BYU Basketball: NBA Draft Insiders Weigh in on Tyler Haws' Pro Future

PROVO, Utah — Despite an impressive collegiate tenure, being drafted into the NBA looks like a long shot for BYU's Tyler Haws.

The former Cougar standout hasn’t necessarily gained serious interest from NBA teams, which was only solidified after Haws failed to receive a combine invitation. He may have a great professional future playing basketball, but several NBA draft experts claim that the league may not be his long-term home.

“He’s on the outside looking in (at the NBA draft),” said Chad Ford, ESPN’s draft insider. “He’s in our Top 100 right now, but he’s more than 30 spots away from the Top 60. … I think he’ll make a lot of money playing basketball.  I just think it will likely be overseas.”

Rick Bowmer/Associated Press

Adjusting to foreign ball may not be a huge problem for Haws, who was born in Belgium while his father, Marty, played professional basketball. What may be an issue, though, is missing out on any player's dream: being drafted into the NBA.

Luckily for him, nothing is ruled out yet. Haws may not have immediate professional success—his overall athleticism and defense are his biggest flaws—but finding a spot in the league is definitely possible.

“NBA GMs are leaning towards not drafting him, mainly because of his age and lack of versatility,” said Daniel O’Brien, an NBA draft specialist for Bleacher Report. “He’s a versatile college player, but he’ll have a tough time creating his own shot in the NBA, and he probably won’t be a great pro defender against NBA shooting guards.

“Whether he’s drafted or not is one thing, whether or not he can find a spot in the league is another. You see guys all the time who go undrafted, but they find a spot (later on) in the league. I love Haws’ ability to find open shots, he has good footwork and he’s quick.”

Haws was undoubtedly a phenomenal college player, but like so many others, his game may not translate to the NBA. He lacks any outstanding physical skills that appeal to league scouts, and that may be what holds him back from finding a niche at the next level.

Greg Wahl-Stephens/Associated Press

“He’s such a great college player,” added Ford. “I love his feel for the game. He has a crazy high basketball IQ and just knows how to get his shot.

“Unfortunately, in the NBA, that’s rarely enough. They want to see some combination of elite size, athleticism or skill set. Haws is just average as far as size goes, he’s a little below average as an athlete by NBA standards, and while he’s incredibly well-rounded, he doesn’t have one elite skill (like being a 40 percent-plus three-point shooter) that gives him a foothold in the league.”

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

For guys like Haws, playing in the West Coast Conference doesn’t supply preparation for the NBA like most “power” conferences. This doesn’t make or break a pro career, as so many mid-major stars have become standouts at the next level, but it doesn’t give Haws the extra advantage of consistently playing against high-level competition.

“The NBA is a whole different beast compared to college,” added O’ Brien. “That’s why you see guys who have great college careers…that don’t see it translate to the NBA, because you need elite athleticism (to succeed). In college, Haws gets away it because guys in the WCC aren’t as quick, aren’t as big, as NBA-caliber players.”

Another factor that could hurt Haws’ draft stock is his style of play. He’s at his best from the 15-foot range or off the dribble, which is a diminishing role in the NBA unless paired with another outstanding skill.

“I think there’s a role for that. I do,” said Ford. “It’s getting smaller and smaller in the league, but it’s there. But it’s not the offense that will be the problem; it’s his ability to defend his position at the NBA level that will cause him the most grief. Without the size, length or explosiveness, he’ll struggle to score more on offense than he gives up on defense."

Regardless of whether or not Haws is drafted, don’t count him out. He’ll do whatever he can to find a place in the league, whether it is the first time around or later on.

“I think the best thing about Haws is his work ethic and his character. His intangibles are off the charts,” said Jonathan Givony of Draft Express. “You don’t want to bet against a guy like that because you know he’s going to work on his body, his three-point shot, his defense.

“Even if (Haws) doesn’t get drafted, he’s someone that could go to Europe, play really well and maybe eventually make his way back into the NBA.”

Samuel Benson is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. Contact him at [e-mail]. All quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.