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scvrllet · 3 years ago

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MIND GAMES

A Captain Killian Jones (ouat) & Reader Oneshot

The past can come to back to haunt you in interesting ways to say the least but in Killian’s case, a rather unpleasant and painful way.

contains: they/them pronouns, father-child relationship type beat, being referred to as a Lost Boy (I wrote it in a gender neutral sense but feel free to switch to any term you feel comfortable with), death mention, possible derealization warning (1,052 words)

“Careful,” Hook said as he put an arm out to prevent Emma from walking forward. “He may look like a boy, but he’s a bloody demon.”

The captain was right to be wary considering he was standing on Neverland soil. And while it is wise to avoid Pan if you weren’t going to join him, it would also be smart to avoid having a history with any of the people who follow him.

“I think you’ve got the wrong boy captain.” A voice said as they emerged from the bushes.

Placing his hand on the handle of his sword, Killian's gaze hardened as the Lost Boy approached them with an almost taunting smile. "What? Wasn't expecting to see me captain?"

"No this- you can't be alive." He replied as his grip loosened on his sword. A feeling of guilt filled his chest as he took a few steps backwards.

"And why is that?" They replied, their smile growing wider as they started walking towards him. "Why would I not be alive captain? Is it because you shoved a sword through my heart?"

Killian had now fallen to the ground, eyes never leaving theirs as they looked down on him. The Lost Boy scoffed at the sight of the pirate cowering before crouching down to be at eye level with him. "I just wanted to protect my home and family but you wouldn't let that happen!" Their voice started to shake as they spoke, each word becoming louder until the point where it sounded like they were screaming. "I just wanted to be happy but you had to ruin it! First with Ruffio, than Theo, than Mason and then me."

Tears fell down their cheeks and Killian didn't even notice they had grabbed onto the collar of his shirt until they tugged at it, harshly. "Why couldn't you just leave us? We were finally happy but you had to separate us from the only family we had!"

Killian was already accepting whatever fate the Lost Boy had in store for him when their screaming had been suddenly cut short. Opening one eye to see exactly what had happened, Hook was met with the shocked expression of Emma Swan with a sword in hand aimed at the Lost Boy who turned into a shadow. It was a trick.

He watched in mixed horror and relief as (E/C) eyes glowed to become white and all colour drained to a black abyss. All before staring at him one more time as they flew up to the sky and out of sight, leaving Killian and Emma breathing heavy.

"What the hell was that?" Emma was the first to break the silence between them and despite him wanting to forget what had just happened, he knew there was no use in hiding.

"Pan's Shadow, likes to play tricks and mess with people." He answered knowing it didn't answer her question.

"Okay maybe I was too vague, who was that the Shadow was pretending to be? What'd you do?"

Hook sighed, fixing his shirt and hair before dropping his gaze to his feet. "That was (Y/N) the Shadow was acting like. I took them in a long time ago. Parents had kicked them out, or abandoned them rather, and I decided to take them in."

The ghost of a smile graced his lips as he seemed to reminisce on those memories but it quickly faded as he continued the rest of his story. "I saw them as my own kid, treated them like my own too. One day we got into a fight and I told them they can either shut it or leave. Stubborn kid took the emergency boat and left.

I didn't know where they ended up for months. I changed courses to find them, spent weeks in the middle of nowhere in hopes of finding them, or even a sign but there was none. Eventually, time came where I had to give up and get back on course and I soon had other things to worry about. Fast forward a couple more months, little Baelfire, or Neal, landed on my ship and it was great.``

He paused. A single tear slid down his face as he took a deep breath.

"Until I lost him too. Lost Boys came onto the ship, grabbed the boy and left. Pan had been terrorizing me and my crew for weeks before but even after I gave him Bae he never stopped. I decided to stop it once and for all, come onto the island and find a way to their little camp but just as the fight broke out, I saw them."

"Neal?" Emma asked.

Hook shook his head. "(Y/N). They had ended up on Neverland somehow, and I was already too deep to leave and..."

"You killed them." Emma finished his sentence, waiting for him to deny or accept the answer before dropping her sword and walking away as he nodded his head.

The silence that filled the air around him afterwards was deafening, leaving him alone with his thoughts and doubts.

"Funny isn't it?" A new voice, this one belonging to a bloody demon as he previously mentioned. And this time, Killian knew it wasn't a trick, because the Shadow wouldn't need to pretend to be it's owner. Especially when they found great pleasure in taunting the pirate by themselves.

"What do you want, Pan?"

"Isn't it funny how despite the years we spend telling ourselves we're over it, that a single encounter can bring back a million doubts? Even if it was all a trick." Pan said, ignoring Hook's question to continue his taunting. "Crazy how guilt rushes back to us once-"

"I would choose your next words wisely boy."

A smirk grew on Pan's lips as he paused. "Or else what? A pirate who's still grieving after a hundred years is going to do something about?"

Killian found himself unable to speak. He tried, desperately, to get the boy's taunting to end, but nothing came out. The demon seemed to enjoy his struggling and even mockingly encouraged him until the pirate finally got a word.

Laughter cut off his sentence, maniacal laughter, as the pirate looked up to see what he thought was the boy faded to the similar silhouette of the Shadow.

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imaginefan · 3 years ago

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Mobile Masterlist (N - Z) Part 6

Once Upon A Time

Emma Swan

All You Do Is Work

Child Actor

English Language

Love The Same *Part 1* *Part 2*

My Anaconda Don’t

Shake It Off

Soccer

Henry Mills

Spoiled *Part 1* *Part 2* *Part 3*

Jefferson

Lost Daughter *Part 1* *Part 2*

Jennifer Morrison

Bambi

Colleagues

Cute Kisses

Day On Set

Near Her

Now You’re In Trouble

Partners On Set

Violation

Killian Jones

Love The Same *Part 1*

Regina Mills

Mmm.

Secrets Mum *Part 1* *Part 2*

Sabine/ Princess Tiana

Great New People *Part 1* *Part 2*

Riverdale

FP Jones

Hey Dad

Jughead Jones

Not Because Of A Serpent (Prompt)

Scared To Be Lonely

Sweet Pea

The Serpents Northside Princess *Intro* *Part 1* *Part 2*

S.W.A.T

Jim Street

Cute Stuff

Priorities

Secret Circle

Adam Conant

Dance Dance

Trust Issues

Jake Armstrong

Back To Save You *Part 1* *Part 2*

Hiding

What Would You Know? *Part 2*

Nick Armstrong

What Would You Know?

Shadowhunters

Izzy Lightwood

I’m Not Sorry

Raphael Santiago

Everything Makes Sense

Take My Suggestion

Suicide Squad

Supernatural

Castiel

Almost… Well Not Really

Missed Signals

Dean Winchester

1 Year Left

Big Brother

Got Him

Gabriel

Guardian Angel

Little Things

Sam Winchester

Pain And All

Teen Wolf

Derek Hale

Why Have I Never Heard Of Him? *Part 1* *Part 2* *Part 3*

Issac Lahey

18th

I Could Take You To Paris

Liam Dunbar

Why Would I Stop?

Lydia Martin

Collision

Malia Tate

Sibling Love

McCall Pack

Lone Wolf *Part 1* *Part 2*

Peter Hale

Avoidance

Scott McCall

Different Objectives

Stiles Stilinski

My Nerd

School Antics

Run

Theo Raeken

Why Theo!?

The Flash

Cisco Ramon

Names

PDA In The Lab

Super Suit

The Guy At The Bar

They Missed You

Hunter Zoloman

Forget You

Team Flash

No Secrets

The Vampire Diaries/The Originals

Alaric Saltzman

Always Attractive

Get Confidence *Part 1* *Part 2*

I Do

Bonnie Bennett

Lost Confidence *Part 1* *Part 2*

Damon Salvatore

Breathe

Broken Glasses

I Thought It Was Him *Part 1* *Part 2* *Part 3*

It’s Always Her *Part 1* c

Lake Party

Like Kids *Part 1* *Part 2*

Step Back

What’s Going On?

Davina Claire

Lil Sister *Part 1* *Part 2* *Part 3*

Elijah Mikaelson

3 Siblings 1 Suitor *Part 1* *Part 2* *Part 3*

Advice For A Brother-In-Law *Part 1* *Part 2* *Part 3*

All Wrong

Cleaning Day

Cry Song

One Last Word

My Surprise

Smooth *Part 1* *Part 2* *Part 3*

Two Strict Ones

You Meant Something *Part 1* *Part 2* *Part 3* *Part 4* *Part 5*

We Need Her (Prompt)

Freya Mikaelson

Best Of The Bunch

Jeremy Gilbert

Fight Between Friends

Rescued You *Part 1* *Part 2* *Part 3*

Saviour In The Witch *Part 1* *Part 2* *Part 3* *Part 4* *Part 5* *Part 6*

Questions Questions *Part 1* *Part 2*

Lorenzo St. John

2 Dresses

Changed Name *Part 1* *Part 2*

How About Dinner *Part 1* *Part 2*

Not My First Funeral *Part 1* *Part 2* *Part 3*

Quit It *Part 1* *Part 2* *Part 3*

Whatever Right *Part 1* *Part 2* *Part 3* *Part 4* *Part 5*

Lucien Castle

Abandon The Plan *Part 1* *Part 2* *Part 3*

Crybaby

Great

Growing Feelings

Liking To Power

Not Just Crazy

Wha Do We Have Here?

Kai Parker

Liking To Power

Klaus Mikaelson

3 Siblings 1 Suitor *Part 1* *Part 2* *Part 3*

800 Years

Advice For A Brother-In-Law *Part 1* *Part 2* *Part 3*

Culebra

Human Attributes *Part 1* *Part 2*

I Was Yours

Matching Marks

Not My First Funeral

Repeat Of History

The Other Hybrid Brother *Part 1* *Part 2* *Part 3*

They’ll Never Expect It (Prompt)

You Should Know *Part 1* *Part 2*

Katherine Pierce

Hey Baby

I’d Rather You Didn’t

Kol Mikaelson

All Good Thing

Bickering

Followed *Part 1* *Part 2*

Saviour In The Witch *Part 1* *Part 2* *Part 3* *Part 4* *Part 5*

Still Here

Marcel Gerard

Lost Touch

Smooth *Part 1* *Part 2* *Part 3*

Matt Donovan

Fight Between Friends

Man Or Monster

Movie Dates

Questions Questions *Part 1* *Part 2*

Mikaelson Siblings

Electrical Fault

The Werewolf Gene *Part 1* *Part 2*

Rebekah Mikaelson

3 Siblings 1 Suitor *Part 1* *Part 2* *Part 3*

Hand In Marriage *Part 1* *Part 2*

Hurt Again

Love… *Part 1* *Part 2* *Part 3*

New Information

Stefan Salvatore

I’ll Help You

I Know How You Feel *Part 1* *Part 2*

I Thought…

I Thought It Was Him *Part 1* *Part 2* *Part 3*

Like Kids *Part 1* *Part 2*

Memories

Sorry About The Family

Tyler Lockwood

Questions Questions *Part 1* *Part 2*

Watch Yourself

The Walking Dead

Daryl Dixon

I’m Different

Glenn Rhee

New World New Life

Maggie Rhee

Be With Family

New World New Life

Vikings

Ivar Ragnarsson

Sluggish

Wonder Woman

Diana Prince

Paper Weapons *Part 1* *Part 2* *Part 3* *Part 4*

Reassurance And A Hug

Wrongly Accused *Part 1* *Part 2* *Part 3* *Part 4* *Part 5*

Requests and general question!

Next Part ---->

#masterlist

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isfsinfo · 4 years ago

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Top 30 NBA rukija u SFKL ligi

Igrači su rangirani na osnovu statističkih kategorija SFKL lige.

1. LaMelo Ball (PG, SG - CHA) 2. Tyrese Haliburton (PG, SG - SAC) 3. Anthony Edwards (SG - MIN) 4. Jae'Sean Tate (SG - HOU) 5. Cole Anthony (PG - ORL) 6. James Wiseman (C -GSW) 7. Isaiah Stewart (PF, C - DET) 8. Patrick Williams (SF, PF - CHI) 9. Xavier Tillman (PF - MEM) 10. Isaac Okoro (SG, SF - CLE) 11. Theo Maledon (PG - OKL) 12. Immanuel Quickley (PG - NYK) 13. Saddiq Bey (SF - DET) 14. Jaden McDaniels (PF - MIN) 15. Devin Vassell (SG - SAS) 16. Deni Avdija (SG, SF - WAS) 17. Aleksej Pokuševski (SF - OKL) 18. Desmond Bane (PG, SG - MEM) 19. Payton Pritchard (PG - BOS) 20. Facundo Campazzo (PG - DEN) 21. Precious Achiuwa (SF, PF - MIA) 22. Saben Lee (PG - DET) 23. Paul Reed (SF - PHI) 24. Tyrese Maxey (PG, SG - PHI) 25. Reggie Perry (PF - BRO) 26. Aaron Nesmith (SG, SF - BOS) 27. Killian Hayes (PG, SG - DET) 28. Obi Toppin (SF, PF - NYK) 29. Isaiah Joe (SG - PHI) 30. Onyeka Okongwu (PF, C - ATL)

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underwoodinc · 5 years ago

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Ways To Make My Life Extraordinary - Theodoro "Theo" Mather

Word count: 2,783

TW: Mentions of abduction, children in danger

Taglist: @goblin-writer @trapped-inadystopianovel @fragmentedink @marewriteblr @xcxbxlx @toboldlywrite

I was abducted by aliens once.

When I was a kid we'd go upstate, this house we'd rent by the lake. It wasn't one of the fancy smancy ones, like across the water.

But it was big, old, and wonderful. It had a walk around porch. When I close my eyes I can hear the sound of our sneakers all pounding on it as we ran out the door to play in the woods.

The summer I was seven, was the last summer I got to be the baby of the family. Later that fall Ma would announce she was pregnant.

My memories of being the youngest wasn't anything too bad, or exceptionally idyllic either.

I wasn't really excluded, and at the same time I understood when I wasn't wanted.

I think with us being relatively close in age made a difference too.

The summer I was seven was the summer Marie was eight, the twins eleven, and Julia Anna was twelve.

The same summer Jules, Davey and Killian all discovered the Carmichael kids across the water. They had water skis and golden retrievers, golden hair and were all tanned and dimpled.

And so the summer started with those three heading off to town, hoping to run into them. And thus leaving Marie and I to our own devices.

The same way I can hear our sneakers running on the wood porch, I can smell the dust as we ran through the woods. See the shadows the trees cast on us. And the sun on my back as we swam.

I never got sunburnt, but she did. No matter how much sunscreen she slathered on, poor Marie came home the end of the day red.

It was David's idea, the second week that summer, that we try swimming at night then, to shut up her whining.

"But there might be snakes." She said, teary as Dad applied aloe to her shoulders.

"There's snakes around during the day too."

"But I can't see them at night."

"Yeah that's true," Killian said from his corner in the living room. "There's a lot of stuff you can't see out there at night. Snakes, bears, mountain lions…"

Marie didn't answer, she looked down at her peeling knees, while Dad told Kill to knock it off.

"But you said there were!" Killian said, "Before we came here, you said they've been seeing bears up here so don't go too far into the woods."

Marie's green eyes widened and she looked up at Dad, "You didn't tell me!"

"There are no bears." He said, glancing at Killian to shut up if he knew was was good for him.

Because if that, it was David who said that actually, Kelly Carmichael saw one out her window last night.

Which is why her and her siblings are only allowed in town and outside the front of the house.

Marie's eyes filled with tears as she ran upstairs. I went after her, taking the tube of aloe from Dad.

Dad who had jumped up, and was now towering over the twins who only then realized the error of their ways.

I thought about how her knees must be on fire now, moving so fast as she did. I also knew she'd be crying, saying she didn't want to play outside anymore.

That Daddy wanted her to get eaten by a bear. That she wanted to go home.

A variation of this happened every year. Marie got homesick as easily as she got her feelings hurt.

I always felt so bad. Sometimes I'd think to myself, that my sister absorbed my feelings too.

Like a sponge, she took all my sadness, and all the stuff I was scared of, so while she was the one that cried from holding it all, I was the one that was brave for both of us.

Maybe as I reapplied the aloe onto her knees, I could give her some of my bravery.

"I don't want to go swimming to-to-tomorrow…" She sniffed, "I'm sorry Theo, I'm sorry…"

"Want some water?"

"I just..I just.." She coughed, and ran an arm under her nose.

"Want some water?"

She nodded, and I gave her the rest of the aloe. Climbing off the bed, telling her I'd be right back.

I slid down the railing, like Mom showed us last year, and could hear Daddy from the living room.

Mama and Jules were in the kitchen. I could smell the apples and strawberries Mama was cutting up at the counter. Jules looked up from her magazine, and asked me what the twins did this time.

"Marie wants some water." I got two bottles from the fridge.

"What they say to her this time?" Jules repeated patiently.

"They said Kelly Carmichael saw a bear in the woods."

Jules had mastered the teenage smirk, and doled it out generously, like now. Proof enough to me that the twins were teasing. Not that I hadn't figured it out yet.

I could hear Dad, stilling chewing out the twins, and sentencing them to being nice to Marie all day tomorrow.

The way he said it, told me he meant they wouldn't be seeing Kelly anytime soon.

"Come on, Bebe." Mom had scooped the fruit into a bowl, and began up the stairs with me.

The twins came upstairs too, some time later when Marie and I had gotten checkers out, and began playing.

They said sorry, and Marie said softly that it was okay.

"But, look, we do gotta tell you something. The real thing that's out in the woods."

"I'm getting Daddy." I got only one foot dangling off the bed, when David grabbed me and pushed me back up.

"No, we're serious." He said, "We're not trying to scare you Marie, but you need to know what's out there."

"You too, Theo." Killian said, "We have to make sure you guys don't do anything stupid."

"Mama said you're both just being bromistas." Marie crossed her arms.

"Fine, don't listen to us."

"Killian, Dad said we have to warn them!" David pushed his shoulder.

"Warn us about what?" She asked, looking over at them.

The twins exchanged a glance, and said nothing at first. "You said we're just being bromistas." Killian shrugged.

"Warn us about what?" Marie looked between them.

The twins exchanged a glance, silently asking the other if they should impart this secret.

They made us huddle close, and whispered the real reason why we needed to be careful in the woods.

Ways to make my life extraordinary?

I'll tell myself, all that happened that summer, was Marie and I were abducted by aliens.

That the twins had been completely serious, about UFOs flying over the lake at night.

That there had been sightings all over the newspaper. That the story about wild cats and bears was meant to keep kids like us inside, so we wouldn't be scared by the real reason: There were aliens, over Lake Persimmon.

I remember the moon that night, I remember the boat, the woods, our flashlights going up to the starry sky.

I've read the official report.

But there's some other stuff.

The crazy stuff. The stuff I've never asked Marie to collaborate, but to me is so clear.

Sometimes, I don't know if I really remember it, or if I just want to stick with the crazy story.

So, first, I'll tell you what I remember first hand. Then, I'll tell you what the news, police, and everyone else says happened.

The revelation had the opposite effect that Killian and David were probably hoping for.

That night we laid in the large bed, holding each other and looking out at the open window. We watched the water and sky, waiting to see them.

We tried for three nights, and fell asleep each time before they showed up.

So, I had a plan.

It was midnight, we had stored away cans of coke and candy from the pantry upstairs, and gorged til we were shivering with sugar.

Wide awake, and armed with a backpack of flashlights, a kitchen knife just in case, more soda, binoculars, and a disposable camera, we crept downstairs.

The only creatures that knew we were up were the crickets, cicadas, and fireflies, the owl we saw in the tree as we ran down the familiar path.

It was one that went right to the docks near the water, small boats were tied and put on shore. There was a shack to rent them, and looking back it was pretty archaic.

Because there was nothing to stop two kids from taking one and pushing it into the water.

But as we got closer, I realized I was alone. Marie wasn't next to me.

"Marie?" I called, looking around. "Marie? Where are you?" I started to walk back, taking a flashlight out of the bag.

The bag with the lights, the knife, with everything we needed. I imagined Marie alone in the dark without me.

I wondered then, if she had really wanted to come. Or if it was just because I wanted to. Maybe she got scared, and tried to turn back to go home.

"Marie!" I called louder, hearing my voice echo, and getting no answer. The path seemed longer than it ever had been. Darker than it ever had been.

The wind too, seemed stronger. It was so strong, I could see the brush and branches move and shake. It was warm too.

The path lit up before me, as bright as day. I felt light, so light that the backpack fell from my shoulders.

I grabbed it and looked down. I could see the tree tops, the house, the lake. Like I was flying.

I looked up, squinting at the bright light, but I remember I wasn't scared. I just let go of the weight of the backpack. It fell down.

And something else came to my hand, and held it. Marie's hand in mine, one that I knew so well.

She was next to me again. Dried tear tracks on her cheeks, her face calm as she slowly looked back at me. Squeezing my hand.

We didn't see what abducted us. I don't remember the inside of the UFO, but I remember star dust.

Green, bright, all around me as I floated. It was surging around my body like a million little gnats. It struck me as a word I didn't have in my vocabulary then, but do now. Celestial.

Like a million little stars running between my fingers. Like understanding that there was more than my family and I. More than my little simple world at home. At Lake Persimmon.

I could see the galaxies beyond, and I wanted to be there. To be part of it. To reach out and catched the dust, that no one else could touch.

The next thing I was aware of, my leg was hurting. Coincidentally it was the leg I would later lose. The left one.

I was laying on the ground in the woods. And Marie was not with me.

I just stayed there, listening to the woods for a while. I think I could have gotten up myself, but I didn't want to. Not until I heard my mother call my name.

Not until I felt my Dad's arms under me, picking me up.

"Where's Marie?!"

I started to cry.

This is what's in the police report. What has been collected from my parents, from other searchers. What they pieced together. And what information came later.

Sometime at one in the morning, Mama woke up, and said she felt something wasn't right. She went to the bedroom Marie and I shared, and saw we weren't there.

When she couldn't find us, she woke the whole house. When they couldn't find us, the police were called.

It was almost three in the morning, when Dad said he saw me, laying on the trail in the woods. The trail just before the bend that leads to the docks.

He said I was awake. I responded to him when he picked me up. And when they asked me what happened, and where was Marie; I started to cry.

Seven the following morning, they found Marie. She was in town, sitting on a bench, calmly, like she was waiting for them.

Both of us were quiet, the report put us both in catatonic states as the police tried to ask what happened.

The backpack was never found. Never seen again. Before we left the house I tried to look for it with Julia and David, but it never turned up.

According to follow ups, Marie and I didn't start to speak again until a week after we went back home.

I say according because my memory is hazing there. I remember looking for the backpack. I remember us not being out of anyone's sight for a while.

I don't remember not speaking, but I do remember the twins crying at one point.

remember David running out the room, when I said we were looking for aliens that night.

A few months later, they arrested a couple named Vivian and Ben Davis. They were locals, who had a farm just before the town line.

Ben Davis was several months late on car payments. His van was being towed, and the repo guy came when both of them were out "tending" to their malnourished cows.

According to the Repo, they began loading the car up, when he heard something heavy crash into the driver's seat inside.

I'll leave it to your imagination, what he saw through the window, that prompted him to call the police.

Who were thus prompted to get a warrant and rifle through the house, and eventually find a tub of photographs.

The photos were from years past; the couple themselves, friends, different pets, etc. Things you'd expect, except for one envelope buried at the bottom.

In that envelope were photos, one of which were of Marie and I. In their van, chains around our legs, holding each other, with socks in our mouths.

The other photos showed other kids the same way. We were ones that could immediately be identified.

Our hands weren't bound, apparently thanks to Vivian, because she, thoughtfully, didn't want to hurt our wrists.

Okay, so, here's the thing. I can look at that photo, and I can remember that as well.

I can remember being picked up from behind and gagged. I can remember the weight of the chains around my ankles. I can remember looking out the driver's window from the back of the van, and holding tightly to Marie.

I can remember it as vividly as I remember floating over the woods.

According to the Davis' confession, we ran. It was when we got to their farm and they pulled us out of the van.

Ben pulled our faces close to his, and said we would be good. He was going to unchain our legs, and then we would take his and Vivian's hands, and go inside to have dinner.

Obliviously soon as the chains were off, Marie took my hand and we ran the other way.

I refuse to believe we were the only kids that did, but anyway, they lost us in the woods. They claim.

There is a blank space, in both versions, that I can't remember. Time between me seeing the stardust, and waking up. Between me in the van with Marie, and being carried by my dad.

Blank space. And I don't know what to do with it.

I remember both things so clearly. Is it possible they both happened?

Am I crazy, for hoping so? Because sometimes I can still remember the stardust. I want to believe I touched it, and saw the world from above for a moment.

Ways to make my life Extraordinary?

I went back once, to look for the backpack. All these years later. Still never found it. I guess I didn't expect to.

Marie and I have both seen someone about it. Separately. But we've never talked about it to each other.

I tell the alien story sometimes. Not to anyone who knows my family too well. But I do.

And I can't say I fully believe it. But, it doesn't feel right to say I fully don't believe it.

I mean, I have a boss that can heal paper cuts with glowing hands. I met a girl who could move the clouds. I know a guy that's a full on Empath. I've been in a house with a reality warper.

How can I say aliens are so out there?

#Theo Mather #Theo #nadg #character monologues #or character stories i guess #writblr #writers on tumblr #writing #oc stuff #own stuff

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sofrpc · 6 years ago

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⌖*ﾟ— 550+ UNIQUE AND UNDERUSED MALE NAMES

as requested, i have created a masterlist of 550+ unique and underused male names ! these are all listed in alphabetical order, and although i dont claim any of these as my own, please don’t copy and paste straight into another masterlist. feel free to use the names in any way you like, i hope this gives you muse for your characters (my faves are bolded) — also smash that like or reblog if you found this useful, thank you !

abel, acacius, ace, achilles, adagio, adaiah, adalius, adley, adelio, adonis, adrian, adriel, aiden, akello, alain, alarik, alastair, alek, alfred, alfonzo, ali, alisio, alonzo, amari, amedeus, amias, amos, anakin, andre, ansel, anton, anwar, apollo, aragon, aramis, archer, aries, arlo, arrius, artemis, asher, ashton, asriel, atlas, atlantis, atticus, auden, august, auri, austin, avery, axel, aziel

bacchus, baden, bailey, baldwin, balin, balton, bandit, banks, barley, baxley, baxter, baze, bear, beau, beck, benson, bentley, berlin, bianco, bishop, blade, blaine, blaze, bode, bodhie, booker, bosley, boston, brandon, brantley, brayden, braxton, brecken, brennon, brett, briley, brinley, brock, bruno, bronx, brooks, bryce, bryson

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junker-town · 5 years ago

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Meet the NBA drafts prospects worth tracking

The 2020 NBA Draft should feature James Wiseman, Nico Mannion, and Cole Anthony as lottery picks.

These are the 2020 NBA Draft prospects to watch in college basketball.

So many of the top prospects in the 2020 NBA Draft are playing in leagues outside of the United States and far away from the NCAA. LaMelo Ball and R.J. Hampton are American teenagers who have taken their games to Australia and look the part of top-10 draft picks so far. French guards Killian Hayes and Theo Maledon are building similar reputations while playing in Europe. Israeli forward Deni Avdija is drawing top-five hype as a gifted passer and open-floor ball handler while playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The result of so much talent abroad has been a college basketball season that feels a little lackluster, at least at the start of it. Unlike a year ago when Zion Williamson reigned supreme, there remains no obvious No. 1 prospect. There also aren’t any freshmen super teams just yet (though Arizona and Memphis could get there), which means the talent is more spread out around the country.

While we wait for storylines to emerge and the prospect hierarchy to take shape, here are eight college basketball players NBA fans should keep an eye on as the season progresses. Also be sure to check out our first 2020 NBA mock draft, which was published in June the day after the 2019 draft.

Prospects rising into the lottery

8. Isaiah Joe, SG, Arkansas

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Joe wasn’t considered a top-100 recruit when he entered Arkansas, but a strong freshman season and a useful skill set has put him on NBA radars at the beginning of his sophomore year. The lone non-freshman on this list, Joe makes the cut thanks to his beautiful shooting stroke. The 6’4 guard can hit threes with deep range and off movement, projecting an easy NBA fit for a team that wants a knockdown threat in the backcourt. He has taken nearly 10 three-point shots per game at the start of his sophomore season, and has knocked them down at a 41 percent clip.

Can Joe get to the rim? Right now, 65 percent of his field-goal attempts are threes. He hasn’t shown a consistent ability to get to the foul line, and was a pretty rudimentary passer last season. His defense will also be under the microscope as this season progresses.

7. Onyeka Okongwu, C, USC

Okongwu has perhaps been the biggest early season revelation for NBA scouts so far. The USC center is long and strong at 6’9, 245 pounds, with a quick second jump, impressive agility, and refined rim protecting instincts. He’s scored at least 20 points and/or grabbed double-digit rebounds in three of his first five games with the Trojans. Watch the highlights of his 33-point performance vs. Pepperdine here:

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Okongwu has an obvious fit in the NBA as a bouncy dive man who dunks everything on offense and can block shots and rebound on defense. This isn’t the type of unicorn center NBA teams love right now, but he knows how to play and has a functional skill set.

Top-10 picks with high school hype

6. James Wiseman, C, Memphis

Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Wiseman’s eligibility status at Memphis has become one of the biggest stories in sports (find out all the details here). We now know Wiseman will be suspended for 12 games and return Jan. 12. NBA scouts will be thrilled to get more tape on Wiseman because he feels like one of the more polarizing prospects in this class.

The No. 1 overall recruit has been hyped as the potential top pick in the draft, and it’s easy to see why some think that. He has broad shoulders, long arms, developing strength and finishing ability. He’s a good shot blocker and dependable rebounder. His face-up game is showing early signs of life. For most of NBA history, teams dreamed about finding 7-footers with this kind of physical profile.

The issue for Wiseman is one of both skill and feel so far. He doesn’t appear to have super quick reaction time defensively on his backline rotations. He’s found himself in trouble biting on pump fakes. His offensive game isn’t particularly developed yet, and he goes too many possessions without making a real impact. Wiseman remains a good prospect, but with centers in his mold becoming more deemphasized in the modern NBA, it feels like he’s better suited to be a mid-tier lottery pick than go No. 1. We had Wiseman at No. 9 overall in our first mock draft and that still feels about right.

5. Nico Mannion, PG, Arizona

Jacob Snow-USA TODAY Sports

Mannion, the 6’3, red-headed point guard on Arizona, is going to be plastered all over ESPN this season. He’s already proven his scoring chops during his short time with the Wildcats, popping off for 23 points and nine assists against a quality Illinois team in his second game. The appeal with Mannion is all about his offense: he’s a skilled pull-up shooter, a crafty finisher near the rim (currently hitting 58 percent of his two-point attempts), and a polished floor general who knows how to run an offense and find teammates. His offensive skill set feels particularly tailored for the spread pick-and-roll era of the modern NBA.

The questions with Mannion will focus on his size and defensive impact. At 6’3, 190 pounds, Mannion will likely struggle to get to and finish at the rim. His early defense has been encouraging in that it isn’t a total train wreck, but his length and strength limitations do hold him back as a switch defender and against more powerful point guards. As long as Mannion continues to look like one of the most skilled offensive prospects in the class, his status as a top-10 pick should be safe.

2-way players with upside

4. Isaac Okoro, F, Auburn

John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

Bruce Pearl has already called Okoro the best defensive player he’s ever coached just a week into his college career. Don’t want to take his word for it? Take it from senior teammate Anfernee McLemore.

“He can guard anybody on the floor. He’s definitely going to be able to be a problem in the SEC,” McLemore said of Okoro before the start of the season. “He can guard centers. He can guard point guards. … He’s just an exceptional athlete. He’s one of those guys that can really play basketball.”

This is the type of hype typically reserved for the highest achieving McDonald’s All-Americans, not a dude who was ranked No. 36 overall in his class entering college. But while mainstream analysts slept on Okoro’s game, internet scouts like Mike Gribanov saw his high school tape and knew he was a high lottery pick. Through his first few games at Auburn, Okoro has been as impressive as his biggest fans could have hoped.

The 6’6, 225-pound wing will always be a defense-first prospect, but his offense is already showing signs of life. He’s hitting nearly 72 percent of his two-point attempts (on eight attempts per game) and has looked good slashing to the basket. His three-point shot is his biggest area of improvement and the shaky free-throw stroke he’s shown off thus far is more evidence that he has a ways to go as a shooter.

This remains far from a consensus ranking for Okoro, but the praise from his teammates and coaches and the early tape sure looks promising. It isn’t hard to think of the defense-first prospects to hit the draft in recent years whose offensive game has blossomed in the league. That will be the hope for whatever team takes Okoro.

3. Tyrese Maxey, G, Kentucky

Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Maxey started the season on the bench for Kentucky but established himself as the best player on the team from the first game. He scored 26 points to fuel an upset over No. 1 Michigan State in the Champions Classic and announce himself as a serious lottery prospect. While there’s nothing overwhelming about his tools, he is a smart guard who plays with contagious energy and never takes a possession off at either end.

Think of Maxey as a defensive-minded guard with scoring ability. He earned Defensive Player of the Year honors as a rising senior on Nike’s EYBL circuit and has already showed quick hands and quicker reaction time during the start of his tenure with Kentucky. Offensively, Maxey uses great straight-line speed to force transition opportunities out of thin air. He’s already skilled with his floater and is gaining more confidence in his jumper after hitting three three-pointers vs. the Spartans.

Maxey feels like a safe bet to be a good NBA player, but it is fair to wonder if his theoretical upside is high enough for a spot this lofty. Is he long enough to also defend shooting guards? Will his jumper fully come around? Does he have the facilitating chops to be a full-time point guard? The last one he won’t have an opportunity to prove at the college level playing next to sophomore floor general Ashton Hagans.

Maxey is currently projected at No. 14 overall in ESPN’s mock draft, but internet scouts like Ross Homan have been preaching about his talent for a while. It’s starting to feel like Maxey has a chance to have star-level impact one day in the league, but even if he doesn’t, he should be a dependable player for a long time.

The contenders for the top pick

2. Cole Anthony, PG, North Carolina

Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports

Anthony is going to put up superhuman production all season at North Carolina. He dropped 36 points on Notre Dame in his college debut, a warning sign for future opponents that he’s the baddest freshman in the country. He already has a rare level of ownership over games, whether he’s thriving or struggling.

It is so easy for Anthony to create offense. He can burn defenders off the dribble with a quick first step, and has an advanced ability to operate in the pick-and-roll. He’s a threat going to the basket with tremendous vertical leaping ability and the touch to finish at the rim. He’s a threat to pull-up off the dribble as well with deep range and unfettered confidence in himself.

It’s fitting that Anthony followed up his star-studded debut by scoring only 20 points on 24 shots in his next game against UNC-Wilmington. This is the other side of Anthony’s game, with his unrelenting scoring mindset occasionally tricking him to try to take on the world by himself. Anthony is the type of point guard that’s going to shoot a lot. It’s going to be mesmerizing when it’s working but can be cringeworthy when it isn’t.

It’s worth noting Anthony is older than Zion Williamson and R.J. Barrett from last year’s draft and a year older than many fellow freshmen in this class. Even still, he’s the safest bet in this draft to one day put up all-star caliber numbers in the NBA. He never stops attacking, for better or worse.

1. Anthony Edwards, SG, Georgia

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Edwards is going to be a long-term play for whoever takes him at or near the top of the draft. Nearly 15 months younger than Cole Anthony, Edwards was originally slated to graduate high school in 2020 and is going to be one of the youngest players available on draft night. While he doesn’t have the current polish of the UNC point guard, we’re giving him the slightest edge early in the season because of how tantalizing his talent can be once it’s fully realized.

Edwards is a 6’5, 225 pound ball of quick-twitch muscles. He’s a powerful downhill attacker who has a one-track mind to put pressure on the rim. He’s already strong enough to absorb and finish through contact in the paint but also has the body control for crafty finishes. He’s making a living at the foul line through his first four games at Georgia, and that shouldn’t change. He ultimately projects as the type of player who commands help defenders whenever he drives.

Edwards is still rough around the edges in both his shooting and decision-making. He needs to become a more consistent shooter on spot-ups to be a threat off the ball. He needs to continue to learn how to read the floor as he drives so he can best leverage his scoring ability to benefit his teammates. He’s racked up tons of steals defensively in his short time with the Bulldogs on sheer physicality. There will be learning curve on that end, as well.

Edwards is still growing into his game and his body, but the early signs are as intriguing as any player in this class. Playing for Tom Crean, the comparisons to Victor Oladipo and maybe even Dwyane Wade will be inevitable, but they hardly contextualize what Edwards currently is. He has so much to build on and plenty of time to do it.

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actutrends · 5 years ago

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The Step Back 2020 NBA Draft Big Board: Updates, now that we actually know things

Anthony Edwards and Cole Anthony have separated themselves as the top players in the 2020 NBA Draft, plus other thoughts after the first month of college basketball.

The 2020 NBA Draft picture is starting to take shape. Six weeks into the NBA season, we know who a few of the teams who will be picking at the top of the draft are. The Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Atlanta Hawks, and somehow, the Golden State Warriors, are our likely top five in lottery odds. Meanwhile, we’re a month into the college basketball season, which has helped us sort out who the players are that will be headed to those destinations.

The first month of the season is typically an enlightening one. Despite our best efforts, projecting a preseason ranking is often a futile exercise, as high school situations and the outrageous athleticism gap between elite prospects and their peers make figuring out which freshmen will hit tough, and it’s hard to predict who among the returners will surprise us with an unexpected development.

With a month of college data (and two months for international players), things start to come together, although it’s still far too early to make any legitimate claims about the strength of the class. Every year around this time, proclamations of how bad the year’s draft crop looks start to come up, only to go away once April comes around and we can properly put the class in context. Nevermind that this is almost always because at this point we’ve started to discard the players we thought would be good but have disappointed, but hesitate to truly promote the players we didn’t see coming. That creates a gaping hole in the second and third tiers of the board, hence the hand-wringing about class depth. Remember that at this point last year Bol Bol and Cam Reddish were popular top-five pick candidates still, and Jarrett Culver and Coby White were ranked in the 20s on most boards.

This year, the pattern re-emerges. Things look like they take a pretty steep drop-off after Anthony Edwards, but that may just be because preseason favorites like Deni Avdija have disappointed. It’s also probably too early to be too bullish on guys like Onyeka Okongwu and Aaron Nesmith, who both look on their way to the top 10 early on despite not really being on the radar for those spots heading into the year. As with every year, things will make a lot more sense in January.

The one theme we can expect, however, is that last year’s dichotomy between evaluations of players with demonstrable NBA traits and players with perceived potential is a continued confounding factor. Jackson Frank and I continue to lean on the side of the former compared to the latter, given how many times the former has actually led to real NBA success. That’s why you will see names that might be outside the mainstream (like Kira Lewis and Oscar Tshiebwe) in the lottery on our board, while names like James Wiseman and Jaden McDaniels sit much lower than their likely eventual draft spots.

Tier 1

Anthony Edwards

SG, Georgia

Edwards’ scoring profile and athleticism match up very well to a player who can be a top option at the NBA level. He’s very advanced as a pull-up shooter and rim-driver for his age. For more on Edwards, click here.

Tier 2

Cole Anthony

PG, UNC

Anthony’s high school and AAU shooting indicators suggest he has the potential to be an elite pull-up shooter. While he struggled in nine games prior to being sidelined with a right knee injury (.368/.355/.679 split), he still flashed an array of live dribble shooting, with the step-backs and pull-ups, evidenced by the fact he ranks in the 82nd percentile in half-court, off-the-dribble shooting. He’ll need to improve his tunnel vision and burst as a driver but Anthony’s shooting and team defense have popped this season. For more on Anthony, click here.

LaMelo Ball

SG, Illiwarra Hawks

Ball will miss a month with a foot injury, and hasn’t shot or finished well. But his creativity with the ball and size are too promising to ignore if the shot comes around. For more on Ball’s injury, click here.

Tyrese Maxey

SG, Kentucky

Maxey is another heralded freshman guard whose shooting numbers have underwhelmed thus far (.400/.245/.833 split). But the on-ball defense, quickness and strength continue to be clear pluses. Maxey’s touch — emphasized on floaters and free throws — is far too good for him to struggle all year beyond the arc, though the issue seems to stem from inconsistent arc and lower body involvement, often leaving his attempts short . Most encouraging has been his .417 free-throw rate, as he’s displaying increased downhill aggression compared to his pre-collegiate sample. Maxey’s shooting should positively regress soon and he remains a top-five prospect on our board because of it.

Isaac Okoro

SF, Auburn

Perhaps the smartest defender in the draft class, Okoro has latent offensive upside to pair with incredible 1-through-5 versatility and strength on defense. For more on Okoro, click here.

Nico Mannion

PG, Arizona

After a red-hot start to the season, Mannion has cooled off in recent weeks. Nonetheless, he projects as a highly valuable pull-up shooter because of a quick gather phase and succinct mechanics while his passing repertoire and creativity are among the best in this class. Mannion’s lack of burst (seven half-court rim attempts this year) is an issue as it pertains to his viability as a lead guard and it also hurts his on-ball defense. Yet he’s displayed high-level off-ball awareness defensively (1.2 steals per game) and regularly cuts off drives with his anticipatory skills. There’s a clear avenue to Mannion being a very good NBA player, even if his athletic profile is concerning. For more on Mannion, click here.

Deni Avdija

SF, Maccabi Tel Aviv

Has struggled in Euroleague play so far, but his youth track record and defensive instincts mean he should be a fairly good NBA defensive wing. For more on Avdija, click here.

Killian Hayes

PG, ratiopharm Ulm

Hayes has a ton of things going for him as a prospect. He produces at every level, doesn’t turn 19 until next July and has made tangible athletic gains over the past year. He’s arguably the smartest and best passer in the class — using manipulation and IQ to torch defenders — has incredible touch, which is encouraging from an outside shooting perspective, and regularly is in the right spots as an off-ball defender. His poor burst and mediocre handle are troubling — the former on both ends, the latter offensively — but Hayes boasts some primary initiator equity. In this class, that’s hugely valuable. For more on Hayes, click here.

Tier 3

R.J. Hampton

PG, New Zealand Breakers

Prior to injury, Hampton was having a great month for New Zealand, showcasing the body control and decision-making that could make him an NBA initiator. For more on Hampton’s injury, click here.

Onyeka Okongwu

C, USC

There have been few players as dominant as Okongwu this year. His quick leaping and length make him a forceful rim protector while his lower body strength and coordination are important traits as a roll man. His ambidextrous finishing touch allow him to be a go-to interior scorer as well. He’ll have to improve his tunnel vision and upper body strength but Okongwu has been nothing short of stellar this year and is a very good prospect.

Jeremiah Robinson-Earl

PF, Villanova

One of our favorite players in this class, Robinson-Earl is a cerebral player with rare fluidity for a big. He’s a heady playmaker in the front-court, has face-up scoring potential and shoots a smooth ball (84.8 percent from the free throw line), so it’s easy to expect him to develop from deep in time. He struggles against length inside and that curbs some of his interior scoring but he’s a smart team defender and overall basketball player. Given the right opportunity, he could be a major plus on both ends. That’s quite the find in this class.

Kira Lewis

PG, Alabama

Despite small stature, Lewis offers solid point of attack defense and decent driving ability. One of the class’s biggest risers so far.

Oscar Tshiebwe

C, West Virginia

While Okongwu is the classic rim protector build, Tshiebwe combines incredible strength and agility to be a more modern switch defender prospect.

Romeo Weems

PF, DePaul

Weems is a great off-ball defender with quick hands, strength and awareness. He flashes instinctive playmaking as well and has a projectable jumper. He’s not a flashy pick but there’s enough to like with his game that make him a top-20 guy.

Theo Maledon

PG, ASVEL

Maledon’s undersized, but his footwork and touch around the basket should still make him a strong creation prospect.

Aaron Henry

SF, Michigan State

Another one of the wings in this class whose cut from a near-identical cloth to Weems. Henry is a 3-and-D forward with some facilitating chops and needs the outside shot to truly deliver value in the NBA. But he’s light on his feet, can finish inside with either hand and is probably a bit more developed as a slasher than Weems. For more on Henry, click here..

Aaron Nesmith

PF, Vanderbilt

Few returning players developed more than Nesmith, whose off-movement shooting and footwork on face-ups should make him a solid offensive four.

Wendell Moore

SG, Duke

At 6-foot-6, 215 pounds, Moore owns good size and strength for a wing, which enables his downhill driving. He’s improved his handle since high school and is a sharp off-ball defender. The outside jumper and passing consistency are question marks but there’s the makings of a valuable wing if those two pan out.

Tier 4

Xavier Tillman

C, Michigan State

Tillman’s agility at the five makes him both a solid space defender and pick-and-roll finisher. He’s not flashy, but he’s a pretty ideal third big man prospect.

Anton Watson

PF, Gonzaga

Shoulder and ankle injuries over the past five weeks have derailed the positive momentum Watson was building early in non-conference player. But he remains a sharp playmaker at the forward position with rare defensive versatility and fluidity, powered by quick hands (3.0 steals per 40 minutes). He’s also flashed some face-up scoring and has the athletic package to be a good slasher.

Paul Reed

PF, DePaul

A tangle of limbs with an outside jumper, Reed is one of the most interesting athletes in the class, as long as he harnesses that athleticism in a more functional way.

Tyrese Haliburton

PG, Iowa State

Haliburton is among the leaders for National Player of the Year to this point. He’s arguably the best pure passer in this class, capable of making passes from a variety of angles, has maintained elite scoring efficiency in a new on-ball role (62.9 percent true shooting) and is a great defensive playmaker (3.7 percent steal rate, 1.6 percent block rate). The issue is much of his offensive upside is shakily translatable to the NBA. Haliburton lacks much explosiveness or strength as a driver and his awkward shooting mechanics leave us doubtful he’s a much of a pull-up shooter at the next level. But despite these issues, he’s a darn good basketball player in a class that lacks them. Tough to drop him much lower than this spot.

Patrick Williams

PF, Florida State

An upside play thanks to defense that looks ready to contribute at an NBA level, and offensive upside as a shooter.

Josh Green

SG, Arizona

The third brother in the Weems and Henry family, Green has impressed with his strong frame, instincts and lateral mobility defensively. He struggles to score in the half-court but has hinted at some on-the-move passing when attacking from the wing. Pair that with his display of the requisite touch on floaters (69th percentile) and from the line (79.6 percent) to inspire hope as a shooter, and you’re left with a good, 3-and-D forward.

Xavier Johnson

PG, Pittsburgh

6-7 point guards who can shoot a little do well, but he needs to improve finishing to be truly a starter-level prospect.

Devin Vassell

PF, Florida State

A darling among certain crowds, Vassell is a fantastic team defender (3.5 percent steal rate, 5.5 percent block rate) whose debuted some off-the-dribble shot making. He lacks the handle and strength to be much of an NBA on-ball creator and the career 67.2 percent mark at the line are concerning for his jumper but there are clear outlines of a 3-and-D wing who constantly wreaks defensive chaos.

Matthew Hurt

PF, Duke

Hurt hasn’t met preseason expectations, but he still looks like a solid shooting prospect at the four. For more on Hurt, click here.

Killian Tillie

PF, Gonzaga

A string of injuries have mellowed Tillie’s NBA allure but he remains a great playmaking big man who’s a career 44.9 percent 3-point shooter with feathery touch. Tillie moves also moves well on the perimeter for his size and can function as a pick-and-pop or off-movement shooter. Underwhelming strength and length, along with the injuries, are all reasons for pause but he’s a very good player and worth the gamble at this stage.

Kaleb Wesson

C, Ohio State

In addition to being built like a mountain, Wesson can spot up from three and legitimately defend across the board in space.

Tre Jones

PG, Duke

A legitimately pestering point-of-attack defender with quick hands, ability to wiggle over screens and make punctual rotations. Some of his defensive value is mitigated entering a league where offensive initiators continue to be bigger guards or wings. Jones also has questions about his jumper and if he’s not much of a scorer, his passing acumen is muted as well. But his jumper isn’t broken and the playmaking still has value while the defense is special for a guard. For more on Jones, click here.

Precious Achiuwa

SF, Memphis

Achiuwa’s offensive impact is minimal, but he could legitimately play the five at a small forward size, giving him intriguing versatility.

Myles Powell

PG, Seton Hall

Powell is a dynamite pull-up shooter who can hit off-movement jumpers and has great balance and deceleration skills. His passing is inconsistent while the defense can often be brutal at times but he has the potential to be a legitimate off-ball dynamo and works well to create looks for himself off the ball.

Mamadi Diakite

C, Virginia

Diakite’s face-up game is enticing, even if he’s not a true fit as a defensive five.

Isaiah Livers

SF/PF, Michigan

A big wing who can shoot (42.9 percent from deep in his career), Livers also uses his frame well to create looks coming around curls and has improved to some degree as an on-ball creator this season. He is not a flashy pick but the shooting and size are a valuable combo at this stage of the draft.

Neemias Queta

C, Utah State

A raw big that can pass and has decent instincts, Queta is a long-term prospect that could be a starter-level center eventually.

Cassius Winston

PG, Michigan State

Winston is undersized, but strong enough and a good enough shooter to let his playmaking drive his way into the league.

Tier 5

James Wiseman

C, Memphis

The top-ranked recruit of 2019, Wiseman has great size (7-foot-1) and length (7-foot-6 wingspan), which makes him a valuable roll threat in ball-screen actions. Defensively, those same tools help him as a rim protector but poor discipline and a slow load-up time leave us skeptical of his upside on that end. Pair that with poor touch, passing feel and decision-making, and you’re left with a big man whose best attributes are physical rather than skill-based. For more on Wiseman, click here.

Jaden McDaniels

PF, Washington

It’s hard to see how McDaniels’ skinny frame lets him get to the rim in the NBA, and without that, can the rest of his impressive skill set work?

Isaiah Joe

SG, Arkansas

Joe has disappointed somewhat this season and his 3-point shooting has regressed from 41.4 percent last year to 34.8 percent now. His true mark likely falls somewhere in the middle but he’s only a 77.0 percent free throw shooter, so it’s tough to project him as elite from deep. He can’t score much inside the arc either (42.1 percent on 2s in 1.5 seasons). But he’s a smart team defender who occasionally flashes impressive passing reads, meaning there’s a chance he outperforms his draft slot with improvements as a 2-point scorer, largely reliant on bulking up his 170-pound frame.

Amar Sylla

SF, Oostende

Sylla is very much a hypothetical player but he flashes defensive mobility, passing talent and offensive fluidity to a degree most 6-foot-9 bigs with a 7-foot-2 wingspan cannot. But there’s not much in the realm of consistent skill or understanding of the game, leaving him as a bit of a dart throw rooted in his physical package.

Isaiah Stewart

C, Washington

Stewart has shown very good post touch and rebounding skill, but he might be too stiff to survive on defense at the next level.

Jahmi’us Ramsey

SG, Texas Tech

Ramsey is a bursty, bouncy athlete who is off to a roaring start beyond the arc (42.9 percent). He flashes some passing feel but doesn’t bring a whole lot else offensively and is a mess off the ball defensively. Furthermore, he’s only shooting 63.6 percent at the line and has a bit of a stiff, two-motion shot, which leaves us skeptical he’s going to be a dynamic live dribble shooter. Even so, the burst, bounce and potential jumper are enough for some worthwhile intrigue.

Jon Teske

C, Michigan

An underrated athlete, Teske won’t wow you, but he always makes the correct decision on defense and shows some interesting shooting upside.

Tyler Bey

SF, Colorado

An advanced stats darling, Bey has established himself as a quality shooter and has some weakside rim protection potential.

Trevelin Queen

PG, New Mexico State

Queen has NBA size as a 6-6 point guard, and he shows good scoring potential out of the pick-and-roll.

D.J. Carton

PG, Ohio State

Carton is one of the main reasons Ohio State has emerged as one of the best teams in the nation this year. He’s a shifty athlete with silky ball-handling and space creation skills. He can fling skip passes and ignite transition scoring opportunities. Carton’s athleticism fuels his dribble-drive game while his instincts and active hands make him a plus defender, both on and off the ball. A low release point on the jumper and middling free throw efficiency (72.2 percent) make it tough to be fully confident in his outside shot but there’s a lot to like for a freshman.

Saddiq Bey

SG, Villanova

A powerful shooting guard with good three-point stroke that wins with excellent footwork in the post. One of this year’s weirder skill sets.

Isaiah Mobley

C, USC

Mobley is a skilled passing big with rim protecting instincts who lacks the functional strength necessary for a big and isn’t quite fluid enough to play on the wing regularly. Athletic advancements are the key to him developing into a first-round prospect.

Obi Toppin

PF, Dayton

Toppin plays like a stronger Kyle Kuzma, and that is probably his NBA role, as well.

Scottie Lewis

SG, Florida

One of the best on-ball wing defenders in this class, Lewis is an electric lateral athlete capable of shutting down drives. His springy athleticism propel him into help defense situations at the rim, too. But he’s incredibly weak for a big and a maddeningly poor offensive decision-maker. Even so, the defense — along with potential slashing upside offensively — give him value.

Quentin Grimes

SG, Houston

Grimes looks reborn in Houston, mostly because he looks stronger and better equipped to use his court vision.

Keyontae Johnson

SG, Florida

Johnson is a very smart and aware team defender who moves his feet well on the perimeter. Offensively, his quick jumping ability, strong frame and straight-line driving project him as a valuable slasher and play finisher. If he can force defenders to close out on his jumper, the slashing potential expands, too.

Devon Dotson

PG, Kansas

Dotson’s quickness and decision-making defensively are good skills, but at 6-2, it’s somewhat challenging to see him finding a role in the NBA while not being a good shooter.

Joel Ayayi

SG, Gonzaga

Finally emerging in his third year with Gonzaga, Ayayi has flashed deep pull-up range, looks improved as a pick-and-roll passer with each game and is a silky finisher at the rim. He’ll have to make strides as a shooter in traffic, off-ball defender and add functional strength but the fact he doesn’t turn 20 until March is encouraging for his development, especially given how far he’s come since November.

Rayshaun Hammonds

PF, Georgia

Hammonds has good scoring skill, but needs to fill out the rest of his game to be a good NBA option.

Joe Weiskamp

SG, Iowa

Wieskamp’s allure rests in his shooting (42.1 percent from deep for his career) and is augmented by heady off-bal relocation instincts, team defense and a modicum of passing flair. But he lacks the functional handle and burst to do much of anything on the ball, which significantly limits his upside. Regardless, the shooting and general basketball IQ make him worthy of a top-60 slot.

Tyrell Terry

PG, Stanford

Terry is another small point guard, but shows some interesting pick-and-roll scoring ability and pull-up mechanics. He’s probably a long-term draft prospect.

Markell Johnson

PG, North Carolina State

A bouncy, lively shooter (37.1 percent from 3 for his career). Johnson adds some passing talent as well and has the verve to create for himself in a pinch. His poor decision-making and inconsistent defensive motor — along with a career 65.5 percent mark at the charity stripe — are problematic, though.

Yves Pons

C, Tennessee

The French strongman has turned into quite the pick-and-pop threat for the Vols, and is an interesting long-term prospect as a small-ball five.

Ayo Dosunmu

PG, Illinois

Dosunmu’s scoring ability is great, but does he do enough else to matter?

The post The Step Back 2020 NBA Draft Big Board: Updates, now that we actually know things appeared first on Actu Trends.

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yahoo-the-dagger-blog · 7 years ago

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Way-too-early top 25 for the 2018-19 college basketball season

yahoo

The confetti on the floor of the Alamodome hadn’t even been picked up yet Monday night when the speculation about next year’s college basketball season began.

Will Duke’s historic freshman class propel Mike Krzyzewski back to the Final Four? How good will Kansas’ transfers be? Can Villanova get back to the national title game for the third time in four years?

[Yahoo Store: Get your Wildcats championship gear right here!]

It’s too early to answer most of those questions since some top recruits haven’t chosen a school, transfer season is only beginning and we don’t know which NBA draft prospects are staying in school and which will leave. Nonetheless, based on Yahoo Sports’ best guesses for who’s staying and who’s going, here’s a look at a very early top 25 for the 2018-19 season.

Now that the 2017-18 college basketball season is over, it’s time to look ahead toward next year. (Getty)

1. KANSAS Key losses: G Devonte’ Graham, G Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, G Malik Newman (projected) Key returners: G Lagerald Vick, C Udoka Azubuike, G Marcus Garrett, C Silvio De Sousa, G Sam Cunliffe Notable newcomers: G Charlie Moore (transfer), F Dedric Lawson, F K.J. Lawson, C David McCormack, G Quentin Grimes, G Devon Dotson

Pencil Kansas in as the class of the Big 12 next season despite the departure of All-American Graham and potentially two other members of the Jayhawks’ starting backcourt. Bill Self will reload thanks largely to a strong crop of newcomers highlighted by a trio of incoming transfers. Lawson averaged 19.2 points and 9.9 rebounds at Memphis during the 2016-17 season and performed like a potential All-American on the Kansas scout team this year. The opportunity to pair him and either Azubuike or De Sousa together could force Self to abandon his four-guard look and go back to Kansas’ traditional high-low system. The loss of Newman’s outside shooting and perimeter scoring would be a blow if he decides to turn pro after a brilliant March run, but Kansas has the perimeter firepower to absorb that loss. Look for Grimes and Moore to play alongside one another in the backcourt and K.J. Lawson and Vick to both see time at wing.

2. VILLANOVA Key losses: F Mikal Bridges (projected), G Jalen Brunson (projected) Key returners: G Donte DiVincenzo, F Omari Spellman (projected), G Phil Booth, F Eric Paschall, G Collin Gillespie, F Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree Notable newcomers: G Jahvon Quinerly, F Brandon Slater, F Cole Swider

How well does Jay Wright have Villanova rolling right now? The Wildcats should be the class of the Big East next season even if Brunson and Bridges leave for the NBA as expected. DiVincenzo is an experienced, athletic guard who is capable of thriving with increased responsibility, as evidenced by his 31-point performance in the title game. Spellman stretches the floor and protects the rim as a big man. Paschall is an excellent athlete who presents matchup problems for opposing forwards and guards multiple positions. And Booth is a capable scorer and terrific perimeter defender. Depth will be a bit of a concern for Villanova, as will replacing the poise and playmaking savvy of Brunson at point guard. Look for Quinerly, a crafty guard and one of the top prospects in this year’s recruiting class, to inherit that responsibility.

3. DUKE Key losses: F Marvin Bagley III, F Wendell Carter Jr. (projected), G Grayson Allen, G Gary Trent Jr. (projected), G Trevon Duval (projected) Key returners: G Alex O’Connell, F Javin DeLaurier, C Marques Bolden Notable newcomers: F R.J. Barrett, G Cameron Reddish, G Tre Jones, F Zion Williamson

The Blue Devils are in line to lose a ton but perhaps gain even more with the top three — and four of the top eight — members of the Class of 2018 heading to Durham next year. It’s the first time one program has ever landed the top three prospects in one class. Barrett, originally in the Class of 2019, reclassified over the summer and is this year’s top recruit. He led Canada to a FIBA U19 gold medal and recorded 38 points, 13 rebounds and five assists in a semifinal win over the United States. Reddish and Jones — younger brother of former Blue Devils star and current Minnesota Timberwolve Tyus — will provide solid guard play, and Williamson shockingly spurned home-state favorites Clemson and South Carolina for Duke in January. He has unreal athleticism (watch this dunk contest) and will be able to defend all five positions. Mike Krzyzewski just continues to reload; this class is his best ever.

4. VIRGINIA Key losses: G Devon Hall, F Isaiah Wilkins, G Nigel Johnson Key returners: G Kyle Guy, G Ty Jerome, F De’Andre Hunter, F Mamadi Diakite, C Jack Salt Notable newcomers: G Kihei Clark

It’s easy to forget how dominant Virginia was this year given the attention its historic NCAA tournament flameout received. The Cavaliers lost their best NBA prospect to a broken wrist days before the NCAA tournament and then became the first No. 1 seed to lose to a 16 seed ever, spoiling a 31-win season in which they won the ACC tournament by four games and also captured the league tournament title. Tony Bennett’s squad will be strong again next season as five of Virginia’s top seven players are expected back. Guy and Jerome, both juniors-to-be, will provide perimeter scoring. Diakite and Salt will bolster the interior defense. And following wrist surgery, Hunter should go from ACC sixth man of the year to all-conference. Virginia’s lack of guards who are adept at creating off the dribble in late-clock situations is a concern and Wilkins’ absence will be felt defensively, but this is still an ACC title contender.

5. NORTH CAROLINA Key losses: G Joel Berry II, F Theo Pinson Key returners: F Luke Maye, G Kenny Williams, F Cameron Johnson (projected), F Garrison Brooks, F Sterling Manley, G Seventh Woods Notable newcomers: F Nassir Little, G Coby White, F Rechon Black

The remarkable careers of Berry and Pinson ended with a thud as Texas A&M blew out North Carolina in the second round of this year’s NCAA tournament. Now the Tar Heels will have to move on without their two longtime perimeter stalwarts. Roy Williams always has outstanding big men coming through the system, and 2018-2019 will be no different. Maye is one of the most versatile, skilled players in the ACC and Brooks and Manley showed flashes of becoming the next generation of terrific Tar Heel post players. Johnson could also be back if he doesn’t enter the draft, which would provide Williams the option of going big or small again next year. Regardless, the heralded Little should make an immediate impact at small forward. The big question in Chapel Hill will be who starts at point guard alongside the sharp-shooting Williams. Expect Woods’ playing time to increase and White, a McDonald’s All-American, to step into a big role immediately.

6. GONZAGA Key losses: F Johnathan Williams, G Silas Melson Key returners: F Rui Hachimura (projected), F Killian Tillie (projected), G Josh Perkins, G Zach Norvell Jr., G Corey Kispert, C Jacob Larsen Notable newcomers: F Brandon Clarke (transfer), G Joel Ayayi, F Filip Petrusev, G Greg Foster

It appears Gonzaga will stay in the WCC for now, but the Zags would be the favorite in any league out West next season. They should have a top 10-caliber team returning next season if Hachimura and Tillie come back to school for their junior seasons. Gonzaga’s starters in the backcourt will almost certainly be the veteran Perkins and the rapidly improving Norvell, hero of the Zags’ Sweet 16 run this past season. The Zags could go smaller with Kispert at small forward and Hachimura at power forward or they could go big with Hachimura on the wing and Clarke and Tillie alongside him. Clarke, a former first-team All-Mountain West selection at San Jose State, should make an instant splash and help replace the interior production of Williams. The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 17.3 points in his final season with the Spartans and also blocks shots, defends and rebounds.

Gonzaga forward Rui Hachimura dunks against Ohio State during the second half of a second-round game in the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament Saturday, March 17, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)

7. KENTUCKY Key losses: G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (projected), F Kevin Knox (projected), G Hamidou Diallo (projected) Key returners: F Jarred Vanderbilt (projected), F PJ Washington (projected), G Quade Green, F Wenyen Gabriel, F Nick Richards, C Sacha Killeya-Jones Notable newcomers: G Keldon Johnson, G Immanuel Quickley, G Tyler Herro

Projecting Kentucky’s 2018-19 season is a fruitless task at this juncture because we don’t know how many of this year’s freshmen will be back. Gilgeous-Alexander and Knox are the Wildcats’ lone projected first-round picks, and even Knox has said he’s still considering a return. If Kentucky loses only Gilgeous-Alexander, Knox and Diallo to early entries, the Wildcats could have an unusual amount of experience back next season. Quickley and Green could platoon at point guard and play alongside one another, the other freshmen could compete for immediate playing time alongside them and the Wildcats would again boast a wealth of frontcourt talent and depth, with Vanderbilt, Washington and Gabriel serving as the headliners.

8. TENNESSEE Key losses: G James Daniel III Key returners: F Grant Williams, F Admiral Schofield, G Lamonte Turner, G Jordan Bone, G Jordan Bowden, F Kyle Alexander, G Chris Darrington Notable newcomers: none

Tennessee has been projected either last or next-to-last in the SEC in each of Rick Barnes’ first three seasons in Knoxville. Expect that to change next season. All but one of Tennessee’s rotation players are expected back from a team that shared the SEC title with Auburn and earned a No. 3 seed in the NCAA tournament. The lone player departing is Daniel, a graduate transfer from Howard who averaged just over five points per game. What that means is that barring unexpected departures, Tennessee should contend for the SEC title again next season. Tennessee’s strength this past season was a defense ranked sixth in the nation. Williams and Schofield are the two pillars of the offense, but the Vols could certainly benefit from adding a guard late either via the high school ranks or from the transfer market.

9. MICHIGAN STATE Key losses: F Miles Bridges, Jaren Jackson Jr., F Ben Carter, F Gavin Schilling, G Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn Key returners: F Nick Ward (projected), G Matt McQuaid, G Joshua Langford, G Cassius Winston, F Xavier Tillman, F Kenny Goins Notable newcomers: F Aaron Henry, F Marcus Bingham, F Gabe Brown, G Foster Loyer, F Thomas Kithier

The frontcourt that carried Michigan State to the Big Ten regular season title this past season will look markedly different next year. Bridges, Schilling, Carter and Jackson, a projected lottery pick, are gone. Ward has also entered the draft without an agent, though he would be unlikely to be selected if he does not withdraw. Michigan State won’t be nearly as long or intimidating inside next season, but the Spartans should have plenty of experience in the backcourt. Winston will have to score more himself, and sharpshooters Langford and McQuaid must evolve into more complete players. Tillman progressed at a rapid rate at the end of the season and could start alongside Ward or push him for playing time. Or the Spartans could start Bingham as a freshman and use Ward and Tillman as a center platoon.

10. AUBURN Key losses: C Austin Wiley (projected), G Davion Mitchell Key returners: G Mustapha Heron (projected), G Bryce Brown, G Jared Harper, F Anfernee McLemore, F Danjel Purifoy, F Desean Murray, F Chuma Okeke, G Malik Dunbar, F Horace Spencer Notable newcomers: G Samir Doughty

Bruce Pearl elevated Auburn from the depths of the SEC to a co-regular season championship last season. Now he has a chance to keep the Tigers near the top of the SEC. Auburn could return the core of this past season’s team and add suspended forwards Wiley and Purifoy and the VCU transfer, Doughty, to the mix. Wiley, however is considering turning pro, as is Heron after leading the Tigers in scoring last season. If Harper, Brown and Heron all come back, Auburn would once again boast one of the SEC’s most formidable backcourts. Wiley would provide the size and interior scoring the Tigers lacked this past season, but even if he goes, a healthy McLemore will alleviate a lot of the rim protection and rebounding issues Auburn faced at the end of this past season.

11. NEVADA Key losses: G Kendall Stephens, G Hallice Cooke, F Elijah Foster Key returners: F Cody Martin (projected), F Caleb Martin (projected), F Jordan Caroline (projected), G Josh Hall, G Lindsey Drew Notable newcomers: G Jazz Johnson, G Nisre Zouzoua, G Corey Henson, F Tre’Shawn Thurman, F Vincent Lee, C K.J. Hymes

Here’s something that should ease the sting of last month’s narrow Sweet 16 loss to Loyola for Nevada coach Eric Musselman: The Wolf Pack could be even better next season. There’s a chance that Nevada brings back five high-level players depending on whether the Martin twins and Jordan Caroline decide to return. Throw in the addition of four transfers and two freshmen to provide the depth this past season’s team lacked, and the Wolf Pack could realistically dream of going farther in the NCAA tournament than they did this past March. The Martin twins thus far are undecided about their draft plans. That’s the biggest concern for Nevada. Drew is also recovering from a torn Achilles, a serious enough injury that there’s no guarantee he’ll be the same player next season. Should that happen, look for a bigger role for Zouzoua, a combo guard who averaged 20.3 points per game at Bryant before transferring.

12. MICHIGAN Key losses: G Muhammad Ali-Abdur Rahkman, F Moritz Wagner (projected), F Duncan Robinson, G Jaaron Simmons Key returners: G Charles Matthews (projected), G Zavier Simpson, G Jordan Poole, F Isaiah Livers, C Jon Teske, G Eli Brooks Notable newcomers: F Ignas Brazdeikis, F Brandon Johns, G David DeJulius, C Colin Castleton, F Adrien Nunez

How high Michigan’s ceiling is next season could depend on the early-entry decisions of Wagner and Matthews. The Wolverines should still be very good if even one of them comes back to Ann Arbor, but a return to the Final Four becomes less likely if both turn pro. Defense is likely to once again be a strength for Michigan next season with Zavier Simpson returning at point guard and Jon Teske potentially assuming a bigger role. Simpson wrecked opposing point guards during the second half of his freshman season with his ball-hawking instincts and lateral quickness and Teske is excellent defending ball screens. Poole — the hero of Michigan’s second-round victory over Houston — should emerge as a bigger scoring threat as a sophomore and Livers could also take a leap. Of Michigan’s freshmen, the most ready is Brazdeikis, a sweet-shooting 6-foot-8 Canadian lefty with a handle.

Michigan’s Jordan Poole, from left, Isaiah Livers and Zavier Simpson watch from the bench during the second half against Loyola-Chicago in the semifinals of the Final Four NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, March 31, 2018, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

13. KANSAS STATE Key losses: G Barry Brown Key returners: F Dean Wade (projected), F Xavier Sneed, G Kamau Stokes, G Cartier Diarra, F Makol Mawien, G Mike McGuirl, G Amaad Wainright Notable newcomers: G Shaun Williams

Could Kansas State really be the second best team in the Big 12 next season? It’s possible with the Wildcats potentially returning every key piece from a 25-win team that finished fourth in the league this past season and advanced to the Elite Eight with little-to-no production from its injury-plagued leading scorer. Wade, a skilled 6-foot-10 forward who averaged 16.2 points per game this past season, should be preseason all-Big 12. So should Brown, who averaged 15.9 points this past season and emerged as the league’s top perimeter defender. Sneed blossomed in March, Mawien flashed potential as a frontcourt weapon and Diarra, Stokes and McGuirl should each battle for playing time at point guard. Kansas State’s biggest weakness this past season was its inability to rebound. That could be one area Bruce Weber might address on the transfer market if he can.

14. OREGON Key losses: G Troy Brown (projected), F MiKyle McIntosh, G Elijah Brown, F Roman Sorkin Key returners: G Payton Pritchard, F Kenny Wooten, F Paul White, G Victor Bailey, F Abu Kigab Notable newcomers: C Bol Bol, F Louis King, G Will Richardson, F Miles Norris

While Dana Altman has molded newcomer-laden teams into Pac-12 title contenders before, this past season’s Ducks never appeared to click. They didn’t improve as rapidly as previous Altman teams have and failed to make a serious NCAA tournament push. Expect Oregon’s fortunes to get considerably better next season with the arrival of the most decorated recruiting class that Altman has ever signed. Five-star recruits Bol, a 7-foot-3 center, and King, an athletic small forward, should slide into the starting five right away, while Richardson and Norris also have the potential to make an immediate impact. One question facing the Ducks is whether shooting guard Troy Brown will return for his sophomore season. The five-star freshman didn’t have the debut season he expected at Oregon, but he is projected as a late first-round pick. Another question for Oregon is how next season’s roster will jell. Can Bol and Wooten play alongside one-another effectively in the frontcourt? Is there enough shooting or ball handling on the roster? Is Pritchard ready to assume the role of go-to scorer in his third year as starting point guard, or can one of the freshmen emerge? Time will tell.

15. VIRGINIA TECH Key losses: G Justin Bibbs, G Devin Wilson Key returners: G Justin Robinson, G Ahmed Hill, F Chris Clarke, F Kerry Blackshear, G Nickeil Walker-Alexander, G Ty Outlaw, C Khadim Sy Notable newcomers: G Jonathan Kabongo, F Landers Nolley, G Jarren McAllister

Next season could be Buzz Williams’ best in Blacksburg. Four starters return from this year’s NCAA tournament team and a combination of returners from injury and talented newcomers should provide ample depth. Robinson’s development was one of the biggest reasons the Hokies went to their second straight Big Dance this year. The rising senior raised his points per game (10.4 to 14.0), field goal percentage (41.3 to 46.4) and 3-point percentage (35.8 to 39.8) from his sophomore year to junior year, earning second-team All-ACC honors. Alexander-Walker was inconsistent as a freshman, but has good size and shooting ability. Hill averaged double figures this past season and shot over 40 percent from 3-point range. Clarke and Blackshear will anchor an energetic frontcourt that struggled on the glass this past season. Throw in the outside shooting of Outlaw and the size of Sy and some contributions from the freshmen, and Virginia Tech is definitely trending upward.

16. SYRACUSE Key losses: none Key returners: G Tyus Battle (projected), F Oshae Brissett, G Franklin Howard, F Marek Dolezaj, C Paschal Chukwu, F Matthew Moyer Notable newcomers: G Buddy Boeheim, G Jalen Carey

Five-star recruit Darius Bazley’s decision to leap from high school to the G-League is a big blow to Syracuse, but the Orange still belong in the preseason Top 25 if Battle opts to return for his sophomore season. The second-team all-ACC selection is likely to at least test the waters after leading the Orange in scoring during the regular season and spearheading a surprise Sweet 16 run. The return of Battle, Brissett and Howard and the arrival of the sharpshooting Boeheim and the playmaking Carey should elevate a Syracuse offense that was often undermanned this past season. The Orange should remain elite defensively thanks to the size and length of their trademark 2-3 zone.

17. MISSISSIPPI STATE Key losses: none Key returners: G Quinndary Weatherspoon, G Nick Weatherspoon, F Aric Holman, G Lamar Peters, G Tyson Carter, F Abdul Ado, G Xavian Stapleton, G Eli Wright Notable newcomers: F Reggie Perry, F Robert Woodard, G DJ Stewart

An appearance in the NIT Final Four qualified as progress for Mississippi State this season, but expectations will be higher next year. The Bulldogs not only are projected to return the core of this year’s team intact, they also add a talented recruiting class headlined by Perry, a 6-foot-9 McDonald’s All-American power forward. If Perry can bolster Mississippi State’s rebounding and provide some interior scoring punch, that would aid the Bulldogs’ chances of a big leap in Ben Howland’s fourth season in Starkville. The biggest concern for Mississippi State remains whether it will be able to shoot the ball well enough to sufficiently space the floor. The Bulldogs were 329th in the country in 3-point shooting this past season, and while Woodard and Stewart may help address that problem, it’s likely to remain a concern.

18. FLORIDA STATE Key losses: F Phil Cofer, G Braian Angola, G CJ Walker Key returners: G Terance Mann, G PJ Savoy, G Trent Forrest, F Mfiondu Kabengele, C Christ Koumadje, G M.J. Walker, C Ike Obiagu, F Wyatt Wilkes, F RaiQuan Gray Notable newcomers: G Devin Vassell

Relying on fast-break offense, improved defense and impressive depth, Florida State made an unexpected run to the Elite Eight last month after finishing just 9-9 in ACC play. The Seminoles return enough talent from that roster that they should have a better regular season next year and return to the NCAA tournament. Florida State will once again have plenty of long, athletic wings with the slashing Mann and the sharp-shooting Savoy headlining the group. Kabengele is an emerging NBA prospect who flashed promise at both ends of the floor and former McDonald’s All-American M.J. Walker could also make a leap as a sophomore. Depth at point guard is a bit of a concern after CJ Walker announced he will transfer last week. Forrest is a capable defender who excels at getting to the rim and drawing fouls, but he needs to improve his perimeter shooting.

Florida State forward Mfiondu Kabengele grabs a rebound during the second half of the team’s NCAA men’s college basketball tournament regional semifinal against Gonzaga on Thursday, March 22, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae Hong)

19. LSU Key losses: F Duop Reath, F Aaron Epps, G Randy Onwuasor Key returners: G Tremont Waters, G Skylar Mays, G Brandon Sampson, G Daryl Edwards, F Wayde Sims, G Brandon Rachal Notable newcomers: F Kavell Bigby-Williams, F Naz Reid, G JaVonte Smart, F Emmitt Williams, F Darius Days

For a guy who didn’t inherit much from the previous LSU staff, Will Wade has worked quickly to replenish LSU’s roster. A pair of five-star prospects and two other top 75 recruits come aboard this summer, giving the Tigers an excellent chance to ascend in what should be a strong SEC next season. The returning star is Waters, a 5-11 dynamo of a point guard who averaged 15.9 points and 6.0 assists. Look for LSU to play lots of three-guard sets with Waters, Smart and either high-scoring Mays or defensive ace Edwards. Reid, Williams and the Oregon transfer Bigby-Williams each figure to make an immediate impact in the frontcourt. LSU flashed NCAA tournament potential at times this past season, but settled for an NIT bid because of its inconsistency. Next year’s team will have far higher expectations.

20. WEST VIRGINIA Key losses: G Jevon Carter, G Daxter Miles, G D’Angelo Hunter Key returners: C Sagaba Konate, F Teddy Allen, F Esa Ahmad, G James “Beetle” Bolden, F Wesley Harris, F Lamont West Notable newcomers: G Brandon Knapper, F Derek Culver, G Trey Doomes, F Andrew Gordon, G Jordan McCabe

For four years, Jevon Carter and Daxter Miles were the heart and soul of West Virginia basketball. Now Bob Huggins will have to move on without two guards who combined for more than 3,000 points, 800 assists and 500 steals. Among the options to absorb some of that available playing time include the returning Bolden, promising redshirt freshman Knapper and incoming freshmen McCabe and Doomes. McCabe is a flashy point guard and Doomes is a slashing wing. The frontcourt is more settled for West Virginia and shot-blocking standout Sagaba Konate is the headliner. He’ll anchor a group that also includes former top 50 recruit Ahmad and Allen, a potential breakout candidate at small forward. There are likely to be growing pains for West Virginia without the leadership of Carter and Miles, but there’s enough talent and experience here for the Mountaineers to contend for a top three finish in the Big 12.

21. UCLA Key losses: G Aaron Holiday, C Thomas Welsh, F Gyorgy Goloman Key returners: G Jaylen Hands (projected), F Kris Wilkes (projected), F Chris Smith, G Prince Ali, F Cody Riley, F Jalen Hill, F Alex Olesinski Notable newcomers: C Moses Brown, F Shareef O’Neal, G Tyger Campbell, G Jules Bernard, G David Singleton, C Kenneth Nwuba

The fate of an important season for UCLA coach Steve Alford will be determined by how quickly he can get a team of promising newcomers to mesh. The Bruins have eight players who have never played a college basketball game before and could return as few as three rotation players from last season depending on what Hands and Wilkes decide to do. The good news is the incoming freshmen are talented and redshirt freshmen Hill and Riley would have been part of the 2017-18 rotation were it not for the China shoplifting incident. Wilkes would appear to be the best bet for a go-to scorer if he opts to return to Westwood for his sophomore season. The frontcourt will be loaded with length and athleticism and Campbell could be the sort of pass-first point guard needed to keep this collection of talent happy. Expect UCLA to be an up-and-down team that overwhelms some opponents with talent and struggles with sloppy turnovers, stagnant offense and shoddy defense against others.

22. MARQUETTE Key losses: G Andrew Rowsey, F Harry Froling Key returners: G Markus Howard, G Sam Hauser, G Sacar Anim, F Jamal Cain, G Greg Elliott, C Matt Heldt, F Theo John Notable newcomers: F Joey Hauser, F Brendan Bailey, F Edward Morrow, C Ike Eke

In a Big East without an obvious challenger to favorite Villanova, Marquette has a reasonable chance to emerge as the second best team. The Golden Eagles lose leading scorer Rowsey to graduation, but they have plenty of offensive punch to replace him. Howard and Sam Hauser are both excellent shooters and perimeter scorers. Top recruit Joey Hauser and Morrow, a Nebraska transfer, should make Marquette more multifaceted and less 3-point reliant. The obvious concern is whether the Golden Eagles can place a greater emphasis on defense instead of merely trying to outscore teams. Marquette ranked 183rd in defensive efficiency this past season, easily the worst in the Big East. Finding a ball handler to replace Rowsey will also be key. Either Howard and Elliot will have to share this responsibility, or Marquette will have to find a grad transfer.

23. USC Key losses: F Chimezie Metu, G Jordan McLaughlin, G Elijah Stewart Key returners: F Bennie Boatwright (projected), G Jonah Mathews, G Charles O’Bannon Jr., G Shaqquan Aaron, G Derryck Thornton, F Nick Rakocevic Notable newcomers: G Kevin Porter, G Elijah Weaver, F J’Raan Brooks

USC won’t lack for motivation after being left out of the NCAA tournament last month despite finishing second in the Pac-12. The Trojans have a chance to return to the NCAA tournament next season despite the loss of three of their four leading scorers and the cloud of the FBI investigation still hovering over the program. If Boatwright’s February knee injury delays his ability to turn pro for another year, the stretch forward should be the focal point of USC’s offense. Rakocevic would likely start alongside him with Brooks also receiving considerable playing time. Replacing longtime stalwarts McLaughlin and Stewart in the backcourt won’t be easy, but USC has pieces. Thornton, the former Duke transfer, should share playing time at point guard with Weaver. Porter will add instant scoring punch at wing alongside returners Mathews, Aaron and O’Bannon.

24. XAVIER Key losses: G Trevon Bluiett, G J.P. Macura, F Kerem Kanter, C Sean O’Mara Key returners: G Quentin Goodin, F Naji Marshall, G Paul Scruggs, F Tyrique Jones, F Kaiser Gates Notable newcomers: F Dontarius James, G Keonte Kennedy, C Jake Walker

After winning its first Big East title and claiming its first No. 1 seed this past season, Xavier is poised to take a step backward next season. The Musketeers lost their head coach to Louisville and their three leading scorers to graduation. The key to Xavier remaining Top 25 caliber will be whether its promising perimeter corps is ready to handle more responsibility. Goodin showed command of the offense in his first year as starting point guard this past season and Scruggs and especially Marshall have breakout potential. Finding a go-to scorer should be a concern for new Xavier coach Travis Steele, as should be depth, but defense will not be. The Musketeers should be very quick and athletic on the perimeter and Jones and Gates form a solid interior tandem.

25. WISCONSIN Key losses: none Key returners: F Ethan Happ (projected), G Brad Davison, G Kobe King, G D’Mitrik Trice, G Brevin Pritzl, F Aleem Ford, F Nate Reuvers, G Khalil Iverson Notable newcomers: C Joe Hedstrom, F Taylor Currie, G Trevor Anderson

At the end of a disappointing season in which its 19-year NCAA tournament streak ended with a thud, Wisconsin offered a glimmer of hope. The Badgers won four of their last six and played Michigan State to a near-standstill in their two losses against the Spartans. Wisconsin has a chance to build off that finish as long as Happ returns for his senior season instead of turning pro. The all-Big Ten center will be the Badgers’ interior focal point, but there are also some promising options around him. Davison emerged as a leader over the second half of his freshman season and will likely start at shooting guard. King and Trice can provide some much-needed playmaking that Wisconsin lacked after they got hurt. Pritzl and Iverson both improved defensively last season, while Reuvers showed flashes of promise but needs to add strength. Expect Anderson, the Green Bay transfer, to have a role too after he impressed on the scout team. Ultimately, there are still a lot of questions with Wisconsin, but the Badgers have the potential for a strong bounce-back season.

– – – – – – –

Jeff Eisenberg is a college basketball writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!

Follow @JeffEisenberg

Related coverage from Yahoo Sports: • Villanova crushes Michigan to win national title • ‘Michael Jordan of Delaware’ excels for ‘Nova • Michigan grad misses out on $1M payday with ‘Nova’s win

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junker-town · 5 years ago

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Early 2020 NBA mock draft features LaMelo Ball, loads of international talent, and a wide-open race for No. 1

There is no clear front-runner to go No. 1 in the 2020 NBA Draft. Here’s an early look at the top prospects.

The 2019 NBA Draft is so last week. It’s never too early to look ahead at the group of blue chip college freshmen and teenaged international stars expected to be among the top picks in the 2020 NBA Draft next June.

This draft class is wide open at the top. There is no clear front-runner to be the No. 1 pick right now, in part because many of the top recruits in the 2019 high school class are traditional big men whose value has been marginalized in the modern NBA. A strong international class also figures to throw a wrench into early evaluations, with five of those players cracking our early look at the first round and three making the top 10.

A year ago, Zion Williamson was only No. 5 in our earliest 2019 mock draft. It became clear he was going to be the No. 1 pick by the time Duke started its exhibition trip in Canada. The players in the 2020 class will have a similar opportunity to distinguish themselves. Here is an early look at the players we think will top draft boards next year.

1. Anthony Edwards, G, Georgia

Edwards gets the early nod at No. 1 for his explosive athleticism, three-level scoring ability, and young age as he heads into college. He essentially skipped his senior year of high school to enroll at Georgia, following a path of reclassification previously taken by R.J. Barrett, Marvin Bagley III, and many more. He won’t turn 18 years old until Aug. 5 and has already shown the early signs of becoming a go-to offensive option on the perimeter.

The 6’4 guard was named MVP of the Under Armour Association in his final year on the grassroots circuit, averaging 21.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting 53.5 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from three-point range on 4.8 attempts per game. He projects as an ultra-athletic combo guard who puts relentless pressure on the rim and thrives in transition. His three-point shooting and passing are the swing skills that determine his draft stock.

2. Cole Anthony, PG, North Carolina

Anthony is actually older than both Williamson and Barrett. While there is some concern that he’s burnished his reputation beating up on younger competition, Anthony’s advanced scoring instincts and athleticism feel like a seamless fit for what NBA teams are looking for in a modern point guard.

At 6’3, Anthony has dunk contest-worthy leaping ability and rare skill as a pull-up shooter. He’s fast and explosive coming out of his moves and should be a strong downhill attacker both in transition and out of the pick-and-roll. He also plays with a competitive edge and has great genes as the son of long-time NBA veteran Greg Anthony. There is some concern that Anthony too often looks for his own offense before getting his teammates involved. It will be something to monitor as he becomes the new star at North Carolina.

3. Theo Maledon, G, France

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Maledon is part of a golden generation of young French players and the first of three projected countrymen in this mock draft. Tony Parker has already taken him under his wing as the president of ASVEL, a successful club team in France’s top pro league where Maledon has already assumed the role of starting point guard at just 17 years old. At 6’5 with a wingspan close to 6’9, Maledon is a skilled floor general who has shot 55 percent on twos, 40 percent on threes, and 86 percent on free throws against older, stronger competition.

He’s not as athletic as the American guards and won’t blow by you off the dribble, but Maledon has a well-rounded skill set that has already been tested in big games against pros. His ability as a facilitator is something to keep an eye on moving forward.

4. Killian Hayes, G, France

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Another Frenchman, Hayes is a smooth 6’5 combo guard who is a dynamic playmaker for himself and others with the ball in his hands. His ability to manipulate defenses with creative passes and soft touch inside the arc should make him deadly in the pick-and-roll as he continues to mature. He’s made nearly 56 percent of his two-pointers during his first two years as a pro in France’s top league while also making an impact by posting high steal and block rates defensively. His passing ability might be the most interesting thing about him after finishing with a 36 percent assist rate in 2017-18, and a 27 percent assist rate against better competition this past year.

Hayes played a starring role during Frances silver medal finish at the U17 World Cup in 2018, averaging 16 points per game on 50 percent shooting before falling to the Americans in the title game. His clear weakness right now is as a three-point shooter, but his high free throw percentage makes his stroke projectable moving forward.

5. R.J. Hampton, G, New Zealand Breakers (NBL)

Hampton will play professionally in New Zealand next season after reclassifying to 2019 and then deciding to bypass college. He was a consensus top-five recruit in two different high school classes before his move abroad, establishing himself as an athletic 6’5 guard who loves attacking the basket. His aggressive scoring mentality will be tested against older pros, as will the swagger that runs through his game. He’d do well to have improved shooting and passing skills to fall back on, which will be his biggest point of development over the next year.

Hampton’s move to the Australian league makes a lot of sense on paper as he can maintain his intrigue while his peers risk getting exposed at the college level the way former top recruits like Nassir Little, Romeo Langford, and Cam Reddish did last season. His decision will ultimately be tested by his ability to maintain or improve his top-10 status in early draft projections like this one.

6. Deni Avdija, F, Israel

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Avdija is a 6’8 playmaking forward who thrives initiating the offense with the ball in his hands. At 18 years old, he’s already seen spot minutes in Euroleague for Maccabi Tel Aviv and also performed well in FIBA youth tournaments. His open floor ball handling and passing ability is what makes him so intriguing. Shooting will be his swing skill, after putting up underwhelming numbers both from the three-point line and foul line during his short pro career. NBA teams will wonder if he’s athletic enough to hold up defensively and score efficiently at the rim.

7. Tyrese Maxey, G, Kentucky

Maxey will likely play shooting guard next season at Kentucky as a freshman as the team returns Ashton Hagans at point guard. We’re ranking him this high because we think his future is playing on the ball. An athletic 6’3 guard, Maxey showed two-way potential on Nike’s EYBL circuit by being named Defensive Player of the Year and also putting up an impressive blend of offensive statistics. He hit 41 percent of his threes on seven attempts per game, posted a great assist-to-turnover ratio, and hit 80 percent of his free throws.

Kentucky is going to have a ton of different options on the perimeter next season and it’s possible Maxey’s statistics will be weakened by John Calipari’s system. For now, he’s done enough in high school to warrant this ranking.

8. Nico Mannion, PG, Arizona

Mannion is a 6’3 point guard with advanced playmaking and pull-up shooting skills that should make him a cult hero as a freshman at Arizona. He improved his stock at the Nike Hoop Summit, where he shined against Cole Anthony and impressed scouts with his offensive ability. His statistical profile on the Under Armour circuit was impressive, where he finished with a 61 percent true shooting percentage, 31 percent assist rate, 15 percent turnover rate, and 2.7 percent steal rate.

Mannion doesn’t have ideal length for a lead guard in the NBA, but he’s a smart and tough floor general with legit athletic explosiveness who has NBA bloodlines as the son of former pro Pace Mannion. We’re betting you’re going to be seeing and hearing a lot about him this coming college basketball season.

9. James Wiseman, C, Memphis

Wiseman is the top recruit in the country according to most scouting services, but his production at the high school level has rarely matched his hyped. Three centers were chosen above Wiseman on the All-EYBL teams where he only earned honorable mention among the best players in the league. His production varied for game-to-game with too many disappointing box scores playing for a team that struggled to maximize his talent.

Wiseman will play for Penny Hardaway in college, who also coached him in high school. He has ideal size and physicality for an NBA center with a 7’4 wingspan, a strong frame, and explosive leaping ability. The key will be improving his skill level and asserting his defensive dominance. It’s possible Wiseman makes this ranking look foolish as many publications consider him the favorite to go No. 1 overall. Given the way the NBA has moved away from traditional centers, we’ll believe the draft hype when we see the production at the college level for the Tigers.

10. Jaden McDaniels, F, Washington

McDaniels is the brother of former San Diego State star Jalen McDaniels, who was selected No. 52 overall in the 2019 draft after two successful seasons with the Aztecs. The younger McDaniels is a late bloomer like his brother but enters college with substantially more hype. A 6’10 combo forward with developing ball handling and shooting ability, McDaniels’ skinny frame and scoring instincts are likely to draw comparisons at Brandon Ingram during his one-and-done season at Washington. McDaniels will badly need to add strength to his thin frame and also prove to NBA scouts he can be a consistent threat from three-point range after hitting only 25 percent on his threes on the EYBL.

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

11. Bryan Antoine, G, Villanova

Antoine was a high school teammate of Scottie Lewis in New Jersey at Ranney School. He’s been considered a five-star recruit from early in high school career, but still feels a little underrated as the No. 16 overall prospect in his class in the final RSCI rankings. At 6’5 with a reported plus-four wingspan, Antoine is a shooting guard with natural scoring instincts and deep range on his jump shot. He has a history of being a 40 percent three-point shooter on Under Armour’s grassroots circuit, who is confident both off the dribble and on spot-ups. He’s good-not-great athlete who is blessed with a quick first step and is learning how to create off the dribble. He also seems to have good upside on the defensive end. Jay Wright has never had a true one-and-done at Villanova, but Antoine should be the first.

12. Amar Sylla, F, Senegall

Sylla is a long, mobile big man with tremendous quickness and versatility on the defensive end. At 6’9 with a 7’2 wingspan, Sylla is a developing front court talent on Real Madrid’s junior team who will turn 18 years old on Oct. 1. He’s drawn early comparisons to Pascal Siakam for his ability to switch screens and guard multiple positions defensively. He prefers to play out on the perimeter on offense, where he already has impressive ability to put the ball on the floor on drive to the basket. His three-point shot remains very much a work in progress, but has shown some encouraging signs. He’ll need to get stronger to play in the paint for an NBA front court long-term. Read this in-depth piece on Sylla from Ignacio Rissotto over at The Stepien.

13. Josh Green, G, Arizona

NBA scouts will be locked in on Arizona all season with Green and Mannion on the perimeter. Green came over from Australia before high school and eventually wound up at IMG Academy, the Florida-based prep school that also produced first-round picks Jonathan Isaac and Anfernee Simons in recent years. He projects as a possible 3-and-D wing at 6’5. Green has long arms (reportedly a 6’10 wingspan), great open floor athleticism, and the mindset and quickness to defend multiple positions. His draft stock will be influenced by how well he can score in the halfcourt against set defenses when he puts the ball on the floor.

His stats on the Under Armour circuit were encouraging after posting a 63 percent true shooting percentage and nearly 4 percent steal rate. His 59 percent foul shooting but 35 percent three-point shooting means the jury is still out on his jump shot.

14. Kahlil Whitney, F, Kentucky

Whitney’s chiseled 6’6 frame with a 7-foot wingspan makes it look like he was created in a lab by NBA scouts. He’ll play next season as part of Kentucky’s latest freshman superteam, where he’ll have an early opportunity to prove he has the foundational skills to be a 3-and-D player in the NBA. Whitney hit 48.6 percent of his threes on the EYBL, but somehow only made 44 percent of his free throws. His physicality gives him great defensive potential, where he would be wise to focus his energy as a freshman for John Calipari. Teams will be intrigued if he can put up good offensive numbers.

15. Isaac Okoro, F, Auburn

Okoro is only ranked No. 36 in the RSCI, but his statistical profile and strong frame indicates he may be the most underrated player in his class. Okoro is a 6’5 wing who should make a major impact on Auburn next season. He hit 46 percent of his threes as a rising senior on Nike’s EYBL circuit and also dished out four assists per game while limiting turnovers, good enough to earn him second-team all-league honors.

He projects as one of the best perimeter defenders in this class, using his length, strength, and quickness to keep offensive from the basket. While his free throw percentage of 68 percent is cause for concern, his true shooting percentage of 65.8 percent was one of the best on the circuit for a perimeter player. His projects as a high-IQ, two-way wing.

16. Precious Achiuwa, F, Memphis

Achiuwa is a big, powerful athlete who already looks the part of an NBA combo forward before he steps foot on campus at Memphis. He’s going to be one of the best defensive prospects in this class, with strength, quickness, leaping ability, and a high motor to fall back on. He’s raw offensively, particularly as a jump shooter, but should make an impact running the floor in transition and hitting the offensive glass for putbacks. There have already been early comparisons to Josh Smith in terms of physicality and playing style.

Achiuwa is the oldest blue chip freshman in this class, turning 20 years old before the start of the season. He’s going to form a fascinating front court duo with Wiseman for Penny Hardaway in Memphis.

17. Scottie Lewis, G, Florida

An hyper-athletic 6’4 guard, Lewis was considered a five-star recruit throughout his high school career ahead of his commitment to Florida. The New Jersey native is attractive to NBA teams for his incredible speed and leaping ability coupled with his competitive mindset. He projects as a defensive force in the backcourt and a deadly transition threat who will need to improve his offensive skill level. There’s an avenue for Lewis to be a lottery pick despite his still developing dribble, pass, and shooting skills, but it requires him to be a smart cutter, efficient finisher at the rim, and the type of slashing who can post a high free throw rate. For all his physical tools, it’s important to remember that Lewis is even older than Cole Anthony by a couple months and will be a 20-year-old freshman by the time March Madness rolls around.

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

18. Isaiah Stewart, C, Washington

Will Isaiah Stewart’s obvious physical gifts translate to the highest levels of the game? That’s the question NBA scouts will be pondering as they watch the freshman center at Washington next season. Stewart enters college ranked as a top-two recruit by some services mostly because of his man-child frame. At 6’8, 240 pounds with a nearly 7’5 wingspan, Stewart bullied his way to success in high school. It’s possible his physical strength is so tremendous that he’ll also be able to overpower NBA players, but evaluators will want to see an improved skill level before making that bet. Playing in Washington’s zone defense next season might not do him any favors in terms of his NBA stock.

19. LaMelo Ball, G, Illawarra Hawks (NBL)

Ball is the hardest player to rank on this board because few have seen him in a competitive setting that wasn’t built around his unique brand of fame. I watched Ball play live in his father’s doomed JBL league last summer and saw a talented lead guard with an emerging skill level and little discipline. While his brother, Lonzo, has long been regarded for his superior basketball mind, the youngest Ball brother is defined by poor shot selection and a tendency to go for the highlight-reel play over the sensible one. His year in Australia could be the best thing that ever happened to him if he’s forced to use his 6’7 frame to make an impact as a defender and functional passer.

For now, his talent level as a shot creator is high enough to consider him a first-round pick despite how raw he is in most areas of the game.

20. Isaiah Joe, SG, Arkansas

Joe was outside of the top-100 recruiting rankings a year ago before blossoming into one of the best perimeter shooters in the country at Arkansas. Joe hit 41 percent of his threes on eight attempts per game. He finished in the 97th percentile in jumpers off the dribble, per Synergy Sports, and also graded out as “very good” on spot-up opportunities. Joe’s quick and compact shooting motion is going to be intriguing to NBA teams. He also posted an impressive 2.8 steal rate defensively and graded out as “excellent” in transition opportunities on offense. Scouts will want to see him be able to score from two-point range, where he only shot 41 percent as a freshman.

21. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, F, Villanova

Robinson-Earl is a strong 6’8, 235-pound forward who should be an immediate impact freshman for Jay Wright in Villanova’s front court. He’s already shown phenomenal rebounding instincts both on the high school grassroots circuit and in helping USA Basketball to a gold medal last summer in the 2018 FIBA Americas U18 Championship.

Robinson-Earl shines in the half court as a versatile defender with quick feet who can stick with lead ball handlers. He also excels in transition offensively, running the floor, and having craft as a finisher. He is developing ball handling ability to push off of rebounds. While he lacks ideal length and athletic pop, JRE already has a solid all-around skill set and helps contribute to winning.

22. Xavier Tillman, C, Michigan State

Tillman was one of the most efficient players in college basketball last season as a sophomore. He had a tangible impact on winning after he replaced injured teammate Nick Ward in the Michigan State starting lineup in mid-February, helping spark an upset of Zion Williamson and Duke in the NCAA tournament to make a run to the Final Four. Tillman finished with 19 points, nine rebounds, three steals, and two blocks on 8-of-12 shooting in that game, showing his full skill set against the most talented team in the country. Many will say Tillman too heavy and too slow to play center in the modern NBA, but he’s already so productive that feels wrong to count him out.

The only two players in college basketball to finish with a higher box-score plus minus than Tillman last year were Williamson and Gonzaga’s Brandon Clarke. We can’t wait to see what he can do next season.

23. Wendell Moore, G, Duke

Duke has two freshmen (Vernon Carey Jr. and Matthew Hurt) who enter college ranked higher in the RSCI, but the Blue Devils’ first commit in the 2019 class, Wendell Moore, feels like their best pro prospect. Moore is a strong 6’5 wing who projects as one of the better two-way players in this class. He posted a 60 percent true shooting percentage as a rising senior on Nike’s EYBL circuit despite only hitting 16 percent of his threes. Moore’s 77 percent free throw percentage indicates he should be able to fix his jump shot. He’s also a good passer who had a 21 percent assist rate and a quality man defender who posted a 2.5 percent steal rate. Moore doesn’t turn 18 until next month which means he’s also one of the youngest players in this mock.

24. Samuell Williamson, F, Louisville

Williamson is a 6’7 wing who drew rave reviews on the all-star circuit as he ended his high school career. The McDonald’s All-American projects as a freshman starter on a Louisville team that should start the year in the top 10 of preseason polls. Williamson is a powerful athlete going to rim who excels in transition and should produce dozens of highlight reel dunks. He also has a developing jump shot — hitting hit 50 percent of his threes on two attempts per game and 77 percent of his free throws on Nike’s EYBL circuit. Scouts will want to see him finish more efficiently inside the arc, defend, and continue improving as a passer during his freshman season.

Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

25. Tyrese Haliburton, PG, Iowa State

Haliburton entered Iowa State outside the top 150 in recruiting rankings before putting together one of the most intriguing statistical profiles of any freshman in the country. These were the 6’5 point guard’s top accomplishments:

No. 3 in the country in offensive rating, at 136.8

66.6 percent true shooting percentage, which ranked top 20 in the country

2.7 steal rate

43.4 percent on three-pointers and 68.5 percent on two-pointers

Haliburton also posted an encouraging assist-to-turnover ratio. He’s not the most natural athlete going to the hoop and badly needs to add strength, but he’s such a smart player on both ends with good size for either backcourt spot. It’s hard to put Haliburton into a box because of his level of efficiency is so rare, but NBA scouts will be sure to be keeping on eye on him as a sophomore.

26. Ayo Dosunmu, G, Illinois

Dosunmu was seen as a possible first-round pick after his freshman season at Illinois but made the decision to return to school without even testing the draft waters at the combine. It puts him in position for a marquee season as a sophomore where he’ll hope to lead the Illini to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2013. The long 6’5 point guard posted a solid statistical profile last year, finishing with a 2.3 percent steal rate, 21 percent assist rate, and surprising many people by hitting 35 percent of his threes. Dosunmu will again need to prove he’s a capable shooter from deep this season, while also improving his efficiency as a scorer after only finishing with a 52 percent true shooting percentage.

27. Malcolm Cazalon, G, France

Cazalon was another member of the French U17 World Cup team last summer that took silver alongside Maledon and Hayes. He’s the biggest of the three as a 6’6 swingman with a nearly 7-foot wingspan who glides up and down the court and can get hot as a scorer. He’s averaged more than 16 points per game in the World Cup while also showing good defensive upside by averaging three steals per game. Scouts will want to see him improve his outside shot and show more consistent aggression offensively attacking the basket.

28. Patrick Williams, F, Florida State

Williams’ length and shooting ability on the wing could help him become a one-and-done at Florida State. He hit 50 percent of his threes on 3.4 attempts per game while playing on Nike’s EYBL circuit. Teams will want to see him finish more efficiently inside the arc and also use his physical tools to make an impact on the defensive end. He enters college ranked No. 29 in the RSCI.

29. Jalen Pickett, PG, Sienna

Could Pickett enjoy a similar rise to Ja Morant as a mid-major point guard heading for his sophomore season? It’s improbable, but not impossible. Playing for one of the very worst teams in the country in Siena, Pickett put together an intriguing statistical profile as a 6’4 freshman point guard. He finished No. 5 in the country in assist rate at better than 42 percent, posted impressive block (2.8) and steal (3.5) rates, and even hit 35 percent of his threes. The notable difference between Morant and Pickett is that Morant is an elite athlete, while Pickett lacks the quickness and explosiveness to consistently create separation off the dribble.

30. Jalen Smith, F, Maryland

Smith was another possible first-round pick this year who decided to come back to Maryland for his sophomore season. He’s a bouncy athlete at 6’10 who can make plays above the rim on both ends of the floor. He has the natural agility to finish around the basket, but scouts will want to see him improve on his scoring efficiency. Last season, Smith was best on the offensive glass (posting a 12.5 percent o-boar rate) and in transition, where he finished in the 94th percentile of DI players in points per possession. His shooting ability is his swing skill after hitting 27 percent on his threes on 71 attempts as a freshman.

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junker-town · 7 years ago

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The 16 X-factors of the Sweet 16

A casual fan’s guide for who to watch in the Sweet 16

With the field of 68 fizzled down to just 16 teams, we can finally start to analyze who’s left, how they got here, and how they’ll keep advancing. The 16-game days of March Madness are over and now, with more breathing room in between tip-offs, we can finally see how freakin wild the opening rounds of the 2018 NCAA tournament were.

Had this story been written a week ago today, I would’ve felt safe prepping words on Miles Bridges’ need to assert his way through the paint to get Michigan State to the Elite Eight. I would have written about Kyle Guy’s task as the go-to scorer in Virginia’s offense, Trevon Bluiett’s need to take the reigns for Xavier and about Joel Berry and Theo Pinson shooting the lights out for UNC.

Somehow, all of those players are gone now, as are most of the familiar faces from this college basketball season. Trae Young, Mo Bamba, DeAndre Ayton and Michael Porter Jr all left in the first round, and Jaren Jackson and Collin Sexton joined them after the second.

The spotlight is there for the taking for this year’s overlooked talent.

In alphabetical order by team, here are the players to watch for on each of the remaining Sweet 16 teams, and how they can help their teams advance to the Elite Eight.

Gabe Devoe, Clemson

Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images

Sweet 16 opponent: Kansas

Position: Guard

Year: Senior

Clemson wins if: Devoe can out-duel Kansas’ Devonte Graham. Both the Jayhawks and Tigers have deep backcourts, so Clemson needs its 40 percent three-point shooter to be on-the-money to beat a superior opponent. Devoe has scored 22 points in each tournament game so far, and made 8-of-14 shots from deep in total.

Marvin Bagley III, Duke

Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images

Sweet 16 opponent: Syracuse

Position: Forward/Center

Year: Freshman

Duke wins if: Bagley can fight his way through ‘Cuse’s zone defense — especially past 7’2 center Paschal Chukwu — and dominate the paint like he has all season. Bagley will be an NBA lottery pick in this summer’s draft, and needs to prove he’s the best player on the court and finish over Cuse’s length, and power through their traps. It won’t be an easy task.

Phil Cofer, Florida State

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Sweet 16 opponent: Gonzaga

Position: Forward

Year: Senior

FSU wins if: Cofer can shoot over the length of the Bulldogs’ bigs. On four attempts this year, the 6’8 son of a former Pro-Bowl NFL linebacker is shooting 39 percent from deep. He only made one of his five attempts from three (10 points) in a close win over Xavier, and the Noles will need more from him against to upset the Zags.

Johnathan Williams, Gonzaga

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Sweet 16 opponent: Florida State

Position: Forward

Year: Senior

Gonzaga wins if: Williams dominates the boards and scores like he has been. Williams made a name for himself in last year’s Final Four run, and now, with Zach Collins and others gone, he’s assumed a lead role. He leads the team in scoring at 14 per game, and also has help from Rui Hachimura, Zach Norvell Jr. and Killian Tillie. The Zags are deep with Williams leading the way.

Devonte’ Graham, Kansas

Sweet 16 opponent: Clemson

Position: Guard

Year: Senior

Gonzaga wins if: Graham shoots the lights out. The senior is having a spectacular final season, and was already awarded the Big 12 Player of the Year Award. He fires at 40 percent from deep, and if he can make plays off the dribble, it’s over for Clemson.

Barry Brown Jr. , Kansas State

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Sweet 16 opponent: Kentucky

Position: Guard

Year: Junior

KSU wins if: Brown can exploit Kentucky’s guard deficiencies and force turnovers. Brown averages two steals per night, and has one of the best steal rates in the nation. If Kentucky’s freshmen get sloppy, K-State can steal another one.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kentucky

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Sweet 16 opponent: Syracuse

Position: Guard

Year: Freshman

Kentucky wins if: Gilgeous-Alexander can outlast KSU’S pesky defense, and continue to be Kentucky’s leading scorer. SGA has put himself into the NBA Draft lottery conversation averaging 23 points, seven rebounds and 6.5 assists in two tourney games. He’ll face the toughest defense he’s seen on Thursday.

Clayton Custer, Loyola Chicago

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Sweet 16 opponent: Nevada

Position: Guard

Year: Junior

Loyola Chicago wins if: Custer maintains his 46 percent three-point shooting, and maybe hits another game-winner. Both Loyola Chicago and Nevada have made it further in the tournament than even they could’ve hoped for, and this will be a grind. Custer needs to step up even more than he did in the opening two rounds.

Mo Wagner, Michigan

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Sweet 16 opponent: Texas A&M

Position: Forward/Center

Year: Junior

Michigan wins if: Wagner can assert himself among A&M’s many physical bigs. He’ll need to remain a deep-ball threat to lure the Aggies’ bigs out and open lanes for his teammates, and play physical enough to secure boards down low. This is Wagner’s biggest test to date.

Caleb and Cody Martin, Nevada

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Sweet 16 opponent: Loyola Chicago

Position: Forward

Year: Junior

Nevada wins if: The Martins crash the boards and score in the mid-range like they have in the opening two rounds. The identical twins were downright beastly in the win against Cincy. Cody, the brother who wasn’t the MWC Player of the Year, dropped 25 points and seven assists, and his brother had 10 points and five rebounds. They’ll need to repeat that.

Matt Haarms, Purdue

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Sweet 16 opponent: Texas Tech

Position: Center

Year: Freshman

Purdue wins if: Haarms plays lockdown defense and protects the rim. The 7’2 freshman is only starting because his 7’1 teammate, Isaac Haas, broke his elbow in the opening round. He was brilliant in a second-round win over Butler. Can he do it again?

Paschal Chukwu, Syracuse

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Sweet 16 opponent: Duke

Position: Center

Year: Junior

Syracuse wins if: Chukwu protects the paint from a barrage of supersized bigs in Marvin Bagley III and Wendell Carter. The NBA Draft lottery-bound forwards both can take over a game, but if 7’2 Chukwu’s height and length can throw them out of rhythm, ‘Cuse can steal another win and shock everyone again.

Robert Williams, Texas A&M

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Sweet 16 opponent: Michigan

Position: Forward/Center

Year: Sophomore

A&M wins if: Williams, along with Tyler Davis and D.J. Hogg, clog the lane and force Mo Wagner to shoot tough shots. The Aggies are here because of their defense, and if they’re able to contain the Wolverines’ top scoring threat, they can pull off another upset. Williams is averaging 2.6 blocks per game.

Keenan Evans, Texas Tech

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Sweet 16 opponent: Purdue

Position: Guard

Year: Senior

Tech wins if: Evans attacks the hoop, gets to the free throw line, and forces Matt Haarms into foul trouble. Evans is one of the best in the nation at getting to the stripe, averaging seven attempts per game. He hits them at an 81 percent rate, too. He’ll need to be assertive and help get Purdue’s 7’2 replacement big off the floor for as long as possible.

Jevon Carter, West Virginia

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Sweet 16 opponent: Villanova

Position: Guard

Year: Senior

WVU wins if: Carter can shutdown Jalen Brunson, or at least force him to commit turnovers. Carter has 11 steals in two games — along with 49 points — and is undeniably the engine that makes the Mountaineers move. Can he succeed against the best offense in the country?

Mikal Bridges, Villanova

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Sweet 16 opponent: West Virginia

Position: Forward

Year: Junior

Nova wins if: Bridges can leak out on WVU’s traps, and make them pay by attacking the rim and making open threes. He roasted Alabama when he was given any space, finished 5-of-8 from deep, scoring 23 points on 16 shots. If Nova can break the press, WVU is in trouble.

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