22 Draft

[G R E Y]

WORKOUT (invited): Jamal Bieniemy | Our List of Draft Prospects

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The 6-foot-5 versatile guard experienced a stellar season under first-year head coach Joe Golding. Bieniemy received third team All C-USA honors after averaging 14.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. He transitioned into more of an adaptable role this year at UTEP, where he played both on-ball and off-ball. Defensively, he can guard anyone in the backcourt and lifted the Miners by averaging 1.5 steals per game. He shot 40% from the field and 36.2% from 3-point range.

At Oklahoma, Bieniemy averaged just under 5.2 points per game in each of the two seasons he spent as the starting point guard for the Sooners. His role increased when he first transferred to UTEP under Rodney Terry, as he averaged 8.6 points and 4.0 assists in 2020-21.

Once the Miners lost Keonte Kennedy to a foot injury in December, Bieniemy was asked to lead the group alongside fellow guard Souley Boum in C-USA play. Bieniemy reeled off an 11-game streak of scoring double figures in conference play, including a monstrous, career-high 36-point performance (13-of-22 shooting) en route to a 72-70 win against Rice. He did not play in The Basketball Classic postseason tournament due to a small ankle injury, from which he is fully recovered from now.

https://krod.com/pro-basketball-interest-picking-up-for-former-utep-guard-jamal-bieniemy/

2021-22 (JUNIOR)
• Voted to the 2022 All-Conference USA Third Team
• Starting point guard who started all 30 games he appeared in.
• Led the team in assists per game (4.0) and 3-pointers made (68) while rating second in scoring (14.7 ppg) and playing time (34.9 mpg).
• Ranked sixth in C-USA for minutes per game, seventh in assists per game, ninth in steals per game (1.6) and 11th for scoring.
• Reached double figures in scoring in 22 different games, which included streaks of seven in a row and 11 straight.
• Led the Miners for assists in 20 games, in scoring 11 times and for rebounding six contests.
• Eighty nine of his 106 rebounds came at the defensive end
• Posted 20+ points in six different contests.
• Erupted for 36 points (25 in second half), including setting career highs for 3-pointers made (seven), in a win at Rice (2/5/22).
• It was the most points by a Miner in 12 years.
• Posted a double-double with 18 points and a career-high tying 11 rebounds at UTSA (1/23/22).
• Registered a double-double with 12 points and 10 assists against Rice (3/3/22).
• Scored 23 points to go along with four assists and four steals in the season opener against Western New Mexico (11/9/21).
• The game was the first of seven straight in double figures to start the year before an injury halted the streak.
• Went off for a then career-high 28 points on 10-21 shooting, including 6-11 on 3-pointers, against LA Tech (1/6/22).
• Recorded 14 points, including a game-tying 3-pointer with 14 seconds left, in UTEP’s OT win at Old Dominion (1/15/22).
• Flirted with a double-double with eight points and eight helpers at UAB (12/30/21).
• Tallied 19 points to go along with seven assists in both games on the year against Southern Miss.
• Registered a game-high 21 points at Charlotte (1/13/22)
• Led the Miners in points, rebounds and assists in two different games.

https://utepminers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/jamal-bieniemy/9631

There's precious little I could find with respect to recent longer highlights:

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[G R E Y]

WORKOUT: Jalen Wilson | Our List of Draft Prospects

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Wilson averaged 11.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game as the third option for the Jayhawks before declaring for the NBA Draft.

The 21-year-old redshirt sophomore was an essential part of the starting rotation for Hall of Fame head coach Bill Self as he won his second NCAA National Championship with the program.

The six-eight swiss army knife established himself as a potential second-round target a season ago, and he sustained his draft stock after another solid campaign in which he earned All-Big-12 Third Team Honors.

https://www.poundingtherock.com/2022/5/16/23080809/report-the-spurs-have-conducted-a-pre-draft-workout-with-jalen-wilson

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Pros and cons: https://www.nbascoutinglive.com/jalen-wilson-scouting-report/

[G R E Y]

WORKOUT: Alex Barcello | Our List of Draft Prospects

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He started in all 94 games he played in as a Cougar after transferring from the University of Arizona where he played two seasons.

Barcello earned All-WCC First Team honors for the second consecutive season this past year. In three seasons at BYU, Barcello became one of only nine players in program history to finish with at least 1,300 points and 275 assists.

Barcello averaged 16.7 points, 3.3 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game during his senior season. He led the Cougars to a 24-11 record and the third round of the National Invitational Tournament.

https://kslsports.com/485862/barcello-works-out-for-san-antonio-spurs-ahead-of-nba-draft/

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Pros and cons: https://www.nbascoutinglive.com/alex-barcello-scouting-report/

[kasrok]

Still pushing hard for Mathurin, and if we secure him I wouldnt mind using both picks to try and secure Jovic. Getting excited for the draft.

The Ringer put together a dream (for me) mock draft and I guess its pretty popular amongst Spurs fans.
https://airalamo.com/posts/post-lottery-mock-draft-san-antonio-spurs-fan-choice

[imagump1313]

Who had us taking Primo?!

I want us to want Eason!

I surely didn't and can we give Primo back and have a do-over please?

Are you saying Eason at 9?

[G R E Y]

Who had us taking Primo?!

I want us to want Eason!

I surely didn't and can we give Primo back and have a do-over please?

Are you saying Eason at 9?

Eason at 9, yes. He's been mocked end of lotto-mid first round range, so it wouldn't be a big reach and he wouldn't likely be there at 20 (unless we move up).

I'm willing to wait on Primo. He'd still be one of the youngest players in this year's draft, for context.

Eason has a great motor, is a two-way beast, plays 3-4 but can guard potentially 1-5, stands at 6'8", 217lbs, 7'2" wingspan (!!!), with one of the longest and certainly the widest hands in the draft. A bit older at 21.

BUT... if PATFO thinks they've got another gem at 9, I'm open to it. Some mocks have us taking Duren who is a beast of a C, gets blocks and steals, good rim protector, young, but also doesn't take 3s and FTs at just over 60%. Not sure you use a lotto pick on a limited C - we have that already and can trade for more muscle and hustle down low.

As kasrok mentioned, Mathurin is an option who is often mocked to us. More of a slithery slasher athletic type, but I wouldn't be against it.

It's actually hard to get a gauge at who we pick at what spot. On the one hand, we have lots of good options; on the other, it's causing analysis paralysis for me.

Do you have any favourites?

[G R E Y]

Still pushing hard for Mathurin, and if we secure him I wouldnt mind using both picks to try and secure Jovic. Getting excited for the draft.

The Ringer put together a dream (for me) mock draft and I guess its pretty popular amongst Spurs fans.
https://airalamo.com/posts/post-lottery-mock-draft-san-antonio-spurs-fan-choice

Yeah from those options, The Ringer's is the best one.

Jovic is tempting for his measurements and O game but his poor D and how we got hoodwinked by Luka (STILL mystifying! HOW?!) has me hesitant. I don't like guys who don't like to play D. And I'm not saying Jovic doesn't, just not sure whether it's a case of he's not been made to (not great if he has to be pushed into it, but young guys can learn) or if he's just that bad at it (low room for improvement, too).

Not fair of him to have the ghost of lazy emo Luka hovering, but frankly for every Jokic, there's a list of -ic players who may not stand and have not stood up to the NBA game.

What we need is an absolute two-way stud with highest ceiling potential, regardless of position. I'm really not sure who that is!

[G R E Y]

WORKOUT (expected, per player): TyTy Washington | Our List of Draft Prospects

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TyTy is a lightening quick point guard with scoring instincts. He’s at his best in an up-tempo game and can really push the pace of play.

He’s got crafty handles and does a good job of blowing by his man and getting into the lane to score or drop it off for an assist.

TyTy is a very good outside shooter who uses his speed to get separation and find room for his shot. He’s got good shooting form and a shot that projects well to the next level.

On the defensive end he really stands out thanks to his great instincts and effort. He’s a winner who plays both ends of the floor and seems to take pride in his defense.

https://nbadraftroom.com/tyty-washington/

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Pros and cons: https://www.nbascoutinglive.com/tyty-washington-scouting-report/

[G R E Y]

In addition to pre-draft workouts, we've also conducted several interviews starting at the Draft Combine in Chicago.

First, some info: during the second round of Spurs presentations on May 17 to Bexar County officials about playing four home games outside of the AT&T Center, it was revealed that "Spurs owners are not at today's meeting because they're in Chicago on #NBA Draft lottery business..." per tweet by Troy Kloss. There are, of course, meetings with FOs and the league about rule changes, etc., so it makes sense.

Also, Spurs involvement extends on the court with assistant coach Mitch Johnson on the sidelines for the Combine scrimmages:

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Finally, Manu's been part of the team conducting interviews with the players. Good to know he's getting to expand his experience with this aspect of the process, that we're getting his input, and that his presence carries weight and influence with players:

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[G R E Y]

INTERVIEW: Gabriele Procida | Our List of Draft Prospects

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A big 6-7 shooting guard who can stroke the 3pt shot, has excellent shooting form and is a solid athlete as well.

Has great size for the position. Is a quick open court athlete who can play above the rim with ease. Has good straight-line speed and a lot of bounce.

Can throw down some ferocious dunks.

A heady player with good basketball instinct and feel for the game. Moves well off the ball, comes off screens well and understands how to find space for his shot.

Has a skill set well suited for today’s NBA.

https://nbadraftroom.com/gabriele-procida/

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Pros and cons: https://www.nbascoutinglive.com/gabriele-procida-scouting-report/

[G R E Y]

INTERVIEW: Jeremy Sochan (Workout as well) | Our List of Draft Prospects

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The one-and-done combo forward from Baylor met Ginobili during an interview with the Spurs. In his role as the club’s special adviser to basketball operations, the recently minted Hall of Famer has been sitting in with general manager Brian Wright and other team officials during their chats with prospects.

“I am Polish, English, American, a mixture,” said Sochan, who turned 19 on Friday.

Born in Oklahoma to an American father and a Polish mother, both of whom played basketball, Sochan grew up in England and speaks with an English accent. He’s played basketball in Poland and Germany.

“I have been all over the place,” he said....In 2019, he was a gold medalist and MVP at the 2019 FIBA U16 Division B European Championship.

“It’s opened my mind seeing so many countries,” Sochan said.

But Waco always will hold a special place in his heart after he helped Baylor go 27-7 last season while earning Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year honors. In 30 games, he averaged 9.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists for the Bears, who lost in overtime in the second round of the NCAA Tournament to eventual finalist North Carolina.

Gifted with a 6-foot-8, 220-pound frame and a 7-foot wingspan, Sochan became a first-round prospect mainly because of his strong play on the defensive end in Scott Drew’s switch-heavy scheme. He can defend all five positions, and scouts rave about his energy, toughness and competitiveness....

Like Draymond Green, one of his NBA role models, he enjoys getting under the skin of opponents.

“I can sense when a player is getting a little bit annoyed or they’re not feeling comfortable, and that just fuels me,” he said. ”Defense is fun for me....”

Had Gregg Popovich been present, Sochan might have struck up a conversation with the outspoken, politically aware coach about Ukraine’s fight to expel invading Russian forces....

“I think we’re all connected in some way. What’s happening isn’t right,” the Associated Press quoted Sochan as saying.

https://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Baylor-s-Jeremy-Sochan-a-cultural-fit-for-Spurs-17188050.php

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Pros and cons: https://www.nbascoutinglive.com/jeremy-sochan-scouting-report/

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[G R E Y]

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[G R E Y]

INTERVIEW: Tari Eason (yes!) | Our List of Draft Prospects

EDIT to add: we worked him out as well post-Combine

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Tari Eason displayed a Spurslike conscientiousness when asked Thursday to name the teams that have interviewed him at the NBA draft combine.

“I got to get the phone out, so I am not incorrect,” Eason said before checking the notes app for a complete cataloging of the 10 teams that have met with him.

First on the list: “San Antonio....”

Eason, who has been projected to go anywhere from ninth to 20th, made clear he would be thrilled to join the Silver & Black no matter the slot.

Eason, 21, wasn’t on the radar of NBA scouts as a possible lottery pick until his impressive showing as a sophomore last year with LSU. After transferring from Cincinnati to Baton Rouge after a Bearcats coaching change, he averaged 16.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.1 blocks to help the Tigers advance to the NCAA Tournament....

In becoming the first-ever SEC Sixth Man of the Year to also be named to the All-SEC First Team, Eason put up some impressive shooting numbers, connecting on 52.1 percent of his shots from the floor, including 35.9 percent from 3-point range on 2.4 attempts per game, and 80.3 percent from the free-throw line.

If the Spurs take Eason, he will join another former Seattle prep standout in Murray....

Eason touts his versatility, defense and “ability to get downhill offensively” as his top skills. A strong off-ball defender, he’s similar to Murray in that he gets his large, strong hands into passing lanes to generate steals....

“I think the best part about me and why a lot of teams are interested in me is that you can plug me into multiple positions and I can make things happen,” Eason said. “I definitely feel like I can guard a guard. I have no problem guarding really anyone. As far as who I would rather guard positionally, I will guard anybody.”

And like Murray and so many other Spurs, he’s eager to put in the work to become great.

”The numbers show (the progress),” he said. “Even when it comes to my shooting, at the beginning of the season, I was shooting 22 percent. The last 17 games, I shot 43 percent from 3. It was all about the work every single day.”

https://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-draft-LSU-Tari-Eason-17185513.php

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Pros and cons: https://www.nbascoutinglive.com/tari-eason-scouting-report/

[kasrok]

Still pushing hard for Mathurin, and if we secure him I wouldnt mind using both picks to try and secure Jovic. Getting excited for the draft.

The Ringer put together a dream (for me) mock draft and I guess its pretty popular amongst Spurs fans.
https://airalamo.com/posts/post-lottery-mock-draft-san-antonio-spurs-fan-choice

Yeah from those options, The Ringer's is the best one.

Jovic is tempting for his measurements and O game but his poor D and how we got hoodwinked by Luka (STILL mystifying! HOW?!) has me hesitant. I don't like guys who don't like to play D. And I'm not saying Jovic doesn't, just not sure whether it's a case of he's not been made to (not great if he has to be pushed into it, but young guys can learn) or if he's just that bad at it (low room for improvement, too).

Not fair of him to have the ghost of lazy emo Luka hovering, but frankly for every Jokic, there's a list of -ic players who may not stand and have not stood up to the NBA game.

What we need is an absolute two-way stud with highest ceiling potential, regardless of position. I'm really not sure who that is!

Yeah, I believe Jovic def could be risky and end up being a bust, but I think it would be worth the risk if we can secure the guy we want ( I want in Mathurin lol) with our first pick. As long as the asking price isn't too high, meaning not more than the other two first rounders I would like to see the spurs gamble.

[kasrok]

Who had us taking Primo?!

I want us to want Eason!

I surely didn't and can we give Primo back and have a do-over please?

Are you saying Eason at 9?

Eason at 9, yes. He's been mocked end of lotto-mid first round range, so it wouldn't be a big reach and he wouldn't likely be there at 20 (unless we move up).

I'm willing to wait on Primo. He'd still be one of the youngest players in this year's draft, for context.

Eason has a great motor, is a two-way beast, plays 3-4 but can guard potentially 1-5, stands at 6'8", 217lbs, 7'2" wingspan (!!!), with one of the longest and certainly the widest hands in the draft. A bit older at 21.

BUT... if PATFO thinks they've got another gem at 9, I'm open to it. Some mocks have us taking Duren who is a beast of a C, gets blocks and steals, good rim protector, young, but also doesn't take 3s and FTs at just over 60%. Not sure you use a lotto pick on a limited C - we have that already and can trade for more muscle and hustle down low.

As kasrok mentioned, Mathurin is an option who is often mocked to us. More of a slithery slasher athletic type, but I wouldn't be against it.

It's actually hard to get a gauge at who we pick at what spot. On the one hand, we have lots of good options; on the other, it's causing analysis paralysis for me.

Do you have any favourites?

I like Eason but not sure if I like him with our first pick, especially if Mathurin is available lol. But I also wouldnt mind trying to trade up to get him in a similar way I proposed for Jovic.

Or even hopefully Spurs get really crazy and try to package all three and aim for someone like Ivey or Sharpe with the 4th or 5th pick and hopefully land a cornerstone like piece.

[G R E Y]

I surely didn't and can we give Primo back and have a do-over please?

Are you saying Eason at 9?

Eason at 9, yes. He's been mocked end of lotto-mid first round range, so it wouldn't be a big reach and he wouldn't likely be there at 20 (unless we move up).

I'm willing to wait on Primo. He'd still be one of the youngest players in this year's draft, for context.

Eason has a great motor, is a two-way beast, plays 3-4 but can guard potentially 1-5, stands at 6'8", 217lbs, 7'2" wingspan (!!!), with one of the longest and certainly the widest hands in the draft. A bit older at 21.

BUT... if PATFO thinks they've got another gem at 9, I'm open to it. Some mocks have us taking Duren who is a beast of a C, gets blocks and steals, good rim protector, young, but also doesn't take 3s and FTs at just over 60%. Not sure you use a lotto pick on a limited C - we have that already and can trade for more muscle and hustle down low.

As kasrok mentioned, Mathurin is an option who is often mocked to us. More of a slithery slasher athletic type, but I wouldn't be against it.

It's actually hard to get a gauge at who we pick at what spot. On the one hand, we have lots of good options; on the other, it's causing analysis paralysis for me.

Do you have any favourites?

I like Eason but not sure if I like him with our first pick, especially if Mathurin is available lol. But I also wouldnt mind trying to trade up to get him in a similar way I proposed for Jovic.

Or even hopefully Spurs get really crazy and try to package all three and aim for someone like Ivey or Sharpe with the 4th or 5th pick and hopefully land a cornerstone like piece.

I'm weary of guys like Sharpe sitting out. That's an entire year of development out the window. Weird choice.

And I like the idea of swinging for a cornerstone but truthfully not sure the top guys in this draft are 'it'.

Also, it's been proven time and again that stars can come in mid 1st round or later, too.

Eason has crazy advanced stats even with his slightly weird coordination and unpolished handles, no left hand O game but with measurements you can't teach. And he's a work horse, reportedly. And a positional and talent fit.

But truly I go by instinct and feel far more than deep dive, and even if I did the latter, pro teams always have more insight. So if we feel Mathurin or whoever has more two-way upside, so be it.

The main things for me are unique upside and drive to get better. No lazy, navel-gazing milquetoast posers.

Drive to get better, willing to do what team needs to win. Simple, but seems to be increasingly rare.

I think we had a great draft last season that will bear fruit in time even if Primo was more outside the box.

I'm fine with big swings and trust PATFO with them. This draft just seems to be harder to ID the guy I think we fall in love with. So many more multi-position, 'point-forward' types with lanky limbs and builds and we have so many options to improve our roster - draft, trade, FA which is daunting but exciting.

[mzfk69]

WORKOUT (expected, per player): TyTy Washington

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TyTy is a lightening quick point guard with scoring instincts. He’s at his best in an up-tempo game and can really push the pace of play.

He’s got crafty handles and does a good job of blowing by his man and getting into the lane to score or drop it off for an assist.

TyTy is a very good outside shooter who uses his speed to get separation and find room for his shot. He’s got good shooting form and a shot that projects well to the next level.

On the defensive end he really stands out thanks to his great instincts and effort. He’s a winner who plays both ends of the floor and seems to take pride in his defense.

https://nbadraftroom.com/tyty-washington/

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Pros and cons: https://www.nbascoutinglive.com/tyty-washington-scouting-report/

I think TyTy is an interesting option for a 20 pick, given the last year of Jones' contract and his percentage from beyond the arc

[G R E Y]

WORKOUT (expected, per player): TyTy Washington

Read on Twitter

TyTy is a lightening quick point guard with scoring instincts. He’s at his best in an up-tempo game and can really push the pace of play.

He’s got crafty handles and does a good job of blowing by his man and getting into the lane to score or drop it off for an assist.

TyTy is a very good outside shooter who uses his speed to get separation and find room for his shot. He’s got good shooting form and a shot that projects well to the next level.

On the defensive end he really stands out thanks to his great instincts and effort. He’s a winner who plays both ends of the floor and seems to take pride in his defense.

https://nbadraftroom.com/tyty-washington/

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Pros and cons: https://www.nbascoutinglive.com/tyty-washington-scouting-report/

I think TyTy is an interesting option for a 20 pick, given the last year of Jones' contract and his percentage from beyond the arc

I often wonder why we look at the players we do especially when we're strong at a position. No question Tre needs to improve his 3s shot, but it's kind of expected that a second rounder has holes in his game. With his work ethic I also expect Tre to improve, but TyTy is a fluid mover and scorer. I have to repeat what I'm most thinking about this draft - it's the one in which I have no idea which players we're falling in love with.

Maybe 20 is too high to get a player for a position we already have? And a backup one at that. Maybe... But again the goal is to anticipate asset ceilings so who knows...

[imagump1313]

Who had us taking Primo?!

I want us to want Eason!

I surely didn't and can we give Primo back and have a do-over please?

Are you saying Eason at 9?

Eason at 9, yes. He's been mocked end of lotto-mid first round range, so it wouldn't be a big reach and he wouldn't likely be there at 20 (unless we move up).

I'm willing to wait on Primo. He'd still be one of the youngest players in this year's draft, for context.

Do you have any favourites?

Well, that's the thing. Where we are picking I really don't think there is anyone who will have an impact on our team in this draft unfortunately.

Jovic would be someone to root for. I kind of like Sochan but he doesn't fit the kind of help we need at all.(Unless we move Johnson to guard) Everyone else that would be realistic for us to draft is just meh IMO.

Maybe I'll get more excited when the draft is closer..

[mzfk69]

WORKOUT (expected, per player): TyTy Washington

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https://nbadraftroom.com/tyty-washington/

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Pros and cons: https://www.nbascoutinglive.com/tyty-washington-scouting-report/

I think TyTy is an interesting option for a 20 pick, given the last year of Jones' contract and his percentage from beyond the arc

I often wonder why we look at the players we do especially when we're strong at a position. No question Tre needs to improve his 3s shot, but it's kind of expected that a second rounder has holes in his game. With his work ethic I also expect Tre to improve, but TyTy is a fluid mover and scorer. I have to repeat what I'm most thinking about this draft - it's the one in which I have no idea which players we're falling in love with.

Maybe 20 is too high to get a player for a position we already have? And a backup one at that. Maybe... But again the goal is to anticipate asset ceilings so who knows...

It was more an attempt to figure out why they decided to look at him so closely.
But I agree that it is very difficult to predict the actions of the Spurs before and during the draft.
For me, the best candidate for the 20 pick so far is Jalen Williams from Santa Clara.