30. G Cassius Winston — Michigan State
NBA Comparison: Monte Morris
Though he checks in at No. 30 on this list, Winston is in the argument for being the best player in college basketball this season. The 21-year-old senior is battle-tested and has been playing at an All-American level since taking over as the starter two years ago. Winston has always been a skilled playmaker, but his scoring prowess was also on full display last year. With Miles Bridges and Jaren Jackson Jr. joining the NBA and the season-ending injury to Joshua Langford, Winston showed that he could carry the scoring load as he averaged 18.8 PPG — good for fourth in the Big Ten.
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29. F Jordan Nwora — Louisville
NBA Comparison: Justin Jackson
Nwora was one of the most improved players in the ACC last year after bumping his scoring total from 5.7 PPG during his freshman season to 17.0 in 2019. Nwora is one of the lethal shooters in college basketball, a trait that will serve him well at the next level. He’s got the size (6-foot-7, 225-pounds) of an NBA wing and even has some experience at the international level as a member of the Nigerian national team.
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28. G/F Samuell Williamson — Louisville
NBA Comparison: Terrence Ross
Though Nwora is likely the most polished Louisville prospect, Williamson is the most intriguing of the bunch. The incoming freshman was a five-star recruit out of Texas and has flashed some serious potential. The 2019 McDonald’s All-American is a superb athlete with excellent length and a high release on his jumpshot. If his all-around game comes around, don’t be surprised to see Williamson pick up some lottery buzz by season’s end.
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27. F Jeremiah Robinson-Earl — Villanova
NBA Comparison: Bobby Portis
The No. 1 player out of Kansas eschewed the Jayhawks in favor of Jay Wright and the Villanova Wildcats. Standing at 6-foot-9, Robinson-Earl possesses the athleticism and scoring ability to be a versatile forward at the NBA level. Though he isn’t overly explosive, Robinson-Earl is mobile and coordinated for his size. He boasts the potential of an excellent role player.
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26. F Amar Sylla — Senegal
NBA Comparison: Al-Farouq Aminu
Sylla is one of a handful of international prospects who are garnering first-round buzz entering 2020. The Senegalese teen has impressive measurables (6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan) with potentially elite athleticism. He projects as a two-way slasher who can get to the rim with a quick first-step and a decent handle, but Sylla has also shown a decent touch from the outside. It might take him a few years, but Sylla could be a boon for whichever team ends up drafting him.
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25. G Isaiah Joe — Arkansas
NBA Comparison: Allen Crabbe
The sharp-shooting Razorback returned to school after a strong freshman campaign in hopes of boosting his draft stock. Joe will have plenty of chances to shine with Arkansas’ 2019 leading scorer — Daniel Gafford — now playing for the Chicago Bulls. Joe boasts the size of a prototypical guard — 6-foot-5 — but needs to put on some weight to match up with NBA wings. He’s a good enough shooter — 41.2 percent from three on 8.0 attempts as a freshman — that he shouldn’t have much of a problem finding an NBA suitor.
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24. G/F Wendell Moore — Duke
NBA Comparison: Kyle Kuzma
The first Blue Devil to make the list, Moore is an exciting wing who could fly up draft boards as the season progresses. Though he’s not the athlete Zion Williamson or even R.J. Barrett were, Moore is a crafty player who has a good feel for the game at a young age. He has the full array of euros, ball fakes, and jab steps, and even has a nice handle for his size. Moore is also one of the youngest players in his class, and just turned 18 in September.
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23. F Jalen Smith — Maryland
NBA Comparison: Jerami Grant
It’s the Jalen Smith show now in Maryland, and the lanky forward is prepared for a big year. With Bruno Fernando out, Smith becomes the focal point of Mark Turgeon’s squad alongside guard Anthony Cowan. Smith has a nice all-around game and has shown few weaknesses outside of his slender frame. He’s a good leaper, a great foul shooter, and can score from all three levels.
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22. F/C Charles Bassey — Western Kentucky
NBA Comparison: Clint Capela
After a brief deliberation, Bassey decided to return to school instead of putting his name in the 2019 NBA Draft. It could end up being a fruitful decision as Bassey has a few key things he can work on during his second year at Western Kentucky. Bassey already has the body to contend with NBA bigs — 6-foot-10, 240-pounds — and should be an adequate rebounder from the get-go. He’ll need to get quicker and more decisive with his playmaking opportunities, but Bassey has the makings of a solid rim-runner-slash-paint-protector in the pros.
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21. G Ochai Agbaji — Kansas
NBA Comparison: Malik Beasley
Agbaji came on strong for the Jayhawks towards the end of last season, and should be slotted for a prominent role for Bill Self’s squad in 2020. Though his three-point shot seemed to leave him towards the end of last season, Agbaji was plenty efficient scoring the ball as he nailed 58 percent of his two-point attempts and 44.9 percent overall. If he continues to develop on the defensive end like he should, Agbaji will be an intriguing 3-and-D talent in the eyes of NBA teams.
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20. G/F Kahlil Whitney — Kentucky
NBA Comparison: Miles Bridges
One member of Kentucky’s vaunted 2019 recruiting class, Whitney will be a major x-factor for the Wildcats in the upcoming season. With guys like P.J. Washington and Tyler Herro leaving for the NBA, there will be plenty of wing minutes to go around and Whitney is a tantalizing prospect. The 6-foot-6 New Jersey product is a supreme athlete — arguably the best in his class — and boasts tremendous defensive potential while being an adequate shooter.
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19. G Josh Green — Arizona
NBA Comparison: Kelly Oubre Jr.
Green is the most recent top-tier prospect to hail from Australia. Much like Ben Simmons, Green is a gifted athlete with elite physical tools. The newest Arizona Wildcat lives above the rim, and is able to finish in traffic with regularity. Green is a menace in the open floor where he can get to the rim or knock down spot-up jumpers off the catch. He’s the prototypical gunner who should be an offensive weapon immediately upon entering the NBA.
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18. F Trendon Watford — LSU
NBA Comparison: Tobias Harris
Though his Hoosier brother — Christian — is a legend in Indiana, Trendon looks to be the most talented sibling in the family. The incoming freshman was named a McDonald’s All-American in 2019, and chose LSU instead of staying in-state at Alabama. Much like his big brother, Watford is a smooth scorer who can fill it up from any spot on the floor. Given his size and versatility, Watford will absolutely be a one-and-done prospect in Baton Rouge.
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17. G Tyrese Maxey — Kentucky
NBA Comparison: Lou Williams
The 6-foot-2 combo guard is a massively gifted scorer who is a threat from virtually everywhere on the floor. Maxey projects to be a plus-shooter at the next level, has an array of ways to finish around the rim, and is excellent as a pick-and-roll ball handler. Even if he’s not a true point guard or much of a defender, Maxey’s skill-set all but guarantees him a spot in the league. Like LA Clippers super-sub Lou Williams, Maxey is a ‘walking bucket’.
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16. F Precious Achiuwa – Memphis
NBA Comparison: Moe Harkless
Achiuwa is a member of the most loaded recruiting class in Memphis history. Though he’s overshadowed by a couple of big names, Achiuwa has NBA teams salivating at his potential. The 6-foot-9 tweener is equipped with an abnormally quick first step, and is an explosive leaper off one or two feet. He’ll attack any sort of defense at the rim, and is a tireless finisher in the paint. He’ll need to up his ball handling and outside shooting to become a legit offensive threat, but Achiuwa has lottery potential written all over him.
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15. F/C N’Faly Dante — Oregon
NBA Comparison: John Collins
The Malian international is a very unique player. Aside from being a rim-protector, Dante is also a polished offensive player. He can stretch the floor from the mid-range, and is deft at finishing in the paint. Essentially, Dante has all the traits to mirror the modern day NBA big man. With a strong season at Oregon, Dante could see his draft stock rise.
Image Source: Sports Illustrated
14. F Tyler Bey — Colorado
NBA Comparison: Andre Iguodala
Bey isn’t a big name by any stretch. He plies his trade at a school known more for football (though the basketball team is a sneaky pick to win the Pac-12 in 2019). An excellent athlete, Bey is capable of guarding both wing spots. He’s the type of guy that will lead your team in deflections, steals, and many of the defensive stats that aren’t quantifiable. If Bey’s shooting from the perimeter can improve, NBA teams are looking at an elite 3-and-D guy. As we’ve seen in recent years, those types of players are invaluable.
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13. G Killian Hayes — France
NBA Comparison: A poor man’s James Harden
Hayes — the son of a former Penn State basketball player — grew up primarily in France. He routinely played against kids in older age brackets. This served him well, as the combo guard fashions his game after James Harden. Instead of heading to the U.S. for high school (as he wanted), Hayes’s father insisted on him sticking it out in France as a professional. Understandably so, that decision seems to be a good one. Hayes is widely projected as a first-round pick — if not a lottery selection.
Image Source: Bleacher Report
12. F/C Vernon Carey — Duke
NBA Comparison: Greg Monroe
Carey will not “wow” anyone athletically. He’s below-average athletically, and doesn’t have ideal height for the center spot. However, he’s quite powerful and skilled around the rim. Carey is a mauler — plain and simple. The Floridian also can extend the floor from beyond 15 feet. Whilst at Duke this season, it’ll be fascinating to see how he develops as a player. He’s clearly behind Isaiah Stewart right now in the “undersized big man” pecking order.
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11. G Scottie Lewis — Florida
NBA Comparison: Bradley Beal
Lewis is one of those guys who could vault himself up the draft boards with a strong season at Florida. He’s getting a ton of buzz right now — and for good reason. Lewis is solidly built, a good finisher in traffic, and has range beyond the NBA three-point line. Aside from being a very good athlete, he’s also built with a 6-foot-11 wingspan. This facet alone should make him a very good perimeter defender.
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10. F/C Jaden McDaniels — Washington
NBA Comparison: Jonathan Isaac
McDaniels is one of those prospects who could go either way. On one hand, he’s blessed with length, athletic ability, and a feathery touch. On the other hand, he’s woefully thin for his position — and there are questions as to whether he can gain the requisite weight to reach McDaniels’s full potential. He figures to still be a lottery pick this upcoming season. With that said, the NBA team opting to take McDaniels might need to be patient in terms of his physical development.
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9. F Deni Avdija — Israel
NBA Comparison: Dario Saric mixed with Ben Simmons
Avdija is a very polarizing prospect. He projects as a playmaking power forward in today’s NBA. Avdija plays the game with an edge. He’s feisty on the court, and isn’t afraid to talk some smack. Some think he’ll be nothing more than a role player — while others are comparing him to a poor man’s Luka Doncic. Either way, Avdija is a highly intriguing player.
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8. F Isaiah Stewart — Washington
NBA Comparison: A more explosive Zach Randolph
Stewart is a bit undersized as a (generously listed) 6-foot-9 power forward. With that said, the New York native has a number of traits which mitigate his less-than-ideal height. For one, Stewart has a ridiculous 7-foot-4 wingspan. Duly, he plays the ball with tremendous aggressiveness. He’s a bull in the paint both scoring the basketball as well as rebounding it. Assuming he improves on both his free throw shooting/perimeter range, there’s no doubt that Stewart has All-Star potential.
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7. G R.J. Hampton — Australia
NBA Comparison: Jamal Murray
Hampton bypassed college in favor of competing versus grown men in New Zealand/Australia. There’s a lot to like about Hampton’s game. He’s able to play either guard spot. In this era of position-less basketball, this is a major plus. A crafty scorer, Hampton can light it up from anywhere on the floor. He has to work on his turnovers, though that will come considering he’s still a teenager.
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6. G Nico Mannion — Arizona
NBA Comparison: A better shooting Ricky Rubio
Mannion will easily be one of college basketball’s most popular players — and for good reason. The red-haired dynamo is magician-like with the basketball. His vision is sublime — as is his ability to deliver the basketball. A better athlete than given credit for, Mannion is calculated when hunting for his own shot. There may be players with higher ceilings, but Mannion is the type of player who helps your basketball team win.
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5. G Theo Maledon — France
NBA Comparison: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Maledon is a bit of an unknown to the typical college basketball fan. A native of France, Maledon functions as an explosive 6-foot-5 point guard. His long frame should result in Maledon becoming a decent defensive player. Duly, his first-step quickness will be a real problem for defenders. When further combining his physical tools with a strong basketball I.Q, Maledon will make one NBA franchise very happy.
Image Source: FIBA
4. G Cole Anthony — North Carolina
NBA Comparison: Kyrie Irving
The son of former NBA player Greg Anthony, Cole is no slouch. In fact, he’s easily a more versatile player than his father ever was. The younger Anthony is an above-average athlete. He can get his shot whenever he wants, and also possesses real playmaking skills. It’ll be interesting to see how Anthony plays this season under Roy Williams. With his ability to score the basketball, Anthony could find himself drafted within the top-three.
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3. F/C James Wiseman — Memphis
NBA Comparison: Myles Turner
The 7-footer will come to the NBA with one of the biggest wingspans (7-foot-6) in the league. Wiseman’s mobility enables him to not only run the floor with ease, but also hedge/switch in pick-and-roll situations. Aside from projecting as a plus-defender, Wiseman has range extending to the three-point line (though he’s still inconsistent int his category). He’ll need to sharpen his perimeter skills, but there’s not another player in this class with Wiseman’s ceiling.
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2. G Anthony Edwards — Georgia
NBA Comparison: Donovan Mitchell
Edwards opted to pass up playing for all the major college basketball programs in favor of his hometown team Georgia. We think this is a positive move, as Edwards won’t be overshadowed by other teammates looking to ‘get theirs’ and thus potentially increase their own draft stocks. Edwards is a big, powerful combo guard. He does have point guard skills — though has the physicality and size to play the shooting guard position. Edwards profiles as a slightly bigger version of Donovan Mitchell. In other words, the explosive athlete can get into the lane anytime he wants.
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1. G LaMelo Ball — Australia
NBA Comparison: Shaun Livingston pre-injury
Forget the LaVar Ball/Big Baller Brand circus. LaMelo Ball is an exceptional talent — and one which was not manufactured via a reality show or a faulty clothing line. At 6-foot-8, Ball has rare passing ability. He can see over a defense, and plays the game with an exceptionally high basketball I.Q. Like his brother Lonzo, Ball also plays the game with nice pace. His perimeter shot is a bit wonky, and he isn’t yet filled out physically. However, there’s no denying how good LaMelo is.
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