Bacon has been one of the leading offensive cogs for an explosive Florida State team this season, providing an ultra-athletic wing with improved shooting touch and an innate ability to slash to the basket. At 6-5 with a 6-8 wingspan, Bacon measures out well at the two-guard spot, with excellent defensive tools in combination with his budding offensive game.
There’s no denying that Bacon’s scoring tends to come and go more often that I’d like, but every tool is there for somebody who could develop into a steal out of the second round. His quick first step allows him to beat his defenders both off of cuts and when handling the ball, while his outside shooting has jumped up to 37.2 percent on 4.9 attempts per contest this season. That’s a 9 percent jump from last season, and helps characterize some of the added polish he has flashed in his second season.
Beachem is having his best season yet, as the Notre Dame senior has thrived in a featured role. Although his 3-point percentage isn’t all that inspiring at just 38.7, that has to be taken with a slight grain of salt given V.J.’s expanded role this season. He’s attempting 6.7 shots from deep per game — an incredibly hefty load — and showing more off the dribble and cutting to the basket than he has in years past.
While his ceiling doesn’t rest overly high at this point, Beachem has the prototypical attributes of a 3-and-D contributor in today’s league. His length allows him to defend multiple positions at a high level, while his off-ball movement and improved slashing should allow him to fit into almost any system. The second round is about filling out rotations more so than finding stars, and that’s exactly what Beachem could do.
Anigbogu is a long-term project at this point, but one that could yield high rewards. At 6-10, the UCLA freshman has played a limited role for the Bruins this season (12.9 minutes per game), but is still their best rim protector when on the floor. His long arms and impressive bounciness around the basket allow him to bother shots without problem, and his mobility is something that — in time — could make him an absolute whirlwind on the defensive end.
Offensively, Anigbogu is still learning. He’s an easy lob target and viable pick-and-roll man, but he doesn’t score in consistent fashion when asked to create much of anything for himself. He’s heavily limited, and likely a few years out as a result. But betting on upside is easier as a late first, early second rounder, and that’s where Anigbogu will fall should he commit this season.
Peters has been one of college basketball’s best kept secrets this season, putting together consistently-impressive performances with a school that gets very little screen time in Valpo. Regardless, his NBA potential is clearly-defined. He’s a 36.9 percent shooter from deep on over six attempts per game, while boasting a smooth post-up game and excellent vision from the four spot.
There are some defensive concerns and his limited athleticism is a hurdle he’ll have to overcome, but it’s rare to stumble upon 6-9 players already as skilled as Peters currently is. His rebounding numbers (10.1 per game) are also a nice sign moving forward. He has all the makings of a quality role player from day one.