6’9 Nate Ament (Tennessee)
Although we would eventually see him on multiple different occasions, it’s fun to think back when Ament played at our 757 Showcase with Team Loaded NC (despite being the top player in the entire program). Now, he’s a guaranteed lottery pick and potential top-10 choice with a high floor and intriguing ceiling. Ament is a very malleable player with something the NBA values at the highest possible level: versatility. At 6-foot-9, his ability to operate in various roles, defend multiple positions, and make decisions with the ball in his hands makes him an easy addition to basically any team on the board.
6’0 Christian Anderson (Texas Tech)
Arguably the most impressive entry listed, Anderson has vaulted himself into the first round and potentially in the lottery after a memorable sophomore season. Between viewings with Team CP3 and The Skill Factory, the talent level was always clear. Anderson didn’t possess physical gifts like many NBA players (size, explosiveness) but clearly had the IQ, skill, and mentality to carve out a path to the League. He went to Texas Tech and the rest was history. Anderson showcased real point guard ability while doubling as one of the top shooters in all of college basketball. Add in his ability to toggle between guard spots, and he should be a target for several teams.
6’6 Isaiah Evans (Duke)
The residents of North Carolina likely saw Evans more than the other listed draft candidates, as he played the entirety of his high school career in Charlotte. We should all collectively remember his time at North Meck for his electric scoring/shot-making and microwave-like ability to heat up in a hurry. After going to Duke, it became even more evident that his lethal shooting prowess would ultimately be his calling card in the NBA. Add in the fact that Evans possesses a long, wiry frame that will only continue to get stronger, and he could fit with virtually any team on the board.
6’3 Jaden Bradley (Arizona)
After watching Arizona’s phenomenal success throughout the season, it was quite clear that Bradley was a huge difference-maker for the Wildcats. The former Cannon floor general has found nothing but success since entering high school and later advancing through college. Over four collegiate seasons, he’s 118-30 including four Sweet Sixteens and one Final Four. Bradley is a heady playmaking guard with the handle, vision, and penetration ability to consistently create opportunities for himself and others. He also possesses quality instincts as a defender and threat in the open court.
6’1 Ja’Kobi Gillespie (Tennessee)
It’s interesting to think back to our Tennessee 150 Camp in Kingsport, Tennessee, where we saw Gillespie among several other noteworthy names. Although he was still very young, he stood out through his raw scoring prowess and high level of skill. Fast-forward through three different collegiate stops, and he’s only continued to solidify his value on every stage. Gillespie was a dominant piece at Belmont, found success at Maryland, and enjoyed a career year for Tennessee. He’s the type of player that can simply carve out a role, regardless of surrounding teammates.