21. Kris Wilkes, SF/PF, UCLA
Kris Wilkes has been one of the surprises of the season so far. The freshman forward is averaging 13.1 points per game, 6.4 rebounds per game and one block per game for the UCLA Bruins.
With starters Bryce Alford, Lonzo Ball and Isaac Hamilton leaving, the Bruins needed someone to take on the scoring load. Wilkes wasn’t expected to be one of the team’s leading scorers, but that’s how things are playing out. If, or when, Cody Riley and Jalen Hill return, Wilkes’ production may take a dip, but he’s been very impressive early on in the season.
When the draft comes around, Wilkes may have already done enough to warrant a first-round grade. As I said with Troy Brown, there’s a lot of talent in the wings’ positions, Wilkes may end up getting pushed out of the first-round in favor of players with higher potential.