ESPN risers\fallers
Quick recap:
- Harper to #2 - Viewed as more NBA ready than Bailey
- Edgecome remains at #4
No one in college can stay in front of Edgecombe's first step, and he has real feel as a passer to make plays for others as he gets a paint touch virtually anytime he is asked to create a shot for himself -- something that will be accentuated more vividly in the far more wide-open, up-tempo NBA.
His outstanding basketball instincts also show on the defensive end, where he has emerged as one of the best playmakers in college, with a combined block/steal (7.8%/4.7%) rate we haven't seen since Matisse Thybulle (Washington) in 2019.
- Traore @ #5
Even when he's not playing well, Traore's sheer talent pops in a major way, as no one can stay in front of him and he's able to generate good shots for teammates in volume with his outstanding ballhandling ability, burst, court vision and passing creativity, while hitting pull-up 3-pointers prolifically.
It's nearly unheard of for an 18-year-old to post a 30%-plus usage rate at this level of competition, something that's been done only once in the past 40 years of European basketball -- by a player named Victor Wembanyama. Traore did it as a 17-year-old last season in a small nine-game sample and is doing the same this year.
- Kneuppel @ #6
...emerging as a far more versatile shot creator, passer and defender than expected. He is already ranking as one of the best pick-and-roll players in this freshman class...Knueppel has played mistake-free basketball, posting a minuscule 8% turnover percentage to this point, a testament to his feel for the game.
- Demin up 4 spots to #7
He's the most gifted passer in this class, able to deliver passes through tight crevices with velocity and accuracy from difficult vantage points, stringing together incredible highlights while also hitting shots from beyond the arc (39%). Demin lacks explosiveness and physicality as a shot creator and finisher, often looking passive with his approach and not being a very good defender either at this stage. He has been criticized for a lack of toughness at different stages of his career.
- Jakucionis up 7 spots to #8
His ability to process the floor, make decisions and score efficiently as an 18-year-old with an expansive role has been hard to ignore. His heavy offensive workload, coupled with average foot speed, have made him a defensive liability at times, but his instincts, quick hands and willingness to rebound at his size have helped him contribute.
- Maluach down 1 spot to #9
There simply aren't many legit 7-footers out there with Maluach's type of length (7-6 wingspan), defensive instincts, mobility and competitiveness. In a draft class shaping up as largely devoid of high-quality rim-protecting bigs, Maluach will hold plenty of appeal come draft night.
- Tre Johnson @ #10 (up 4 spots)
The big-picture concern with Johnson's projection is whether his style of play will be conducive to winning basketball in an NBA context, due to the number of tough shots he takes, and bouts of tunnel vision and questionable decision-making. He's not adding much value yet on the defensive end to prop that up.
Others of note:
- McNeeley @ #15 (down 5 spots)
McNeeley is a much better shooter than he has shown to this point (35% on 3s) and will have more chances to remind scouts of what makes him a highly regarded all-around player... With UConn lacking shot creation in its backcourt, McNeeley has been forced to step outside his comfort zone as a ball handler and playmaker, which will likely be beneficial for him in the long term.
- Fears @ #16 (was unranked)
Fears' combination of size, speed, pace, shot creation and scoring instincts is impressive, as he has gotten virtually anywhere he wants on the floor while living at the free throw line. He has done a solid job of creating for teammates executing Oklahoma's offense while making jumpers and finishing skillfully in the lane, showing good instincts on both ends.
- Murray-Boyles @ #18 (down 6)
- Labaron Philon #19 (was unranked)
- Thiero rounds out top 20 (was #40)
- Queen is @ #23 (up 2)
The long-term questions center on Queen's defensive projection, as he's a bit undersized for a true 5, and not the most fleet of foot covering ground or consistently impactful around the rim.
This is what Vecenie noted as well, defense is BAD
- Newell is at #24
Though more of a project player at this stage due to his limited skill level, Newell has potential to grow into a stretch-4 with nice defensive mobility and motor, giving him a pathway into an eventual role.
- Fland @ #40
- Toppin @ #60
- Broome @ #61
- Sorber\Georgetown - not in top 100?
