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Class of 2016 CBB Recruits Who Will Turn Heads at the 2017 NBA Draft Combine

Scott PhillipsMay 13, 2016

The NBA Draft Combine is currently happening in Chicago as some of the best players from college basketball are seeing where they stand in front of the watchful eye of NBA GMs and personnel. 

By next year, the current group of high school seniors, the Class of 2016, could have a lot of faces at the NBA Draft Combine.

While some of these players could be set in the top five and opt not to play or show up, many could be playing or interviewing with teams for the pros after one season of college basketball. Since the Class of 2016 is so loaded with potential one-and-done players, here's a look at 10 players who could be in this position by next year. 

Marques Bolden, Undecided

1 of 10

Claim to fame: At the Nike Hoop Summit, Bolden was measured with a 7'6" wingspan and a 9'4.5" standing reach, meaning that he has the kind of measurables that NBA teams love out of a center. 

What he needs to prove: Bolden still has to decide between Duke and Kentucky, and wherever he goes, Bolden will need to show that he can rebound and defend the rim. He can score with his back to the basket, but he'll need to continue to play in pick-and-roll settings.

NBA potential: If Bolden can figure out how to manage high ball screen situations, he has the size and skill level to be a major force at any level. Showing advanced post skills, a great standing reach and some upside, Bolden has a lot of things to like.

Jonathan Isaac, Florida State

2 of 10

Claim to fame: Big wings are all the rage right now and at 6'10" with a 7'1.25" wingspan measured at the Nike Hoop Summit, the Florida State commit is the next in line. Isaac has the kind of size that a wing like Kevin Durant or Brandon Ingram has, but he can also add weight and is already 205 pounds.

What he needs to prove: For Isaac, he'll need to prove that he can be consistently productive at Florida State because expectations are high for him as a freshman. At times, Isaac can take over games with his rare size and wing skills, but he has to be consistent.

NBA potential: If Isaac continues to improve his ball-handling and wing skills, he could be a major matchup nightmare at both Florida State and the NBA because he has tremendous size while being able to play on the perimeter. Maximizing his talent could mean all-star potential.

De'Aaron Fox, Kentucky

3 of 10

Claim to fame: Headed to Kentucky for his freshman season, the 6'4" Fox is a freak athlete who can play above the rim and goes extremely fast from end to end. With the NBA looking for big and athletic lead guards, Fox fits that mold.

What he needs to prove: A reliable perimeter jumper will go a long way in helping Fox solidify his draft stock among NBA teams. Getting in the paint is easy for Fox, but he can be inconsistent with his jumper and has to improve that.

NBA potential: With his ability to play both ends of the floor and his athleticism, Fox has a high ceiling, especially if he can make a perimeter jumper consistently. Already a high-motor leader, Fox can take over games and run an offense at a high level.

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Miles Bridges, Michigan State

4 of 10

Claim to fame: A power wing who already has good size and strength, Bridges is around 230 pounds and can play multiple positions on the floor thanks to his versatility. This ability to score from all over the floor and defend multiple positions makes Bridges intriguing.

What he needs to prove: With Michigan State losing Denzel Valentine and Bryn Forbes, they'll need some scoring to come in and Bridges should be able to help with that. If Bridges can also rebound and knock down some perimeter jumpers, it'll be a nice season for him.

NBA potential: Bridges being able to play multiple positions (specifically a small-ball 4) will probably make him a valuable NBA player if he continues to increase his skill level. With the size and athleticism to be a tough cover, Bridges could be a matchup nightmare. 

Bam Adebayo, Kentucky

5 of 10

Claim to fame: With raw power and tremendous athleticism, the 6'9" Adebayo looks to tear the rim down with every dunk as he's always trying to finish around the basket. These traits also help the future Kentucky big man with rebounding.

What he needs to prove: Playing in high ball-screens will be a big point of emphasis for Adebayo, especially if he can hit jumpers on a pick-and-pop. If Adebayo looks like he's improved his skill level, he is already known for his power, so it's just an added bonus.

NBA potential: True power forwards still have some value on the glass and finishing around the basket, but if Adebayo wants to play in the new-age NBA, he'll have to showcase some skills and a bit of a jumper as well.

Dennis Smith, N.C. State

6 of 10

Claim to fame: Explosive point guards are difficult to find and Smith is a big-time athlete while also having the skill to expertly run pick-and-rolls. The 6'2" Smith is coming off of a torn ACL, but history has shown to watch out if you're a defender near the rim if he's at full speed.

What he needs to prove: A healthy and productive freshman season would go a long way in helping prove that Smith was ready for the NBA. If Smith shows the explosive form he had in high school, he could be on his way to the NBA Draft.

NBA potential: There are so many talented lead guards in the NBA right now that there is always room for a potential starting-caliber player who could blossom to greater heights. With a healthy knee and improved jumper, Smith would be a tough assignment for any defender.

Jayson Tatum, Duke

7 of 10

Claim to fame: A tireless worker at the craft of basketball, Tatum has an advanced skill set when it comes to creating his shot and scoring in the mid-range. With his ability to also frequently get to the free-throw line, Tatum is a very good scorer.

What he needs to prove: One thing that would help Tatum's stock immensely is his ability to knock down three-pointers. Tatum has been very good at scoring from the mid-range and mid-post during his career, but it would help Duke and his NBA stock if he can space the floor from three.

NBA potential: Tatum has potential star power because he's the type of player who never stops working and is constantly improving something with his game. If the St. Louis native keeps increasing his skill level, he could be an all-star.

Markelle Fultz, Washington

8 of 10

Claim to fame: By proving that he can play point guard, Fultz has great size at 6'4.75" so he has a clear advantage over some at the position. When you include his 6'9" wingspan and ridiculous ball-handling ability, Fultz has a lot to work with.

What he needs to prove: With Dejounte Murray and Marquess Chriss leaving for the NBA Draft, Fultz will get a chance to be a go-to guy early as he'll be counted on to score and distribute for the Huskies. Washington having a successful season wouldn't hurt Fultz either.

NBA potential: Fultz has come on strong during the spring as multiple other players praised his development and commented on how he's improved. DraftExpress vaulted Fultz to the No. 2 spot in its 2017 mock draft, so his stock is as high as ever.

Josh Jackson, Kansas

9 of 10

Claim to fame: A hypercompetitive athlete who loves to play above the rim, Jackson is also long and skilled for a wing. With a 6'9.75" wingspan, Jackson can be a great defender at the next level with his ability to move laterally.

What he needs to prove: Since he still has a hitch in his jump shot, Jackson is going to be counted on to work on that and consistently hit threes if he wants to be in the conversation as a top pick. Jackson currently brings the ball from a low angle, but it's a workable fix.

NBA potential: The way that he is competitive along with his athletic traits gives Jackson a chance to be an all-star as a two-way wing. Rebounding and passing are additional strengths of Jackson's and he's a well-rounded winner who plays hard.

Harry Giles, Duke

10 of 10

Claim to fame: Giles has had two knee injuries during his high school career, but at 6'10.75" with a 7'3" wingspan, he has the type of frame, athleticism and skill level that teams covet. 

What he needs to prove: Health will be a big factor for Giles, and not just getting through this season at Duke. Giles has to prove he's healthy enough to play back-to-back seasons and be prepared for the rigors of professional basketball.

NBA potential: When he's at his finest, Giles is a scoring and rebounding machine who puts up double-doubles and has a quick second leap off the floor. Also skilled as a face-up guy who can shoot or put it on the floor, Giles could be a future new-age big man.

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