Hopefully we'll be drafting either 1-5 or 25-30.
But here are a few guys I'm keeping my eyes open for this fall. Most are upperclassmen who play on the wings, but there is a freshman big man that has caught my eye.
Bleacher Report
- Kel'el Ware (Oregon, C, Freshman)
Ware has stood out most early for the shooting flashes and his defensive mobility. He doesn't have a huge offensive role in Oregon's offense, but the 7-footer has already hit three threes and blocked eight shots through four games. The potential to stretch the floor and protect the rim should be enough for Ware to remain in the top-20 discussion all year, even if his shot attempts and scoring production fluctuate.- Kris Murray (Iowa, PF, Junior)
After a 29-point game against Seton Hall and 30 points against Omaha, a Murray breakout appears on. Between the shooting versatility, drives past closeouts, post buckets and body-controlled finishes, the jump he's making looks similar to Keegan's last year.- Maxwell Lewis (Pepperdine, SG, Sophomore)
Averaging 17.2 points, shooting 69.0 percent inside the arc and 58.8 percent from three, Lewis is off to a scorching start delivering the type of creation and skill flashes that should draw NBA attention. Scouts figure to have Pepperdine's two Gonzaga games highlighted on their schedules.- Marcus Sasser (Houston, PG, Senior)
Though Sasser's 6'1" size and limited athleticism hurt his perceived NBA projection, a team still figures to buy his super sharpe ball-handling for creation and shooting ability.- Julian Strawther (Gonzaga, SF, Junior)
Strawther lit up Kentucky for 20 points (and 14 boards), scoring with that projectable shooting stroke, touch shots and transition offense. While it seems like a long shot for the junior to break out the self-creation, he still possesses an easy-fit NBA skill set for off-ball scoring.- Jalen Wilson (Kansas, SF, Junior)
One of college basketball's top scorers early (24.5 points), Wilson has been aggressive attacking transition defenses, closeouts and ball screens. At 6'8", he's excellent at finishing in the lane, so if the signs of shooting improvement (2.0 3PTM) continue during conference play, Wilson should have a first-round case.- Arthur Kaluma (Creighton, SF, Sophomore)
An immediate physical standout at 6'7", 225 pounds, Kaluma has appeared to have added more shooting confidence and creation skill. A breakout won't fly under the radar thanks to his NBA body and Creighton's Top 10 team.- Coleman Hawkins (Illinois, PF/C, Junior)
Intriguing last year as a 6'10" play-finisher, switchable defender and improving shooter, Hawkins is currently 7-of-17 from three, averaging a combined 3.0 steals and blocks.