fr.), SG – Baylor

The Baylor freshman has been just as impressive as others in this class. Through 22 games, he averages 14.2 points per game and 4.5 rebounds per game.

Walter shoots 38.8% from the floor and 34.4% from three-point range. It’s hard to imagine him not being a lottery pick at this point.

6. Tidjane Salaun, SF – France

Another French born player. Boy, there’s a lot of high quality basketball talent coming from the region as of the last couple of seasons.

Salaun plays for Cholet Basket, signing his first professional contract last July. And yes, he played for the U18 FIBA team during the 2023 European Championship.

7. Ron Holland, PF – G League Ignite

Holland opted to play for the G League as an 18-year old. But that doesn’t mean he wasn’t sought after by colleges.

As a member of the Class of 2023, Holland was a five-star recruit out of Duncanville (Texas) High, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 1 overall prospect in the state, the No. 2 small forward in the class and the No. 3 overall prospect in the class.

8. Isaiah Collier (Fr.), PG – USC

It’s a shame USC is below .500 because Collier is likely a lottery pick this summer. In 16 games this season, Collier averages 15.4 points per game, 2.6 rebounds per game, 4.1 assists per game and shoots 50.6% from the floor. He also shoots 31.3% from three-point range.

As of now, CBS Sports has him as a top 10 prospect with room to grow of course. The former five-star prospect was the No. 1 overall player in the 2023 cycle, per the On3 Industry.

9. Reed Sheppard (Fr.), SG – Kentucky

Sheppard’s been pretty solid as a freshman for the Wildcats this season. Perhaps a big tournament run could vault his value.

This season, Sheppard averages 12 points per game, 4.3 rebounds per game and 4.2 assists per game. He also shoots 52.7% from the floor and 53.7% from three-point range. Don’t count this man out.

10. Rob Dillingham (Fr.), PG – Kentucky

Dillingham is the fellow Wildcat who could be a lottery pick alongside Sheppard. He’s having an impressive season as well.

In 21 games this year, Dillingham averages 15.5 points per game, three rebounds per game, 4.1 yards per game and shoots 48.8% from the floor. Dillingham also shoots 43.3% from three-point range.

Players ranked No. 11 to 30

Below are the remainder of the prospects within the top 30. Essentially it’s a rough look at who could be drafted in the first round throughout the entire night of the NBA Draft.

11. Matas Buzelis, PF – G League Unite
12. Dalton Knecht (Sr.), SG – Tennessee
13. Stephon Castle (Fr.), PG – UConn
14. Donovan Clingan (So.), C – UConn
15. Kyle Filipowski (So.), C – Duke
16. Tyler Smith, PF – G League Ignite
17. Terrence Shannon (Sr.), SG – Illinois
18. Zach Edey (Sr.), C – Purdue
19. Trey Alexander (Jr.), SG – Creighton
20. Kevin McCullar Jr. (Sr.), SG – Kansas
21. Trevon Brazile (So.), PF – Arkansas
22. Bobi Klintman (Fr.), PF – Sweden
23. Jared McCain (Fr.), PG – Duke
24. Yves Missi (Fr.), C – Baylor
25. Hunter Sallis (Jr.), SG – Wake Forest
26. Jaylon Tyson (Jr.), SF – California
27. Ryan Dunn (So.), SF – Virginia
28. Dillon Jones (Jr.), SG – Weber State
29. DJ Wagner (Fr.), PG – Kentucky
30. DaRon Holmes (Jr.), PF – Dayton

The NBA Draft is scheduled for June while the lottery for the top picks is scheduled for May. Both are TBD dates.