5 Small-School Prospects Destined for 2016 NBA Draft

Every year, we see a few small-school prospects defy the odds and wind up getting themselves picked in the NBA draft. 

With the success of league MVP Stephen Curry and All-Stars Damian Lillard, Paul George and Paul Millsap, teams continue to send representatives to scout the lower-profile programs. 

In 2015, it was Cameron Payne (Murray State) who came out of nowhere to find the lottery while R.J. Hunter (Georgia State) and Larry Nance Jr. (Wyoming) managed to crack the first round. 

We went through the mid-major schools (not named Gonzaga or UNLV) and pegged five standouts destined to hear their names called—regardless of what round—in the 2016 draft. 

DeAndre Bembry (SF, Saint Joseph's)

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DeAndre Bembry found the radar during a breakout sophomore year and will be looking to convert the attention into legitimate NBA interest. 

Though his 17.7-points-per-game average suggests scoring prowess, Bembry's sales pitch ultimately revolves around versatility. 

He averaged 3.6 assists and put up a 24.4 percent assist percentage, per Sports-Reference.com—strong numbers for a 2-guard or wing that highlights facilitating instincts. Bembry has demonstrated impressive ability as a playmaker off the dribble and as a pick-and-roll ball-handler.

Of course, scouts will undoubtedly value the strides he's made as a scorer, as well. He can convert from all three levels. This past year, he flashed strong offensive balance, having made 100 shots at the rim, 57 in transition, 49 two-point jumpers and 50 threes, per Hoop-Math.com. 

With impressive averages of eight rebounds, two steals and a block per 40 minutes, Bembry's presence on defense and under the boards only strengthens his NBA case. He's shown that he can stick to guards on the perimeter, create turnovers and consistently crash the glass. 

Improving on his 32.7 percent three-point stroke and 51.2 percent true-shooting percentage could ultimately be keys to a significant draft-stock spike. I'd give Bembry the best shot of any small-school prospect to trigger a first-round bite.

James Webb III (SF/PF, Boise State)

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Last year's Mountain West Newcomer of the Year, James Webb III emerged as a key contributor once Boise State star Anthony Drmic went down with an injury. And the particular strengths Webb flashed have begun translating into NBA buzz. 

With 6'9" size and plenty of bounce, Webb does most of his damage above the rim and behind the arc.

He fits the mold of an NBA stretch forward. Webb has developed a smooth jumper with range, having converted 47 threes (2.1 per 40 minutes) at a terrific 40.9 percent clip. And though not an overly advanced one-on-one scorer, he averaged 16.2 points per 40 minutes as a high-percentage finisher (76.2 percent at the rim, per Hoop-Math.com) and putback machine on the offensive glass (30 putbacks).

Webb ultimately did a solid job rebounding at both ends of the floor (11.6 boards per 40 minutes). 

Between his height, nose for the ball, foot speed and convincing outside stroke, Webb may even be able to sell himself as a versatile 3-4 combo.

Adding strength will remain a priority, but high shooting and rebounding percentages ultimately represent the driving forces behind his stock.

It's reasonable to think that some offensive improvement inside the arc could potentially lead to first-round consideration.

Ron Baker (SG, Wichita State)

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One general manager is bound to buy Ron Baker as a serviceable NBA role player. And there should be a lot more willing to do the same if his recent showing at the Pan American Games was a sign of what's to come. He emerged as a key contributor for a team made up of former pros and current college standouts.

Under the NBA lens, Baker ultimately just does the right things well enough.

He's knocked down at least 38 percent of his threes in back-to-back years, and though not the most dangerous playmaker, he never turns it over (1.1 turnovers in 32.7 minutes). 

At the other end, Baker compensates for height and super quickness with strength (220 pounds), length (6'9½" wingspan), intensity and a high basketball IQ. 

Even if he fails to build on last year's 14.7 points and 2.5 assists, there is going to be one scouting department that values Baker's shot-making, decision-making and defense. 

Shawn Long (PF/C, Louisiana-Lafayette)

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Consistent production and offensive versatility should eventually inspire a team to select Shawn Long. It might not happen in the first round—thanks to limited athleticism and a questionable motor—but at 6'11", 245 pounds with career per-40-minute averages of 22.9 points, 13.9 boards and 2.9 blocks, I'm banking on someone rolling the dice. 

Long has flashed stretch-big potential, having hit 94 threes through three seasons. And he continues to sharpen his scoring attack inside the arc where his two-point field-goal percentage rose to 58.8 percent, up from 54.2 percent the year before. 

His back-to-the-basket game is also strong while his face-up ball skills and mobility can be difficult for opposing centers to contain.

A terrific 20.2 percent rebounding percentage, per Sports-Reference.com, completes the sales pitch. Though his scoring numbers aren't going to translate, Long's ability to man the glass and knock down jumpers could hold enough value during the transition. 

Joel Bolomboy (PF/C Weber State)

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Few legitimate NBA prospects have flown further under the radar than Joel Bolomboy. He just finished his second year in a row averaging a double-double. And though it didn't exactly make national headlines, he quietly emerged as a shooting threat.

Bolomboy, a 6'9", 230-pound above-the-rim leaper, made 15-of-41 threes and a respectable 73.5 percent of his free throws. He's actually developed a convincing stroke with a high release and promising fluidity when set. 

And though his ball skills and post moves still lack a great deal of polish, we did see encouraging signs of progress. He raised his scoring average to 16 points per 40 minutes, up from 11.6 the season before. 

Otherwise, Bolomboy should have the chance to make a living under the boards where his athleticism and motor have led to a career 20.5 percent rebounding percentage, per Sports-Reference.com. 

"If you look at our league and say, ‘Who’s the one NBA prospect?’ It’s obviously [Bolomboy]," says Portland State coach Tyler Geving, per the Standard Examiner's Brandon Garside. 

Assuming he takes another step in the right direction as a senior, Bolomboy could have a real chance at successfully selling himself as an interior energizer and potential stretch big.