I know I've talked him up a bunch already but besides Zion, Tyler Herro has been my a favorite freshman to watch all year . Starting to get his due. Up to #15 on Tankathon's big board and a great feature on him by B/R's Mirin Fader. Some highlights as well (recommend watching on mute).
Is he a Grayson Allen type? Seems like he has some baggage like Allen. I don't watch college BB till March Madness so don't really follow to many of the teams or players right now. I'll be sure to watch him play. What's interesting is that he isn't even on the draft board at NBAdraft.net and is 30th on CBS mock draft.
I have no idea what they are thinking so to blow it off seems a bit premature. Maybe Simons and Collins are in their scope along with a pick or two. Never say never.
Kyle Mann of the Dime Drop (also does some work for The Ringer) with a good breakdown of Ja's game and NBA prospects here:
Tyler's baggage is different. Pissed off a lot of Wisconsin fans with his late decommitment and has a cockiness to him on the floor that some don't like. But not a dirty player at all.
Atlanta isn't going to want CJ. They already have a miniature ball dominant PG. The defense with CJ and Trae would be historically bad.
I'd worry about the defense a lot and how it'd all work offensively, but definitely would be a talented group.
I wish there was a way to get Jarrett Culver on the Blazers. ESPN's latest mock has him going 7th, NBA Draft . net has him going 11th, Tankathon has him going 5th, and CBSSports has him at 6th. I have a feeling he's going to move up into the top-5 after his combine measurements as they will likely show he's taller than listed. His wingspan looks long too. Oh well, I can dream.
Chuma Okeke is somebody to watch. Has a lot physical similarities to Rui Hachimura, but games are basically the anthesis of each other. Quicker feet/hands/reactions defensively, more likely to shoot the 3 and has some passing feel which are all skills that better profile into smaller roles on good teams.
Talen Horton-Tucker declared and looks likely to stay in. Bizzarro 8'8" reach at 6'4". Long and strong frame and fits in as that strong and versatile defender with some playmaking ability that Terry and Neil seem to value. 18.50 years at the draft, 36" max vert at 240lbs and finished nearly 70% of his shots around the rim. Consistency and shot selection are main issues, but I think he has legitimate touch from outside and has substantial two-way impact upside if he develops in the right ways.
He has so much talent but his Bb IQ is questionable and the moment he makes an outside jumper he Chuck's the rest of the game. He is great at getting to the rim and finishing. I can't believe he is projected as a first round pick. Kid couldn't play most of the second halfs of each Big12 tournament game. Coach Prohm made the right call benching him. Gonna hurt the Cyclones not having him come back next year.
He definitely has his issues. His age and nature of his game led to a very up and down year. Just think his combination of age, instincts on both ends and unique physical profile are very appealing. Love the intangibles too. But an eye of the beholder type prospect for sure.
Do think his age, size and the interview process push him into late lotto / mid first unless he can prove to teams that he can shoot. But agree that there's no way he makes it to us, wherever we end up.