The Top Ten NBA Draft Prospects in College Basketball 1.0

This is an exciting NBA Draft class because the parity of the players shows there are no clear tiers at this point. In years past, players started to differentiate themselves into draft tiers before the season beginning. This year, it seems that players will be using their seasons as their try-out. Even with NBA scouts having previous viewings and notes on these players for a couple of years, there is still almost certain to be a lot of movement as we continue toward the June NBA Draft. 

One part to watch for is the draft-eligible pros. The G-League will have players like Ron Holland, Matas Buzelis, Izan Almansa, Theirry Darlan, Tyler Smith, and others who are certain to get looked at as NBA Draft prospects. The NBL has also made a push toward this NBA Draft with the development of their Next Stars Program. Players like Alexandre Sarr, Bobi Klintman, AJ Johnson, Trentyn Flowers, and Alex Toohey are creating buzz.

Then you have the International players under evaluation. Prospects like Serbian guard Nikola Topic and French wing Zaccharie Risacher will certainly be studied for this draft. Each of these NBA Draft-eligible players is already playing in professional leagues and finding varying levels of success for themselves.

However, nothing brings more shine to the general public than college basketball. As I spoke about above, this year’s draft is as wide open as we have seen in previous cycles. The interesting piece about how this NBA Draft is shaping up is the depth of the class. While this draft cycle is lacking the traditional talent that would be associated with a No. 1 overall, or even a top-five pick, its talent runs past the lottery and even into the second round. 

Before the season started I had Ja’Kobe Walter and Isaiah Collier as the top two one-and-done players in this upcoming draft. As the season started, nothing has happened to change my mind about that yet. 

Let’s discuss the college basketball 2024 NBA Draft Power Rankings version 1.0.

1. G Ja’Kobe Walter, Baylor

The Buzz: Ja’Kobe Walter is a 6-foot-5, almost 200-pound guard at Baylor. He has shown scoring chops as a two-way threat. Walter went for more than 20 points in three of his first five collegiate games. To this point, his 14.9 points are leading the way for undefeated Baylor. There are some questions about his passing as he only had one assist through his first four games. However, he has picked it up, with six over his last four. The processing will need to be something worth monitoring. Walter is shooting 35 percent from three this season and collecting 1.5 steals per game. While not the most dynamic bucket-getter, he has a high floor in a know-what-you-are-getting sense. 

2. G Isaiah Collier, USC

The Buzz: Isaiah Collier plays fast and his top-end speed puts a lot of pressure on the defense. Even off makes he is sprinting the floor trying to create an advantage. Collier is a creative passer, with excellent vision. His confidence with his passes can also get him into trouble, leading to meaningless turnovers trying to thread a needle. He does need to reign in the turnovers. Coming into the season, Collier’s swing skill was the shooting. To this point, the strong-bodied point guard is shooting 40 percent from three and 73.5 percent from the free throw line. He showed in high school his high-level feel as the primary handler in the pick and roll, and he is guarding the point-of-attack well on defense. 

3. C Kyle Filipowski, Duke

The Buzz: Kyle Filipowski was the ACC Freshman of the Year last season while needing a hip procedure done. He had double hip surgery right after the season ended, which was part of what kept him in college for a second year. Filipowski is an interesting post prospect who is leading a nationally-ranked Duke team in points (18.9), rebounds (8.4), steals (1.3), and blocks (1.9). What makes Filipowski interesting, as he looks toward the NBA, is his ability to dribble, shoot, and pass. Filipowski is shooting 52.9 percent from the field and 73.9 percent from the free throw line. While he is not the fastest of foot, he understands team defense and rotations very well, putting himself in good positions on the defensive end of the floor. In high school, Filipowski showed the passing and the processing. And even with Duke needing him to score so much, Filipowski is still showing the vision, adding 2.3 assists per contest.

4. F Cody Williams, Colorado

The Buzz: Cody Williams has a great frame, standing at 6-foot-7 with good length. Much like Kyle Filipowski, his passing and processing were quite possibly the most interesting pieces of his game coming out of high school. With Colorado, Williams has settled into a scoring role from the wing. Williams is averaging 17.8 points as Colorado sits at 2-2 over its last four. A big question with Williams coming into the season was the shooting, and through his first seven games, Williams is 6-for-10 from three. Williams has played one power five team to this point, a loss to Florida State, where he finished with 17 points, six rebounds, and two steals. He was also 1-for-3 from three, 4-for-7 from the free throw line, and had one assist to five turnovers. Williams’ start to the season is carrying some optimism.

5. G Stephon Castle, UConn

The Buzz: Stephon Castle came into the season with a lot of hype around his NBA Draft status. The 6-foot-6 guard stepped into a role at UConn where he did not have to be the primary guy off the bat because they returned guard Tristen Newton. Castle could ease into the speed of the game while playing off-ball and in a secondary role. Through the two games he played, Castle averaged 14.5 points and 3.5 assists. The big thing with Castle is pinpointing what he is positionally. He is at his best with the ball in his hands. Throughout high school, and during the all-star circuit, he showed he could touch the paint and put pressure on the defense. The reads and the shooting will be the questions for his play to answer. Can he process well enough to be on the ball and/or does he shoot it well enough to be off the ball? 

6. F Ryan Dunn, Virginia

The Buzz: Ryan Dunn is one of the premier defensive players in college basketball. Even in limited play last season, I was able to write about how disruptive his instincts and twitchiness were for opposing teams. This season, Dunn has put his defensive prowess on full display picking up 22 blocks and 22 steals through Virginia’s first eight games. With the 6-foot-8, 215-pound wing, the offense has always been the question. He has been solid in straight lines, finishing at the rim. He will need to figure out the shooting (21.1 percent on 2.4 attempts per game) as well as the ball handling and dribbling. How does he create an advantage on the offensive end? However, what he does on defense, with his size, is something that is coveted at the highest level. Dunn’s 9.8 points per contest is third for the Cavaliers through eight games.

7. C Kel’el Ware, Indiana

The Buzz: Kel’el Ware has always had an intriguing physical presence. While his motor has been the question, he has remained a high-level rim protector. In 15.8 minutes at Oregon last season, Ware averaged 3.3 blocks per 40. This season, the early returns of his production have been promising. Ware is listed by Indiana at 7-foot-0 and 242 pounds. He is playing 31.9 minutes this season, averaging 17.7 points and 9.6 rebounds. He is also adding 1.9 assists and 1.6 blocks per contest. Something else intriguing about Ware early this season is the shooting. He showed touch in high school, but that did not translate consistently at Oregon. Through his first seven games this season, Ware is shooting 55.6 percent from three, on 1.3 attempts per game. A mobile big who can stretch the floor and protect the rim is an interesting prospect. 

8. C Donovan Clingan, UConn

The Buzz: Even with playing 13.1 minutes last season, Donovan Clingan picked up a lot of NBA Draft buzz heading into the season. Clingan is a 7-foot-2 center who has great touch and natural instincts. This season, Clingan is playing 20.9 minutes per contest while shooting 64.3 percent from the field and blocking 2.0 shots. The stamina questions are there, and so are the lateral quickness and the shooting range. Walker Kessler has shown that a player along this archetype can have success in the NBA. Clingan has excellent instincts, and he has shown that he can produce consistently.  

9. G Carlton Carrington, Pittsburgh

The Buzz: Carlton Carrington started his season hot with a triple-double that opened a lot of eyes. Carrington has impressed with his feel for the game. He stands at a lengthy 6-foot-5. He plays on the ball for Pittsburgh where he is averaging 14.6 points and 5.9 assists per contest. The size and the feel intrigue, as does his age – with a July 2005 birthday he will be 18 on the night of the 2024 NBA Draft. Carrington is also shooting 36.7 percent from three. He will need to continue getting stronger and showing continued consistency in his performances. There is a lot to like, the question is whether he will be ready this year or if coming back for another season would continue to enhance his stock.  

10. G Tyrese Proctor

The Buzz: Tyrese Proctor had an up-and-down freshman season. Even while averaging 10.9 points and 4.4 assists over his last ten games of the season, he still shot 41.4 percent from the field. It has been a mixed bag so far for Proctor this season. The 6-foot-5 guard has taken better care of the ball, averaging 4.5 assists to 1.0 turnovers per game, and he has shown excellent hands and anticipation on defense. However, he has still struggled to be a true threat as a scorer. Coming into the season, there was a lot of lottery buzz with Proctor. However, the start of the season has not answered questions of Proctor that dated back to high school, which revolve around being able to make plays off the bounce. In the three high major games he has played this season – I am not counting Georgia Tech here – Proctor has averaged 9.3 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.0 rebounds while shooting 33.3 percent from the field and 17.6 percent from three. Can Proctor take that step to become a dynamic lead guard or will he be more of a connecting secondary guard? 

One to Watch

C Aaron Bradshaw, Kentucky

The Buzz: Aaron Bradshaw has missed to start of the season nursing a foot injury. The 7-foot-1 post player made his Kentucky debut this weekend, playing 13 minutes in the loss to UNC Wilmington. 

Bradshaw is an intriguing prospect. He is a legit 7-footer, with fluid mobility, and natural touch and timing. He is capable of stepping out beyond the arc and knocking down spot threes, or shooting in the mid-range off movement. Bradshaw is also a natural shot blocker around the basket. He will need to continue adding weight, especially to his base and core, which will help him establish position down low, on both ends. However, he possesses a lot of the traits that thrive in today’s game, namely the shooting range/touch and the rim protection. 

He has been sitting for more than a month. How quickly will it take Bradshaw to get caught up to the speed of the college game?

The Next Seven

(*alphabetical order)

F Trevon Brazile (Arkansas), G Robert Dillingham (Kentucky), F Dalton Knecht (Tennessee), G Riley Kugel (Florida), F Kevin McCullar (Kansas), C Yves Missi (Baylor), G DJ Wagner (Kentucky)

Three Player Storylines to Watch

G Reed Sheppard (Kentucky) – Reed Sheppard has picked up a lot of buzz with his scorching hot start to the season. Simply put, the 6-foot-3 guard is someone who knows how to play basketball. His 13.9 point is currently third for Kentucky. He is also shooting 61.9 percent from the field and 61.1 percent from three on 4.5 attempts per game. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect is his defense, he has very quick, anticipatory, hands. He is averaging 3.0 steals per contest. 

For me, the questions with Sheppard, that I will need to continue monitoring forward are what is the archetype? He is listed at 6-foot-3, 187 pounds and we have not seen much in the way of self-creation. At Kentucky, to this point, he has played in a secondary role alongside jet-quick paint touch guards Robert Dillingham and DJ Wagner. For a guard in the 6-foot-2/6-foot-3 range, how does he create an advantage? Still a TBD for him as I continue to jump into the film.

F Justin Edwards (Kentucky) – Justin Edwards came into college with a lot of NBA Draft hype. However, that did not come without questions. Since his time in high school, he has continued to show instincts, on both ends of the floor. Edwards is an excellent off-ball cutter, finding himself with a lot of opportunities throughout the course of a game. He is also a very good team defender, with anticipation in the passing lanes and understanding of angles and rotations. 

However, Edwards has been an average to below-average shooter for most of his prep time. This has remained the case at Kentucky, through eight games shooting 25.9 percent from three and 68.4 percent from the free throw line. He also struggles to create offense for himself, off the bounce. Edwards has generally shown touch and confidence from the elbows so there is hope for the shot to continue. However, he is older for this class (will turn 20 in mid-December). He has not shown growth from his time in high school, yet.

G Elmarko Jackson (Kansas) – The physical tools of Elmarko Jackson are impressive. The big-bodied, quick-twitch guard is a late-bloomer. At 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, Jackson grew up playing lacrosse. He is the son of a former Temple running back Elmarko Jackson and the nephew of former Michigan defensive back Marlin Jackson. He took to basketball full-time later in his prep days. However, he is a blur with the basketball and the physical tools can be hard to ignore. 

Where he will need to continue growing is with the jump shot and the reads. Each of these are things that have grown drastically since his junior year of high school. But for an NBA franchise to spend a pick on him, he will need to continue showing that growth.