Jonah Ballow

Frank Ntilikina’s made a quick stop in Brooklyn to pick up his Knicks hat before heading back to France.  In the midst of a daunting schedule, the 18-year old decided to fly to New York for the NBA Draft and then return to the French League Finals for a series-deciding Game 5.Oh, and, the Knicks selected Ntilikina with the No. 8 overall pick on Thursday night.“Actually you can't realize until it happens,” Ntilikina stated after shaking Adam Silver’s hand. “Like I've been actually playing my season with my team back in France, and when the last game, the fourth game with my team ended, like I just thought to realize I was getting drafted in two days, you know. More and more the emotion started to come into my head and into my body, and when I heard my name, it was just great. It was just a blessing. It was actually a lot of motivation to me to go in the gym and work harder. So I think you can't even realize how it will be to hear your name."The 6’5” French basketball prodigy is playing professional ball overseas but he will call New York in the near future.  Ntilikina possesses serious potential with a long wingspan, athletic abilities, and a defensive approach to the game.  “Like I said first, I think great defender, willing to defend, willing to play hard, and to give intensity to the team and the offense. Like I'm a team player. I always try to give the best to the team no matter what happens. To me the most important thing is to get the win. I like to shoot it, to pass it, and then play pick-and-roll,” Ntilikina explained.At 2 AM, Ntilkina will jump on a plane back to France but the first step to his NBA career is in the books.  New York grabbed the point guard of the future and another piece of the puzzle for the franchise.

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Knicks Select Frank Ntilikina with the No. 8 Overall Pick in 2017

The PathLuke Kennard earned a spot as a top 25 recruit while playing high school basketball in Ohio.  In fact, he was named the 2015 Parade National Player of the Year and a 2015 McDonald’s All-American.  Kennard averaged 11.8 points as a freshman before increasing his output by eight points per game last season.  He also averaged 5.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists in the midst of a first team All-ACC campaign.  Kennard decided to forego his final two seasons at Duke and enter his name in the 2017 NBA Draft.

StrengthsKennard is a crafty ball handler that seems to make all the right decisions.  Basketball IQ is a key strength for this 21-year old and his two seasons in Durham were proof of that claim.  Solid shooting mechanics to go along with a quick release and precise footwork provides the tools for Kennard’s impressive jumper.  He’s also adept at working off screens to get to ideal locations on the floor.  

Next LevelTeams will want to see defensive improvement from Kennard but he remains a top 15 player in the most recent mock drafts.  His size and weight are on par with the prototypical shooting guards in the NBA.  Additionally, NBA teams might be attracted by Kennard’s stellar numbers while competing against high level completion and under the wing of a legendary head coach at Duke.

Statistically SpeakingKennard’s Offensive Rating: 130.6  What They’re Saying “Kennard possesses outstanding scoring instincts from all over the court, but his advantage on offense with his elite-level shot-making ability.” -- DraftExpress

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NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Luke Kennard

The PathIke Anigbogu is a California native that opted to remain in California to start his college basketball career.  Considered a top-50 recruit, Anigbogu signed with UCLA as part of a highly touted class.  After missing the first five games due to a knee surgery, Anigbogu returned to help the Bruins win 31 games and reach the NCAA Sweet Sixteen.

StrengthsThe numbers will not jump off the page when examining Anigbogu’s season at UCLA.  However, this 18-year old already has the physical tools to battle the big men in the NBA.  He has a strong frame and a 7’6” wingspan.  From a defensive standpoint, Anigbogu can swat shots around the rim or present fear to the opposition when attempting to drive to the rim.  While his game is fairly raw, Anigbogu can rise high for alley-oops off pick-and-roll sets.

Next LevelThe sample size is extremely small for Anigbogu.  He only averaged 13 minutes per game at UCLA but his Per40 numbers are eye-opening.  The big man averaged 14.5 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks Per40.  An NBA team that drafts Anigbogu will have to believe these numbers will translate with increased minutes at the next level.  Mock drafts target Anigbogu between 17-20.

What They’re Saying “His build, athleticism and comfort under the rim were impressive in limited playing time, and he has serious potential as a shot blocker and force anchoring the paint. His length and timing are off the charts.” Jeremy Woo, Sports Illustrated

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NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Ike Anigbogu

The PathJustin Patton remained in his home state for college ball at the University of Creighton.  Following a redshirt first year, Scout.com’s five-star recruit joined the Bluejays last season and earned Big East Freshman of the Year honors along with being named to the Second Team All-Big East.  After averaging 12.9 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, Patton decided to enter the 2017 NBA Draft.

StrengthsAt 6’11” and with a 7’3” wingspan, Patton looks the part from an NBA perspective.  He is explosive around the rim off lobs and putbacks to go along with nice touch.  Scouts believe Patton has upside as a perimeter scorer and his fluidity should allow him to translate to the modern style of game in the NBA.  Defensively, Patton has the tools to become a rim protector at the next level.  Additionally, his long reach can create havoc on the perimeter in pick-and-roll situations and chasing shooters off the 3-point line.

Next LevelPatton may need some time to develop, which is why mock drafts project him late in the first round at the moment.  The building blocks are visible and his potential on both sides of the floor should interest several squads on draft night.

Statistically Speaking 2nd in Player Efficiency Rating in Big East in 2016-17.

What They’re Saying “Patton was one of the most efficient big men in the NCAA this season. His ability to score in the post combined with a soft touch from the perimeter puts him in contention with Gonzaga's Zach Collins for the best center prospect in the draft.”  -- Chad Ford, ESPN.com

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NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Justin Patton

The PathBam Adebayo is a New Jersey native but he moved to North Carolina for high school ball.  After his junior season at Northside High School, Adebayo transferred to High Point Christian Academy.  Adebayo was a five-star recruit across the board after a stellar senior campaign that ended with an appearance in the state championship game.  The Kentucky Wildcats landed Adebayo as part of another spectacular freshman class next to Malik Monk, De’Aaron Fox, and Wenyen Gabriel.  Adebayo and the Wildcats reached the Elite Eight prior to the big man signing with an agent and officially declaring for the NBA Draft.

StrengthsAdebayo is a terrific athlete with the leaping ability and quickness to play at the next level.  The scouts like his high-energy approach to the game.  Adebayo attacks the glass, especially on the offensive side of the floor where he uses a 7’6” wingspan to snatch offensive rebounds.  Defensively, Adebayo can guard multiple positions and is a solid shot blocker (1.5 blocks per game).

Next LevelA high motor, speed in the open floor, athleticism, and a relentless attack on the boards should lead to a first round spot for Adebayo.  The Ringer compared him to Bismack Biyombo and Montrezl Harrell.  A rim protector with his extreme length is always attractive for NBA executives looking for an impact player on the defensive end.  The big question will surround Adebayo’s ability to expand his offensive game and become a more versatile threat for an NBA team.  Mock drafts have him slotted between picks 13-20.

Statistically Speaking Adebayo’s defensive rating: 95.7

What They’re Saying “Measuring 6’10” with a 7’3” wingspan, Adebayo is a shade undersized for a center, but has the length and athleticism to compensate, as well as a chiseled framed that will allow him to hold his own against NBA big men from day one.” -  DraftExpress.com

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NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Bam Adebayo

The PathA native of Utah, John Collins made his mark on the high school basketball scene in Florida where he was named the 4A Player of the Year in 2014-15.  The productivity as a high school standout helped him land a spot on Wake Forest’s squad for two seasons before he decided to make the leap to the NBA.  While at Wake Forest, Collins racked up First-Team All-ACC honors and was named the ACC’s Most Improved Player.

StrengthsCollins made major strides in his sophomore season as seen in the stats.  The big man posted 19.2 points per game (28.8 Per40) and registered 62.2 EFG% this past season.  He mainly works inside the paint for his offensive craft but also works well in pick-and-roll situations.  There’s potential for Collins to become a real face-up threat in the NBA with some work on his jumper.  Collins is also a solid rebounder (14.8 Per40) with a relentless attack on the glass.

Next LevelCollins is a sleeper in the first round and somewhat overlooked considering he played ball at Wake Forest.  The power forward matches the prototypical height and size for the position and possesses a strong offensive skill-set.  Teams will most look for some improvement on the defensive side of the floor.  Currently, there are some varying opinions on his mock draft status.  Draft Express has him as a high as No. 13 to the Denver Nuggets while ESPN.com’s Chad Ford projects him at No. 16 to Chicago.  Statistically Speaking Collins PER: 36.3  What They’re Saying “He rebounds extremely well and shot 60% anchoring a decent Wake team in a very tough conference.” Jeremy Woo, Sports Illustrated

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NBA Draft Prospect Profile: John Collins

The PathOG Anunoby was born in London and raised in Missouri where he played high school basketball.  After being named Mr. Basketball in the state of Missouri, Anunoby committed to Indiana University to begin his college career.  Anunoby’s freshman numbers didn’t necessarily jump off the page as he averaged 4.9 points and 2.6 rebounds per game.  However, the 6’8” forward showed enough promise to receive a Preseason All-American selection by The Sporting News.  Unfortunately, Anunoby suffered a season ending right knee injury against Penn State on January 18.  He finished with averages of 11.1 points and 5.4 boards in 25.1 minutes of court time per game last season before declaring for this year’s NBA Draft.

StrengthsDespite the knee injury, Anunoby possesses the physical attributes NBA scouts covet at the wing position.  Anunoby has a sturdy frame supported by a 7’2” wingspan and a 9’0” standing reach.  The reason Anunoby is considered a first-round pick is based on his extreme upside on the defensive side of the floor.  The 19-year old can guard multiple positions, defend on switch situations on pick-and-rolls, and close out quickly on shooters.  Averaging 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks per game in just 25 minutes validates Anunoby’s impact defensively.

Next LevelThe mock drafts are in an agreement on Anunoby’s status.  He’s No. 20 in DraftExpress.com’s recent mock draft, going to the Portland Trail Blazers.  Teams will definitely take a close look at Anunoby’s knee but the upside as an elite defender is attractive and will most likely secure his position in the first round.

Statistically SpeakingAnunoby’s defensive rating: 99.4.

What They’re Saying “Anunoby made significant progress this season, averaging a strong 18 points, 9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.1 steals and 2.1 blocks per-40 minutes, on an efficient 62% TS%, including strong performances in wins over eventual #1 NCAA Tournament seeds North Carolina and Kansas.” – DraftExpress

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NBA Draft Prospect Profile: OG Anunoby

The PathTerrance Ferguson moved to Dallas from Tulsa early in his life and played his high school ball at Prime Prep Academy.  The top 15 high school standout earned a spot in the McDonald’s All-American game and received several offers from the top college basketball programs around the nation.  In a rare alternate route to pro basketball, Ferguson initially signed a letter of intents at Alabama and Arizona before deciding to skip college and play overseas.  Ferguson signed a deal with the Adelaide 36ers last season, effectively participating in professional basketball for the Australian team.  His minutes were limited in a professional setting as opposed to a season at the college level where he would have most likely received a starting spot.  After one season with the 36ers off the bench, Ferguson decided to enter the 2017 NBA Draft.

Strengths The sample size is small for Ferguson due to his bench role on the 36ers.  However, Ferguson is a gifted athlete that meets the requirements to play at the next level from an athletic perspective.  At 6’7”, Ferguson is considered a streaky offensive player with a solid jump-shot from the field and beyond the arc.  Ferguson’s leaping ability translates to his jumper where he can rise high above defenders.  Draftexpress believes he will excel as a jump shooter from the corners, which is coveted by NBA teams seeking an NBA wing.  Scouts have also detailed Ferguson’s competitive nature on the defensive side of the floor as a positive sign for a squad selecting him in the first round.

Next LevelFerguson is considered a project and the hope is he could turn into the modern 3-and-D wing in the NBA.  Currently, mock draft projections have him going late in the first round.

What They’re Saying “What’s impressive is how mature of a team player he’s been so far, as he rarely tries to do things outside of his comfort zone, and has been a very willing ball-mover looking to make the extra pass.” – DraftExpress