2024 Aggregate Mock Draft: Zac Risacher, Nikola Topic, Cody Williams, Reed Sheppard rising (2024)

(Perth Wildcats: Forward, International, 7-1)

Previous rank: 2 (+1) / Best rank: 1 / Worst rank: 7

Alex Sarr broke out as a potential high lottery pick after consecutive strong performances against G League Ignite in early September. Before losing in the NBL semifinals, Sarr has shown why he’s now projected as the No. 1 overall pick while blocking and altering shots at the rim like a human fly swatter.

The consistency of Sarr’s motor was questioned upon his arrival to the Perth Wildcats, but he’s since shown improvement as a rim runner and as a switchable defender to guard smaller players in isolation. Sarr slides his feet well on the perimeter and is resistant to pump fakes around the rim, preferring to hold his position and trust his leaping ability to block shots at the rim.

“I think Sarr has everything to his game,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He needs to go somewhere that’s patient with him. He can be a really good two-way player you can build around in two years. I believe in his shooting and shot blocking.”

Sarr will have to continue improving his three-point shot, which is hovering around 28 percent, and strengthen his physique if he’s going to play center more often than power forward at the NBA level.

“I think the concern would be that he’s not a consistent shooter,” another NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He’s made shots to a relatively good degree, though. He’s big and athletic enough. Is he going to be a spot-up shooter? Is he going to make 32 or 37 percent? That’s the difference between a gravity type of shooter. Then, there’s the physicality. Is he going to be that physical at the five against the NBA big men he’ll see?”

While Sarr may not offer the upside and immediate of Victor Wembanyama and Paolo Banchero, his versatility on defense and ability to stretch the floor makes him a strong contender for the top pick in this year’s class.

(JL Bourg-en-Bresse: Wing, International, 6-8)

Previous rank: 8 (+2) / Best rank: 1 / Worst rank: 18

French forward Zaccharie Risacher has been a consistent shooter through the season at 43.8 percent from beyond the arc. He’s shown the ability to knock down catch-and-shoot opportunities and also uses a slide step to create space for his shot.

“Risacher is No. 1 for me,” an NBA scout told HoopsHype. “I like his shot-making potential, his size, he can guard one through three in the league right now, and I like his feel with the ball.”

Risacher has proven he’s willing to attack closeouts off the dribble and push the ball off rebounds the length of the court in transition, though his overall rebounding could use improvement. While Risacher can create some separation off the dribble beyond the arc to get his shot off, he’s better in the open floor in transition versus attacking a defender one-on-one off the dribble.

“Some people will have Risacher at No. 1-3,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “Everybody wants a big versatile wing that’s young and can continue to develop. People want a guy that can make some shots. He’s not a shot creator. He’s trending more towards a player you stick in the corner. I don’t think he’s a guy you can run your offense through. Overseas, they’re doing a bit of playing him off the ball and some on the ball. He’s athletic enough. His understanding of the game is relatively high. At the end of the day, I think he’ll be more of a 3-and-D caliber wing as opposed to a guy that’s going to be one of your Top 3 players going forward in the NBA for a team.”

The Frenchman narrowly missed out on being the No. 1 pick in this update and will be heavily in the race for the top pick going forward.

(Crvena Zvezda: Guard, International, 6-6)

Previous rank: 13 (+10) / Best rank: 1 / Worst rank: 15

Nikola Topic, who has been out with a knee injury since January 4, has skyrocketed up draft boards around the league over the past six months. Topic is now considered the top point guard available in the draft thanks to his size, playmaking ability, and potential to make an immediate impact next season. For now, the biggest question surrounding Topic’s game is his three-point shooting ability.

“I love Topic’s brain and physicality,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “I like his demeanor and he’s played at a high level overseas. I think he’s shooting high 50s at the rim. A part of his game he’ll have to develop is his outside shooting. If you’re going to be a lead guard in the NBA, you’ve got to be able to come off highball screens and knock down shots. You’ve got to be able to pull the defense away from the rim so that you can get to those drives and into the seems to make passes to shooters that are surrounding you.”

As the executive mentioned, Topic’s three-point shot could use work at 28.2 percent this season. The encouraging sign is that he’s a great foul shooter at 87.8 percent, which usually translates to long-term upside as a shooter beyond the arc.

In addition to Topic’s three-point shooting, some NBA talent evaluators question whether Topic has the length and lateral quickness to stay in front of opposing NBA guards on defense consistently.

“He feels smaller than 6-foot-7,” another NBA executive explained. “I feel like since he doesn’t have great length, he’s functionally more like a 6-foot-4 guard, which is still good for that position. I think he’s a guy you can put into an NBA game today and feel comfortable that he’ll be productive with the right guys around him. I don’t know if he’ll be an elite-level player, but I think he can play at a high level right now in his first year.”

Part of Topic’s feel for the game that could make him an immediate contributor next season comes from his father, Milenko Topic, who was a part of the Yugoslavian National Team that won the silver medal in the 1996 Olympics and has been an assistant coach overseas with a brief stint as interim head coach for Crvena Zvezda.

(Ignite: Forward, G League, 6-10)

Previous rank: 5 (+1) / Best rank: 2 / Worst rank: 8

Matas Buzelis could be the first G League Ignite player selected in this year’s class, thanks primarily to his ball handling and playmaking ability for his size as a frontcourt player.

“If he turns out great, he could be Franz Wagner at best,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “Buzelis is skilled but lacks some toughness and grit at times.”

Buzelis has begun March with two double-double games, three consecutive games with four blocks, and a season-high seven assists against the College Park Skyhawks in the G League, heading into a weekend doubleheader against the Santa Cruz Warriors.

Looking ahead, the biggest questions for NBA talent evaluators are whether Buzelis can become a more consistent shooter beyond the arc and if he can improve as an on-ball defender.

“There are some games where Matas makes a lot of shots and creates a lot of shots by playmaking,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He’s shown some athleticism. When you watch him in person, he can’t defend at a high enough level. When he sits down to try and slide, he can’t move his feet as well as he needs to be able to defend some guys. Sometimes he’ll have decent instinct plays where can cut a guy off, but in space, he’s going to get attacked. Offensively, I don’t think he’s going to make enough special shots off movement or off the dribble, not just shots standing in the corner.”

Overall, Buzelis has consistently been projected to be off the board within the first five picks in each edition of the HoopsHype aggregate mock draft thus far.

(Colorado: Wing, Freshman, 6-8)

Previous rank: 10 (+5) / Best rank: 3 / Worst rank: 17

Colorado’s Cody Williams has steadily risen from just inside the lottery from the first aggregate mock draft in September to potentially being off the board within the first five picks of the draft.

“I have Cody Williams towards the top of my board,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He shows two-way potential, and he’s shot the ball well this year. He’s got the pedigree with his brother, Jalen, who’s already in the NBA, so he knows what it takes. I think he’s fairly easy to project. He just needs to get stronger, which he should through maturation. He seems to have a pretty promising future.”

The Pac-12 All-Freshman Team member is a sleeper for the No. 1 pick due to his positional size, long-term upside as a two-way player, consistency when he’s played this season, and the overall uncertainty at the top of the draft, according to a few NBA executives and scouts who spoke with HoopsHype.

“Williams is the most solid player of all the guys,” an NBA scout told HoopsHype. “He’s got length, he’s big, he can shoot, and he can pass. Out of all these guys, I’m taking him first.”

As Williams’ stock appears to be solidifying higher in the lottery, some NBA talent evaluators believe he could use up to two seasons to make a big impact as he fills out his frame in the weight room. Cody has more of a lanky physique than his brother, Jalen, but that should improve with time in the weight room, as the executive noted, to compliment his 6-foot-8 frame as a small forward.

“His body type is a little scary to me,” another NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He doesn’t have the physicality or frame his brother has yet. However, he can put on weight and make shots. He’s got a high IQ for the game. He can pass, drive on closeouts, he can rebound, and he does other things well out there. Defensively, he can help and recover. He can block shots, too.”

In a draft with little certainty, Williams’ consistency should help him continue to climb the ladder on draft boards heading into June.

(Kentucky: Guard, Freshman, 6-2)

Previous rank: 25 (+19) / Best rank: 3 / Worst rank: NR

Rob Dillingham has vaulted up mock draft boards on his way to SEC All-Freshman honors at Kentucky as an efficient scorer who can make plays for his teammates.

Despite being small, Dillingham contorts his body well for acrobatic finishes around the rim, including splitting between two defenders to make circus shots twice against LSU in late February. To create his shot against bigger defenders on the perimeter, Dillingham utilizes a step-back dribble.

Looking ahead, the SEC Sixth Man of the Year may have a similar role in the NBA, according to NBA executives who spoke with HoopsHype.

“I think he’s a scorer off the bench,” another executive told HoopsHype. “I don’t think in the biggest of games he can be your starting point guard. He can make high pick-and-roll shots off a high ball screen. That’s important in this day and age. You’ve got to be able to make those shots. He plays with a lot of speed. He can make passes. I think he’s got to slow down a little bit, but there’s plenty to like offensively. Defensively, he can’t guard anyone. He doesn’t really try, so you can’t play any switching defense with him. You’re going to run into the same situation you have with Trae Young, and I’m not sure he’s as talented as Trae.”

Dillingham has shot a blistering 44.5 percent from beyond the arc and has shown a willingness as a playmaker to get others involved (3.8 assists per game). However, as noted above, Dillingham’s defensive liabilities could cap his playing time at the next level against bigger point guards who are stronger.

“I see a guy coming off the bench who moves the scoreboard for a team,” a longtime NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He’s not a true point guard. He’s a scoring guard. At his size, he’ll be considered a point guard because that’s who he’ll have to guard, but is he going to help facilitate for others? He’s going to come off the bench, change the pace of the game and score the ball. You’d hope that he outscores the guy he’s guarding.”

Dillingham will hope to follow in the footsteps of recent Kentucky guards who’ve made an NBA impact such as Tyrese Maxey and Immanuel Quickley.

(Baylor: Wing, Freshman, 6-5)

Previous rank: 4 (-3) / Best rank: 1 / Worst rank: 16

In his freshman season, Baylor’s Ja’Kobe Walter has shown potential to be a 3-and-D wing player in the NBA while being named Big 12 Freshman of the Year and an All-Big 12 Third Team member.

Walter’s ability to move without the ball off screens beyond the arc has intrigued NBA executives, but those same talent evaluators also believe he’ll need to improve the speed of his release against quicker NBA defenders to get his shot off cleanly.

Offensively, Walter’s swing skill will be whether he can improve his ball handling ability to attack his defender off the dribble.

Defensively, Walter slides his feet well to stay in front of his opponent on the perimeter but will need to add muscle to his slender frame.

“I think Walter is a plus athlete with a plus wingspan who’s a plus shooter,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He needs to work on his handle and improve that part of his game. He guards fairly well. He’s a pretty reliable guy.”

(Kentucky: Guard, Freshman, 6-3)

Previous rank: 45 (+37) / Best rank: 4 / Worst rank: NR

Kentucky’s Reed Sheppard is the highest riser of any player featured in our latest HoopsHype aggregate mock draft thanks in part to a blistering 52.6 percent from beyond the arc with the ability to make a play for his teammates as evidenced by his 4.5 assists per game and quick hands with 2.5 steals per game.

“Sheppard is a fun player to watch,” a longtime NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He’s very crafty in everything he does. He’s a knockdown shooter. He moves the ball, and it doesn’t stick with him. He’s a quick thinker on the court. He makes winning plays. I’d be a little worried that even though he gets a lot of steals, he gambles a little bit too much at times. He’s not afraid of the spotlight playing at Kentucky, where he has a lot of pressure on him as a homegrown kid from the state. He and a guy like Austin Reaves have that inner confidence and believe in their abilities, which translates to the floor.”

Similar to Reaves, Sheppard can play on or off the ball as needed. If Sheppard leaves Kentucky for the draft in June, NBA executives believe his shooting and IQ will immediately translate. The question is whether his quick hands will make up for his average lateral quickness.

“I think I’ll have Reed in my Top 5,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “I think where the NBA is going, where you have to make decisions so fast, he can read the game at such a high level. Reed is a culture builder. That’s something that a team that’s young and trying to get to another tier like Charlotte or Washington, who aren’t good culture pieces, Reed can come in and change the way your program looks and operates by how hard guys play, how hard guys get in the gym and work. Those things matter.”

While some executives believe Sheppard has limitations and is best suited as a backup point guard long-term, he’s also considered a sneaky athlete who has found a way to embrace the pressure of playing in his home state and thrive with the brightest of lights on him each night.

(Duke: Center, Sophom*ore, 7-0)

Previous rank: 14 (+5) / Best rank: 9 / Worst rank: 29

Some around the NBA believed Kyle Filipowski would declare for the draft last season, but the Duke sophom*ore returned to solidify himself as a lottery pick and has done so in each of the three aggregate mock drafts thus far.

Filipowski has improved notably as a stretch-big, nailing 35 percent of his three-point attempts and 51.1 percent of his overall field goal attempts. While Filipowski isn’t considered a defensive stalwart, he’s also been more active around the rim, blocking 1.6 shots per game. The 7-footer has also worked on becoming a better passer.

“I think Filipowski has a long career as an eighth or ninth guy,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “If he starts firing threes and knocking them down like Kelly Olynyk, I think that makes him more intriguing. Otherwise, if he’s a lone five that can’t shoot, has to play in the drop, and isn’t athletic, he’s going to be out of the league pretty fast.”

“Filipowski and Olynyk are both near 7-footers and have various skills,” another NBA executed said. “Even though they’re bigs, they can pass and dribble a little bit and can shoot.”

(Ignite: Forward, G League, 6-8)

Previous rank: 3 (-7) / Best rank: 3 / Worst rank: 12

G League Ignite forward Ron Holland is one of the most versatile prospects in this year’s draft class. Holland can score while attacking downhill, make plays for his teammates more than the average small forward, and is always willing to guard the top perimeter scorer with his lateral quickness and quick hands that have helped him average 2.5 steals per game.

“Holland is a high-motor guy you want in a foxhole next to you,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He’s a tough customer. He’s limited to being a straight line driver who will have to clean up his decision-making and reduce his turnovers. Like a lot of guys who come into the league, he’s going to have to work on his shooting to increase his range and accuracy. He’s a competitor.”

Holland could alternate between the two and three positions at the NBA level as a rookie and will fit best alongside a smaller primary playmaker who can stretch the floor. Holland is currently a 24 percent three-point shooter, but his 75.7 percent free throw percentage offers plausible upside that he’ll be able to increase his accuracy beyond the arc.

For now, Holland has drawn a new comparison to a versatile wing player in the league.

“Caris LeVert has a little better handle and more of a consistent shot, but Holland reminds me of him somewhat when he first came out,” an NBA scout told HoopsHype.

MORE: Ron Holland: ‘I feel like I’m the one that stands out because of my motor’

(UConn: Center, Sophom*ore, 7-2)

Previous rank: 11 (-) / Best rank: 7 / Worst rank: 19

UConn sophom*ore center Donovan Clingan has consistently remained around the No. 10 pick range through three aggregate mock drafts.

Clingan has remained a stout defensive presence around the rim and rebounder, thanks primarily to his size and strength. Offensively, Clingan moves his feet well for his size and appears to have some untapped shooting touch behind the scenes from executives who’ve been to UConn practices and observed him early before games.

“I watched Clingan the other day before a game, and he got his shots up and made a fair share of them, but it looks like he’s been instructed not to take that shot,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “Coach Hurley and UConn have been successful with that formula. They have a lot of talented perimeter players to take those shots versus Clingan. They let him do what he does best, which is set screens and roll to the basket, and do all his damage at the rim, and get offensive rebounds and take advantage of his massive size. You can’t argue with success.”

Several NBA executives, however, have come away with the belief that Clingan can make 15-foot jumpers. Those executives are less optimistic about his three-point range, but even an elbow jumper on a short roll would be a nice addition to Clingan’s repertoire.

While Clingan’s jumper is a potential development, who are some current comparisons for Clingan?

“Clingan can potentially be a player like Ivica Zubac where if he puts on a lot of strength and muscle, it’ll be hard to score at the rim on him,” another NBA executive told HoopsHype. “You see a little bit of it with Walker Kessler, who’s a more athletic specimen. Clingan can still be somewhat of a lob threat and put pressure on the rim. There’s stuff there with him on both ends that can be impactful. He moves relatively well going north to south. If he puts a hand out there on defense, I think you can switch him out there if there’s five seconds left on the clock. I would more likely play him in a drop defensive coverage. I wouldn’t classify him as a stiff out there.”

(Baylor: Center, Freshman, 6-10)

Previous rank: 26 (+14) / Best rank: 11 / Worst rank: NR

Yves Missi has vaulted into lottery consideration for the first time in the aggregate mock draft after earning Big 12 All-Defensive Team honors thanks to his mobility, quick reflexes off his feet, and rebounding.

Offensively, Missi is limited to being primarily a lob threat and dunker around the rim, thanks to his good hands. Missi won’t stretch the floor and is a liability at the foul line.

“Missi can rim roll and block shots,” an NBA scout told HoopsHype. “As you keep watching this kid, he’s doing stuff now that he wasn’t doing at the beginning of the year, like playing second side situations and attacking from the top of the key.”

While Missi turns 20 by the draft, he’s still considered a bit raw with the potential to hit down the line.

“I think Missi is two or three years away, but at the end of the day, you can see where he’s going if it all works out,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He’s a lob threat. He’s a Clint Capela type of player.”

(Cholet Basket France: Forward, International, 6-9)

Previous rank: 21 (+8) / Best rank: 8 / Worst rank: NR

French combo forward Tidjane Salaun has moved into the lottery for the first time in the aggregate mock draft. The 18-year-old has been able to space the floor from beyond the arc (.339) and moves fluidly at 6-foot-9.

“Some people have Salaun off the board by five, and others have him off the board by 20,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “You hope he’s going to be tough and physical enough to play at this level in two or three years from now. I think at some point in this draft, you’ve got to go off upside, and he’s one of those guys that could be a good player long-term. Every team is looking for as much size as they can get with skill. He’s got some budding skill for a guy his size. That’s something you want to gamble on.”

Salaun plays with a high motor on both ends of the floor, but his rebounding and shot-blocking are areas of needed improvement. Nonetheless, Salaun’s stock has consistently risen since September and appears to have played his way into the teens.

“I was putting Salaun in my back pocket as someone who could slide into the 20s, but he’s going to go higher than that now,” an NBA scout told HoopsHype. “He’s got size, and he’s making outside shots.”

(USC: Guard, Freshman, 6-5)

Previous rank: 1 (-13) / Best rank: 1 / Worst rank: 19

Isaiah Collier, ESPN’s No. 1 overall recruit in his class, has the physical attributes to be a good point guard, given his size and strength. Collier has shown an ability to attack his defender off the dribble, draws contact often, and can finish at the rim. However, he hasn’t been able to put it all together yet at a consistent level in the eyes of NBA executives.

“Collier is a little bit too laxed with the ball and turnover prone,” a longtime NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He doesn’t play defense. For him to be as high as he was going to USC, and they’ve had problems there with injuries to their team, that team is at the bottom of the Pac-12. Is he going to help a team win? He’s not that great of an outside shooter. He gets to the basket with his body for the point guard position. If he knows how to use it, that translates really well to the NBA.”

In addition to taking care of the ball more, Collier must improve his shot beyond the arc (33.8 percent) to open up driving lanes for him to penetrate and at the foul line (.673) to convert easy points when he’s often fouled going to the rim.

“I’m not sure Collier is in my lottery,” another NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He hasn’t impacted winning at a high enough level. He’s tall, but he’s not necessarily long. He’s a decent athlete, especially in the open court. I think for a guy that does what he does, he’s got to be a much better shooter than what he is. He’s never been a good shooter, even going back to high school. I think you can have him as a backup guard, but I think he’s going to play a lot in the G League his rookie year.”

(UConn: Guard, Freshman, 6-6)

Previous rank: 6 (-9) / Best rank: 5 / Worst rank: 20

UConn’s Stephon Castle won BIG East Freshman of the Year honors after becoming a full-time starter. Castle is a pesky on-ball defender who can get downhill off the dribble, make a play for his teammates, or grab a rebound.

“Castle has a bit of a bigger body than Isaiah Collier and is probably a bit better of a defensive player, but I view him as more of a combo guard,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He does a little bit of everything on the court, but you wish he could shoot the ball better and speed up his release. He can pass the ball for a guy at his size.”

As the executive noted, Castle’s three-point shooting has been his most glaring weakness at 29.1 percent. However, as a 75 percent foul shooter, there’s plausible room for improvement beyond the arc with more repetition and adjusting his shooting mechanics.

“I love Castle, and I think he’s going to be a good player,” another NBA executive told HoopsHype. “His shooting is an issue. He’s strong and can switch defensively. He’s probably one of the better defenders in this draft class. I think he can make an impact directly on that end. He’s a good kid and works hard. He’s a freak athlete. There’s stuff there that you can put into an NBA game, especially if he has shooters around him, so it’s not clunky.”

(Kansas: Guard, Senior, 6-7)

Previous rank: 27 (+11) / Best rank: 7 / Worst rank: 35

Kevin McCullar has become a standout for Kansas as a fifth-year graduate senior, averaging 18.3 points while improving as a playmaker for others (4.1 assists).

McCullar’s swing skills has always been his three-point shooting, which is currently at a career-high 33.3 percent. For many executives, this is worrisome because there’s not much more room for improvement with McCullar who’s now 23 years old.

“McCullar has been hurt quite a bit,” a longtime NBA executive noted. “That’s going to weigh on his draft status when people start looking at his physical. He’s shooting better now than he was two years ago, but in the NBA, he’ll have to step out another few feet. Is he going to be able to adjust to that and knock down shots at a mid 30s or high 30s percentage?”

Ultimately, however, McCullar has put himself in a better position to be drafted by default, give the relatively weak class and more of an emphasis on players that can contribute immediately.

“I don’t think he’s any better than McCullar was last year,” another NBA executive told HoopsHype. “I just don’t think there are a lot of names to put ahead of him. Some may fall in love with his wing size and look more at his recent shooting percentage. That was the one thing that was missing from his game. The stroke, however, still doesn’t look great. It’s better than what it was. I think he’s an instinctual player on both ends and versatile. You can play him between the two and three in the NBA. I don’t think he has a ton of upside.”

(Providence: Guard, Junior, 6-3)

Previous rank: NR / Best rank: 17 / Worst rank: NR

Providence guard Devin Carter has enjoyed a breakout season, earning Big East Player of the Year honors.

“I think Carter has a chance to be a good guard,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He can defend at a high level. If you look at a player like Derrick White and what he does for the Celtics in transition defense, and a guy is going full speed ahead at him, and he can jump and block a shot, Carter does a lot of that stuff. He’s got length, can pass, rebound, and does all the things you want. What impacts winning? He does all those types of things that impact winning at a high level. He helps you gain an extra possession. He helps you finish a possession by getting a rebound or steal. He brings a lot of those things at a high level that a lot of other players in this draft don’t bring. I think the shooting doesn’t look great, but he makes enough and is confident. I think he’ll be able to make enough shots when he’s wide open.”

Carter, the son of former NBA veteran point guard Anthony Carter, has become a viable prospect by knocking down 37.7 percent of his threes this season, and his 8.7 rebounds per game are an elite rate for a 6-foot-3 guard.

“I think the 20-30 range is where Carter should be,” an NBA scout told HoopsHype. “He’s making his shots this year, which I still don’t trust. He’s made some big shots this year, though. It’s all of the other tenacity stuff like his defense, making an impact during clutch times, and rebounding the ball at his size.”

(Tennessee: Guard, Senior, 6-6)

Previous rank: 38 (+20) / Best rank: 13 / Worst rank: NR

Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht earned SEC Player of the Year honors by being able to score at all three levels consistently, including seven games of 30 or more points after transferring from a smaller school at Northern Colorado and conference (Big Sky).

“Knecht is one of my favorite players in this draft,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “I like him a lot with how hard he plays on offense. He has the ability at 6-foot-6 to use ball screens, can shoot, and score. I worry a little bit about his defense, but I’d rather have someone who can really go and fit in offensively in the flow of things than have someone who can’t do anything offensively. Nowadays in the NBA, you’ve got to be able to put the ball in the hoop and create space. He’s way more vertically athletic than people give him credit for. I think the defense is going to be the biggest thing for him. I like his attitude and approach to things. They love him as a person in Tennessee. I think he’s going to be a solid NBA player.”

Knecht is a reliable three-point shooter on high volume and a good athlete who can dunk with power once he gets a head of steam. However, he’s not much of a playmaker averaging about nearly the same amount of assists to turnovers (1.8 to 1.6).

“If the draft starts tomorrow, Knecht is going in the lottery,” an NBA scout told HoopsHype. “He’s produced, and this year’s draft is so bad that you wonder if you slot another guy who you don’t know what you’re getting versus him and I know he can shoot and is sneaky athletic? He’s a fifth-year guy. Think about this, some of these Covid guys, if they didn’t get an extra year, you’d never hear of them.”

Another longtime NBA executive also believes Knecht will be off the board before the 20th pick.

(Ignite: Forward, G League, 6-11)

Previous rank: 20 (+1) / Best rank: 9 / Worst rank: NR

Tyler Smith projects as a left-handed stretch-big for a decade potentially, but some NBA executives question whether he’ll be able to guard opposing fours or fives.

“Smith can be a role player off the bench in his second year,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “Relatively speaking, he’s been the most impactful and productive guy outside of Ron Holland on G League Ignite. In some cases, he’s been the most consistent on Ignite. He can make shots. He’s big. He’s not a very good athlete or switcher right now. He’s got tight hips, so he’s got to be able to sit down and move laterally better than he has. I think he’s what NBA teams need. He’s that four that you can put out there with other players and space the floor. Hopefully, he can knock down enough shots, drive on closeouts and get to the rim. He fits better with a team that’s already well put together. If you put him in a situation where you’re trying to make him make plays, that’s the opposite of what you want him to do at this point in his development. He can make a lot of money being a rotation player as a sixth or seventh man on an NBA team.”

One scout also had a potential hot take on Smith’s long-term upside compared to his G League Ignite teammates.

“I think Smith is going to be the best Ignite player when it’s all said and done,” an NBA scout told HoopsHype.

(Duke: Guard, Freshman, 6-3)

Previous rank: 28 (+8) / Best rank: 15 / Worst rank: NR

Duke’s Jared McCain was a knockdown shooter from beyond the arc shooting 39.9 percent while earning a full-time starting spot. McCain was also a solid rebounder for his position.

Some NBA talent evaluators wonder if he’ll become a point guard at the next level, but the skill that will most readily translate is his three-point shooting.

“McCain has great intel and seems to be a hard worker,” an NBA scout told HoopsHype. “I understand the court will open at the next level, but I thought he was going to be a three-year player at Duke. Now people are talking about the first round because of his shooting and he’s getting some Seth Curry comparisons.”

(Virginia: Guard, Sophom*ore, 6-8)

Previous rank: 19 (-2) / Best rank: 13 / Worst rank: NR

Virginia’s Ryan Dunn is arguably the top defender in college basketball as an on-ball defender and an elite shot blocker (2.3 per game) for his position.

“Dunn is probably going to be close to a lottery pick or right outside of it,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “I’d say he’s the most versatile defender in college basketball. The offense is a little bit behind, the shooting most notably. He’s got to be able to at least make corner threes when he gets into the league. I think it’s a touch issue. He sees the game. He’s just sped up a lot. He plays with a lot of energy and doesn’t always know how to suppress it at times. Offensively, he cuts, screens, and dives well. He can catch lobs. He can pass a little bit, especially in a short roll situation or if he’s catching it on the run and making the right read. He’s got to develop more on-the-ball stuff and his shooting.”

In two seasons at Virginia, Dunn has shot a combined 25 percent from beyond the arc, which will be the swing skill that will determine if he eventually makes 3-and-D NBA swingman money or a role player’s salary as a defender.

“I think Dunn will go in around the 20 range,” another NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He’s a defensive-minded player. He’s a little difficult to project offensively. He needs to look at the basket more and increase his range and confidence. Defensively, he’s got that part of the court figured out.”

(Kentucky: Guard, Freshman, 6-3)

Previous rank: 15 (-7) / Best rank: 12 / Worst rank: 43

DJ Wagner is a combo guard who can attack downhill off the dribble and create for his teammates, similarly to his father, Dajuan, a former lottery pick. At times, Wagner has poor shot selection and must improve as a three-point shooter if he wants to be a late lottery pick in June.

“Wagner is another player that needs to improve his shooting,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He’s very tough-nosed and knows how to drive the ball and get to the basket. It’s just that from high school to college, it’s an adjustment with the height, athleticism, and protection at the rim.”

While DJ’s stats don’t jump off the page as a freshman, Kentucky assistant coach John Welch recently called Wagner a natural leader who has confidence and gives that same confidence to his teammates, similar to Patrick Beverley whom he coached for three seasons with the Clippers.

“I think the way he’s performed this year could push him to the late first round,” another NBA executive told HoopsHype.

(Cairns Taipans: Forward, International, 6-10)

Previous rank: 16 (-7) / Best rank: 21 / Worst rank: NR

Bobi Klintman was a potential late first-round pick before pulling out of the draft last year and leaving Wake Forest to join the NBL Next Stars program.

The decision has paid off for Klintman so far, as he’s solidified himself as a first-round pick in this year’s class.

NBA executives are intrigued by Klintman’s 7-foot wingspan and fluid mobility for his size and position, with the belief that he could become an impactful two-way player as he matures. Klintman can also handle the ball well for his size and be a serviceable floor spacer.

(Indiana: Center, Sophom*ore, 7-0)

Previous rank: 23 (-1) / Best rank: 14 / Worst rank: NR

After failing to live up to the hype as a highly sought-after recruit as a freshman at Oregon, Kel’el Ware has rehabilitated his draft stock considerably after transferring to Indiana and playing for coach Mike Woodson as a sophom*ore.

“Ware’s first year at Oregon, he was very soft, didn’t play hard, and didn’t say much,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “Now at Indiana, watching his film, I feel like he’s played a lot harder than he had at Oregon. He’s productive. They haven’t won much because some of the other guys they brought in haven’t worked out. Ware has held up his part of the deal and been impactful. He’s blocked shots, caught lobs, made a few shots, and shown he can step away from the basket. I think there’s some stuff there you can work with if he is a guy who’s going to play hard and become physical.”

Since becoming a full-time starter at Indiana, Ware has scored nearly 10 more points per game (16.2 from 6.6), more than doubled his rebounding (10 from 4.1) and has shot very well from downtown (.436).

“Ware is a very gifted player,” another executive told HoopsHype. “He just needs to be more consistent in his effort. We’ve all seen the box scores where he has a 20-10 game but also where he’s in single digits in points and rebounds. Like a lot of young big men, he needs to find that consistency effort-wise on a nightly basis. In the NBA, you’re playing 82 games, and hopefully another 16. He’s made some progress under coach Woodson at Indiana.”

(Ignite: Forward, G League, 6-10)

Previous rank: 12 (-13) / Best rank: 9 / Worst rank: NR

G League Ignite’s Izan Almansa has some NBA talent evaluators divided on his future. Some believe Almansa’s size, IQ, and overseas success as a youngster can translate, while others question if he’ll be able to become more than a traditional big man in their eyes.

“Almansa has had moments where he’s been better than most bigs in the G League, but I just know if he translates to the NBA,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He’s not a big time shooter or lob threat. You’re not playing a lot of ball with your back to the basket in the NBA these days.”

Almansa enjoys playing in pick-and-roll sets, faking dribble handoffs, and using a right-handed hook shot against smaller defenders on switches in the post. Defensively, he can be a switchable defender at times. The Spanish big man is aware he must continue to work on his shooting range, foul shooting, and shot-blocking in the eyes of talent evaluators.

“I play center because I’m the biggest guy on the court, but I’m not like the traditional center that just plays in the post or sets screens,” Almansa told HoopsHype at the G League Showcase. “Sometimes, I like to attack facing the basket. Sometimes, I shoot or can dribble the ball. I’m like a forward because I can do a little bit of everything. Sometimes, I have to play with my back to the basket, and I like it, but I don’t want to be staying under the basket and just posting up. I’m trying to show I can be a modern NBA big man.”

Almansa hopes to emulate some of Domantas Sabonis in his own game, specifically referencing Sabonis’ passing and rebounding.

“I think Almansa has good size and feel for the game,” an NBA scout opined. “Most of these kids have some stuff they can build on, but they’re coming in the NBA, and they’re not special. They need to be in the right situation to stick.”

(Arkansas: Forward, Sophom*ore, 6-10)

Previous rank: 33 (+7) / Best rank: 13 / Worst rank: NR

Despite suffering an ACL injury last season, Arkansas forward Trevon Brazile has put up similar numbers to last season and shows potential as an athletic shot blocker (1.2 per game) and adequate floor spacer (36.1 percent from three-point range) over his last two seasons.

“Athletically, Brazile’s got it all,” an NBA scout told HoopsHype. “He’s got long arms. He doesn’t attack closeouts and needs to become tougher overall. His shooting is streaky. At Arkansas, he’s not being played in the right situation and they don’t run any two-man game for him or pick-and-roll sets where they clear his side to rim roll.”

(Purdue: Center, Senior, 7-4)

Previous rank: 57 (+30) / Best rank: 13 / Worst rank: NR

Purdue senior Zach Edey leads college basketball in scoring (24.2), ranks third in rebounds (11.7), and plays primarily with his back to the basket like a traditional center from decades ago.

“Edey might become the back-to-back Player of the Year,” a longtime NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He’s huge and can score down low, but we don’t play that way. He’s someone that I think can be able to step outside eventually because he shoots free throws well. If he gets switched out on the perimeter, however, he won’t be able to stop anyone.”

Until Edey becomes more of a perimeter threat, NBA talent evaluators question his long-term fit as a pro.

“People are talking about Edey going in the first round and I’m asking myself if we’re really talking about a situational big man in the first round?” an NBA scout told HoopsHype. “Is he going to be a starter? No. Is he going to be a backup every night? Probably not. He’s Boban Marjanovic in my opinion.”

(Weber State: Forward, Junior, 6-6)

Previous rank: 43 (+15) / Best rank: 13 / Worst rank: NR

Dillon Jones, the Big Sky Conference Player of the Year, has been a consistent scorer, rebounder, and defender who can create steals throughout the season. However, NBA talent evaluators question whether Jones will be able to make the NBA transition given his size at 6-foot-6, average three-point shooting, and lack of shot-blocking.

(Kansas: Guard, Freshman, 6-9)

Previous rank: NR / Best rank: 13 / Worst rank: NR

Johnny Furphy began the year as a reserve but has moved into the starting lineup for Kansas and thrived ever since. During a 16-game stretch from January 16 through March 13, Furphy averaged 11.8 points on 47.9 percent shooting from the field and 35.8 percent from three-point range with 6.7 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game.

“Furphy can shoot well,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He’s not as big and athletic. He reminds me a bit of Gradey Dick in terms of his size and physique.”

The Kansas freshman has been on the radar of NBA teams since the summer during NBA Academy games and has taken advantage of the weight room at Kansas to begin bulking up. Furphy is more than a shooter and can get above the rim as a dunker thanks to “sneaky athleticism,” as one NBA scout described.

“Furphy’s got good size for a wing and can make threes,” another NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He knows how to play the right way and is getting coached properly by Bill Self at Kansas. He’s a pretty heady player. He shows versatility. He can dunk the ball and can also make a three while showing some long-term potential as a freshman.”

(Marquette: Guard, Senior, 6-3)

Previous rank: 58 (+28) / Best rank: 30 / Worst rank: NR

Marquette senior Tyler Kolek is one of the best point guards in the country, leading men’s Division-I in assists per game (7.6).

Kolek’s IQ and shooting ability should translate to the NBA level as a potential backup point guard. The question will be whether his lack of a strong first step off the dribble, defensive lateral quickness, and ability to score in traffic, given his size, will hinder him.

(Saint-Quentin Basketball: Forward, International, 6-7)

Previous rank: 31 (-) / Best rank: 19 / Worst rank: NR

Melvin Ajinca, 19, has a sturdy frame and is a left-handed wing who’s a streaky three-point shooter who plays with a high motor.

Ajinca’s passing and ability to create steals need to improve mightily, as he averages less than one of each while playing in France over 24 minutes per game. He also doesn’t get to the foul line often, averaging less than two attempts per game.

If the Ajinca name rings a bell, it’s because Melvin is the cousin of former NBA veteran Alexis Ajinca.

(Miami: Guard, Freshman, 6-8)

Previous rank: NR (-) / Best rank: 26 / Worst rank: NR

In talking with NBA executives and scouts around the league, one of the hottest names is Miami’s Kyshawn George, who’s quickly becoming a name to watch and a potential first-round draft pick.

“Kyshawn’s going to be a riser,” a longtime NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He knows how to play and can shoot. He handles it well like a guard, even though he’s 6-foot-8. As a matter of fact, I think he had a late growth spurt after playing point guard when he was younger. He could be drafted in the teens somewhere just outside the lottery. He’s not bad defensively, too, because he sits down with his long arms.”

While George has filled up the stat sheet in limited minutes, his 40.8 percent shooting from beyond the arc stands out as a freshman.

“If the draft started tomorrow, George would go in the lottery,” an NBA scout told HoopsHype. “He’s 6-foot-8, can play some spot point guard minutes, and handle the ball, but he has no physicality despite his frame. He can pass. He’s not a great athlete, but a good one. He’s not going to blow past you with quickness.”

(Colorado: Forward, Senior, 6-9)

Previous rank: 35 (+2) / Best rank: 25 / Worst rank: NR

Tristan da Silva has solidified himself as an early second-round pick in consecutive aggregate mock drafts.

The Colorado senior forward is a combo forward who can fill a stat sheet. His ability to stretch the floor will likely translate immediately after shooting 38.5 percent from beyond the arc his sophom*ore season.

(Marquette: Forward, Senior, 6-11)

Previous rank: 29 (-5) / Best rank: 18 / Worst rank: NR

Marquette senior Oso Ighodaro is a playmaking five who’s a shot-blocking presence at the rim and adequate rebounder. However, offensively he has limited range and is a poor foul shooter.

“I’m a fan of Ighodaro because of his skill level,” an NBA scout told HoopsHype. “He doesn’t shoot it, but you can put him in a short roll and he’s really good. He can catch it at the top of the key and get to that floater he has or spray the ball to shooters.”

(California: Guard, Junior, 6-7)

Previous rank: NR / Best rank: 31 / Worst rank: NR

California’s Jaylon Tyson was selected to the All-Pac-12 First Team after playing for his third school in as many years.

Tyson has the size of a wing with the skills of a guard and can be a secondary ball handler but is also prone to turnovers. His three-point shooting and rebounding bode well for his position.

“Tyson is a Swiss Army knife type of player who has good size and shows potential to be a two-way player on both sides of the ball while doing everything,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype.

(UCLA: Forward, Sophom*ore, 6-10)

Previous rank: 24 (-12) / Best rank: 22 / Worst rank: NR

UCLA’s Adem Bona decided to return for his sophom*ore season, and it proved to be the right decision as he earned First Team All-Pac-12 Conference honors and was named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.

Bona projects as a rotational NBA frontcourt role player who will earn minutes primarily because of his defense.

“Bona could be good because he’s a high motor big with bounce who rebounds, blocks shots, and you know what he is,” an NBA scout told HoopsHype.

“I think Bona should be in the 30s,” an NBA scout told HoopsHype. “He’s an energy defender and center.

(NBA Academy Africa: Forward, International, 6-11)

Previous rank: NR / Best rank: 17 / Worst rank: NR

Ulrich Chomche, a native of Cameroon, will join the Basketball Africa League (BAL) as part of the 2024 BAL Elevate Program.

Chomche has a long list of potential suitors, including USC, Georgetown, Xavier, Texas, Arizona, Washington, and G League Ignite, should he decide against declaring for the draft as the youngest player eligible this year, per ESPN.

Chomche’s shooting from beyond the arc and foul line, 7-foot-4 wingspan, switchable mobility for his size, and upside intrigue NBA executives.

“Chomche is another player who could rise in the draft because of his size, how he moves, and he’s still very young at 18,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “If he works out well during workouts, he could easily move into the late teens or 20s.”

(Kentucky: Center, Sophom*ore, 6-11)

Previous rank: NR / Best rank: 28 / Worst rank: NR

Ugonna Onyenso is a good athlete who covers a lot of ground thanks to his long arms and high motor. It’s helped him become one of the best shot blockers in college basketball, averaging 2.7 rejections in only 18.5 minutes per game. Onyenso is also a solid rebounder and adequate defender.

There’s much to work on offensively for Onyenso, who must improve his face-up game and extend his shooting range. He’s also a below-average foul shooter at 57.9 percent.

(UC Santa Barbara: Guard, Junior, 6-5)

Previous rank: NR / Best rank: 16 / Worst rank: NR

UCSB’s Ajay Mitchell earned All-Big West First Team honors and earned his way into the aggregate mock draft for the first time.

The biggest stride in Mitchell’s game was his improved three-point efficiency at 39.3 percent to complement his 51.1 field goal percentage for his collegiate career, which makes him the latest West Coast Conference player to be considered an NBA prospect.

(Arizona: Forward, Senior, 6-7)

Previous rank: NR / Best rank: 40 / Worst rank: NR

Arizona’s Keshad Johnson will turn 23 by the draft and is considered a strong defensive wing who can tag a rolling big and rotate effectively across the court.

Offensively, Johnson developed his range by shooting 39 percent from three-point range after shooting a paltry 24.6 percent from beyond the arc during his first four college seasons.

(Arizona: Guard, Senior, 6-5)

Previous rank: NR / Best rank: 32 / Worst rank: NR

Arizona’s Pelle Larsson earned All-Pac-12 Second-Team honors and has a chance to become an NBA role player as a secondary ball handler who thrives as an off-ball shooter on the move, which should translate well to the pro level.

The Swedish guard is also capable of attacking closeouts and enjoys playing in pick-and-rolls, which are heavily used in today’s NBA.

(Clemson: Center, Senior, 6-10)

Previous rank: NR / Best rank: 21 / Worst rank: NR

Clemson senior PJ Hall became an All-ACC First Team member after being one of just four players in the country averaging 18.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game.

Hall profiles as a shot blocker with upside to stretch the floor in pick-and-pop situations. While his three-point efficiency declined this season (.398 to .316), Hall’s consistent foul shooting (.784) adds plausibility that he can become a more consistent stretch-big.

(Illinois: Wing, Senior, 6-6)

Previous rank: 42 (-1) / Best rank: 20 / Worst rank: NR

Terrence Shannon Jr., 23, has an NBA-ready physique that’ll allow him to guard up to three positions. His outside shot has been the biggest question mark for NBA talent evaluators, but he’s become an average shooter.

Shannon Jr. would likely be overlooked in previous drafts because of his age, but due to a weaker draft class and executives beginning to covet more NBA-ready players such as Miami’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. than upside swings, he remains a second-round pick.

(North Carolina: Forward, Sophom*ore, 6-7)

Previous rank: NR / Best rank: 37 / Worst rank: NR

After two seasons at Stanford, Harrison Ingram earned Third Team All-ACC honors as a nightly double-double threat for the Tar Heels.

Ingram can do a little bit of everything but doesn’t have a standout skill that translates to the NBA level. While Ingram has become a good three-point shooter (37.4 percent) and rebounder (9.3 per game), he’s undersized to play power forward at the pro level and has been a poor foul shooter throughout his three years playing in college (62 percent).

(Colorado: Guard, Junior, 6-2)

Previous rank: NR / Best rank: 29 / Worst rank: NR

Colorado’s KJ Simpson had a breakout junior campaign where he improved exponentially as a shooter from the field (.396 to .488) and beyond the arc (.276 to .451) while being an adequate playmaker for his teammates with 4.9 assists per game.

The First Team All-Pac 12 guard makes his debut in the aggregate mock and has shown signs of becoming an NBA backup point guard if his shooting holds and he maintains a pesky on-ball defender thanks to his quick hands.

(Syracuse: Guard, Sophom*ore, 6-3)

Previous rank: 47 (+1) / Best rank: 23 / Worst rank: NR

Judah Mintz earned All-ACC Second Team honors in his sophom*ore season with Syracuse.

Mintz is an athletic guard who can score in bunches despite a below-average three-point shot. Defensively, he’s a pesky on-ball defender who’s averaged two steals per game in two seasons.

Looking ahead, the two biggest questions surrounding Mintz are whether he can become a point guard and if his perimeter shooting will ever improve.

(Kentucky: Center, Freshman, 7-0)

Previous rank: 22 (-25) / Best rank: 12 / Worst rank: NR

Entering his freshman season at Kentucky, Aaron Bradshaw was considered a potential late lottery pick but was moved to a reserve role halfway through the season.

“Bradshaw is a 7-footer, but he’s not a defender,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He thinks he’s a stretch-five, but his production isn’t there (28.6 percent from three-point range). He’s got a thin body and that’ll be a concern for how physical he is.”

Long term, Bradshaw still has the potential to be a pick-and-pop big who can stretch the floor and has been a decent shot blocker, given his limited playing time.

(Creighton: Guard, Senior, 6-7)

Previous rank: NR / Best rank: 36 / Worst rank: NR

Creighton’s Baylor Scheierman, a fifth-year senior, was named a unanimous First Team All-BIG East selection. The 23-year-old became the first Division-I men’s player in NCAA history to surpass 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, 500 assists, and 300 three-pointers.

Scheierman has shot 39 percent over his five-year college career and that’s his skill that’ll translate most readily to the NBA. Defensively, opponents will take advantage of his lack of foot speed.

(UConn: Forward, Sophom*ore, 6-8)

Previous rank: 39 (-10) / Best rank: 20 / Worst rank: NR

Alex Karaban is a proven stretch-forward at 40 percent during his two seasons at UConn who thrives as a scorer on off-ball motion plays and posting up smaller defenders on switches. At times, Karaban struggles to create his shot.

Defensively, Karaban struggles guarding quicker players on the perimeter due to his average athleticism.

(Dayton: Forward, Junior, 6-10)

Previous rank: NR / Best rank: 17 / Worst rank: NR

DaRon Holmes heavily weighed a decision to enter the draft last year but returned to Dayton and made the most of his junior season with the Flyers by winning the A-10 Co-Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards.

Offensively, Holmes can score in the post, be a lob threat as a roller, and has most notably added a three-point shot to his arsenal, nailing 38.7 percent of his 2.5 attempts from beyond the arc per game.

Defensively, Holmes is a switchable defender with a long wingspan, high motor, and a good rebounder and shot blocker.

As the draft nears, Holmes is a potential riser to monitor.

(Kentucky: Wing, Freshman, 6-8)

Previous rank: 7 (-44) / Best rank: 2 / Worst rank: NR

Kentucky freshman Justin Edwards has struggled to live up to his No. 3 overall recruit ranking by ESPN, Rivals, and 247 Sports for most of the season but has recently shown signs of breaking through.

After teammate Reed Sheppard introduced Edwards to a mental health coach, Edwards averaged 13.2 points on 69.7 percent shooting from the field and 64.7 percent from three-point range heading into Kentucky’s matchup against Texas A&M in the SEC Tournament.

“If Edwards leaves for the NBA, I think he ends up in the 40s somewhere, and he could become a role player,” an NBA scout told HoopsHype.

If Edwards decides to return to college basketball for his sophom*ore season, NBA talent evaluators question whether he’d return to Kentucky given the way his freshman season has played out.

“There would be a lot of college teams that would like to take Edwards if he stayed in college and transferred,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He could go almost any place because of his talent level and because of what people think they can get out of him if they coached him differently than at Kentucky.”

(Pittsburgh: Guard, Freshman, 6-5)

Previous rank: 30 (-22) / Best rank: 11 / Worst rank: NR

Pittsburgh’s Carlton Carrington earned ACC All-Freshman honors and garnered the attention of NBA executives in the process thanks to his all-around game.

Two veteran NBA scouts told HoopsHype they’d select Carrington in the first round of this year’s draft.

“Carrington has been able to score the ball and is going to be a very good NBA player,” one of the NBA scouts told HoopsHype.”He reminds me of a younger and healthier Caris LeVert when he was coming out of Michigan. He should be as high as the lottery, in my opinion. He can score at all three levels and play some point guard. It’s not his natural position, but he can do it.”

Carrington’s swing skills are whether he can improve his perimeter shooting and improve as an on-ball defender.

(Duke: Guard, Sophom*ore, 6-5)

Previous rank: 9 (-44) / Best rank: 17 / Worst rank: NR

Duke’s Tyrese Proctor was a potential breakout candidate entering his sophom*ore season. While he improved notably as a shooter from the field (.381 to .455) and beyond the arc (.320 to .369), his other statistics remained stagnant across the board.

Should Proctor declare for the NBA Draft, one veteran NBA executive predicted a team would take a chance on him as a third point guard and look to develop him as a future backup. An NBA scout predicted Proctor would land in the late first round or early second round of the draft.

(Creighton: Guard, Junior, 6-4)

Previous rank: 17 (-37) / Best rank: 11 / Worst rank: NR

Trey Alexander’s ranking in the aggregate mock draft is surprisingly lower than expected, considering he’s been on a tear in 14 games from January 20 through March 14, averaging 20 points on 48.5 percent shooting and 36.9 percent from three-point range with 5.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.

Alexander, an All-Big East Second Team performer, played well at the NBA Draft Combine last year, and his recent play should have him higher on NBA draft boards as a combo guard.

(Melbourne: Center, International, 7-0)

Previous rank: NR / Best rank: 50 / Worst rank: NR

Melbourne’s Ariel Hukporti was sidelined last season with a ruptured Achilles tendon, but has returned and been productive for the United.

Hukporti has an NBA physique as a 7-foot, 250-pound center with a 9-foot-3 standing reach willing to patrol the paint as a rim protector and rebounder who sets hard screens and rolls to the basket as an effective lob threat.

Offensively, he needs to continue expanding his range and improving at the foul line while looking more for his teammates and cutting down his turnovers, as evidenced by his negative assist-to-turnover ratio.

(Ratiopharm Ulm: Forward, International, 6-8)

Previous rank: NR / Best rank: 47 / Worst rank: NR

French forward Pacome Dadiet makes his debut on the HoopsHype aggregate mock draft. The 18-year-old wing uses his broad shoulders and strong frame with his lateral quickness and wingspan to guard multiple positions.

Offensively, he’s more explosive after his second step than his first off the dribble and capable of spreading the floor beyond the arc (33.7 percent) as a catch-and-shoot floor spacer willing to attack closeouts.

He’s yet to show an ability to create for others consistently this season but has been used predominantly off the ball compared to when he was at Basketball Without Borders Global Camp last year. His rebounding and ability to generate steals will be areas of development he’ll need to work on.

(Wake Forest: Guard, Junior, 6-5)

Previous rank: 49 (-8) / Best rank: 21 / Worst rank: NR

Hunter Sallis surprisingly fell in the aggregate mock draft amid a breakout junior season at Wake Forest after spending his first two seasons as a reserve for Gonzaga.

The All-ACC First Team member has been one of the most consistent players in college basketball this season, averaging 18.2 points on 49.2 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range with 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.

“Sallis is rising for me,” an NBA scout told HoopsHype. “I saw him last year at Gonzaga, and he looked lost and played soft. I’ve seen him a couple of times, and he looked like a totally different guy. I think he’s going to be good.”

The breakout junior can score off the dribble with his mid-range pull-up jumper and by attacking the rim. Away from the ball, Sallis thrives on catch-and-shoot three-point opportunities. Despite his slender frame, Sallis is a disruptive defender who plays with energy.

Another NBA scout who spoke with HoopsHype projected Sallis in the early 40s.

(Miami: Guard, Junior, 6-6)

Previous rank: 37 (-21) / Best rank: 21 / Worst rank: NR

Miami junior Wooga Poplar is considered an athletic guard who can shoot, but his inconsistency has hurt him in the latest edition of the aggregate mock draft.

Poplar began the year averaging 17.5 points on a blistering 50.8 percent from three-point range in his first 11 games as the Hurricanes went 9-2 to start the season. However, since then, the pendulum swung mightily in the wrong direction, with Miami going 5-13 and Poplar shooting 31.4 percent from beyond the arc.

(Kansas: Guard, Freshman, 6-3)

Previous rank: 56 (-3) / Best rank: 16 / Worst rank: NR

After starting for the first half of the season, Kansas freshman guard Elmarko Jackson has since moved to a reserve role.

The combo guard boasts intriguing athleticism and is an aggressive on-ball defender who can also get into the paint off the dribble, but his jumper (28.6 percent from three-point range) has held him back.

After entering the season as a potential late first-round pick according to the first aggregate mock draft, Jackson could be better off returning to school for his sophom*ore season to improve his draft stock.

(USC: Guard, Junior, 6-6)

Previous rank: 44 (-16) / Best rank: 14 / Worst rank: NR

Defense will be USC junior guard Kobe Johnson’s calling card at the NBA level after earning Pac-12 All-Defensive Team honors for the second consecutive season by finishing second in the Pac-12 with 65 steals.

Offensively, Johnson showed promise as a potential 3-and-D wing player by shooting 36 percent from the field, but that’s regressed to 31.3 percent as of March 15.

If Johnson can return to his sophom*ore form from beyond the arc before the end of the season or in private workouts, his stock could rise.

You can follow Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) on X, formerly known as Twitter.