2018 NBA Draft: Top Takeaways from 2017 Champions Classic
The 2017 Champions Classic featured two tight games and over a dozen high-profile NBA prospects for scouts to evaluate in Chicago on Tuesday.
The Duke Blue Devils took down the Michigan State Spartans, 88-81, before the Kansas Jayhawks outlasted the Kentucky Wildcats, 65-61. Each contest featured a potentially needle-moving performance, as well as a few others that were telling in terms of where prospects stand developmentally.
Unfortunately for scouts, Duke's Marvin Bagley III, a potential No. 1 overall pick, went down early with a scratched eye. But the event still should have been valuable for evaluators, as so much new talent was showcased on the same floor.
Jaren Jackson Jr. Will Make the 2018 Draft Even Stronger at the Top
1 of 7
Stats against Duke: 7-of-10 FG, 19 points, seven rebounds, three blocks, 3-of-5 3PT
The NBA draft discussion's elite tier could have a new member.
Jaren Jackson Jr. was the big eye-opener under the scouting lens with Marvin Bagley III forced to leave the game early.
Already well-regarded by NBA scouts, Jackson continued to strengthen his case against Duke with 19 points and seven rebounds, though it was the three blocks and three triples that fueled all the excitement over his performance.
An eye-test stud at 6'11" with 7'4" length and quick feet, Jackson, whose physical tools point to monster defensive upside, impressed with touch and range that seemed unlikely to show this early. Despite unconventional mechanics, he looked confident in his ability to catch and shoot. And scouts will see major value in his potential to protect the rim and stretch the floor.
Still completely raw, Jackson just turned 18 years old in September and now already has a huge game on the resume against the nation's No. 1 team.
Even if this winds up being one of his best performances of the year, Jackson has established himself as a promising "potential" pick NBA teams could be willing to reach for and wait on once drafted.
He started the season No. 6 on our big board and doesn't appear to be going anywhere.
Grayson Allen Is Ready to Bounce Back into the First-Round Discussion
2 of 7
Stats against Michigan State: 11-of-20 FG, 37 points, 7-of-11 3PT
There was a cloud of negativity that hovered over Grayson Allen in 2016-17. But he was beaming positive vibes Tuesday night with dozens of scouts and executives tuned in. Allen carried Duke with takeover scoring and timely shooting—the type NBA coaches could covet in an off-guard.
As exciting as his explosiveness is, it's his shot-making that will give him a chance in the NBA.
He was unstoppable the entire game, knocking down jumpers off quick-trigger transition chances, spot-ups, screens and pull-ups. Allen drilled seven of 11 threes en route to a career-high 37 points, including eight in the final three minutes.
Buckets aside, he came off confident and refreshed, and looked ready to take on the role as both the go-to player and leader. As long as he can stay out of trouble, Allen looks poised to re-establish his draft stock and credibility.
Trevon Duval: Plenty of Potential, Plenty of Improvement Needed
3 of 7
Stats against Michigan State: 7-of-20 FG, 17 points, 10 assists, six steals
At 19 years old, Trevon Duval has moments in which he looks more like an athlete who's playing basketball than a basketball player. But even without the polish we saw from 2017 guards Markelle Fultz and Dennis Smith Jr., Duke's star freshman managed 17 points and 10 assists against Michigan State.
His speed and athleticism consistently led to layup opportunities and defensive playmaking (six steals). He'll put pressure on opponents all year, and looking ahead, the NBA's pace and space should play to Duval's strengths.
However, the ability and willingness to set the table was the most impressive aspect of his game Tuesday night. He made high-level passes and used his elusiveness to open shots for teammates.
At the same time, there were plays that pointed to an unrefined skill level and feel. He missed eight shots in the paint and was denied at the rim six times, per ESPN. He missed all four of his threes (air-balled his last) and passed on open ones. Duval also had an unforced turnover in crunch time after he drove straight into traffic when Duke didn't need to rush.
In terms of potential, Duval showed he has plenty that's tied to his physical gifts and knack for exploiting them. But he also has a lot to work on—specifically his shaky jumper, ball-handling, finishing and decision-making.
Miles Bridges Looked the Same, for Better and Worse
4 of 7
Stats against Duke: 7-of-15 FG, 19 points, five rebounds, four assists, four blocks, 5-of-10 3PT
If it wasn't for accurate spot-up three-point shooting, MSU's Miles Bridges wouldn't have had much to show scouts offensively. And it's still crucial that he continues to convert from behind the arc. But Duke's zone exposed Bridges' struggles off the dribble, a weakness we saw last year.
He finished with five turnovers after wracking up nine against Kentucky at the 2016 Champions Classic. Bridges doesn't have an advanced handle, which makes it difficult for him to shake defenders and penetrate through tight gaps. And he lacks a strong feel for the game, which causes him to force the issue on multiple occasions without a plan.
Spectacular athleticism—which leads to defensive playmaking (four blocks) and easy baskets off drives, cuts and transition—plus promising shooting, will secure him a spot in the first round. But for him to significantly improve his stock from last season, scouts will want to see more creativity and ability to get higher-percentage looks against a set defense.
Billy Preston Raising Questions
5 of 7
Billy Preston is off to a rough start, and he hasn't even played a minute.
Kansas suspended its top freshman on opening night after he missed curfew. Expected to make his debut against Kentucky in the Champions Classic, Preston was held out again—this time regarding a single-vehicle incident on campus that administration needed a "clearer financial picture" of.
We still don't have details, but it isn't the start that Preston, the Jayhawks or scouts were hoping for.
He'll have to begin his freshman year behind everyone else and with new questions to answer.
Kevin Knox: Kentucky's X-Factor and Most Intriguing NBA Prospect
6 of 7
Stats against Kansas: 8-of-13 FG, 20 points, seven rebounds, two steals, 3-of-6 3PT
Despite the loss, Kevin Knox carried Kentucky against Kansas without forcing anything. He scored efficiently, finishing with 20 points on 13 shots, including three triples, a floater and a mid-range jumper.
As a 6'9" combo forward, Knox's perimeter skills will draw NBA attention, considering his ability to rise over defenders from every spot on the floor.
And it's clear the Wildcats will need his offense, meaning Knox should have a featured role to build a draft case with.
He's been questioned for his shot selection in the past, and a green light could make low-percentage hero jumpers more tempting. But enough performances like the one Tuesday night will make it easier to overlook the freshman mistakes, given Knox's obvious talent and scoring versatility. Not only that, but he could also be the youngest player in the country.
Hamidou Diallo's Skills Still Noticeably Behind Athleticism
7 of 7
Stats against Kansas: 4-of-11 FG, 14 points, five rebounds, four assists
Except for a runner just outside the key, Hamidou Diallo failed to make a jumper Tuesday night. And it probably won't be the last time this season.
Diallo's ball skills and shooting are noticeably behind. Against Kansas, he couldn't convert any perimeter scoring chances and struggled to create quality looks against its set defense.
He also had some exciting finishes above the rim, particularly in transition, which highlighted his unteachable athleticism and length (6'11" wingspan). Diallo will get those easy baskets every night just by tapping into his quick first step, open-floor speed and explosive leaping.
Still, when he tested the NBA waters last summer, his enticing tools and bounce weren't enough for scouts. He's come back to prove there is more to his game. And though the four assists he had in Chicago were encouraging, unless Diallo begins to sharpen his off-the-dribble offense and hit the open outside shots, he won't make the jump up boards he wanted.
