In our second installment, we look at guys who can light up the stat sheet. These prospects were all very valuable to their respective college teams and everyone is excited to see where they’ll land in the NBA.
1.) Lonnie Walker IV – Miami (FL), Freshman
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It’s no surprise that the 6’5″ shooting guard out of Miami is considered not only a top shooting guard in this year’s draft, but a top player in general.
Walker, who shot 41.5% from the field this past season, has a quick release. This helps him knock down shots after making a quick move on a defender.
He moves well without the ball, and is never afraid to let it fly. His size is perfect for the two position in the NBA, and should allow him to defend both guards and forwards at the next level.
2.) Khyri Thomas – Creighton, Junior
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Khyri Thomas, the shooting guard out of Creighton, averaged 15.1 ppg last season while shooting 53.8% from the field.
Thomas is always ready to shoot the ball, and at 210lbs, he is able to get physical with defenders and fight for position to get the high percentage shot.
The biggest battle that Thomas will have to fight is proving to scouts that he is big enough to play the two, has he is a little undersized and not a good enough passer to play the point.
Thomas also has the option to return to college for his senior campaign as he has yet to hire an agent.
3.) Donte DiVincenzo – Villanova, Sophomore
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If there’s one name that everyone remembers from this past March it’s DiVincenzo. Throughout March, he scored at will, with his biggest game coming in the National Championship against Michigan.
DiVincenzo shot 48.1% from the field last season, while coming off the bench for a majority of the season. At 6’5”, Donte is big enough to play the two in the NBA.
But, although he was outstanding in March, he is an extremely streaky shooter who can sometimes be selfish and shoot the ball too much, especially early in the shot clock.
Like Khyri Thomas, Donte can also return to a loaded Villanova team as he has yet to higher an agent.
4.) Grayson Allen- Duke, Senior
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Arguably the most hated college basketball player in the past few seasons, Greyson Allen finds himself rounding off our list. This past season, he shot 41.8% from the field and averaged 15.5 ppg.
Throughout his career at Duke, he’s been known as a high-energy guy with decent range. He can get to the rim, sometimes at will. At 6’5” and 205lbs, Allen fits well at the two position on the court, but has some major question marks.
He has a tendency to disappear and can get selfish with ball. The energy he brings comes with a down side, as he’s been known to let his emotions get the best of him.
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