Ten Intriguing Undrafted Prospects

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Ten Intriguing Undrafted Prospects 

Post#1 » by RealGM Articles » Fri Jun 26, 2015 3:09 pm

While 60 aspiring NBA prospects heard their name called on Thursday night, there were also numerous youngsters that slipped through the cracks and onto the undrafted list. Sometimes, this can be better for the athlete, as he's given a chance to choose his future team based on the situation and fit. While there are plenty of undrafted players that may surprise, here are ten in particular that could make an NBA roster next season. 


1. Robert Upshaw, C, Washington


Upshaw had the talent to be a lottery pick in this year’s draft. As an athletic 7-foot center with a 7-foot-5 wingspan, Upshaw is a shot-blocking presence with a massive frame. He averaged 10.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 blocks per contest in 19 games at Washington this past season, but his year was eventually cut short when he was dismissed from the program. That wasn’t his only instance, however, as Upshaw was also dismissed from Fresno State just a season earlier. While he has the talent to excel in the NBA, Upshaw will need to prove that he can fit into an NBA organization. His off-the-court issues were serious enough to fall completely off of draft boards, but he will get a chance to prove himself prior to the season, as RealGM’s Shams Charania reported that Upshaw will play in the Summer League with the Los Angeles Lakers. As the most talented player to go undrafted, Upshaw could turn into a steal. 


2. Christian Wood, PF, UNLV


When it comes to pure upside, Wood might have the highest ceiling in the class. He’s a mobile, 6-foot-11 power forward with a 7-foot-3 wingspan and plenty of leaping ability. Wood has a very slender physique, but as a sophomore, he was considered a project for the late first round. He runs the floor, blocks shots, and flashed an occasional jumper that extends out to beyond the arc. Wood may not be an NBA contributor next season, but has the potential to become a pick-and-pop power forward/center that can defend the rim. He was considered a risk in the first round, but as an undrafted free agent, Wood will be a coveted Summer League addition.


3. Michael Qualls, SG, Arkansas


Perhaps best known for his dunking ability, which included a put-back dunk to upset Kentucky in overtime two years ago, Qualls is much more than just a dunker. He was a talented defender at Arkansas that used his incredible athleticism to move laterally, lock down the perimeter, and contribute 5.3 boards per game. Offensively, Qualls averaged 15.9 points per contest for the Razorbacks and ended the season on a high note, averaging 23.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in two NCAA Tournament games on 16-of-28 shooting. Unfortunately, Qualls tore his ACL in a pre-draft workout with the Phoenix Suns and his second round projection was in question. He won’t be able to play his way onto a roster during the Summer League due to injury, but when he recovers, Qualls could use the D-League to climb his way into the NBA. He can draw intrigue as a 3-and-D prospect if he improves his jumper. 


4. Michael Frazier, SG, Florida


As a 43.2% three-point shooter in his three seasons at Florida, Frazier will rely on his shooting ability to make an NBA roster. He’s a pure shooter that also shot better than 83% from the free throw line in each of his three collegiate seasons. Frazier is a solid defender that should be good enough to stay on the floor, but at 6-foot-4, he’s slightly undersized for an NBA shooting guard. In an era that values shooting and spacing the floor, Frazier could crack a roster through the Summer League or by continuing his development and impressing in the D-League.


5. T.J. McConnell, PG, Arizona


Prior to the draft, I wrote why I thought McConnell would make an NBA roster


For a quicker explanation, McConnell is a savvy and tough 6-foot-2 floor general that outplays his physical tools. He’s a good defender and has no issues running an offense as a primary distributor. Above all else, McConnell has been praised for his character, work ethic, and leadership off the court during his time at Arizona. When it comes to one of the final roster spots, attitude and work ethic can be the deciding factor in making the squad. Bruce Pascoe of the Arizona Daily Star reported that McConnell will not only play with the Philadelphia 76ers in the Summer League, but also earn a “partially guaranteed contract worth ‘six figures’ even if cut.” It’s clear that the 76ers thought highly of McConnell, even if they passed on him during the draft.


6. Jonathan Holmes, F, Texas


Holmes was an all-conference power forward at Texas as a junior before moving to the wing as a senior. He started the season with strong shooting from beyond the arc, but ended the year as a 33.1% three-point shooter.  Holmes is athletic and mobile enough to play on the wing, but could be most intriguing as a 6-foot-9 power forward in smaller lineups. He can play either forward spot, and in a league that values versatility, Holmes fits the mold. The question moving forward will be if Holmes can consistently stretch the floor and defend his position. 


7. Vince Hunter, PF, UTEP


Hunter is an intriguing 6-foot-8 forward with athleticism and an impressive motor. He averaged 14.9 points and 9.2 rebounds per game at UTEP and kept possessions alive with his knack to crash the offensive glass. At 6-foot-8, Hunter may be considered slightly undersized, but his 6-foot-11 wingspan and leaping ability can allow him to see minutes at power forward. After leaving UTEP as a sophomore, Hunter could still develop his offensive game and become an NBA contributor. He could use the D-League to expand his skill set, but his energy and athleticism will give him a chance.


8. Cliff Alexander, PF, Kansas


A top ten recruit out of high school, Alexander averaged just 17.6 minutes per game as a freshman at Kansas before he was ruled ineligible by the NCAA. When he saw the floor in his lone collegiate season, Alexander showed good energy and toughness inside, adding 5.3 rebounds per game. He’s still extremely raw, but he’s young and worth a look in the Summer League. As a 6-foot-9 power forward with a skill set of a center, Alexander is undersized, but his 7-foot-4 wingspan makes him bigger than he may appear.


9. Treveon Graham, SG/SF, VCU


Graham was the MVP of the Portsmouth Invitational after finishing a memorable career at VCU. The 6-foot-6 wing averaged 16.2 points per game for the Rams while playing in the intense “havoc” defensive scheme. He isn’t a big-time athlete, but possesses a 6-foot-11 wingspan and shot 38.1% from deep as a senior. Charania reported that he’ll play in the Summer League with the San Antonio Spurs.


10. Alan Williams, PF/C, UC Santa Barbara


Williams was a double-double machine at UC Santa Barbara during the past three seasons, averaging 17+ points and 10+ rebounds per game from his sophomore to senior seasons. He’s a dominating interior presence, but at 6-foot-8 with lackluster leaping ability, Williams will need to prove that he can show similar success against NBA caliber athletes.

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