Chris Livingston – Kentucky
Navigating his way through a strange Kentucky squad has been hard for the 5 star prospect but Livingston has turned the corner and has emerged as one of the best players on this Wildcats team. In his past 4 games, Livingston has averaged 12 PPG, 6 RPG, and 50% from 3 (10 attempts). He plays within the flow of the offense, can sky for rebounds and has plus athleticism. NBA teams can envision the 6’6″, 220 lb., 19 year old as a small-ball 4 who can stretch the floor and play physical defense.
Bilal Coulibaly – France
Playing alongside superstar prospect Victor Wembanyama, Coulibaly has been able to gain exposure and display his athleticism and skills to NBA scouts. Coulibaly has been stuffing the stat sheet in the French Under-21 league with 21 PPG, 6 RPG, 2.5 APG, 2.6 SPG, and 1.2 BPG. That’s some serious impact from a secondary player behind Wemby. At only 18 years old, it’s easy to see Coulibaly developing into a strong 3&D player at the NBA level with his length, athleticism, developing shot, and overall feel for the game. Whichever NBA takes Coulibaly in the late 1st round should anticipate a development period but he could explode in a few years.
Julian Strawther – Gonzaga
Strawther has been on fire in February, potentially locking him in as a 1st round pick. Over his last 3 games, Strawther has averaged 28 PPG (!!) on 54% shooting from 3 (24 attempts). Pairing that incredible shooting with his 6’7″ length on the perimeter and you have NBA teams drooling over the 3&D potential from this 20 year old Gonzaga product. An underrated aspect of Strawther’s game is that he has always been a secondary player on some loaded Gonzaga teams. This understanding of team-ball is huge for a player that can step onto an NBA roster and understand how to play within the flow of the offense.
Trayce Jackson-Davis – Indiana
In my opinion, Jackson-Davis has been the best player in the country as he is nearly unstoppable in the post, can pass out of the double-team at an elite level, and is an absurd shot blocker. There had been worries about Jackson-Davis being an undersized center but he makes up for that with his perfect timing when defending the rim, running the floor at an elite level, and understanding defensive positioning. Based on his gradual development during his time at IU, once can assume that Jackson-Davis could be a serviceable shooter at the 5 spot as well. Lookout for TJD as an immediate impact player his rookie year.
LG Hoops 