2018 NBA Draft Big Board Ahead of 2017-18 CBB Season
The start of college basketball officially ignites the 2018 NBA draft conversation. And it includes a handful of potential stars for the second year in row.
Scouts have already begun making their rounds to practices, and though November is just the beginning, it's already clear which teams will be competing for lottery positions.
Our first big board of the season unsurprisingly is freshman-heavy at the top. It reflects long-term NBA potential, so it's possible some of the following players will wind up staying and declaring in 2019.
No. 50-46
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50. Anas Mahmoud (Louisville, C, Senior)
Mahmoud was the standout during Louisville's first exhibition against KY Wesleyan, finishing with 20 points, seven blocks and four assists. An improving post player and passer who blocked 4.5 shots per 40 minutes in 2016-17, Mahmoud could be in line for a breakout senior year and draw interest for his backup center potential.
49. Bonzie Colson (Notre Dame, PF/C, Senior)
A positionless NBA will benefit Colson, a 6'5", below-the-rim big man. He averaged a double-double last year despite possessing the height of a wing. With a nose for the ball, an improving three-point shot and budding scoring ability, both facing up and back-to-the-basket, Colson could be too productive and intriguing to write off.
48. Andrew Jones (Texas, PG, Sophomore)
Scouts called Jones to the combine last year, presumably due to the intrigue tied to his size and athleticism for a point guard. He'll need to take a major step offensively with his skills and floor game, though. Jones is a capable scorer and playmaker, but his shooting and assist-to-turnover ratio weren't convincing.
47. Wenyen Gabriel (Kentucky, PF, Sophomore)
Known for his defensive versatility and rebounding motor, Gabriel will have a bigger role and more chances to make plays offensively. Surprise shooting touch could help him enter the 2017 draft discussion.
46. Jacob Evans (Cincinnati, SG/SF, Junior)
Evans in on pace for a breakout junior year after shooting 41.8 percent from three. His scoring ability needs to be the next to jump. A tough defender who can stretch the floor and attack, Evans could stand to improve his in-between game with a pull-up and floater.
No. 45-41
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No. 45. Devonte' Graham (Kansas, PG, Senior)
A legitimate National Player of the Year candidate, Graham will look to follow Frank Mason III by consistently leading Kansas. He'll have a shot to similarly go early second round for his ball-handling and shooting.
No. 44 Lamar Peters (Mississippi State, PG, Sophomore)
Peters turned heads with a 25-point game against Kentucky last year. One of the most productive players this summer at Adidas Nations, he's now a breakout candidate with exciting scoring and playmaking skills, though his inefficiency and lack of athleticism do raise doubts over his NBA potential.
No. 43. Emmanuel Akot (Arizona, SF/PF, Freshman)
A project, Akot will earn minutes for his defensive versatility and ball-handling. He's likely too raw to crack 2017's first round, though. Bank on the Rondae Hollis-Jefferson comparisons from Day 1 at Arizona.
No. 42. De'Anthony Melton (USC, PG/SG, Sophomore)
A jack-of-all-trades role player, Melton is a jump shot away from a first-round draft case. Whether he enters this year's mix will come down to how much he raises his 28.4 percent three-point mark and 8.3 points per game.
No. 41. Jaylen Hands (UCLA, PF/SG, Freshman)
Hands will play alongside Aaron Holiday and work as a scorer. Just don't count on many assists, which may cause scouts to suggest that Hands comes back to run UCLA's offense in 2018-19. He's a first-round talent who'll likely need more than one year in college.
No. 40-36
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No. 40. Allonzo Trier (Arizona, SG, Junior)
A threat to lead the Pac-12 in scoring, Trier will carry an even bigger workload with Rawle Alkins expected to miss most of the season. Putting Arizona on his back will reflect favorably on his draft stock, but improving his playmaking will be equally as important.
No. 39. Mitchell Robinson (USA, C, 1998)
Robinson will take the year off to train for the draft, meaning he'll only have workouts and interviews to impress scouts. It's not ideal. Robinson is an NBA talent from a physical and athletic standpoint, but there will be a lot of questions over his skill development and maturity during the pre-draft period.
No. 38. Billy Preston (Kansas, PF, Freshman)
Kansas is going to play small, but Preston should work his way into the rotation. At 6'10", 230 pounds, he's a post scorer and rebounder with shooting touch, but he'll have to avoid floating and settling for low-percentage shots.
No. 37. P.J. Washington (Kentucky, PF/C, Freshman)
An old-school big, Washington will work the post for Kentucky. At 230 pounds with a 7'3" wingspan, he's a tough cover around the key with soft touch in the mid-range. His ceiling isn't high, but his tools and offense within 15 feet hint at role-player potential.
No. 36. Landry Shamet (Wichita State, PG/SG, Junior)
Shamet will look to build off his 20-point game against Kentucky during last year's NCAA tournament. Assuming he returns fully recovered from an offseason foot injury and he continues to shoot over 40 percent from three, his 6'4" size, basketball IQ and jumper could earn him a spot on first-round boards.
No. 35-33
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No. 35. Shake Milton (SMU, PG/SG, Junior)
Milton didn't fully break out as a sophomore and should still have more to show. Semi Ojeleye is gone, meaning the offense (and scouts) will call on Milton to be more aggressive. Despite failing to improve much as a scorer or playmaker, he's remained on the radar for his 6'5" size, ball-screen facilitating and consistent three-point shooting.
No. 34. Justin Jackson (Maryland, SF, Sophomore)
Jackson earned an invite to the NBA combine last year after shooting 43.8 percent from three. Physically, he's strong, long and athletic. But he only shot 43.8 inside the arc and didn't build much of a case as a playmaker, rebounder or defender. He'll have a big opportunity this season without Melo Trimble stealing shots. Jackson is ultimately a candidate to rise if he improves his shot-creating and scoring execution.
No. 33. Kris Wilkes (UCLA, SF, Freshman)
Though raw, Wilkes could see immediate playing time and create enough intrigue with his athleticism. On paper, he doesn't come off as a one-and-done prospect, but Wilkes has a chance to rise if his skills look sharper than expected. A scoring forward, he could fill the hole that T.J. Leaf left in UCLA's frontcourt.
No. 32-30
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32. Isaac Bonga (Germany, PG/PF, 1999)
The idea of Bonga is more enticing than his numbers. A 6'8" point-forward whose distinguishable strength is facilitating, Bonga offers unique versatility as a playmaking big. He's seeing good minutes this year in Germany and he's starting to show signs of improved shooting with five threes through eight games. Still, questions about his jumper and athleticism suggest risk and make him more of an early second-round gamble.
31. Alize Johnson (Missouri State, PF, Senior)
Johnson drew attention averaging a double-double after transferring from junior college. But he officially found the NBA radar by winning MVP of Adidas Nations over the summer. A versatile power forward, Johnson separates himself with athleticism, ball-handling skills and shooting range, having hit 40-of-103 threes last year.
30. Brandon McCoy (UNLV, C, Freshman)
McCoy averaged 11.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in just under 17 minutes per game over the summer during the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup. We've only seen flashes of skill here and there, but at 6'11", 244 pounds, scouts could be willing to wait on his offense as long as he's dominating inside, owning the glass and protecting the rim.
No. 29-27
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29. Rodions Kurucs (Latvia, SF, 1998)
Kurucs withdrew from last year's draft after playing the season in Spain's second division. But he hasn't gotten time this year with Barcelona's senior team, and the fewer minutes he sees, the more unlikely it is Kurucs rises up boards. He'll still remain on the radar for his 6'9" size, athleticism and three-and-D potential.
28. Nick Richards (Kentucky, C, Freshman)
Richards has NBA size, length and athleticism built for finishing, rebounding and shot-blocking. He'll want to show both coach John Calipari and scouts he's tough enough around the basket, since he isn't offering much scoring, playmaking or shooting. It may take Richards more than one season at Kentucky to convince NBA teams he's going to bring something to their paints.
27. Brandon Randolph (Arizona, SG, Freshman)
With Rawle Alkins injured, Randolph is expected to step right in. He's in a good spot to produce playing a starting role alongside Allonzo Trier and DeAndre Ayton, who'll draw a lot of attention from defenses. An explosive athlete with a smooth jumper and scoring ability, Randolph is a sleeper among freshmen, though two years at Arizona may be the more likely timetable.
No. 26-24
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26. Chimezie Metu (USC, C, Junior)
Metu has the NBA tools, bounce and skill set. But scouts could start to lose interest if he can't put them all together on a nightly basis after three years. A lob target, sharp in the post with his back-to-the-basket footwork and mid-range touch, Metu needs to make a bigger, more consistent impact inside at both ends.
25. Grayson Allen (Duke, SG, Senior)
A productive year on the floor and setback-free one off it are keys to Allen's first-round chances. There will be interest in his shot-making and ability to put pressure on defenses with his explosive athleticism. It would certainly reflect favorably on Allen if he showed scouts some leadership as the senior and No. 1 option for a title contender. NBA teams could potentially see him bringing offense and energy off the bench. But given his history, scouts will want to make sure he can be coachable and liked by teammates.
24. Tyus Battle (Syracuse, SG, Sophomore)
Battle looks the part with 6'6" size, athleticism and a competent three-point stroke. And he's shown he can handle the ball and slash for baskets. Suddenly Syracuse's No. 1 option after playing a supporting role in 2016-17, Battle will have the chance to showcase more shot-creating and scoring ability.
No. 23-21
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23. Dzanan Musa (Bosnia and Herzegovina, SG/SF, 1999)
Behind Luka Doncic, Musa has been the next-most productive international teenager expected to draw NBA interest. He's averaging 14.8 points on 50.0 percent shooting in Adriatic League play. There will be questions about his athleticism and defense, but it's becoming tougher to argue against his scoring resume, which dates back to 2014. In 31 FIBA games since, he's averaged 25.0 points.
22. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Kentucky, PG/SG, Freshman)
Gilgeous-Alexander projects to play a significant role for Kentucky with his scoring, playmaking and defense. He filled it up during Kentucky's exhibition game against Morehead State with 17 points, four assists and two steals. He'd be ranked higher if he had a little more bounce and explosiveness, but between his combo versatility and 7'0" wingspan on defense, questions over his athleticism shouldn't set off any alarms.
21. Trevon Duval (Duke, PG, Freshman)
Duval's skills are far behind his physical tools and athleticism, which create upside. He'll have to convince scouts his handle, floor game and shooting are on track to keep improving. Still, for Duke, he'll work as an effective setup man and transition weapon who'll put pressure on defenses by attacking. Maintaining a respectable three-point percentage and assist-to-turnover ratio should be enough for Duval to go first round.
20. Rui Hachimura (Gonzaga, PF, Sophomore)
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Rui Hachimura's breakout FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup was eye-opening, since he only played 4.6 minutes as a freshman and wound up averaging 20.6 points for Japan.
He showed off perimeter skills nobody had seen him execute in NCAA action. A 6'8" power forward, he made his handful of athletic plays around the rim but also looked smooth handling the ball and shooting, both off the dribble and catch.
He'll have the chance to keep the momentum going with a much bigger role now that Zach Collins and Przemek Karnowski are gone. Still, Hachimura's grasp on the No. 20 spot is admittedly loose, given the small sample size of success we've seen over the past few years.
19. Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Virginia Tech, PG/SG, Freshman)
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A scoring playmaker, Nickeil Alexander-Walker first raised his stock last summer by shooting 57.4 percent at Adidas Nations and leading the U18 Americas Championship with 17.4 points per game.
Now Virginia Tech's projected lead guard, he's in position to make noise against powerhouse ACC opponents and draw some NBA interest in the process for his offensive versatility and skill level.
With 6'5" size, pick-and-roll passing instincts, crafty scoring ability off the dribble and shot-making range out to the arc, there should be enough here for scouts to overlook the fact that he isn't the most explosive athlete.
Alexander-Walker isn't billed as an obvious one-and-done freshman, but if he produces in volume the way we expect, a second year at Virginia Tech may not be worth it.
18. Jarred Vanderbilt (Kentucky, PF, Freshman)
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Initially expected to miss three months to a foot injury, Jarred Vanderbilt is on track to return earlier, as coach John Calipari said, per SEC Country's Brian Stultz.
It's a good sign for Kentucky and Vanderbilt's chances of building a draft case for 2017.
He brings a unique mix of size, athleticism and playmaking skills to the 4 or 5 positions. Coaches will love his ability to grab defensive rebounds and initiate the offense or facilitate and pass over a half-court defense.
Shooting will be the big topic when discussing Vanderbilt's NBA potential. He's improved, but his jumper hasn't been reliable or even threatening in some settings.
17. Hamidou Diallo (Kentucky, SG, Freshman)
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Scouts are already familiar with Hamidou Diallo after he forced them to look at him by testing the waters in 2017. It was the smart move, which allowed him to attend the combine and meet with NBA teams.
Returning to Kentucky should also pay off. Instead of entering the draft as a productionless project, he's now in position to lead the Wildcats in scoring. An explosive athlete poised to create routine highlights above the rim, Diallo also has enough skill to convert runners and uncontested jumpers.
But to move into the lottery mix, scouts will want to see sharper ball-handling, shot-creating and shooting from than he showed during the U19 FIBA World Cup.
16. Bruce Brown Jr. (Miami, SG, Sophomore)
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Bruce Brown Jr. figures to be one of the ACC's top producers as a sophomore, having already shown he can score 30 points against North Carolina and 25 against Duke.
From a scouting perspective, on one hand, Brown packs 6'5" size, athleticism and combo-guard versatility with the ability to attack, catch fire and take over or make plays for teammates (3.2 assists per game). He can be a pest defensively with his quickness and competitive edge (1.5 steals).
On the other hand, Brown isn't convincing around the perimeter with his shooting range (33-of-95 from three), pull-up or floater (25.4 percent on two-point jumpers). And his decision-making as a ball-handler (16.1 turnover percentage) has looked shaky.
Brown will still have the chance to rise Donovan Mitchell-style if he can improve his three-ball and lead Miami to wins as a reliable No. 1 option.
15. Mikal Bridges (Villanova, SF, Junior)
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NBA playoff teams projected to pick outside the lottery should already have Mikal Bridges on their watch lists.
He hasn't shown he can create, which would cap his upside as a wing. But Bridges' shooting and defense have both looked encouraging. And with 6'6" size and 7'0 ½" wingspan, his tools, athleticism and strengths point to a high, three-and-D floor.
Will he suddenly show scouts he's more of a threat to score and make plays off the dribble? He'll have a better opportunity now that Josh Hart is gone.
14. Gary Trent Jr. (Duke, SG, Freshman)
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There were initially questions about Gary Trent Jr.'s early role with Grayson Allen back and Trevon Duval running the point. But Trent started alongside both (15 points) during Duke's exhibition game against Northwest Missouri. And it seemed pretty obvious he's ready to play a big role for the Blue Devils right away.
A pure scorer, Trent is already dangerous around the perimeter with his three-ball and ability to separate and shoot off the dribble. And he'll find ways to convert off improvisation using unconventional runners around the key.
He'll have to avoid stopping ball movement, taking bad shots and going through prolonged slumps. But Trent will draw NBA interest for his scoring and shot-making, assuming he's consistent and productive enough after one year at Duke. It wouldn't be shocking if Trent stayed for two seasons.
13. Wendell Carter Jr. (Duke, PF/C, Freshman)
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Wendell Carter Jr. has played in front of scouts since his USA Basketball debut in 2015, and he'll have a starting role for arguably the nation's top team. The big question early is what his role will entail with bigs Marvin Bagley III and Marques Bolden also in the mix.
Still, Carter's enormous physical tools—6'10", 259 pounds, 7'3" wingspan—won't go unnoticed. He's a good bet to shoot a high percentage and a candidate to lead the team in boards.
He has Al Horford's old-school, non-flashy, fundamentally sound offensive game. But will Carter have the opportunity to fully showcase his post moves and jumper, given Duke's plethora of 4s and 5s plus Trevon Duval, Grayson Allen and Gary Trent Jr.?
12. Kevin Knox (Kentucky, SF/PF, Freshman)
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Set to become one of Kentucky's go-to options, Kevin Knox could also be the youngest player in the country.
It should buy him extra time with scouts if he winds up shooting poorly and taking questionable shots. But Knox, a 6'9" combo forward, will build a case with scoring versatility.
His bag is deep. Knox can burn defenses with the three-ball, pull-up and runner. And he's good enough off the dribble to attack from the arc and get to the rim.
Too many hero jumpers could get him in trouble, but Knox clearly has the talent and skill set for the NBA's small-ball 4 position.
11. Troy Brown (Oregon, SG/SF, Freshman)
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At 6'7" and 215 pounds, Troy Brown could be Oregon's top point guard, which is bound to attract NBA attention.
He just dished out nine assists to lead the team during its first exhibition Monday against Northwest Christian. Brown has natural facilitating instincts, fitting the mold of a playmaking wing like Evan Turner—skilled off the dribble with vision, passing instincts and two-point scoring ability.
Three-point shooting could be his swing skill to track, but he also checks boxes across the board, and he only turned 18 years old in July. Between his triple-double and defensive potential, Brown could still draw top-20 interest even if he shoots below 35 percent from deep.
10. Robert Williams (Texas A&M, PF/C, Sophomore)
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Unless Robert Williams inexplicably regresses, he's a first-round lock for 2018 after entering the lottery discussion in 2017. His offensive development from last year to this season will determine whether he improves his stock as a top-10 prospect.
Raw and limited as a scorer, Williams earned most of his points by running the floor, cutting, finishing or putting back misses. The NBA lens picks up his athleticism and 7'4" wingspan, a mix that translated to 58.9 percent shooting on two-pointers plus 3.8 blocks and 12.6 rebounds per 40 minutes.
He'll have a chance to be the top returning prospect picked if he can make enough jumpers and show improvement to his post footwork.
9. Collin Sexton (Alabama, PG/SG, Freshman)
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The best bet for first guard taken in the draft, Collin Sexton is going to earn fans for his athleticism, scoring and competitiveness.
Expect a heavy dose of points in the paint and free throws. Sexton, whose game is predicated on attacking, is difficult to keep out of the lane. NBA teams will covet his ability to put pressure on defenses with dribble penetration. He doesn't always need a screen to get by his man.
A confident (at times reckless) player, Sexton can take over games, but he's also liable to take bad shots or make questionable decisions. The keys for his draft stock: erasing doubt over his shooting and floor game.
8. Miles Bridges (Michigan State, SF/PF, Sophomore)
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After averaging 16.9 points as a freshman, Miles Bridges is locked in for a productive sophomore year. National Player of the Year honors aren't out of the question. But what about his future fit in the NBA?
Scouts should see Bridges as a small-ball 4, where he can exploit his quickness and power and play away from his weakness as a face-up shot-creator.
He'll want to validate last year's 38.9 percent three-point mark since he shot only 68.5 percent from the free-throw line. He'd also benefit from a sharper isolation scoring game. But as long as he continues to defend, channel his explosiveness and make enough jump shots, Bridges will earn his invite to the 2018 green room.
7. Lonnie Walker IV (Miami, SG, Freshman)
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Back after offseason knee injury, Lonnie Walker IV is set for a significant role in Miami.
His stock rose last April after he scored 19 points at the Jordan Brand Classic. Walker passes the NBA eye test with 6'4", 192-pound size, an impressive 6'10 ½" wingspan and plenty of athleticism.
He'll enter the one-and-done discussion with a smooth three-ball, slashing ability and defensive tools that point to two-way potential. Depending on how much of a backseat he takes to Bruce Brown Jr. and Ja'Quan Newton, Walker could wind up staying another year, instead looking to crack the top 10 in 2019.
6. Jaren Jackson Jr. (Michigan State, PF/C, Freshman)
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Jaren Jackson Jr. is on the raw side, but he's still going to make an impact and NBA fans with his 7'4" wingspan, efficiency and defense.
He'll work as a finisher and offensive rebounder for Michigan State, and he'll likely rank among the top shot-blockers in the Big Ten. He just swatted eight shots in an exhibition against Division II Ferris State.
But Jackson has some shooting touch with which to work. And if he can convince scouts he'll protect the rim, cover ground defensively, clean the glass and stretch the floor, teams could be willing to gamble on Jackson's offensive skill development while his tools, athleticism and motor give him a role-player floor.
5. Mohamed Bamba (Texas, C, Freshman)
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Mohamed Bamba will earn the title of top defensive prospect in the draft, but he's going to surprise with offensive fluidity and promising shooting touch.
The obvious draw to Bamba starts with his 7'9" wingspan, which leads to blocked and contested shots and easy baskets offensively. He's shown improving footwork, skill in the post and even some range on his jumper, which could boost his stock further depending on how much progress he makes with each from November to March.
Bamba already went for 15 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks in a scrimmage against Texas A&M. It's worth noting fellow top-10 prospect Robert Williams exposed his limited strength on multiple occasions.
A twig-like frame and lack of polish are reasons to sell Bamba as a star prospect. But there is too much intrigue and upside tied to his unprecedented tools and encouraging signs of inside-out scoring.
4. Marvin Bagley III (Duke, PF, Freshman)
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Though he's the top athlete among elite prospects, Marvin Bagley III will build his draft case with developing skills that fuel inside-out scoring versatility.
His jumper is still a work in progress, which is the primary reason why three prospects are ranked higher. Still, Bagley is going to give his offense easy baskets off transition, cuts, lobs and putbacks both in college and the pros. And between his budding post game, quickness and ability to handle, attack and convert on the move, he's still a tough one-on-one cover without credible shooting range.
Scouts have raved about his motor. Looking capable enough from outside and showing he can defend the paint and switch around the perimeter ultimately will be key to Bagley maxing out his draft stock.
3. Michael Porter Jr. (Missouri, SF/PF, Freshman)
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Bank on plenty of 20-plus-point efforts from Michael Porter Jr. at Missouri. He already went for 21 during the Tigers' exhibition game last week against Kansas.
NBA teams will ultimately look at Porter as a potential top option. At 6'10", he's unique and attractive for his size and perimeter scoring skills. Porter has a smooth shooting stroke with three-point range and the valuable ability to create, separate and knock down pull-ups or runners off the dribble.
Between his size and athleticism, he's also a good bet for multiple easy buckets at the rim every game.
Scouts have brought up his questionable shot selection and tendency to take plays off, but they won't factor into his draft stock if he efficiently scores in volume and carries Missouri to the NCAA tournament.
2. DeAndre Ayton (Arizona, C, Freshman)
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DeAndre Ayton almost feels overlooked after Bagley's reclassification, Porter's big high school senior year and the emergence of Slovenian star Luka Doncic.
Based on what he showed at Arizona's annual Red-Blue game, Ayton looks like a legitimate No. 1 overall talent with monster tools (7'1", 250 lbs, 7'5 ½" wingspan) and developing versatility today's NBA values. Back-to-the-basket scoring, mid-range shooting, three-point range—the Bahamian center flashed the same package of skills and fluidity that helped Karl-Anthony Towns rise atop the 2015 board.
A potential volume rebounder with defensive upside in rim protection, Ayton comes off as a full-package, two-way stretch 5.
1. Luka Doncic (Slovenia, PG/SG, 1999)
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Not many teenagers see regular minutes in Euroleague. Luka Doncic is leading it in scoring, averaging 24.0 points to go along with 6.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists through four games, which has helped Real Madrid get off to a 4-0 start.
No one as young as Doncic has ever consistently filled up box scores and beat pros, including NBA players such as Kristaps Porzingis and the Gasol and Hernangomez brothers, at EuroBasket.
"Michael Porter Jr. and Marvin Bagley III couldn't put up the production that Doncic is doing in a 40-minute FIBA ball-control game," an NBA veteran scouting executive told Bleacher Report in September.
Doncic can't match the NCAA stars' explosiveness or bounce, but his success against tougher competition than college is too convincing. Between his tools, versatility, IQ and track record, he'll have a strong No. 1 overall case by June.
Advanced stats via Hoop-Math and Sports Reference unless otherwise noted. Wingspans via DraftExpress.
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