Draft Watch

[Sparko]

On someone of Curry's size, he was lucky he fell to a team that allowed him to play enough to be great. The NBA and its assessment of talent is not consistent or great. Paul Pierce had difficulty getting consistent run early-on and had a pricey Kentucky teammate taking all the shots it seemed like. What if the Kings drafted Curry? Or Frank Mason III? I swear some franchises can ruin potential stars. Minnesota for example.

[PhDhawk]

Pierce was a starter from Day 1 and averaged 34 mpg as a rookie.

[CrimsonNBlue]

Givony updated with anlaysis:


Following in the footsteps of upperclassmen such as Chris Duarte, Corey Kispert and Davion Mitchell last year, Agbaji is using his senior season to propel himself into lottery conversations with a first-team All-America-caliber campaign.

Agbaji initially entered the 2021 draft but elected to return to Kansas after an underwhelming showing at the NBA Combine that left him no guarantees he'd hear his name called.

He's since developed into a national player of the year candidate, establishing himself as arguably the best shooter in college basketball (62-for-132, 47% from 3) while leading Kansas to a top-5 ranking and 16-2 record.

While Agbaji started previous seasons hot, then cooled off significantly once Big 12 play rolled around, he only seems to be getting better as the 2021-22 season moves on. He comes off a career-high 37-point effort in a double-overtime win over Texas Tech, a top-five defense per KenPom. He's been just as efficient against top-tier competition as he has against low-level opponents, a great sign for the Jayhawks as they prepare for a huge week that includes two top-10 opponents in Kentucky (Saturday, 6 p.m. ET, ESPN) and Baylor.

Agbaji is physically ideal for an NBA wing, measuring 6-foot-6, 215 pounds with a 6-foot-10 wingspan and a 42-inch vertical leap. He's turned himself into one of the most dynamic shooters in the draft, regularly pulling up off the dribble in transition, setting his feet quickly while ducking behind handoffs and showing deep range and zero hesitation stepping into open 3s with his feet set, either on the hop or the 1-2 step. Agbaji's inconsistent free-throw shooting (69% this season and for his college career) leave some question marks about how sustainable his scorching shooting is, but the confidence he's exuding at the moment, especially in clutch situations, and the level of difficulty of attempts is hard to argue with.

While not an advanced ball-handler or passer, Agbaji has been highly efficient operating inside the arc as well, converting 58% of his 2-pointers and turning the ball over on a miniscule 8.5% of his possessions. He makes just enough plays handling in transition, attacking closeouts with his head up and using his strong frame to draw fouls and play above the rim to not be labeled strictly a shooter. He still has work to do on his skill level, but the progress Agbaji has made over the past few years has been remarkable.

The defensive end is where Agbaji initially established himself as an NBA prospect, which makes sense considering his build and ability to slide between checking guards, wings and big men in undersized Kansas' switch-heavy system. He's been inconsistent in that area this season, which is partially explained by the heavy minutes and usage he's asked to shoulder offensively. Agbaji is very effective defensively in 1-on-1 situations and makes spectacular plays at times when rotating from the weakside to protect the rim, but does lack a degree of awareness and reaction speed in processing things happening off the ball at times. He's prone to biting on shot-fakes and getting back-cut and is not the rebounder you might expect considering his tools.

Agbaji has positioned himself to be the first upperclassman hearing his name called on draft night and fits a mold NBA teams are looking for as a prolific shooting wing who guards multiple positions and can do a little more than just make open shots offensively. How he finishes will be important, but it's increasingly difficult to overlook the spectacular season Agbaji is having.

https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/inside ... bari-smith

[CrimsonNBlue]

Like his Kansas teammate Agbaji, Braun has also taken a major step forward as an upperclassman, becoming one of the most versatile wing players in college basketball and a bona fide first-round candidate.

It's easy to envision Braun on an NBA floor when looking at his strong size, build and explosiveness. He's had several memorable dunks this season and ranks as the No. 1 shot-blocker in this draft class among guards and wing prospects. He's also tasked with considerable playmaking responsibility for a team that lacks great shot creation, serving as the Jayhawks' best post-entry passer and lob-thrower and showing quite a bit of creativity attacking closeouts with his head up and whipping passes off a live dribble with either hand.

Defensively, Braun shows real toughness holding his ground in the paint, crashing the glass and locking up guards and wings on the perimeter in 1-on-1 situations. He's always in the right spots off the ball, fights over screens aggressively, gets in passing lanes frequently and just forced potential draft pick Terrence Shannon Jr., (Texas Tech) to one of the worst games of his college career.

While fairly efficient as a scorer (61% true shooting percentage on the season), Braun's offensive struggles in Big 12 play (50% TS%) have been a bit concerning after his red-hot start. It appears he's nowhere near the 3-point shooter his freshman season (46% from 3) suggested, making just 33% of his attempts from beyond the arc in the past season-and-a-half, something that is clearly his swing skill at the NBA level. Braun's excellent free throw percentage (81% this season, 79% for career) and the general touch he shows around the basket is encouraging, but he passes up more open looks than you'd expect and doesn't have as quick a release or ability to make pullup jumpers as you might hope.

Finding more consistency in this area would make Braun the type of plug-and-play all-around wing every NBA team is looking for, and how he finishes the year and performs in the pre-draft process (if he elects to declare) will be important. His competitiveness, swagger and fiery demeanor has earned him a lot of fans in NBA circles regardless, and it's likely a matter of when he'll find himself in an NBA uniform, not if.

[CrimsonNBlue]

Vecenie:

This is probably the highest you’ll see Kansas wing Ochai Agbaji on a public draft board, which is a pretty real reversal from where I was a season ago. I did not love Agbaji during his first three years at Kansas because I didn’t think he showcased high-level feel for the game regularly. He couldn’t really handle the ball well enough, and the gears in his head seemed to be turning a bit too much. I believe I had him ranked somewhere in the 60s or 70s by the time he pulled out of the draft. This year, though, he’s been one of the five best players in the country and would unquestionably be on my first-team All-American ballot right now. Why? Because his skill-development has really come along. He’s much more comfortable putting the ball on the deck. He plays much more often at his own pace. He looks so much more comfortable out there and has morphed into one of the five best scorers in the country because of it.

Throw those in with the skills we already know he has — high-level shooting acumen and positive defensive contribution — and it’s really hard for me to understand what public evaluators are missing. He’s a young senior who doesn’t turn 22 until after this collegiate season ends, and he’s 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, great physical strength and a frame that looks like that of an NBA player. He hits 45 percent from 3 on seven 3-point attempts per game while averaging over 21 points and five rebounds per game. On top of that, he’s a plus on-ball defender who isn’t quite elite but does a good job on his man and has real switchable attributes one through four at the NBA level. Those guys stick in the NBA for a long, long time. And those guys tend to be lottery picks. Most NBA teams I’ve talked to have Agbaji somewhere in the 10 to 18 range right now because he’s one of the few players in a draft full of question marks who ticks a lot of boxes that suggest he’ll be able to play a role early on in his career.

[twocoach]

Like his Kansas teammate Agbaji, Braun has also taken a major step forward as an upperclassman, becoming one of the most versatile wing players in college basketball and a bona fide first-round candidate.

It's easy to envision Braun on an NBA floor when looking at his strong size, build and explosiveness. He's had several memorable dunks this season and ranks as the No. 1 shot-blocker in this draft class among guards and wing prospects. He's also tasked with considerable playmaking responsibility for a team that lacks great shot creation, serving as the Jayhawks' best post-entry passer and lob-thrower and showing quite a bit of creativity attacking closeouts with his head up and whipping passes off a live dribble with either hand.

Defensively, Braun shows real toughness holding his ground in the paint, crashing the glass and locking up guards and wings on the perimeter in 1-on-1 situations. He's always in the right spots off the ball, fights over screens aggressively, gets in passing lanes frequently and just forced potential draft pick Terrence Shannon Jr., (Texas Tech) to one of the worst games of his college career.

While fairly efficient as a scorer (61% true shooting percentage on the season), Braun's offensive struggles in Big 12 play (50% TS%) have been a bit concerning after his red-hot start. It appears he's nowhere near the 3-point shooter his freshman season (46% from 3) suggested, making just 33% of his attempts from beyond the arc in the past season-and-a-half, something that is clearly his swing skill at the NBA level. Braun's excellent free throw percentage (81% this season, 79% for career) and the general touch he shows around the basket is encouraging, but he passes up more open looks than you'd expect and doesn't have as quick a release or ability to make pullup jumpers as you might hope.

Finding more consistency in this area would make Braun the type of plug-and-play all-around wing every NBA team is looking for, and how he finishes the year and performs in the pre-draft process (if he elects to declare) will be important. His competitiveness, swagger and fiery demeanor has earned him a lot of fans in NBA circles regardless, and it's likely a matter of when he'll find himself in an NBA uniform, not if.

He's mostly a three point shooter who isn't shooting threes very well. I think he is still a season away and expect to see him back in Lawrence next season.

[Mjl]

How is he mostly a three point shooter? That's probably the thing he's worst at.

[NDballer13]

That's likely what the NBA sees him as. We've seen his driving/finishing ability take a hit once conference season started and he started playing better competition. That would only go down more against NBA length and athleticism. If he's not hitting 3s at a high, or at least consistent clip, than what does he really bring to an NBA team?

[CrimsonNBlue]

Yeah, if CB was mostly a three point shooter, he'd be playing rotation minutes.

He has excellent BBIQ, moves great without the ball, athletic, and a good rebounder. I agree with Givony that I'm not worried about his shot at the next level. Especially with a decreased workload.

[CrimsonNBlue]

Just as far as highest draft position possible, if Braun continues to hear that he's a fringe first rounder, then he'll have to consider how weak the 2022 draft is.

[randylahey]

How is he mostly a three point shooter? That's probably the thing he's worst at.

White

[Cascadia]

Braun feels like a guy who could go as high as #20 with a big March.

[jfish26]

Like his Kansas teammate Agbaji, Braun has also taken a major step forward as an upperclassman, becoming one of the most versatile wing players in college basketball and a bona fide first-round candidate.

It's easy to envision Braun on an NBA floor when looking at his strong size, build and explosiveness. He's had several memorable dunks this season and ranks as the No. 1 shot-blocker in this draft class among guards and wing prospects. He's also tasked with considerable playmaking responsibility for a team that lacks great shot creation, serving as the Jayhawks' best post-entry passer and lob-thrower and showing quite a bit of creativity attacking closeouts with his head up and whipping passes off a live dribble with either hand.

Defensively, Braun shows real toughness holding his ground in the paint, crashing the glass and locking up guards and wings on the perimeter in 1-on-1 situations. He's always in the right spots off the ball, fights over screens aggressively, gets in passing lanes frequently and just forced potential draft pick Terrence Shannon Jr., (Texas Tech) to one of the worst games of his college career.

While fairly efficient as a scorer (61% true shooting percentage on the season), Braun's offensive struggles in Big 12 play (50% TS%) have been a bit concerning after his red-hot start. It appears he's nowhere near the 3-point shooter his freshman season (46% from 3) suggested, making just 33% of his attempts from beyond the arc in the past season-and-a-half, something that is clearly his swing skill at the NBA level. Braun's excellent free throw percentage (81% this season, 79% for career) and the general touch he shows around the basket is encouraging, but he passes up more open looks than you'd expect and doesn't have as quick a release or ability to make pullup jumpers as you might hope.

Finding more consistency in this area would make Braun the type of plug-and-play all-around wing every NBA team is looking for, and how he finishes the year and performs in the pre-draft process (if he elects to declare) will be important. His competitiveness, swagger and fiery demeanor has earned him a lot of fans in NBA circles regardless, and it's likely a matter of when he'll find himself in an NBA uniform, not if.

And here's the thing: he's always had markers like this. He is clearly a gifted rebounder, also. Just things that speak well to a very high baseline athleticism.

[Deleted User 863]

Nah, he's got a low ceiling. If this team wants to go anywhere he needs to be benched for Yesufu. He's high ceiling because he scored lots at Drake. Where's Joe on draft boards?

[CrimsonNBlue]

If this team ends up with 2 1st round picks and then guys like Clemence, Wilson, maybe even Adams ends up getting drafted later--that kind of falls in line with Self's Final Four teams.

[Deleted User 863]

If this team ends up with 2 1st round picks and then guys like Clemence, Wilson, maybe even Adams ends up getting drafted later--that kind of falls in line with Self's Final Four teams.

Adams is going to have to learn how to shoot...and judging by his free throws, he's got a long ways to go.

[PhDhawk]

If this team ends up with 2 1st round picks and then guys like Clemence, Wilson, maybe even Adams ends up getting drafted later--that kind of falls in line with Self's Final Four teams.

Adams is going to have to learn how to shoot...and judging by his free throws, he's got a long ways to go.

He has a little hitch at the start of his motion, but his release and follow through are good.

I think he can become a guy who knocks down open jumpers pretty quickly. He's not gonna become Dirk but a guy you have to account for from the outside.

[jfish26]

If this team ends up with 2 1st round picks and then guys like Clemence, Wilson, maybe even Adams ends up getting drafted later--that kind of falls in line with Self's Final Four teams.

It's a weird year. Och is clearly a first team AA. I've been way down on Wilson of course, but if two out of Braun, Wilson, Dave and Remy are B+s on any given night...we're awfully tough to beat.

[PhDhawk]

If this team ends up with 2 1st round picks and then guys like Clemence, Wilson, maybe even Adams ends up getting drafted later--that kind of falls in line with Self's Final Four teams.

It's a weird year. Och is clearly a first team AA. I've been way down on Wilson of course, but if two out of Braun, Wilson, Dave and Remy are B+s on any given night...we're awfully tough to beat.

I've been pretty hard on Wilson, but I think he's accepted/settling into his role.

He's got a nose for the ball, and when he lets shots come to him instead of always trying to create, he's a much better player.

Having those multiple options really means were not on the razor thin margin of error that we had last season. Which is weird given it's largely the same personnel.

[jfish26]

If this team ends up with 2 1st round picks and then guys like Clemence, Wilson, maybe even Adams ends up getting drafted later--that kind of falls in line with Self's Final Four teams.

It's a weird year. Och is clearly a first team AA. I've been way down on Wilson of course, but if two out of Braun, Wilson, Dave and Remy are B+s on any given night...we're awfully tough to beat.

I've been pretty hard on Wilson, but I think he's accepted/settling into his role.

He's got a nose for the ball, and when he lets shots come to him instead of always trying to create, he's a much better player.

Having those multiple options really means were not on the razor thin margin of error that we had last season. Which is weird given it's largely the same personnel.

Och going from a Guy to a Dude matters a lot. And...I'm still hopeful that Remy can be what we thought.