Draft Prospect Profile

Jonah Ballow

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

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2017 NBA Draft Prospect Galleries: Ivan Rabb

The PathJarrett Allen enjoyed a sparkling prep career at St. Stephen’s Episcopal High School where he captured two state championships.  The Texas native averaged 20 points, 13 boards, and five blocks during his senior season and opted to remain in the state for his collegiate career.  At the University of Texas, Allen averaged 13.4 points and 8.4 rebound with some standout performances against Kansas (20 points, 11 rebounds) and Baylor 20 points, nine rebounds) during his senior season.  On April 11, Allen officially declared for the draft after not hiring an agent early in the process.  He departs Texas after one season, averaging 32.1 minutes per game at the center position.  

Strengths From a physical standpoint, Allen is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2017 class.  At 6’10”, Allen owns a remarkable 7’5” wingspan to go along with a wide frame to build on when he reaches the NBA.  At the college level, Allen swatted 1.5 shots per game and he projects to be a solid interior defender.  Scouts believe he can develop as a defender on the perimeter when switching in pick-and-roll scenarios.  His quick feet and surprising agility should allow him to transition to the NBA.  Offensively, Allen has large hands to handle high lobs at the rim for alley-oop opportunities while dealing with passes in heavy traffic.

Next LevelAllen is floating around the lottery teams in the latest mock drafts.  He’s most likely a draft pick between 12-16 on June 22.  The squad that drafts Allen will receive an NBA-ready athlete with significant upside to have an impact on both sides of the floor.    Statistically Speaking Allen ranked No. 3 in total rebounds per game in the Big 12 and first in field goal percentage in the conference.

What They’re Saying "When Jarrett chose to come to The University of Texas, he expressed a sincere interest in learning and having the absolute best freshman season he could have. I'm really pleased with the tremendous growth Jarrett has shown. He has been a joy to coach, and I'm excited to watch him continue to develop into the best version of himself at the next level." – Texas head coach Shaka Smart

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NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Jarrett Allen

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2017 NBA Draft Prospect Galleries: Bam Adebayo

The PathThe North Carolina native remained in his home state for high school where he built a significant resume and an eventual spot in the top ten in national recruiting services.  Dennis Smith was named North Carolina’s Gatorade Player of the Year in 2015 before heading to North Carolina State.  In 2016-17, Smith averaged 18.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game and received ACC Rookie of the Year honors.  His personal achievements at North Carolina State led to Smith bouncing from the college ranks to entering his name in the 2017 NBA Draft.

StrengthsThe 19-year old owns an NBA-ready frame with the strength, speed, and explosiveness that NBA scouts seek when examining prospects.  Smith is devastating in the open floor due to his extreme burst and an ability to launch for highlight reel jams.  Not only is Smith powerful in traffic but he is shifty with a nice change of pace game as the primary ball handler.  The point guard shot 35.9 percent from the 3-point line on 4.8 attempts per game.  The number that really jumps off the page is free throw attempts at 6.3 per game.  For a 6’3” point guard, Smith attacks the rim as evident in the high-volume trips to the charity stripe.  He can heat up quickly and generate offensive in rapid fashion.  Defensively, Smith shows the potential to lock-up his opposition in isolation situations.

Next LevelThe common thought with Smith is that he will thrive in the NBA with high-level talent around him.  Evaluating his one season at North Carolina State is difficult in that regard.  However, his production and physical attributes are extremely enticing for teams drafting from picks 7-11.  Currently, Smith is a player projected in the area where the Knicks select at No. 8.  As Phil Jackson mentioned following the Lottery, New York is searching for a point guard this summer.  Smith’s playmaking skills are certainly attractive and he might eventually become the best point man in a top-heavy point guard class.

Statistically Speaking Smith is the only player in ACC history to post two triple-doubles while facing league opponents in an entire college career.

What They’re Saying “Smith might be the best one-on-one scorer in this draft — he was absolutely dominant efficiency-wise in isolation situations this season, and is built to attack the basket, draw fouls and help shoulder somebody’s offense.” –Jeremy Woo, Sports Illustrated