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Prospects that spent the season abroad could help save the draft class if NCAA players disappoint.
LaMelo Ball leads the group of non-college names capable of making regular appearances in the All-Star Game. His rise and aura overshadowed RJ Hampton, who also played regular minutes in the NBL and is much more explosive, but needs time to improve his basic skills.
Not having a specialty or distinctive strength might work against Hampton in the draft, but his athleticism and flashes of versatility hint at a long-term upside worth thinking for lottery teams. He outplayed Ball multiple times during their matchup in Australia, and should continue to experience success attacking downhill and slashing, regardless of how his development goes from here.
It offered enough flashes of decision-making, ball-screen plays and floats to feel optimistic about its potential to evolve into a multi-dimensional offensive attack combo.
Deni Avdija could emerge as one of the best players in the draft. He showed that he can play a minor role in the Euroleague, proving a mature and comprehensive game that bodes well for his chances of fitting into most lineups. For Israel in the European Championship, where he won the tournament MVP, and in the Israeli BSL, he also demonstrated that it can be affirmed as a main option.
He just went 23 points, seven rebounds and five assists on his return to action on Sunday, giving the scouts some final glimpses of his ability to beat dribble defenders, find teammates, and jump jumpers when locked up.
Killian Hayes has placed in the top three on my draft board. You could end up being the most complete point guard in the class if you continue to improve your shooting. Already a shrewd passer and natural facilitator at 6’5 “, he took a big leap forward this season with his creation of shots and throw in runners and pull-ups.
He just averaged 11.6 points and 5.4 assists on 59.1 percent true shooting between Eurocup and the German BBL at age 18. Only six NCAA freshmen have matched those numbers, and four were Lonzo Ball, Chris Paul, Jason Williams and Jameer Nelson, according to Sports Reference.
A pair of wildcards, Leandro Bolmaro and Aleksej Pokusevski, could really change the narrative in the 2020 class. Given their limited minutes against quality competition last season, neither is expected to enter the lottery, but both have a lottery caliber advantage.
Bolmaro, who has just started playing for Barcelona again in the Spanish ACB, averaged 14.9 points, 3.6 assists and 1.8 triples in the Spanish LEB silver league. He is a forward with a unique ability to create and move to 6’7 “, and often brings defensive intensity to pressure and blows up screens.
His jumper isn’t quite consistent yet, but for a 19-year-old, he’s capable enough to bet on a desirable amount to improve.
Pokusevski is 7’0 “with an eye-opening skill set that includes fluid three-point shots, special instincts to pass, and an exciting ability to block shots.
He is extremely slim, a question mark for a great player who does not project well defending himself from the basket. But he’s also the youngest prospect in the draft, turning 19 on December 26, and few professionals his size are able to punch bridges off the screen or install teammates outside of dribbling. Successful physical and fundamental development could result in its trajectory skyrocketing over the low-ceiling NCAA prospects.
Theo Maledon could also be a sneaky pick, though his lack of bang suggests his potential is limited. It would not be the first owner to survive with skill and feeling on athletics. He is also one of the most experienced eligible prospects, having played 43 Jeep Elite games (France’s largest division) last year and 22 Euroleague games (12 starts) this season.
While struggling to hit by defenders, he’s a comfortable, balanced shooter who’s not hooked and dribbles, and makes up for his lack of bounce with body control, coordination, and a touch of paint.
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