RealGM

So last night, this seventeen year old was kicking Utah's ass in a preseason game. Apparently, he's looking like a top selection for 2026. I only saw the highlights of his performance, but he looked really natural with the ball. 6'8 point forward type. Anybody here have any thoughts? We're still a year away from the noise raising about him, but looks like they're just engineering Magic/Luka types in a lab now around the world.

He's in the NBL next stars program playing for the Breakers.

He's smooth with the ball, has good balance and body control, looks to be a pretty legit 6'8" or 6'9". He can handle and pass, though I wouldn't say he's an initiator at this stage. Some defensive versatility and good reactions. He'll probably guard 3s and 4s, I'd guess. He has a nice compact shooting stroke and confidence from 3, though he missed a ton of FTs. He's decently athletic, but not explosive.

He might remind me a bit of Avdija, though he might be a bit more aggressive attacking and getting downhill.

2026 looks awesome

This guy has a chance to push the top 3 and I'd be pretty surprised if he doesn't go top 5.

Chuck Everett wrote:This guy has a chance to push the top 3 and I'd be pretty surprised if he doesn't go top 5.

Idk, the top of this draft is insane. I could see Lopez top-5, but he is competing with Ament (who looks rough so far, shot selection needs work) and Wilson (plus some other guys, too, maybe Brown, Cenac, or Yessefou).

babyjax13 wrote:

Chuck Everett wrote:This guy has a chance to push the top 3 and I'd be pretty surprised if he doesn't go top 5.

Idk, the top of this draft is insane. I could see Lopez top-5, but he is competing with Ament (who looks rough so far, shot selection needs work) and Wilson (plus some other guys, too, maybe Brown, Cenac, or Yessefou).

All quality guys, no doubt. Spring workouts will separate the wheat from the chaff.