With the conclusion of the 2019-20 NCAA men’s basketball regular season fast approaching, it’s worth taking another look at the 2020 NBA Draft prospects.
While quite a bit will change on big boards and mock drafts following the conference tournaments and March Madness, some of the top players have already convinced NBA teams that they deserve serious consideration when the draft rolls around on June 25, 2020.
Others still have plenty of time to improve their draft stock on the floor and in workouts and interviews. For what it is worth, former top prospects coming into their freshman campaigns who could go back to school for their sophomore campaigns (for example, Florida’s Scottie Lewis and Duke’s Wendell Moore) were not included on this list.
Note that statistics are pulled from Synergy Sports Tech, Bart-Torvik.com, KenPom.com, RealGM or Sports-Reference.
1. LaMelo Ball, USA
Guard, 6-foot-7, 18 years old
The main reason to believe in Ball as the top player in the 2020 NBA Draft is because of his ridiculously high upside. With his unique size, he can put up a triple-double on any given night. Even when Ball was playing against much older professional competition in Australia’s NBL, Ball nearly averaged a triple-double per 36 minutes. Meanwhile, his defensive stats were also much better than expected, and his basketball instincts are strong. It is difficult to find an accurate read on Ball, given how many different teams he has played for in recent years. However, there should be enough to like about him for a team to select him with one of the first few picks.
2. Onyeka Okongwu, USC
Big, 6-foot-9, 19 years old
While he’s a bit undersized at 6-9, he can play bigger than his height, given his 7-foot-2 wingspan. For example, his block percentage (10.0%) ranks among the top five of all freshmen this season. He is more celebrated for his defensive ability, but the offense is there, too. Okongwu is averaging 1.14 points per possession as an offensive finisher, per Synergy, which ranks in the 98th percentile among all NCAA players. Put it all together, and the USC big man currently has the best box plus-minus in college basketball. Even if there might not be as much star potential as a player such as Georgia’s Anthony Edwards, he feels much closer to a sure thing in the NBA.
3. Anthony Edwards, Georgia
Wing, 6-foot-5, 18 years old
Under head coach Tom Crean, the University of Georgia freshman has been a revelation in transition offense. Edwards ranks among the top five nationally in total scoring on these plays, per Synergy, averaging 5.7 points per game. He looks his best when his shot attempts come closer to the rim, especially considering his 6-foot-9 wingspan. Farther from the basket, meanwhile, more than half of his 3-pointers have been unassisted. This shows he is capable of creating his own shot. Edwards, however, is shooting just 30.3% from beyond the arc on the season. But the reason to like him as a top-three pick is more about flashes of greatness, and he is averaging 21.8 points per game in February.
4. Tyrese Haliburton, Iowa State
Guard, 6-foot-5, 20 years old
Haliburton is a skinny, lengthy guard measured with a 7-foot wingspan though and 170-pound frame. But most important is his valuable 3-and-D skill set. Before his injury, his 3-point percentage (41.9%) and steal percentage (3.8%) were both among the best in the NCAA. As a distributor and lead ballhandler, despite an unusually low usage rate, his assist rate still ranks in the top 10 among all underclassmen at high-major programs. Haliburton has been productive enough to suggest he can take over as the starting point guard in the NBA as soon as next season. There may be a low ceiling, but there is also a very high floor.
5. Killian Hayes, Ratiopharm Ulm
Guard, 6-foot-5, 18 years old
Much like Ball, there is a lot to like about Hayes due to his size and overall upside. He can be a lead ballhandler and has been measured with a 6-foot-7 wingspan. Hayes led France to the silver medal in 2018 at the U17 World Cup, averaging 21.4 points and 4.4 assists with 3.6 steals per 36 minutes. He is shooting 39.0% from beyond the arc in Eurocup action and has been able to produce well as a scorer as he has grown into a bigger role.
6. Deni Avdija, Maccabi Tel Aviv
Forward, 6-foot-8, 19 years old
One reason why Avdija’s stock is rising is his stellar play at the recent 2020 Eurobasket Qualifiers. He scored 21 points with eight rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal. Avdija also shot 3-for-6 from beyond the arc, showing his shooting may be an asset. The hype is there, too, as the prospect took home MVP honors at the U20 Euro Championship in 2019. Previous winners of that award include NBA talents such as Ersan Ilyasova, Nikola Mirotic and Cedi Osman.
7. James Wiseman, USA
Big, 7-foot-1, 19 years old
The two most important things to know about Wiseman are his size and his high school accolades. He stands 7-1 with an enormous 7-foot-6 wingspan and a massive 9-foot-3 standing reach. For all intents and purposes, he has the frame of a prototypical NBA big man. All this is further backed up by the fact that he was the No. 1 overall prospect coming out of high school, according to RSCI. What can he actually do with all of that? Unfortunately, we’re no closer to finding that out than we were at this time last year due to the recruiting snafus that resulted in him playing just three games of college basketball. His tape during high school may not be convincing enough to garner a top-three selection with confidence and assurance that his game will translate to the NBA level, as noted by Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman.
8. Devin Vassell, Florida State
Wing, 6-foot-7, 19 years old
Seminoles sophomore Devin Vassell is widely considered the best team defender among NBA prospects. The wing has a solid 6-foot-10 wingspan, and with his help, per KenPom, FSU’s defensive rating currently ranks among the top 15 in the nation. On the offensive side of the ball, his 3-point accuracy (42.7%) has been dominant all season. When he plays against tougher opponents, Vassell has risen to the occasion. His box plus-minus against Top-100 competition ranks as the best in the NCAA among those who have played more than 10 such games thus far. Vassell might be the most underrated prospect, considering he has played like a lottery talent.
9. Isaac Okoro, Auburn
Wing, 6-foot-6, 19 years old
Okoro, who is an incredible athlete, is shooting 67.9% at the rim, and the majority of those attempts have been unassisted. He has been more than capable of creating his own offense on post-up attempts, isolation looks, ballhandling in transition and on putbacks. But the biggest concern with Okoro is that only 17.2% of his field goals have been from beyond five feet of the basket, which simply won’t fly in the NBA for someone his size. His shooting talent is borderline anemic, but there might be enough to like about the rest of his intangibles to put him in the lottery. If he isn’t able to figure out at least a basic catch-and-shoot game, his upside is limited to becoming a role player.
10. Tyrese Maxey, Kentucky
Guard, 6-foot-2, 19 years old
Maxey is another impressive athlete who plays bigger than his frame, thanks to his 6-foot-6 wingspan. The offense often runs through him for Kentucky. He’s currently averaging 0.98 points per possession as the ballhandler in pick-and-roll sets, which ranks in the 91st percentile among NCAA players. While his 3-point touch has not been fantastic, his free-throw percentage (81.9%) indicates there isn’t much of a problem with his form. He also has an above-average floater, which he hits at an impressive pace. There is likely a spot for him in the NBA as a scoring option off the bench.
11. Vernon Carey, Duke
Big, 6-foot-10, 18 years old
Carey has an easy case for NCAA Freshman of the Year and is simply the best player on the floor nearly every game he plays. He’s averaging 17.8 points and 8.8 rebounds with 1.5 blocks per game thus far. Arguably the biggest knock on Carey is that he’s predominantly used as a post-up option for Duke. He has finished 46.5% of his offensive possessions posting up against smaller defenders, which is simply not going to work in the NBA. But perhaps that is simply a product of the role he is playing for the Blue Devils. When watching the freshman, however, it is clear he possesses above-average shooting touch for someone his size. Carey is shooting 36.8% from 3-point range, which means that he is more than just a post-up threat. If you believe in him as a shooter, he is a lottery talent.
12. Obi Toppin, Dayton
Forward, 6-foot-9, 22 years old
Toppin, the most prolific dunker in college basketball, is currently averaging 1.17 points per possession on offense. That ranks second-best among D-I players who have finished at least 400 possessions thus far, per Synergy. The high-volume finisher has helped Dayton make a case for being the most exciting team in college basketball this season. The bad news, however, is that Toppin likely can be played off the floor during big moments due to his poor defensive instincts. His pick-and-roll coverage is easy to criticize, and his measurable statistics when guarding opponents don’t do him any favors, either. Despite that, his box plus-minus ranks as the best among all players at mid-major schools. For a big man, he projects as a solid role player and likely starter.
13. Patrick Williams, Florida State
Forward, 6-foot-8, 18 years old
Florida State freshman Patrick Williams is one of the youngest prospects in the 2020 NBA Draft, meaning there is still room to grow and fill out his game. The 18-year-old, however, already has an efficient jump shot and has been able to shoot off the catch and off the dribble. But considering his 6-8 frame, perhaps his most interesting skill is his ability to run the pick-and-roll as a primary ballhandler. He has two-way potential on defense, too, as someone who can guard multiple positions at the next level. There is enough upside on both sides of the ball to warrant a lottery selection in this class.
14. Precious Achiuwa, Memphis
Big, 6-foot-9, 19 years old
Achiuwa, who was a top-15 recruit in this freshman class, is averaging 15.3 points and 10.0 rebounds per game. There are flashes of greatness, like when he put up 22 points and 22 rebounds with four blocks in a recent game against Tulane. His defensive rebound percentage (24.3%) ranks second-best in his conference and sixth-best among all freshmen. Meanwhile, his block percentage (6.3%) ranks among the top five in the American Athletic Conference. Back in 2017, he measured with a 6-foot-11 wingspan and 8-foot-11 standing reach. The size is there for him to play a role in the NBA at some point in the near future, more likely in the post than as a forward.
15. Cole Anthony, North Carolina
Guard, 6-foot-3, 20 years old
UNC freshman Cole Anthony has endured a frustrating season that has done him no favors in boosting his draft stock. More than just injuries and poor team performances by the Tar Heels, there seem to be some real holes in his game. His field goal percentage within five feet of the basket is among the worst when looking at high-major freshmen with as many opportunities. Anthony has also taken far too many midrange shots, considering his low efficiency on these looks as well. But it’s still worth noting that the guard was considered a top-three player in the country coming out of high school. There are some stats that tell that side of the story, too. According to Synergy, he is the second-leading scorer (3.6 points per game) among D-I players as the ballhandler in a transition offense.
16. Nico Mannion, Arizona
Guard, 6-foot-3, 19 years old
In high school, Mannion was twice recognized as the Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year. Now under his leadership, per KenPom, the University of Arizona currently brags a top-20 offense in the NCAA. Mannion, meanwhile, has the third-best assist percentage (32.5%) in the Pac-12 Conference. His assist percentage is also the best among all freshmen who play in high-major conferences. This is nothing new for Mannion, who led everyone on the Under Armour Association circuit in total assists (71) in 2018-19. The rest of his game needs some work, but Mannion will be drafted for the player he will become rather than who he is right now.
17. Kira Lewis, Alabama
Guard, 6-foot-3, 18 years old
Alabama is averaging 75.2 possessions per 40 minutes, per KenPom, which is the fastest tempo among all top-100 teams. Lewis has scored 4.9 points per game in transition, via Synergy, which currently ranks among the top 30 of all D-I players. He uses his speed well and is currently a perfect 7-for-7 (100.0%) on leak outs in transition and 9-for-11 (81.8%) when cutting to the basket. Although he is a sophomore, as noted by Jackson Frank, the guard is actually younger than freshmen Nico Mannion and Cole Anthony.
18. Aaron Nesmith, Vanderbilt
Wing, 6-foot-6, 20 years old
One of the most disappointing moments of the college basketball season for many was learning that Vanderbilt star Aaron Nesmith would be sidelined indefinitely due to injury. The wing was trending so far in the right direction under head coach Jerry Stackhouse, shooting an insane 52.2% from 3-point range. Even wilder was that Nesmith was 11-for-18 (61.1%) from downtown during his two games against top-50 quality opponents. He was incredibly effective when shooting off screens, dribble handoffs and spot-up opportunities. If the stroke remains true, there is absolutely a role for him on any NBA team. The question is whether his success was a result of small sample size, or if he would have regressed closer to the mean.
19. RJ Hampton, USA
Guard, 6-foot-5, 19 years old
The truth is that RJ Hampton should not be punished for taking matters into his own hands by exploring professional options overseas rather than playing for free in the NCAA. On the other hand, it will be difficult for evaluators to get a true sense of how much Hampton has improved since he finished high school. Injury concerns sidelined him while playing for the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL, and recent history suggests his representation likely will try to hide him during the NBA Draft Combine. Still, it only takes one team to fall in love for Hampton for him to be selected in the lottery. With his draft value potentially slipping due to him being a bit out of sight, however, a top-20 selection is more realistic.
20. Devon Dotson, Kansas
Guard, 6-foot-2, 20 years old
Kansas currently brags the best defensive rating in the nation, per KenPom. Dotson has played a huge role, as his steal percentage (3.6%) ranks in the top 10 among underclassmen at high-major programs. This has helped him be the frontrunner on KenPom’s Player of the Year Standings. Meanwhile, as an offensive prospect, Dotson has shown that he can create out of the pick-and-roll and in transition with ease. His profile reads as a solid floor general who can contribute to a first unit or run the offense for a second unit.
21. Theo Maledon, ASVEL
Guard, 6-foot-4, 18 years old
Theo Maledon has been a fixture for scouts in the NBA community for several years now. He has participated in the Jordan Brand Classic for the international squad (2017), the U16 Euro Championships (2016 and 2017) and the U17 World Cup (2018). Maledon also has received more playing time in the EuroLeague than most other international prospects so far this season. While he is still young, he already has accomplished quite a bit and has more left to prove.
22. Aleksej Pokusevski, Olympiacos B
Forward, 7-foot, 18 years old
The idea of the 2020 NBA Draft also including a 7-foot playmaker is pretty insane. Based on his size and skill set, Aleksej Pokusevski could legitimately be a top-five pick. However, there is also a legitimate chance he could fall into the middle or latter part of the second round because he has played fewer than two minutes of action for Olympiacos in the EuroLeague. The upside for him is tremendous considering that Pokusevski put up splits of 14.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 5.8 blocks and two 3-pointers per 36 minutes at the U18 Euro Championships in 2019. The downside is that he may not have the chops against older, more competitive opposition.
23. Saddiq Bey, Villanova
Forward, 6-foot-8, 20 years old
Even if he is not a future All-Star, Villanova forward Saddiq Bey has a long future in the NBA. He is shooting 46.5% from 3-point range and is also 51.0% from downtown during conference play. Bey is already an elite catch-and-shoot prospect and spot-up option. He led all players 6-foot-8 or taller in total 3-pointers made this season. Plus, at his height, it is especially impressive that he has finished 14.2% of his possessions as the ballhandler in pick-and-roll sets. The forward is averaging 1.03 points per possession on these opportunities, which ranks in the 94th percentile among all NCAA players. The fact that Villanova allows him to run the offense with these sets speaks to how much head coach Jay Wright trusts Bey, which has helped set him up for future success as a pro.
24. Jared Butler, Baylor
Guard, 6-foot-3, 20 years old
Jared Butler has been an anchor for Baylor, easily one of the best teams in college basketball. His steal (3.3%) and assist (23.8%) percentages both rank in the Top 10 in the Big 12 this season. He has been both accurate and prolific when shooting off the catch and off the dribble. Butler can shoot well off screens and dribble hand-offs, too. As a versatile combo guard, Butler likely can jump in as a plug-and-play option in the backcourt for almost any team.
25. Cassius Stanley, Duke
Wing, 6-foot-6, 20 years old
Before the season began, Duke freshman Cassius Stanley broke his team’s record for the highest vertical leap (46 inches) recorded in program history. That is particularly notable because Zion Williamson was on the Blue Devils just last season. Stanley has used his athleticism well — he is 8-of-10 (80.0%) when cutting to the basket and 10-of-13 (76.9%) as the ballhandler in transition, per Synergy. He ranks in the Top 5 in total dunks (28) among all players who are 6’6″ or shorter. As a potential 3-point shooter, it is worth noting that he shot 41.2% from 3-point range last year during the Peach Jam tournament for his AAU.
26. Jahmi’us Ramsey, Texas Tech
Guard, 6-foot-4, 19 years old
Much like Iowa State’s Tyrese Haliburton, Texas Tech’s Jahmi’us Ramsey is an incredibly lengthy guard. He is 6’4″ but was measured with a 6-foot-10 wingspan. He looks like a real 3-and-D prospect as he is shooting 43.5% from 3-point range. The Red Raiders also have the sixth-best defense in college basketball and currently rank in the NCAA Top 20 overall. Ramsey and West Virginia center Oscar Tshiebwe are the two front-runners for Big 12 Freshman of the Year.
27. Daniel Oturu, Minnesota
Center, 6-foot-10, 20 years old
After a surprisingly sensational sophomore campaign, Minnesota big man Daniel Oturu has made a case for himself as the first player from the Big Ten selected in the 2020 NBA Draft. While his game is still raw in terms of development, he finished the regular season averaging 20.0 points and 11.4 rebounds with 2.6 blocks per game. Even if his shooting form is not finalized, the numbers looked decent. He shot a respectable 34.7% from beyond the arc. Oturu can be a pick-and-pop option as a pro and he also has a big frame to help him pull down defensive rebounds at an elite pace.
28. Josh Green, Arizona
Wing, 6-foot-6, 19 years old
One of the concerns for Green is that more than one-third of his field-goal attempts have come from midrange, and he is shooting just 27-of-95 (28.4%) on these looks. Green has made fewer than one 3-pointer per game. However, all but three of his connections have been assisted, suggesting that he is far from being a shot creator. His 6-foot-10 wingspan with an 8-foot-7 standing reach, per The Stepien, can make an impact if Green is selected by the right team.
29. Malachi Flynn, San Diego State
Guard, 6-foot-2, 21 years old
San Diego State finished with an unbelievable record during the regular season. Perhaps the best note about Flynn, however, is that he has been especially impressive when playing against Top 100 competition. His box plus-minus in those appearances ranks as the best in the NCAA so far this season, per Bart Torvik. His box plus-minus also ranks second-best among those who play in mid-major conferences. During his most recent game, Flynn put up 36 points with five rebounds and five assists.
30. Jalen Smith, Maryland
Center, 6-foot-10, 19 years old
Maryland big man Jalen Smith tested the waters last season and is now poised to be the next Terrapins center to make the leap to the pros. His block (8.1%) and defensive rebound (25.3%) percentages both rank in the Top 5 in the Big Ten Conference. He brags a more than 7-foot-1 wingspan, which defines his defensive prowess. On the offensive side of the ball, meanwhile, his field goal percentage (70.6%) ranks in the Top 20 in the NCAA among all players who have had as many attempts. Smith can stretch the floor a bit and has made 2.8 3-point attempts per game for Maryland. In fact, he is shooting 42.4% from downtown against Top 100 competitors.
31. Paul Reed, DePaul
Forward, 6-foot-9, 21 years old
Despite recent struggles for DePaul, junior forward Paul Reed bragged the second-best block percentage (9.8%) and the third-best steal percentage (3.4%) in the Big East. Meanwhile, his defensive rebound percentage (25.6%) was also the second-best in the conference. Perhaps his best skill on offense, though he has not had as many opportunities, has been his finishes as the ballhandler in a transition offense. His ability to force a turnover and then score off the break is an instant highlight reel that very likely can translate to the next level.
32. David Johnson, Louisville
Guard, 6-foot-5, 19 years old
Louisville freshman David Johnson is averaging 16.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.7 steals per 40 minutes. He missed the beginning of the season due to injury but has since been a huge addition to his team. Johnson has an assist rate (45.2%) that ranks No. 1 overall among all prospects who have played at least eight games against Top 100 competition.
33. Tre Jones, Duke
Guard, 6-foot-3, 20 years old
Tre Jones, who was a Top 15 recruit coming out of high school, has put up much better numbers as a sophomore than he did as a freshman. Jones has averaged 16.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.3 3-pointers and 1.7 steals per game. He also is adding 6.3 assists per game, including 1.9 assists in a transition offense. According to Synergy, that ranks in the Top 10 among all Division I players this season.
34. Tyrell Terry, Stanford
Guard, 6-foot-1, 19 years old
Terry is shooting 90.3% from the free-throw line, fifth-best among all freshmen this season. Even more so than a 3-point percentage, success at the free-throw line is a key indicator of shooting success. Stanford also has a Top 5-ranked defense in the NCAA, per KenPom, aided by his 1.5 steals per game.
35. Jalen Harris, Nevada
Point Forward, 6-foot-5, 21 years old
Nevada junior Jalen Harris is currently averaging 21.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.3 3-pointers per game. The Louisiana Tech transfer is one of the NCAA’s leading scorers both when shooting off the dribble and out of the pick-and-roll.
36. Immanuel Quickley, Kentucky
Guard, 6-foot-3, 20 years old
Quickley, a Top 25 recruit coming out of high school in 2018, struggled as a freshman but has since dramatically improved his draft stock with 21.3 points per game in February. His free-throw percentage (92.2%) ranked sixth-best among NCAA underclassmen. He also has the most productive floater of all prospects included on this big board, which should help his in-between game on offense.
37. Isaiah Stewart, Washington
Center, 6-foot-9, 18 years old
While he was the No. 2 recruit coming out of high school, freshman big man Isaiah Stewart has not contributed much to a winning culture for his team, and the Huskies finished with the worst record in the Pac-12. Almost exactly half of the offensive possessions that he finished in 2019-20 were post-ups against smaller defenders, which especially should translate when considering that Stewart is undersized for his position.
38. Markus Howard, Marquette
Guard, 5-foot-11, 20 years old
While he is a senior, Markus Howard is still somehow just 20 years old. But he has been among the most productive four-year college basketball players in recent memory, averaging at least 20 points per game for each of the past three seasons. Howard was also the leading scorer out of the pick-and-roll among all Division I players, per Synergy, averaging 9.7 points per game on these sets.
39. Cassius Winston, Michigan State
Guard, 6-foot-1, 21 years old
During his four seasons at Michigan State, Cassius Winston averaged 13.1 assists per 40 minutes. His career assist rate (43.1%) ranks sixth-best among all NCAA players since 2009-10. While a bit undersized, he has been incredibly productive.
40. Leandro Bolmaro, Barcelona Lassa
Forward, 6-foot-8, 19 years old
Leandro Bolmaro has been a player worth watching since he participated at Basketball Without Borders in 2017. However, it has been very hard to get a sense of what Bolmaro will be in the NBA because he has had such a minuscule role for Barcelona. He has mostly played in LEB Silver, a second-tier minor league in Spain. Most of the buzz surrounding Bolmaro has been about his potential, given his size.
41. Grant Riller, Charleston
Guard, 6-foot-3, 22 years old
Riller is an insanely productive scorer who has averaged at least 18.0 points per game three years in a row. He currently ranks sixth-best among all Division I players in isolation scoring, per Synergy, averaging 3.6 points per game on these opportunities by creating his own looks.
42. Trayce Jackson-Davis, Indiana
Center, 6-foot-9, 20 years old
Indiana freshman Trayce Jackson-Davis has been one of the more underrated players on draft big boards. He is averaging 13.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game during his first collegiate season.
43. Robert Woodard, Mississippi State
Forward, 6-foot-7, 20 years old
Mississippi State combo forward Robert Woodard is shooting 46.2% from 3-point range, which ranks in the Top 5 among sophomores with at least 40 attempts. But there is not much else to love about his game. He is also shooting just 6-of-16 (37.5%) from 3-point range during his seven appearances against Top 50 opponents.
44. Abdoulaye N’Doye, Cholet
Guard, 6-foot-7, 21 years old
Abdoulaye N’Doye tested the draft waters last season but has come back a far more complete prospect. He is currently averaging 10.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game for Cholet Basket. N’Doye has connected on 44.1% of his 3-point attempts in the Jeep Elite League.
45. Zeke Nnaji, Arizona
Center, 6-foot-11, 19 years old
Arizona freshman Zeke Nnaji skyrocketed up draft boards earlier this season. Averaging 16.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, the big had an undeniably impressive collegiate debut. He has some potential as a pick-and-roll option at the next level.
46. Jaden McDaniels, Washington
Forward, 6-foot-9, 19 years old
Even though he was a Top 10 recruit coming out of high school, there has since been very little to love about Jaden McDaniels. Some red flags include his turnover rate (24.0%), which ranks near the worst among freshmen playing in high-major conferences. His jump shot has been average, not poor. If improved, it can be a saving grace for someone his size. But his development should be concerning for scouts who watched McDaniels put up just 9.6 points per game while shooting an abysmal 25.8% from beyond the arc in January.
47. Xavier Tillman, Michigan State
Forward, 6-foot-8, 21 years old
Michigan State junior Xavier Tillman is averaging 13.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. He has been among the most prolific pick-and-roll finishers in the NCAA this season, per Synergy. His block percentage (7.0%) ranks in the Top 15 among all players.
48. Udoka Azubuike, Kansas
Center, 7-foot-0, 20 years old
Kansas senior Udoka Azubuike had the second-most dunks (94) among NCAA players this season. As such, his effective field-goal percentage (73.5%) ranks second-best among all college basketball players. Meanwhile, his block percentage (10.2%) ranks as the third-best in the Big 12.
49. Filip Petrusev, Gonzaga
Center, 6-foot-11, 19 years old
Gonzaga sophomoreFilip Petrusev is averaging 17.8 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. He has drawn 7.8 fouls per 40 minutes, which currently ranks third-best among all NCAA players. His productivity and size are reasons enough to take a chance on him. He can continue to improve his stock during March Madness.
50. Killian Tillie, Gonzaga
Center, 6-foot-10, 21 years old
If not for injury concerns, Killian Tillie likely would be considered a first-round talent due to his versatile skill set. For example, his offensive rating (126.2) thus far ranks in the Top 5 among all NCAA players with a usage rate as high as his. However, Tillie’s ability to stay on the court has been a lingering issue.
51. Kaleb Wesson, Ohio State
Foward, 6-foot-9, 20 years old
Ohio State junior Kaleb Wesson is averaging 14.0 points with 9.6 rebounds, adding one block per game. Perhaps most impressive: he has connected on 1.4 3-pointers per game while shooting 41.1% from beyond the arc. He can be a viable pick-and-pop option for an NBA team down the road.
52. Desmond Bane, TCU
Forward, 6-foot-6, 21 years old
After testing the NBA Draft waters last season, senior Desmond Bane is now averaging 16.1 points with 6.3 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. But his best trait has been his 3-point marksmanship, currently shooting 42.1% from beyond the arc. The senior is averaging 1.09 points per possession on his jump shots off the bounce in a set offense, per Synergy, which ranks 93rd percentile in the NCAA.
53. Jordan Nwora, Louisville
Forward, 6-foot-7, 21 years old
Nwora is currently shooting 40.7% from beyond the arc, which is a bit of a falloff from his rate earlier this season. But it is also worth noting that he has struggled shooting from beyond the arc during his games against stronger competition.
54. Elijah Hughes, Syracuse
Wing, 6-foot-6, 21 years old
Syracuse wing Elijah Hughes is averaging 18.8 points per game. He ranks Top-5 among all D-I players in isolation scoring, per Synergy, averaging 3.9 points per game on these opportunities.
55. Landers Nolley, Virginia Tech
Forward, 6-foot-7, 19 years old
Virginia Tech essentially runs its offense through Nolley, whose usage rate (33.3%) is the highest in the NCAA among first-year college basketball players. Nolley is averaging 16.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game but hasn’t been a particularly efficient option on offense.
56. Ochai Agbaji, Kansas
Wing, 6-foot-5, 19 years old
Kansas sophomore Ochai Agbaji is one of the best athletes in the 2020 NBA Draft. He is a potential 3-and-D threat, averaging 1.5 3-pointers and 1.5 steals per game. The wing may not be putting up extraordinary statistics yet but he has filled his role quite well for the No. 1 team in the country.
57. De’Andre Williams, Evansville
Big, 6-foot-9, 22 years old
Before his injury, big man DeAndre Williams was averaging 1.19 points per possession on offense. That ranked Top-10 among D-I players who finished at least 200 possessions thus far, per Synergy. Evansville was also 9-6 (.600) in games that he played, including a win over Kentucky, but literally lost every other game that they played this season.
58. Payton Pritchard, Oregon
Guard, 6-foot-2, 21 years old
Pritchard has been one of the top college basketball players in the country this season, averaging 20.2 points with 5.4 assists per game while shooting over 40% from 3-point range. His rating on Bart Torvik’s Player of the Year standings ranks third-best among all NCAA players.
59. Yoeli Childs, BYU
Big, 6-foot-8, 22 years old
BYU currently has a Top-5 offense in college basketball, per KenPom. His defensive rebound percentage (27.9%) ranks Top-20 in the country thus far. He has been among the most prolific pick-and-roll finishers in the NCAA this season. Childs scored 28 points with 10 rebounds during an underdog recent victory over Gonzaga. He is shooting 47.8% from 3-point range and averaging 1.12 points per possession, per Synergy, which ranks 97th percentile.
60. Reggie Perry, Mississippi State
Big, 6-foot-10, 19 years old
Mississippi State sophomore Reggie Perry is averaging 17.2 points with 9.7 rebounds per game. His defensive rebound percentage (24.4%) ranks second-best in the SEC and his tenure playing for Team USA as the MVP in the U19 World Cup last season will undeniably help his draft stock.
61. Skylar Mays, LSU
Guard, 6-foot-4, 22 years old
Senior guard Skylar Mays has averaged 16.2 points with 5.0 rebounds per game this season. He is another 3-and-D prospect for LSU, averaging 1.5 3-pointers and 1.9 steals per game. Mays has also been one of the most efficient scorers out of the pick-and-roll in the NCAA.
62. Mason Jones, Arkansas
Wing, 6-foot-5, 21 years old
Arkansas sophomore Mason Jones is averaging 21.3 points with 5.7 rebounds per game. Jones has scored 5.8 points per game in transition, per Synergy, third-best among all D-I players thus far. He has also drawn 8.0 fouls per 40 minutes, which is the second-most in the NCAA this season.
63. Corey Kispert, Gonzaga
Forward, 6-foot-7, 20 years old
Gonzaga has one of the deepest teams in the NCAA and the aforementioned Filip Petrusev and Killian Tillie lead their squad in usage rate. However, their role players on the wing, like Corey Kispert and Joel Ayayi, have made them the juggernaut they have been all season. Kispert, a junior, has connected on 2.5 3-pointers per game and is shooting 44.3% from downtown. He shot 48.8% from 3-point range in February.
64. Ty-Shon Alexander, Creighton
Guard, 6-foot-4, 21 years old
Creighton currently has a Top-5 offense in college basketball, per KenPom. Alexander is averaging 16.9 points and 2.6 3-pointers per game while shooting 40.4% from 3-point range. He is also averaging 1.08 points per possession on offense, per Synergy, which ranks 94th percentile.
65. Tyler Bey, Colorado
Forward, 6-foot-7, 22 years old
Colorado junior Tyler Bey is averaging 13.5 points and has added 1.5 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. He is also pulling down an insane 9.1 rebounds per game. As such, his defensive rebound percentage (28.4%) ranks fourth-best among all NCAA players who are six-foot-seven or shorter.
66. Tres Tinkle, Oregon State
Forward, 6-foot-7, 23 years old
Oregon State senior Tres Tinkle is one of the oldest prospects in this draft class, so he may be close to fully developed. However, the Pac-12 veteran offers the complete package with 18.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.8 steals per game.
67. John Petty, Alabama
Wing, 6-foot-5, 21 years old
Alabama junior John Petty has the best field goal percentage from downtown (45.0%) among all NCAA players with as many 3-point attempts so far this season. He is averaging 1.50 points per possession on his catch-and-shoot jump shots in half-court sets, per Synergy, third-best among D-I players (minimum: 100 possessions) thus far.
68. Jay Huff, Virginia
Big, 7-foot-1, 23 years old
Virginia junior Jay Huff recently put up 15 points and 10 blocks against Duke. The defending champions currently brag the second-best defensive rating in the NCAA, per KenPom, with thanks to his skill set as an elite rim protector. His block percentage (11.8%) ranks seventh-best among all players in high-major conferences. He is also 19-for-22 (86.4%) when cutting to the basket and 12-for-16 (75.0%) when rolling to the basket in pick-and-roll sets. Players who are this efficient on offense while also as productive on defense, especially with his size, have a place in the pros.
69. Keyontae Johnson, Florida
Forward, 6-foot-5, 20 years old
Florida sophomore Keyontae Johnson is averaging 14.0 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. He is also adding one 3-pointer per game, shooting 37.8% from beyond the arc. His true shooting percentage (62.3%) ranks No. 13 among underclassmen playing in high-major conferences. He is an incredibly versatile scorer despite not having much success scoring off the bounce or out of the pick-and-roll.
70. Nick Richards, Kentucky
Big, 6-foot-11, 22 years old
Among those with at least 100 attempts, Kentucky junior Nick Richards leads all players in field goal percentage (87.4%) on looks within five feet of the basket. He is currently averaging 1.20 points per possession on offense. That ranks Top 10 among all D-I players who have finished at least 200 possessions thus far, per Synergy.
71. Chris Smith, UCLA
Forward, 6-foot-9, 20 years old
UCLA junior Chris Smith is averaging 13.1 points and 5.3 rebounds with 1.0 steal per game. The Bruins started the season with eight wins and nine losses but have won nine of their last ten games thanks in large part to his recent NBA-caliber performances. That includes a 30-point game against Colorado and a 23-point, 13-rebound match against Washington State.
72. Luka Garza, Iowa
Big, 6-foot-11, 21 years old
Iowa big man Luka Garza has arguably had the best season among all college basketball players in the NCAA. The junior is averaging 23.7 points with 9.7 rebounds per game. He is also unafraid to shoot from long-range, averaging 1.2 3-pointers. The biggest problem is that most of his offensive finishes have derived from post-up opportunities. But he can still add some value on pick-and-pop possessions and the occasional putback, too.
73. Myles Powell, Seton Hall
Guard, 6-foot-2, 22 years old
For the second year in a row, Seton Hall guard Myles Powell is averaging at least 20 points per game. Unfortunately, his defensive numbers have slipped from 2.0 steals per game last season to just 1.3 spg this year. Additionally, he has never been much of a passer or playmaker for his teammates. Given his size, it may be hard for him to be a pure scorer at the next level. But with the success he has had in the NCAA, any team would be wise to explore a two-way deal at the very least.
74. Breein Tyree, Ole Miss
Guard, 6-foot-2, 22 years old
Ole Miss senior Breein Tyree has put up dominant scoring numbers this year, averaging 20.1 points per game. Tyree somehow managed 40 points against rival Mississippi State, 38 points against South Carolina and 36 points against LSU. He scored at least 25 points on eight different occasions this season.
75. Joel Ayayi, Gonzaga
Guard, 6-foot-5, 19 years old
Under head coach Mark Few, the Gonzaga Bulldogs have produced quite a bit of NBA talent over the past few seasons. Joel Ayayi is yet another player who projects with a professional future at the program. While he is not one of their regular starters, per 40 minutes, Ayayi is averaging 14.3 points and 8.6 rebounds to go with 1.7 steals.
