Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey Battling for No. 1 decide

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(Duke: Ahead, Freshman, 6-9)

Finest rank: 1 / Worst rank: 1 

Cooper Flagg enters the faculty season because the projected No. 1 decide, with NBA expertise evaluators retaining a detailed eye on how far he can carry Duke this season to see if he can finally change into a franchise cornerstone. 

After taking part in for Group USA’s Choose Group in Las Vegas, Flagg was in comparison with former All-Star Andrei Kirilenko by an NBA government and two NBA scouts who spoke with HoopsHype.

“Flagg is like Kirilenko,” an NBA scout advised HoopsHype. “He’s very impactful defensively, can guard a number of positions, and is a superb weak-side shot blocker. He makes performs for others within the halfcourt and transition. He’s a very good transition finisher who’s an athletic wing participant. His halfcourt offense is a priority. He must shoot it higher. Creating his offense within the half court docket might be a query.”

“Flagg jogs my memory of Kirilenko,” one other NBA scout advised HoopsHype. “Flagg has a fast first step and is an aggressive finisher across the basket. He doesn’t create a lot off the dribble offensively however creates extra offense along with his protection than anybody within the nation. His protection is means forward of his offense. He’s extra of a 4 than a 3 because of his supreme athletic nature. The consistency of his exterior shot enhancing will rely upon how a lot emphasis is put in permitting him to shoot it in actual video games and never simply apply.”

Flagg’s offensive improvement will decide if he’ll finally change into an NBA group’s greatest participant or its second or third-best participant. At this stage, whereas Flagg may go No. 1, he isn’t prepared to hold a franchise on his again but within the eyes of the three NBA expertise evaluators who spoke with HoopsHype.

“Many scouts have in contrast Flagg to Kirilenko, and I feel that’s a good evaluation,” an NBA government advised HoopsHype. “I feel he’ll finally be a very good second or third possibility on a very good NBA group. His taking pictures stroke doesn’t look nice proper now, however he makes a ton and he’s not afraid to take them at his dimension. I feel he’s going to finally make extra photographs than folks assume. His greatest attribute proper now could be his protection. General, he can play in so many various methods. He can come over and assistance on protection. He can guard greater and a few smaller gamers. He performs extraordinarily exhausting and with power. That stuff issues. Along with his athleticism, he may be performed in pick-and-roll conditions with the ball or because the screener. He’s a flexible participant.”

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(Rutgers: Ahead, Freshman, 6-10)

Finest rank: 2 / Worst rank: 2

Whereas Cooper Flagg enters the faculty season because the projected No. 1 decide, Rutgers incoming freshman Ace Bailey has an opportunity to alter that narrative within the eyes of some NBA expertise evaluators.

“I may see Bailey supplanting Flagg for No. 1,” an NBA government advised HoopsHype. “I feel Bailey is extra proficient with the ball than Flagg at this level, however I feel Flagg is a greater general participant than Bailey now. Ace is extra of a scoring sort of participant. His general decision-making and shot choice has to get loads higher. He’s very wired to attain. Athletically, I feel there’s one other degree he can get to, however he’s nonetheless an excellent athlete. Capturing-wise, I feel he’s extra of a scorer than a pure shooter, which over time might be wonderful if he’s your No. 2 man. I believed the identical issues about Brandon Miller when he was in highschool. His legs don’t look nice when it comes to his energy, however hopefully, he can proceed to place extra weight on and be extra bodily. There’s little question that he’s very proficient.”

One other NBA scout believes Bailey may change into one of many high two-way gamers within the league someday if he’s keen to harness his bodily instruments and be coachable on the defensive finish of the court docket.

“If Bailey hits his ceiling, he can change into Paul George,” an NBA scout advised HoopsHype. “He’s a flexible combo ahead whose sturdy senior season has many believing his ceiling is the best within the class. Bailey is offensively superior, however his protection has a methods to go to rival his offensive instincts. How he and Dylan Harper deal with carrying the load at Rutgers subsequent season will communicate volumes to what may be anticipated of him as an NBA prospect.”

George was equally skinny when drafted by the Pacers and progressively added extra weight. George was additionally a very good athlete who grew to become a a lot better athlete throughout his time within the NBA, which is why NBA expertise evaluators consider Bailey can have an identical improvement arc.

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(Rutgers: Guard, Freshman, 6-6)

Finest rank: 3 / Worst rank: 6

Dylan Harper is the southpaw son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, the No. 8 decide of the 1986 draft, and a 15-year veteran within the league.

“Harper has changed into an enormous level guard who can navigate pick-and-rolls,” an NBA scout advised HoopsHype. “He’s not probably the most athletic participant, so he’s obtained to proceed to enhance how shifty he’s and alter gears. Defensively, he’s obtained to take it severely as a result of his physique and athleticism have to enhance. His taking pictures goes to be an enormous query for him. He’s a man that performs a number of bully ball and will get downhill. He can get away with that at the highschool degree, however his habits have to enhance.”

Harper boasts a virtually 6-foot-10 wingspan and, as we’ve seen with Stephon Citadel, Anthony Black, and the Thompson twins (Amen and Ausar), greater guards have been taken excessive within the lottery lately.

“Harper will not be going to be your greatest participant or a high three man on a roster that wins large,” an NBA government advised HoopsHype. “I feel he understands the sport nicely. He can rating and play off the ball, and he’s large. He ought to be capable to defend a number of positions from guard to wings. He has to wish to try this stuff. He hasn’t been constant on that finish. I feel he has the physicality and instruments to do it. I feel you possibly can play him in several methods, like Jrue Vacation and Derrick White, if he learns the sport the best means. His taking pictures might be higher. Proper now, he’s a median shooter. He can get on fast sizzling streaks and make 5 in a row or miss 5. He’s streaky. He’s not afraid of the second. He performs exhausting and thru contact.”

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(Saint-Quentin Basketball: Guard, Worldwide, 6-4)

Finest rank: 3 / Worst rank: 7

Frenchman Nolan Traore is arguably the very best level guard within the class, one who makes gamers round him higher and may run the offense.

“Traore is one in every of my favourite gamers within the class,” an NBA government advised HoopsHype. “I feel he’s going to do nicely. He performed extraordinarily nicely at Hoop Summit and all the opposite stuff he’s performed towards, the place he performs towards older guys. In opposition to guys his age, he’s killed them. There are numerous various things he can do with and off the ball. He’s a good athlete and never something spectacular. He’s a shooter who could make a number of photographs, particularly coming off ball screens and on the transfer. He’s obtained a very good contact across the rim along with his floaters and mid-range within the paint. He can end on the rim and above the rim. I like large guards, and massive on-ball guards might be essential wanting forward within the NBA. Most groups will fall in love with him heading into the draft. I feel he has a very good understanding of the sport at an early age. He’s been pretty proficient and overwhelmed up on some older guys his age.”

Traore, who lately turned 18, has energetic palms defensively and generates turnovers (1.62 steals). He isn’t a lot of a rebounder, may reduce down on his turnovers a tad (3.2), and will enhance his three-point taking pictures (.300), however there’s loads to love about his recreation.

“I like the thought of Traore being like Jamal Murray, who can play in pick-and-rolls and play off the ball at instances both as your level or taking pictures guard,” the chief added. “He can rating and actually shoot it from deep. He passes higher than folks assume. He performs level-headed however with a hearth and depth.”

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(Duke: Heart, Freshman, 7-2)

Finest rank: 3 / Worst rank: 19

The youngest participant on the Olympics, Duke freshman middle Khaman Maluach doesn’t flip 18 till September.

Maluach’s huge dimension and powerful body make him troublesome to maneuver within the put up, the place he could make hook photographs and convert lobs. He’s a wonderful rim protector as a shot blocker and rebounder. Offensively, his faceup recreation and vary are rising and will change into extra in step with time.

“Maluach can stretch the ground and shield the rim in that very same mould of Myles Turner however he’s slightly extra cellular,” an NBA government advised HoopsHype. “I wish to see him taking part in with Cooper Flagg within the frontcourt and the way he defends in house and strikes his ft. I feel these issues are going to be essential. He’s obtained to get extra energy in his legs and his base to protect among the greater NBA guys. For those who play him in a drop, it’ll be exhausting to attain on him.”

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(Baylor: Wing, Freshman, 6-5)

Finest rank: 4 / Worst rank: 7

VJ Edgecombe impressed for the Bahamas throughout their Olympic qualifying video games this summer season regardless of failing to qualify. On a roster that includes NBA gamers Deandre Ayton, Buddy Hield, and Eric Gordon, the lately turned 19-year-old was ceaselessly the very best participant on the court docket.

Under are the scouting stories from the NBA government and two scouts who spoke with HoopsHype.

NBA Scout 1: “Edgecombe is an athletic three-level scorer who can create his shot. He shoots it from three, mid-range, and may pull up. Edgecombe can actually get it and go in transition and, from the halfcourt, explode going downhill and attacking the basket relentlessly. He performs with some tunnel imaginative and prescient and desires to purchase into protection. He’s considerably of an undersized two-guard. He has to proceed to make others higher.”

NBA Scout 2: “While you perceive Edgecombe’s fluid motions, candy taking pictures stroke, and flexibility to play any place on the perimeter on each side of the ball, you perceive why he’s extremely revered. His dedication to Baylor appears to fall according to the final two taking pictures guards. He’s the very best athlete at his place, and an argument might be made that he’s the very best athlete within the class.”

NBA Govt 1: “VJ continues to be engaged on his shot and is extra of a set shot sort of man. The athleticism is pretty related. I feel he’s obtained that canine mentality. Defensively is the place I feel he’s going to excel initially. Because the offense comes alongside, he’ll be a man you possibly can play off the ball as a spot-up man who’s a slasher and cutter who will get out in transition. He’s going to play bodily and is athletic. He’ll play the passing lanes. The talent degree has to enhance a good quantity to be an elite NBA participant. I feel he’ll be a task participant initially. For him to make that subsequent step into elite standing, he’s obtained to have the abilities come collectively. He performs loads off his competitiveness and hard-nosed basketball.”

The comparisons for Edgecombe from the NBA expertise evaluators included Zach LaVine, Will Barton, and Michael Dickerson.

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(Texas: Guard, Freshman, 6-6)

Finest rank: 5 / Worst rank: 8

Tre Johnson is taken into account one of many higher scorers on this class. Whereas he could make three-pointers off the dribble, he loves the mid-range space the place he takes pull-up jumpers and makes use of a step-back dribble to create house. In opposition to smaller defenders, he’ll sometimes put up up along with his again to the basket.

“Johnson is a dynamic guard who’s efficient from both guard place,” an NBA scout advised HoopsHype. “He does a very good job of utilizing his dimension, talent, and size to benefit from all opponents. He’s an underrated passer who can affect the sport with out scoring. He wants so as to add bulk and energy for optimum effectiveness on the highest degree.”

Johnson is an effective rebounder for his place however should commit extra general on the defensive aspect of the ball.

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(UConn: Wing, Freshman, 6-7)

Finest rank: 7 / Worst rank: NR

UConn could have a dynamic taking pictures ahead tandem with incoming freshman Liam McNeeley and two-time champion Alex Karaban returning.

“McNeeley has the ceiling of Wally Szczerbiak and the ground of Matt Harpring,” an NBA scout advised HoopsHype. “He’s among the finest shooters in his complete class. He’s not blessed with blazing velocity and athleticism however isn’t a snail. McNeeley has an elevated basketball IQ that permits him to play nicely off the ball utilizing screens. The dearth of burst limits his isolation strengths, however he’s nonetheless efficient in pick-and-roll conditions. Finally, he needs to be utilized as a ground spacer as a 3rd or fourth possibility.”

Because the scout alluded to, McNeeley isn’t only a taking pictures specialist. He strikes off the ball nicely as a shooter off curls and may sometimes get downhill off dribble penetration whereas in search of open teammates.

“McNeeley is an expert shooter,” an NBA government advised HoopsHype. “I feel he’s going to be fairly good. You may examine him to a smaller model of Sam Hauser, with slightly extra ball-handling and really feel to his recreation. He will get his photographs up rapidly, will play good, and received’t be a catastrophe defensively.”

McNeeley isn’t lengthy or athletic, however he makes up for it defensively with a sturdy base and a very good IQ to place himself by taking the best angles on protection.

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(Actual Madrid: Wing, Worldwide, 6-6)

Finest rank: 4 / Worst rank: NR

Hugo Gonzalez is an effective athlete with a powerful body and excessive motor who handles the ball nicely and is shifty whereas being a keen passer as a secondary creator. The Spanish wing will look to enhance his three-point consistency.

Defensively, Gonzalez is disruptive and creates turnovers with energetic palms whereas being an efficient communicator and help-side rotational defender on the perimeter. He’s additionally an energetic shot blocker and rebounder for his place.

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(BYU: Guard, Freshman, 6-8)

Finest rank: 9 / Worst rank: NR

Egor Demin has the peak of a ahead however the slender body of a guard. He handles the ball nicely for his dimension, can break down the protection, and makes performs for others along with his imaginative and prescient and passing capacity. Demin may also create house utilizing fakes and jab steps.

Demin is an effective rebounder for his place and confirmed energetic palms whereas taking part in abroad final 12 months (2.12 steals per recreation). His three-point shot should enhance after taking pictures 18.6 p.c past the arc final season.

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(Miami: Guard, Freshman, 6-4)

Finest rank: 11 / Worst rank: 15

Jalil Bethea is without doubt one of the high gamers in his highschool class following a McDonald’s All-American choice as a three-level scorer and is an effective athlete with velocity. Betha strikes laterally and reveals flashes of being an impactful defender.

“Bethea is understood for his capacity to attain from wherever on the court docket,” an NBA scout advised HoopsHype. “Bethea’s a menace off catch-and-shoot, shifting with out the ball, and off the dribble from the perimeter, which places him in uncommon firm on this class. His dimension may restrict his effectiveness on the NBA degree towards taller and extra bodily defenders. He might be like Malik Beasley.”

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(Joventut Badalona: Ahead, Worldwide, 6-10)

Finest rank: 11 / Worst rank: NR

Michael Ruzic is a lanky ahead with good size who strikes fluidly for his dimension. Ruzic performs with a excessive IQ and may face up towards his defender. His taking pictures from past the arc (.406) and foul line (.800) intrigue NBA executives.

Ruzic isn’t athletic vertically, however he’s been in a position to defend smaller wings and a few guards along with his quickness on the perimeter throughout switches. Defensively, Ruzic goes over screens and is an energetic hedger when defending pick-and-rolls. His slender body makes it troublesome for Ruzic to field out and shield the rim.

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(Orange Academy Ratiopharm: Ahead, Worldwide, 6-10)

Finest rank: 10 / Worst rank: NR

The Adidas Subsequent Technology Event Most Invaluable Participant, Noa Essengue is a French ahead who strikes fluidly for his dimension, thrives at attending to the rim and ending strongly, and is a flexible defender. He’s a good ball handler for his dimension who assaults when defenders attempt to shut out, however he may enhance his general decision-making as a playmaker for others. His three-point (.254) and foul taking pictures (.587) additionally want additional improvement.

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(North Carolina: Wing, Freshman, 6-6)

Finest rank: 11 / Worst rank: NR

North Carolina freshman Drake Powell is coming off a McDonald’s All-American marketing campaign and rounds out the lottery within the first HoopsHype mixture mock draft for 2025.

Powell’s ceiling was in comparison with three-time All-Star and three-time All-Defensive guard Eddie Jones by an NBA scout who spoke with HoopsHype.

“Powell is able to being efficient from all three perimeter positions and is comfy as a facilitator,” an NBA scout advised HoopsHype. “Powell’s a bodily and gritty two-way participant whose recreation final spring and summer season rose amongst the highest of his class. Powell is proficient, however he’s a jack of all trades, grasp of none. He should proceed to work on his perimeter abilities and taking pictures as a result of his consistency will dictate the place he’ll be maximized in faculty and probably the NBA.”

As well as, Powell is an elite athlete with lengthy arms, a sturdy body, and may bounce out of the health club. Defensively, Powell has nice lateral quickness and a excessive motor, which helps him compete successfully.

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(North Carolina: Guard, Freshman, 6-5)

Finest rank: 9 / Worst rank: 28

North Carolina incoming freshman Ian Jackson is coming off a McDonald’s All-American marketing campaign.

Jackson thrives at placing strain on the ball on each side of the court docket whereas attacking the rim on offense within the open ground and off-ball screens and as an on-ball defender. His taking pictures is inconsistent at instances. Bodily, Jackson has a powerful, wiry body.

“In some methods, Jackson jogs my memory of Lonnie Walker,” an NBA scout advised HoopsHype. “Jackson is an aggressive wing scorer who scores in a number of methods off the bounce. He’s a sneaky athlete with a knack for attending to the foul line. It’ll be fascinating to see his contrasting fashion intertwine with the Carolina system. Jackson should enhance doing extra with much less from his offensive arsenal with out pounding the basketball in small areas.”

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(South Carolina: Ahead, Sophomore, 6-7)

Finest rank: 13 / Worst rank: NR 

Collin Murray-Boyles is a rising sophomore to observe after incomes SEC All-Freshman Group honors as a freshman and lately turning 19 years previous in June.

Murray-Boyles is a combo ahead who’s the dimensions of an NBA small ahead however primarily makes use of his energy at 240 kilos greater than verticality and is simpler across the rim than spacing the ground.

Regardless of being undersized within the paint, he can get to the basket off the dribble and isn’t afraid of contact to crash the offensive boards and end within the paint.

If Murray-Boyles goes to change into an efficient NBA participant, he’ll want to enhance his taking pictures past the mid-range space and free throw effectivity (.667).

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(Arizona: Ahead, Freshman, 6-8)

Finest rank: 14 / Worst rank: NR

Carter Bryant is the nephew of former McDonald’s All-American, Missouri alum, and former NBA assistant coach Travon Bryant.

Bryant boasts a 7-foot wingspan and powerful body, runs the ground nicely, and may bounce explosively with verticality.

Offensively, Bryant has contact on the foul line, which suggests he can change into a simpler exterior shooter over time. He thrives within the mid-range space, can deal with the ball nicely for his dimension, and is a keen passer.

Defensively, Bryant is extra of a 4 than three at this stage and is an efficient shot blocker.

“Bryant is a powerful, compact energy ahead who’s been attempting to change into a small ahead,” an NBA scout advised HoopsHype. “Bryant finishes nicely by way of contact and is aware of how you can be productive on the offensive aspect. He can stretch the protection past the three-point line whereas nonetheless beating his man off the dribble. Nonetheless, he struggles along with his perimeter protection. It’ll be fascinating to see how he and Joson Sanon compete for a similar place subsequent season at Arizona.”

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(Brisbane: Heart, Worldwide, 7-3)

Finest rank: 9 / Worst rank: NR

The youngest NBL Subsequent Star in league historical past, Rocco Zikarsky is a bodily middle who thrives as a rim protector and rebounder with the energy to carry his personal on the block towards opposing large males. Zikarsky has good instincts and is a succesful weakside shot blocker.

Offensively, Zikarsky primarily operates within the paint and may dunk in site visitors. He’s additionally a lob finisher on pick-and-roll units because the rolling large man. Sometimes, he can face up and assault off the bounce inside two dribbles.

On the NBA degree, the massive query might be whether or not he can guard in house towards higher athletes and enhance his taking pictures vary.

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(Oregon: Ahead, Sophomore, 6-9)

Finest rank: 8 / Worst rank: NR

Kwame Evans was one of many high recruits of the Class of 2023 and has an opportunity to be one of many high rising sophomores at Oregon.

Evans has good positional dimension and strikes fluidly as a disruptive defender. On the ball, Evans stayed in entrance of small gamers on the perimeter, confirmed fast palms to poke the ball unfastened with efficient timing to dam photographs, and the leaping capacity for an efficient second bounce.

Offensively, Evans is a keen ball mover and predominantly targeted on spot-ups, performing as a rolling pick-and-roll ahead and scoring on putbacks. Evans should enhance his three-point shot consistency (.267), and that would be the swing talent that determines his draft inventory this season.

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(Duke: Guard, Freshman, 6-6)

Finest rank: 9 / Worst rank: NR

Duke freshman Isaiah Evans has an extended and lanky body however can mild up the scoreboard in a rush.

“Evans has the upside of Brandon Ingram with the ground of TJ Warren,” an NBA scout advised HoopsHype. “His skinny body doesn’t cease him from scoring the ball at a extremely environment friendly price. Evans operates at his greatest from the wing and is among the many elite along with his size and scoring prowess. Evans can be a keen passer and an underrated rebounder. Wanting forward, Evans wants so as to add energy (not essentially bulk) to his physique and pay extra consideration to defensive particulars.”

Evans can get his shot off excessive of defenders and primarily operates out of the mid-post space, however generally settles for contested jumpers, which might want to enhance along with his shot choice. As a shooter, Evans has a pleasant contact on his shot. With the ball in his palms, Evans strikes fluidly and creates off the dribble successfully with an unselfish capacity to seek out his teammates as a passer.

As he grows bodily, he initiatives as a strong defender because of his dimension, size, and lateral quickness.

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(Syracuse: Ahead, Freshman, 6-9)

Finest rank: 15 / Worst rank: NR

Donnie Freeman has NBA-caliber dimension to play the ahead place with contact on his jumper and the mobility to change into a flexible two-way participant if he realizes his potential.

Offensively, he can end on the rim, stretch the ground past the arc, and rise over contesting defenders within the mid-post and mid-range areas.

Freeman might want to add extra energy to his lean body in his freshman season in order to not get knocked off his spot defensively and change into a greater rebounder. He additionally must work on his creativity off the dribble on offense.

“Freeman confirmed early prominence within the WCAC Catholic League however really went up one other degree as soon as he transferred to IMG Academy for his senior season,” an NBA scout advised HoopsHype. “Freeman is blessed with sturdy bodily instruments and an athletic presence. He’ll be capable to play instantly in faculty. His progress mentally as a participant might be extra essential to his improvement.”

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(Illinois: Wing, Freshman, 6-8)

Finest rank: 14 / Worst rank: NR

Illinois landed Canadian five-star ahead Will Riley, who was initially a part of the Class of 2025 however intends to re-classify and be a part of the Preventing Illini this season.

“He’s the consummate positionless basketball participant who has all of the instruments offensively,” Illinois coach Brad Underwood mentioned upon signing Riley. “Will has the flexibility to attain it in any respect three ranges, and he offers us one other motion participant who could make performs for others and himself primarily based on matchups. He’s expert, has a terrific midrange and float recreation, and intensely excessive basketball IQ.”

Riley performed nicely within the spring on the EYBL circuit and is the highest-ranked Illinois recruit since Dee Brown from the Class of 2002, who was No. 19 general. Riley was additionally MVP of the 2024 Basketball With out Borders International Camp throughout NBA All-Star Weekend and caught the eye of expertise evaluators there.

Riley has sturdy positional dimension and is efficient in isolations. He assaults the lane off the dribble and finishes nicely, which is complemented by his exterior shot and mechanics. Riley might want to proceed so as to add energy to his body to stay equally efficient on the faculty and professional ranges.

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(Alabama: Wing, Freshman, 6-8)

Finest rank: 21 / Worst rank: NR

Derrion Reid, a McDonald’s All-American, thrives as a powerful finisher across the basket due to his energy and contact on the rim. Reid has proven flashes of increasing his vary past the three-point arc, however not constantly. His exterior shot might be a swing talent to observe throughout his freshman season.

Defensively, Reid has the dimensions, energy, and lateral quickness to defend each ahead positions. His energetic palms and ft ought to enable him to additionally guard on the perimeter if caught in a swap on protection. Reid can be a strong rebounder for his place.

“At greatest, Reid may be Harrison Barnes, and at worst, he might be Derrick Williams,” an NBA scout advised HoopsHype. “Reid has a powerful and durable body for a highschool prospect. He thrives in transition conditions the place he performs off reads and reactions. It’ll be fascinating to see how he’s utilized in Nate Oats’ NBA-friendly system in faculty. He must proceed to strengthen his basketball abilities with out the ball whereas enhancing his exterior taking pictures.”

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(Duke: Wing, Freshman, 6-6)

Finest rank: 17 / Worst rank: NR

Kon Knueppel comes from a household of hoopers. His father, Kon, was a Corridor of Famer and scored over 2,000 profession factors at Wisconsin Lutheran Faculty, whereas his mother, Chari, is the all-time main scorer in UW-Inexperienced Bay historical past with 1,964 factors.

Knueppel is understood for his environment friendly three-point taking pictures and is an effective passer for his place. He lacks athleticism and might be attacked defensively by opposing scorers.

Knueppel may change into a multi-year faculty participant, with Duke having a number of different gamers to feed on offense, giving him time to develop.

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(Iowa State: Ahead, Sophomore, 6-8)

Finest rank: 15 / Worst rank: NR

As a freshman, Milan Momcilovic tied a faculty report for probably the most begins and appearances in a season (37) and earned Large 12 All-Freshman Group honors.

Momcilovic can stretch the ground from both ahead spot on catch-and-shoot three-pointers or mid-range jumpers and posts up towards smaller defenders.

Momcilovic makes up for an absence of athleticism with pump fakes and artful footwork on offense, however he’s a legal responsibility on protection and is a poor rebounder for his place.

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(Illinois: Guard, Freshman, 6-6)

Finest rank: 18 / Worst rank: NR

Kasparas Jakucionis has excellent pure dimension and playmaking capacity as a degree guard who thrives in pick-and-roll motion and controlling the tempo offensively.

The Lithuanian guard lacked lateral velocity and had issues defending sooner guards and recovering on closeouts abroad, however nonetheless managed to common 1.91 steals per recreation.

His taking pictures past the arc may enhance (.327) and is price monitoring carefully for NBA executives, given his exceptionally excessive free throw proportion (.942).

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(Arizona: Heart, Sophomore, 7-2)

Finest rank: 19 / Worst rank: NR

Motiejus Krivas was extremely efficient in restricted minutes as a freshman for Arizona, averaging 5.4 factors and 4.2 rebounds in solely 12.2 minutes per recreation. As a sophomore, he’s anticipated to thrive with extra taking part in time and be an affect contributor as an inside scorer and rebounder. Offensively, Krivas posts up nicely with nice palms and has a mushy contact across the rim with respectable vary away from the basket and on the foul line (.778).

Defensively, he’ll be challenged in pick-and-roll motion on the perimeter and should show he could be a sustainable rim protector. With a 7-foot-5 wingspan and practically 9-foot-2 standing attain, Krivas has the bodily instruments to be an imposing rim protector.

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(Mexico Metropolis Capitanes: Guard, G League, 6-8)

Finest rank: 13 / Worst rank: NR

Dink Pate will be a part of the Mexico Metropolis Capitanes of the G League subsequent season and might be an intriguing participant to observe. Pate has distinctive dimension as a degree guard who can provoke an offense, has good ball-handling abilities, and aggressively assaults the paint. His athleticism additionally stands out along with his physique management as he assaults the paint and off the dribble.

The 18-year-old guard should present NBA expertise evaluators that he can enhance his taking pictures after struggling from the sector (.348) and past the arc (.214). After taking pictures practically 73 p.c from the foul line, there’s a palpable upside that Pate can enhance as a shooter over time.

“Pate is a bodily imposing and explosive playmaker able to controlling the sport on each ends and from each guard positions,” former G League Ignite basic supervisor Anthony McClish advised HoopsHype. “He’ll be a becoming grand finale to the lineage of Ignite prospects courting again to the inaugural 2021 class.”

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(UConn: Ahead, Junior, 6-8)

Finest rank: 20 / Worst rank: NR

UConn’s Alex Karaban was a projected second-round decide earlier than returning to high school to chase a three-peat with the Huskies this season.

Karaban initiatives as a stretch ahead on the professional degree and led the NBA Draft Mix in two taking pictures classes: Off-dribble faculty break left (90 p.c) and on-the-move faculty non-stationary taking pictures (84 p.c) after taking pictures 38.9 p.c from downtown in back-to-back seasons at UConn.

In his junior season, Karaban will change into an offensive point of interest but in addition desires to point out he’s extra of a playmaker than only a shooter to NBA executives.

“It’s about screening, reducing, and whether or not that’s a reduce I make or a display screen I give to another person,” Karaban mentioned on the mix. “It’s about creating photographs, distracting the protection, and shifting the protection a bit. These are issues that don’t essentially present up within the stats.”

Extra: Karaban amongst high prospects who withdrew from 2024 NBA draft

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(Duke: Guard, Junior, 6-5)

Finest rank: 28 / Worst rank: NR

After incomes ACC All-Freshman honors, Duke guard Tyrese Proctor marginally improved as a shooter from the sector (.381 to .423) and past the arc (.320 to .352) as a sophomore however didn’t make the big leap some anticipated. Defensively, the bodily instruments are there to be a strong on-ball defender.

As a junior, all eyes might be on the combo guard because the group’s ground basic to deliver alongside a proficient however younger Duke group that includes a proficient freshman class, together with Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, Isaiah Evans, Kon Knueppel, and Darren Harris.

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