The college basketball season is rapidly approaching, and that means it is time for all the draft heads to get their preseason rankings out for the world to scrutinize. If you have not already, be sure to go check out part 1 of my board here where I went through prospects 120–61. Now that I have made it into the top 60, I am going to be highlighting players who have a much greater chance of being selected in the 2018 draft. As mentioned in part 1, I am ranking every eligible prospect, therefore it is likely that some or even many of the players I profile will not declare for the draft. Regardless, I will be going through these next three tiers under the assumption that all of these players will declare for the draft.

Tier 9

60. Nick Richards (Kentucky)

59. Lamar Peters (Mississippi State)

58. Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Virginia Tech)

57. Lindell Wigginton (Iowa State)

56. Terence Davis (Ole Miss)

55. Landry Shamet (Wichita State)

54. Devonte’ Graham (Kansas)

53. Bonzie Colson (Notre Dame)

52. Jontay Porter (Missouri)

51. Arnoldas Kulboka (Capo D’Orlando)

50. Kevin Huerter (Maryland)

49. Kamar Baldwin (Butler)

48. Gary Trent Jr. (Duke)

47. Kris Wilkes (UCLA)

46. Hamidou Diallo (Kentucky)

45. Felipe Dos Anjos (Burgos)

Devonte’ Graham can shoot, but does he have enough pure point guard ability to make it in the NBA? Image courtesy AP Photo.

This is the last tier of at least 10 players, as you will see the tiers really start to consolidate going forward. All of these players are close enough in terms of my evaluations of them that it makes sense for them to be in the same tier. There is little separation between bookends Nick Richards and Felipe Dos Anjos in my mind, as with the rest of the guys in here. That is what the college and international seasons are for: to allow these players to show what separates them from each other.

Nick Richards comes into Kentucky as a consensus top-20 freshman, but I am a little lower on him amongst the rest of his class. Richards does all the basic things you want to see from a modern big man — he has great athleticism and can run the floor, he uses his bounce to block shots, and he can really pull down rebounds. Beyond that, there is not a whole lot to his game. He has shown moments of mid-range touch on his jumper but oftentimes ends up messing up possessions and trying to do too much when he takes to the perimeter. I am not sold on him as a long-term rim protector given his underwhelming 9’0.5” standing reach, meaning that he will have to prove he can be mobile on the perimeter to be a real defensive asset. If Richards can show a more refined offensive skillset and make a significant defensive impact, he could certainly rise towards the first round, but for now, I have him planted in second round territory.

Lamar Peters spent his freshman season at Mississippi State showing flashes of big-time ability at the point guard spot, but inconsistency plagued him as he ended up shooting just 38.7% from the floor. But at Adidas Nations last summer, Peters looked like a completely different player. His much-improved pull-up shooting, manipulation of defenses in the pick and roll, and improved strength finishing at the rim caught the eyes of execs and draft heads everywhere. The game looked like it had slowed down for him, as he was comfortable drawing help defenders out in the pick and roll and then making pinpoint passes to the roll man at the last second. While he is still slightly undersized for the PG spot in the NBA at 6’1”, Peters carrying over the skills he showed at Adidas Nations into SEC play this year would help his stock rise up toward the first round.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker is one of the highest ranked recruits to commit to Virginia Tech in some time, and he will look to make an impact early on. The Canadian combo guard and cousin of Kentucky’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has great size for either guard spot at 6’5.5” with a 6’9” wingspan. He has a versatile game as a scorer, with the shooting stroke to be a threat from outside and the craft and wiggle to finish at the rim. At this stage, he is more geared toward scoring than creating for others, but he will have plenty of opportunities to show off his playmaking acumen at Virginia Tech. Defensively, he faces some questions, needing to add weight to his relatively thin frame and show a stronger effort level and IQ. Still, his physical tools, ball handling, and natural scoring instincts will keep eyes on him in the coming years.

Lindell Wigginton may have Monte Morris-sized shoes to fill at Iowa State, but his aggressive play style could have Cyclone fans excited early on. Wigginton is a change of pace from the methodical Morris as an explosive lead guard who puts pressure on the rim with his athleticism and relentlessness. While he has good vision, he can struggle to balance looking for others and creating for himself. At 6’2.25” with a 6’3.5” wingspan, he has somewhat underwhelming tools for defending the PG spot, but his athleticism helps to make up for those. On a reloading Iowa State squad, Wigginton will be given a lot of freedom on offense and will be tasked with creating shots for himself and others. As his outside shot continues to develop Wigginton’s numbers will look better, but he could struggle with efficiency early on.

Terence Davis is equipped with some of the best slashing skills in this year’s class, with the wiggle and strength to get to the rim and finish at a high rate there, converting 76.4% of his 7.1 shots at the rim per 40 minutes. At 6’4”, Davis is likely a one-position defender in the NBA, but his quick hands (2.2 STL/40) and overall athleticism give him a little upside on that end. His perimeter jump shot is streaky, marked by his propensity for taking contested off-dribble long twos and threes. Davis is still developing as a playmaker, never coming up with more than 4 assists in a game, but his low turnover rate relative to his usage gives him some promise as a creator for others. With the transfer of Cullen Neal, Davis figures to pick up more minutes on the wing and potentially increase his scoring output even more. If he can continue to show his potential as a slasher and transition athlete while developing his jumper his stock could inflate.

Landry Shamet brings a bevy of coveted skills to either guard spot with his elite outside shooting (43.9% from three), disciplined playmaking, and general fearlessness. While he is thin and a mediocre athlete, Shamet has a high floor thanks to his feel for the game and easily translatable skills. He has pretty impressive horizontal athleticism, able to blow by opposing defenders and get into the teeth of the defense. From there he is a great decision maker, racking up 3 times as many assists as turnovers last season. Hitting just 56.8% of his shots at the rim, Shamet does not have high-level length or explosiveness to finish, and his ability to create inside the arc will be questioned. However, his clutch performance against Kentucky in the NCAA tournament last year shows that he has definite skills and ability to hang with any team in the country, and he will certainly have scouts watching him in order to see what he can do against AAC competition as he hopes to lead Wichita State on a deep tournament run.

Devonte’ Graham is the other deadeye combo guard from the state of Kansas that needs to show he can convert shots near the rim. Slotting next to Frank Mason during his last two years as a starter, Graham will take the reins as more of a true point guard this year for the Jayhawks, posting a modest 4.7 assists per 40 minutes last year. Graham has hit 41.2% of his 452 career three-point attempts and brings the requisite tenacity to defend on the perimeter for Bill Self. At 6’2” he will likely be restricted to guarding one position in the NBA, but he will be a useful asset as a sort of “three and D” point guard who can slot next to a ball-dominant wing and facilitate while creating off-ball gravity. Among the best snipers in the nation, Graham will look to show that he can get to the rim more often this year (just 57 attempts there last season) and bring the heat consistently on defense.

Bonzie Colson is hoping that NBA teams will fancy him as a potential second coming of Draymond Green thanks to his versatility as an undersized big man who can rebound, defend, and score from inside and out. While Colson is nowhere near the passer or defender Green was in college, he has a promising all-around skillset thanks to his relentless motor (12.5 REB/40), elite mid-range shot, and flashes of three-point shooting (26–60 last season). His tenacity, IQ, and freakishly long arms help compensate for his lack of height (6’5”) on defense as he posted a solid 4.4 DBPM last season. A dark horse for National Player of the Year, Colson increasing his volume from three-point range and showing off more passing ability would be a huge boon for his draft stock, as would a deep run in the tournament for Notre Dame.

Jontay Porter will almost surely be the youngest player selected if he is drafted next June, as he turns 18 on November 15. However, his physical profile does not resemble that of a 17-year-old, standing 6’11” with a wide-shouldered 240-pound frame. Porter is best described as a stretch big with the rebounding and ball-handling ability to do a number of things on the court. Not as explosive as his older brother Michael, Jontay relies more on his feathery outside touch and strong rebounding instincts to make an impact. His lack of high-level athleticism caps his upside a little, but he compares favorably to Boris Diaw as a big man with a malleable skillset and a high IQ. Proving that he can protect the rim — he has shown promise in doses — would go a long way in helping his stock.

Arnoldas Kulboka does not have the versatility of Porter, but he is blessed with one standout skill — three-point shooting. At 6’9.5” with a 6’11.25” wingspan, Kulboka has the size to play either forward spot and the laser-accurate three-pointer to bring spacing to an NBA offense. His average lateral quickness can hurt him on defense, but his long arms help him to recover when he gets blown by. He will also need to add a lot of strength to his frame, as he really struggles to finish through contact and often avoids contact at all, choosing to take poor angles to the rim which makes it much more difficult for him to convert. Kulboka is somewhat stuck between the 3 and the 4, so scouts will want to see him play a more defined role on defense this season. Regardless, his quick trigger and versatile jumper make him an attractive weapon, particularly as a stash candidate if he is available in the late second round.

Kevin Huerter is one of the few players in this class with a jumper more beautiful than Kulboka’s thanks to his lightning-quick release and total willingness to pull from anywhere. One small scouting note that has stood out to me about Huerter is his ability to make himself available for his guards when he is open on the perimeter. He really understands the value his spacing brings to an offense. At 6’6” with a 6’7.75” wingspan, he has great size to defend shooting guards in the NBA and has great fundamentals on the defensive end. Always playing with his hands up, Huerter generates plays and brings a positive impact even without elite athleticism (3.5 DBPM). He has a great feel for the game on both ends, making the right decisions as a passer and flashing great cutting ability. He rarely was able to get to the rim last season and does not have the burst to beat guys off the dribble, but he is super young for a sophomore and his shooting ability and high IQ are great assets.

Kamar Baldwin is one of the few players in the country who could aptly be described as his team’s mascot. Baldwin is a real (Butler) bulldog from the point guard spot, using his strong frame and quick feet to heat up the ball on defense. His 5.5 DBPM and 2.6 STL/40 from last season were outstanding numbers for a freshman, and his potential just as a defensive specialist is exciting. Offensively he brings a similar level of aggressiveness, able to get downhill and finish (67.9% at rim) and also convert from outside (37.2% on 4.1 3PA/40). The big caveat with Baldwin is his playmaking ability. He posted just 50 assists compared to 51 turnovers last season, oftentimes playing with tunnel vision. With the graduation of Tyler Lewis, Baldwin will be asked to take on more of a primary point guard role this season. How he responds as a playmaker will determine his stock.

Gary Trent Jr. seems to be the forgotten man in preseason discussions about Duke, but his development on the defensive end will be a huge factor in the Blue Devils’ success. Trent Jr. will almost surely do what is expected of him — hit outside shots — on offense, but he will be tasked with defending many small forwards this season for Duke. At 6’6” with a 6’8.5” wingspan, he is slightly undersized to be guarding that spot and he has never shown a particular ability or interest on the defensive end. Proving himself as a defender will be key for his stock. Offensively, he will shoot, but he will also need to prove that he can play within the confines of a role. Trent Jr. is notorious as a gunner who can struggle to play within the flow of an offense, so he will have to be more of a team player this season in order to help his stock and maximize Duke’s success.

Kris Wilkes does not have the highest skill level among forwards in this class, but he makes up for that with great measurables — 6’7” with a 6’11” wingspan — for playing either forward spot as he bulks up. Wilkes does his best work in transition, using his athleticism and lanky frame to get out and run. Assuming Steve Alford continues to employ an uptempo system at UCLA despite the departure of Lonzo Ball, Wilkes will do a ton of damage on the break. His physical tools give him great defensive versatility going forward. His combination of athleticism, transition running, and defensive upside is reminiscent of former 7th pick Corey Brewer. I would bet Wilkes spends multiple years at UCLA in order to work on his jump shot and overall offensive skillset, but if he progresses faster than expected he could be one-and-done.

Hamidou Diallo is similar to Wilkes in that he is more of a collection of physical tools than a complete player at this stage in his development. That is not to sell his freakish explosiveness short. At 6’5” with a 6’11” wingspan and springs from outer space, Diallo will be all over highlight reels this season with spectacular dunks, chase down blocks, and other athletic plays few prospects can make. He will succeed early on defensively, fitting right in on the perimeter next to a number of talented defenders on the Kentucky roster. Diallo’s struggles will come in the half court, where he lacks advanced ball-handling skills and struggles to hit jump shots. For most of his career he has relied on his athleticism to earn him buckets, but as a freshman, he will need to develop other ways to score on offense. If he can shoot well from outside and create off the dribble better, this number 46 ranking will look really dumb come June.

Felipe Dos Anjos is big. Very big. Like, 7’3” with a 9’6.5” standing reach big. At 251 pounds, Dos Anjos is not your typical super-tall-but-twig-frame big man. His superb size is matched by his surprising fluidity, particularly on the break. While he does not have the fluidity to get out on the perimeter and hedge and switch pick and rolls, he can certainly move around on defense, where his size alone will make him an asset. Lacking much vertical explosion, Dos Anjos is actually not much of a shot blocker; that does not discount his upside as a deterrent. On offense, he is fairly productive and shows some nice touch. It would not be surprising for him to develop into a mid-range threat. Dos Anjos needs to answer questions about his aggressiveness and awareness, but few prospects are blessed with his physical gifts.

Tier 8

44. Donta Hall (Alabama)

43. John Petty (Alabama)

42. Rawle Alkins (Arizona)

41. Jarron Cumberland (Cincinnati)

40. Markis McDuffie (Wichita State)

39. Vince Edwards (Purdue)

38. Killian Tillie (Gonzaga)

Can John Petty prove that his shooting ability is as great as his hair? Image courtesy Alabama Athletics.

This is a tier of players who all need to prove something this season to get into the first round discussion. Whether it is Donta Hall proving he can handle a larger minutes load or Markis McDuffie developing a standout skill, each of these prospects needs to take a step forward this season to firmly plant himself in first round territory. If enough players ahead of them withdraw they could enter the top 30 anyway, but it would still be nice to see each of them take a step forward in their respective games.

Donta Hall might be the x-factor in determining Alabama’s success this season as by far their most proven interior player. Hall is not overly versatile offensively, with 44% of his makes coming as dunks last season, but he is good at what he does. His 65.2 true shooting percentage is indicative of his high-efficiency finishing at the rim and he showed better flashes of passing vision as a sophomore, racking up 1.1 AST/40. Hall is most valuable on defense, where he uses his quick feet, explosiveness, and 7’2” wingspan to switch onto players across positions and pin plenty of shots off the backboard (2.9 BLK/40). Hall’s IQ and discipline are still developing but he made progress last season, reducing his fouls per 40 from 7.9 as a freshman to 5.1. He looks to pick up more than the 19.7 minutes per game he saw last season and maintaining his productivity over a longer sample will be key for his stock. He made big strides last season, and as a younger junior (20 at next year’s draft) should continue to make improvements over the coming year.

John Petty will slide in next to Hall at Alabama hoping to prove himself as an explosive “three and D” wing. Petty has solid size to guard the wing at the next level at 6’6” with a 6’9” wingspan as he continues to add strength. He is also aided by the fact that over his prep career he has consistently shown excellent effort on the defensive end of the court. Where Petty will make an immediate impact early is as a shooter. Over the course of Alabama’s Canada tour this summer, Petty shot lights-out from outside and also pulled out a couple of impressive dunks. While not yet much of a cutter, he could become a bona fide off-ball threat thanks to his shooting gravity and alley-oop potential. He is limited in terms of creation with the ball in his hands and does not exactly have the most outstanding physical tools for defending multiple positions, which may lead to him spending multiple years in college. However long he stays at Alabama, he will be tracked as a prospect.

Rawle Alkins will unfortunately be sidelined until around mid-December with a right foot injury, but when he is on the court he will be able to showcase his upside as a “three and D” wing. Alkins earned his minutes last year with his defensive tenacity, using his strength and 6’8.75” wingspan to lock down opposing 2s and even 3s at times. He is a capable three-point shooter, knocking down 37% of his 4.6 3PA/40. Alkins knows how to play his role on offense, crashing the glass and making smart plays when he needs to. Not the most explosive athlete, he relies mostly on his strength to finish at the rim. Poor mid-range shooting hurt Alkins’ overall efficiency last season, and his progression as a shooter will be closely watched this season. He does not have the most upside of anyone in this class, but he has a high floor given his willingness to defend and play a role on offense.

Jarron Cumberland is best described as a cannon from three and a cannonball in transition. He hit 35.5% of his 6.4 3PA/40 last season and while he lacks elevation on his jumper he can still fire off shots in a hurry. Where Cumberland stands out most is in transition, using his stocky frame and surprising quickness to bully his way to the rim and finish — his 81.8% conversion rate there last season was elite. The reigning Co-AAC Sixth Man of the Year will step into the starting lineup this season and try to continue to hit shots at a high rate from outside and show more on defense, where his 2.0 steals per 40 hints at his instincts. Cumberland does not have great size to defend on the wing (6’4.5” with a 6’5.5” wingspan) but his broad shoulders help make up for that. If he can play a consistent role for a contending Cincinnati squad he (along with others) could draw scouts’ eyes to the Bearcats.

Markis McDuffie defines “jack-of-all-trades” from the small forward spot while being a master of none. He can rebound, handle the ball, defend, shoot from outside, and draw fouls, but it is hard to call him elite in any one area. McDuffie’s 4.8 DBPM is impressive, but I am a bit skeptical due to the across-the-board inflation in DBPM numbers on a Wichita State team that snuffed out overmatched Missouri Valley offenses for much of the year. He needs to get stronger in order to fit more of a combo forward mold, but his apparent 18-pound weight gain from his sophomore to junior year is encouraging. His athleticism and all-around talent are not a question, but McDuffie has to prove that he can succeed against high-level competition. He often struggled or faded into the fray against the Shockers’ best opponents; he mustered just 5 points against Kentucky in the NCAA tournament last year. If he can succeed against better opponents, it will alleviate many concerns about which of his skills will translate to an NBA setting.

Vince Edwards is an interesting prospect as a guy who has tons of tools but often struggles to put them all together. He hit 42.3% of his 4.4 3PA/40 last year, but his modest volume often left Purdue fans wanting more. Outside of his shooting, Edwards has the ball-handling ability and wiggle to get to the rim, converting 75% of his shots there. He is outstanding as a playmaker from either forward spot, racking up 4.5 assists per 40. His aggressiveness in getting to the rim waxes and wanes, only racking up 3.6 free throw attempts per 40 minutes last season. He checks a lot of boxes defensively at 6’8” with a strong 225-pound frame and 7’0” wingspan, but his intensity and IQ came and went. Edwards has no significant weaknesses in terms of his skills and should be able to do a lot of everything, but he will have to prove he has the consistent aggressiveness and mindset to do so.

Killian Tillie played a bit role for Gonzaga last year as a freshman but looks primed for a breakout sophomore campaign. Tillie flashed his unique talents this summer at the FIBA U19s, showing off his outside shooting (11–23 from three last season), passing ability, rebounding, and propensity for making plays on defense. At 6’10” he has the mobility of a wing but is comfortable banging inside, pulling down 10.6 boards per 40 last season. He still needs to get a lot stronger in order to handle defending larger big men; his 5.9 fouls per 40 gave evidence of his struggles with size. Tillie fits best as a power forward at the NBA level, but at Gonzaga this year he will likely see significant time at the 5. Against most WCC bigs not named Jock Landale, he should be able to get by, but his ability to handle larger players will be key to his draft stock.

Tier 7

37. Chimezie Metu (USC)

36. Alize Johnson (Missouri State)

35. Jarred Vanderbilt (Kentucky)

34. Jaylen Hands (UCLA)

33. Trae Young (Oklahoma)

32. Billy Preston (Kansas)

31. Josh Okogie (Georgia Tech)

Chimezie Metu has shown promise as a mid-range shooter. Can he take his jump shot out to the three-point line? Image courtesy John McGillen.

Here is where we really start to get into potential first rounders. All it takes is a few players ahead of them deciding not to enter the draft and this tier of guys becomes part of the top 30. Even without withdrawals, all of these players have the upside to move into the top 30 with strong performances, and each of the freshmen may even be a dark horse lottery candidate. If I had to pick one player in this tier to make a surprise jump into the top 15, it would be Billy Preston. He has refined scoring ability and athletic tools and could become one of the top power forwards in this draft if he plays to his full potential.

Chimezie Metu does not fit a traditional mold as a bouncy big man who thrives in the mid-range and in help-side defense. His offensive game is based around facing up, where he can take and make shots in the mid-range or attack off the dribble and finish with authority at the rim. Metu is also valuable as a roll man thanks to his elite athleticism — despite just average reach (6’11” wingspan) he can get up at 6’10” and finish almost any lob the talented USC guards throw up for him. The key for Metu this season will be showing that he can take his mid-range ability out to the three-point line and become even more well-rounded offensively. While his size precludes him from being a traditional rim protector on defense, his mobility and springiness help him block 2 shots per 40 minutes and anchor the USC defense; he ranked second on the squad in defensive rating, losing out only to dynamo De’Anthony Melton. Metu needs to work on being more consistent with his motor and production, particularly on the glass, and show that he is not just a collection of skills but a complete player.

Alize Johnson was impressive during his junior season at Missouri State after transferring up from junior college, but he stood out most at Adidas Nations last summer where he was named MVP. If teams are looking for the next Kyle Kuzma, Johnson certainly has a comparable profile. His two outstanding skills from last season were his rebounding ability (14.1 REB/40, 10th in the NCAA in RPG) and his shooting (38.8% on 4.1 3PA/40). At Adidas Nations, Johnson looked even more comfortable pulling up from outside and also showed off a much more versatile handle, which bodes well for him as a combo forward. Johnson is still very thin — his elite rebounding numbers will not show it — and he does not have a definite place where he fits in on defense, so he will have questions to answer as he looks to dominate the Missouri Valley and carry Missouri State to the NCAA tournament. If he can show off some more Kuzma-esque scoring ability, teams will be wary of passing on him.

Jarred Vanderbilt might have the widest range of possible outcomes of any player in this class. He is a stud at defending, handling the ball, passing, and rebounding at 6’9” and when he is making shots looks unstoppable. Look no further than the 2017 Nike Hoops Summit where he finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks in 19 minutes of play as he stole the show with his athleticism, energy, cutting, and flashes of shooting (1–3 from three-point range). On the other hand, Vanderbilt is currently dealing with a left foot injury that may keep him sidelined until January, and this is already the third time he has injured that foot. Vanderbilt has also been really bad as a shooter for most of his prep career, making it hard to envision him taking a huge step forward at Kentucky. I could see Vanderbilt looking good and healthy and jumping up towards the lottery, but I could also see him falling out of the draft discussion altogether. He has a lot to prove once he gets back from injury.

Jaylen Hands may disappoint some UCLA fans who are expecting the second coming of Lonzo Ball, but the hyped Californian will not lack flair as a first-year floor general. Hands will remind some fans of De’Aaron Fox as a baby-faced 6’3” dynamo who can explode to the rim for highlight dunks. While Hands is not blessed with Fox’s turbo jets, he is quite physically reminiscent of the former Kentucky Wildcat. Hands is comfortable with the ball in his hands on offense but needs to prove that he can involve his teammates at a consistent rate. He has struggled at times with looking off teammates in order to drive into bigger defenders, where his thin frame can get knocked around. He also will have to fortify the consistency of his three-pointer, as he has solid form but is plagued by overconfident shot selection. Steve Alford is not known for restricting what his point guards can do, but if he can reel in Hands and have him play his best role, combining playmaking and scoring, it will help his stock a lot.

Trae Young cannot claim to have the same athletic ability as Hands, but his shot-making ability is almost unparalleled. Young is certain to explode from three-point range in at least a couple games this season and be hailed as “THE NEXT STEPH CURRY???” in more than a few YouTube highlight videos. On a young Oklahoma squad, Young will have the freedom to take shots from all over the floor, and few players in this class have his ability to make such shots. He is underrated as a driver, using his deceptive strength to find his way into the lane and a proficient floater game to compensate for his lack of explosion and length near the rim. Young also has top-tier vision and passing ability from the point guard spot, as evidenced by the bevy of impressive alley-oops he tossed up to Michael Porter Jr. on the AAU circuit with MoKan Elite. A yo-yo type ball handler, Young checks all the boxes in terms of offensive skills. His lack of elite athleticism and mediocre size (6’2” with a 6’4” wingspan) is the biggest knock against him. He will likely struggle on defense in a Big 12 loaded with point guards, but he has a very high IQ and skill level and could put up big offensive numbers for the Sooners.

Billy Preston combines elite physical tools for the power forward spot (6’10”, 7’0.5” wingspan, 240 pounds) with a refined offensive skillset. His eye-popping athleticism in tandem with his surprisingly advanced ball-handling ability leads to more than a few highlight dunks. Preston has always been a productive scorer and is proven as a jump shooter, comfortable playing on the perimeter on offense. However, Preston is the age of most sophomores and for much of his prep career struggled to play with a high motor and involve his teammates on offense. In Kansas’ exhibition win over Missouri, he showed a greatly improved IQ and effort level on defense, using his tools to match up with the strong Tiger frontcourt even as he picked up fouls quickly. Learning to play with his head screwed on straight will likely be a process for Preston under Bill Self, but his talent level and physical tools give him all the ability to be a key part of a national championship squad in Lawrence. Will he make questions about his motor seem foolish? Or will he let his emotions get the best of him and overshadow his talent?

Josh Okogie was suspended indefinitely from Georgia Tech as I was writing up my board. I had been trying to exclude players like Brian Bowen and Austin Wiley who had been dealing with eligibility questions, but I also did not want to just leave a blank spot at 31 where Okogie was supposed to be. It seems as though his suspension will not be super serious — reports estimate 9 games with a potential for less. I will give the scouting report on him anyways, but the suspension does not bode well for his stock going forward.

On the court, Okogie is defined by his relentless style of play. Strong at 6’4” with 7’0” wingspan, his aggressiveness allows him to get to the foul line (8.4 FTA/40) and make plays on the glass (7.0 REB/40). A young sophomore, Okogie will still be 19 next June and has developed quickly since arriving at Georgia Tech ranked outside the top 200 in the class of 2016. Off the ball, he is a great cutter and a developing spot-up threat, hitting 38.4% of his 73 three-point attempts last season. He did not show much as a passer last season but has a decent feel for where his teammates are and did a good job taking care of the ball, posting just 2.7 TOV/40 last season. While Okogie has ideal tools for defending along the perimeter, his aggressiveness comes and goes and he will need to be more consistent as a sophomore to prove himself on on that end of the court. Okogie’s biggest issue is his finishing ability; he converted just 51.2% of his 8.9 shots at the rim per 40 minutes. While his elite foul-drawing ability helps to compensate in terms of efficiency, Okogie will have to get better at finishing at the rim. He flashed volume and tools as a freshman; his sophomore season will be about improving efficiency.

Click here to visit part 3 of my board, prospects 30–15.

Rankings recap:

60. Nick Richards (Kentucky)

59. Lamar Peters (Mississippi State)

58. Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Virginia Tech)

57. Lindell Wigginton (Iowa State)

56. Terence Davis (Ole Miss)

55. Landry Shamet (Wichita State)

54. Devonte’ Graham (Kansas)

53. Bonzie Colson (Notre Dame)

52. Jontay Porter (Missouri)

51. Arnoldas Kulboka (Capo D’Orlando)

50. Kevin Huerter (Maryland)

49. Kamar Baldwin (Butler)

48. Gary Trent Jr. (Duke)

47. Kris Wilkes (UCLA)

46. Hamidou Diallo (Kentucky)

45. Felipe Dos Anjos (Burgos)

44. Donta Hall (Alabama)

43. John Petty (Alabama)

42. Rawle Alkins (Arizona)

41. Jarron Cumberland (Cincinnati)

40. Markis McDuffie (Wichita State)

39. Vince Edwards (Purdue)

38. Killian Tillie (Gonzaga)

37. Chimezie Metu (USC)

36. Alize Johnson (Missouri State)

35. Jarred Vanderbilt (Kentucky)

34. Jaylen Hands (UCLA)

33. Trae Young (Oklahoma)

32. Billy Preston (Kansas)

31. Josh Okogie (Georgia Tech)