College basketball starts today. Here’s an early look at the 2019 NBA Draft picture.
While the Philadelphia 76ers‘ season is going strong, tonight marks the beginning of the 2018-19 college basketball season. There are several exciting games to begin the campaign, starting with Michigan State vs. Kansas at 7 PM E.T. and Duke vs. Kentucky at 9:30 PM E.T. tonight.
That will give us an early taste of several elite prospects, along with over 50 other games on the Division I schedule. And that’s just on Tuesday. While the NBA has a better product, college basketball brings action and consequential games on a regular basis.
It’s still early, so more names will join and this board will grow as the season progresses. We will have an evolving top 60, if not a top 100, once the NBA Draft hits. You will also get regular big board and mock draft installments on a monthly basis here at TSS.
It’s also worth remembering that the Sixers still have a chance at the No. 1 pick, assuming the Kings begin losing at some point. There’s a good chance the pick ends up going to Boston (yikes), but either way, the Sixers will have significant ties to the draft all season, whether it’s the Kings pick or their own.
Here’s your initial top 30.
Herb Jones was limited in his role last season, averaging just 4.2 points and 1.4 assists in 21.2 minutes per contest. In his second season, however, the sophomore wing projects to see an uptick in opportunities.
Without Collin Sexton controlling the offense, Alabama will look elsewhere for production. Jones fits the profile of a modern 3-and-D wing, standing 6-foot-8 with long arms and ample athleticism. His defense is what will draw scouts in.
Proving that he can consistently hit three-pointers will be important for Jones, as he struggled on limited volume last season. He’s still buried in the Alabama rotation to some extent, so taking advantage of those aforementioned opportunities is imperative.
Jarrey Foster‘s junior season was cut short by a torn ACL, limiting him to just 19 games. How he bounces back from that injury will go a long way in determining his stock once June rolls around. Knee injuries always spark extra caution.
With that said, Foster was productive when healthy. He averaged a solid 13.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game — all career highs — and put together some strong efforts on the defensive end. He’s the kind of two-way wing NBA teams covet.
Despite up-and-down efficiency in three seasons, Foster is still a career 37.4 percent three-point shooter. He can also add value as a passer and secondary ball handler. That, combined with physical defense, puts him firmly in the first round discussion.
After starting his freshman season with a bang, Nickeil Alexander-Walker cooled off for significant portions of the Hokies’ late schedule. Still, despite his inconsistent production, the lanky comboguard projects as a potential first round talent.
Standing 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, Alexander-Walker has ideal physical tools for a multi-positional perimeter defender. He was also an efficient shooter, hitting 39.2 percent of his three-point attempts.
Assuming his consistency improves in year two, Alexander-Walker should draw in scouts with his scoring, physical tools and upside as a secondary playmaker. He averaged 10.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 25.4 minutes per game last season.
Originally a top recruit in the 2020 class, Bassey reclassified to the 2019 class. Now he’s following in the footsteps of Mitchell Robinson — a five-star center committed to Western Kentucky, a school not known for its basketball prowess. Unlike Robinson, Bassey will actually suit up.
Physically, Bassey has just about every tool. He’s a massive 6-foot-10, boasting a mature frame and 7-foot-3 wingspan. There are questions about his perimeter mobility, but he’s physically ready for the NBA game. That will boost his stock.
Adding more polish on the offensive end should be Bassey’s primary focus. He’s an excellent lob threat and skilled interior finisher, but he doesn’t pose much of a threat outside the paint. That’s what keeps him stock subdued (for now).
Temetrius Morant (Ja) is a standout athlete who flew under the radar in his freshman season at Murray State. Averaging 12.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game, he was an effective facilitator and scorer as the lead guard for a lower-level school.
With quick-twitch athleticism, Morant can score in various ways off the dribble. He’s explosive en route to the basket, using his quick first step to gain separation and finishing at a high level in traffic. He embraces contract, which is a plus for someone with his physical gifts.
Playing against mid-major competition, it’s easy to gloss over Morant’s performances. He has played well against high-major schools, however, and his athleticism still pops compared to other elite recruits. He’s a legitimate first round prospect.
An extremely efficient scorer, Killian Tillie will take on an even bigger role in the Gonzaga offense this season. He already has several desirable traits, starting with his shooting ability — hitting 47.9 percent of his three-point shots last season.
In addition to his shooting proficiency, Tillie is a willing passer with a high basketball I.Q., which should quicken his transition to the next level. He’s someone who can step in and immediately add value to an offense with his modern skill set.
There are some valid defensive concerns with Tillie, but he’s a relatively mobile center who competes hard on both ends. Expect him to stand out as the Zags’ best player this season. He’s someone scouts will continue to love.
An elite athlete, standing 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, Shittu is one of the most unique prospects in the 2019 class. He has highly visible flaws — namely his poor shooting stroke — but presents a ceiling that should tantalize scouts outside the lottery.
At his size, Shittu’s ability to handle in transition and attack off the bounce are supremely valuable. He’s the ideal small-ball center, using his quickness to attack more traditional bigs. He can also make high-level passes, setting the foundation for an intriguing skill set.
His defensive versatility is equally as intriguing. While he’s not known as an elite defender, his switch-friendly nature is something teams should buy into. He, again, has very real flaws, starting with his inability to shoot. But the beginnings of a hyper-modern NBA big are there.
Washington put together a strong freshman season on a talented Kentucky team, starting 30 of 37 games while averaging 10.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Washington will get to build off that momentum this season, ideally cementing his status as a first round talent.
A burly 6-foot-7, Washington has one of the draft’s highest defensive ceilings. He can switch on the perimeter, defend the interior, and use his 7-foot-3 wingspan to alter shots or disrupt passing lanes. He’s an excellent small-ball, switch-friendly option in the frontcourt.
The offensive end isn’t quite as polished for Washington, but he’s still an aggressive scorer in spurts. He takes it hard to the rim and can hit the occasional mid-range jumper. His 23.8 percent clip from deep, however, is something he’ll need to improve on.
The brother of Tyus Jones, Tre Jones will follow in his footsteps at Duke. While the Blue Devils have several high-profile recruits, Jones’ importance to the team can’t be overstated. He’s in change of delegating Coach K’s offense among several star players.
A smart, measured playmaker, Jones profiles as a safe lead guard prospect in the mid-first round discussion. He isn’t getting much draft love now, but as we’ve seen in recent seasons, it normally behooves Duke prospects to go one-and-done. Replacements roll in every season.
In addition to his playmaking chops, Jones is an excellent shooter, smooth finisher and competitive defender. He lacks elite athleticism, but has the skill level and basketball I.Q. to make up that ground at the next level.
Ashton Hagans joined the aforementioned Charles Bassey as a top 2020 recruit who reclassified to 2019. He now joins a crowded Kentucky backcourt, splitting time with Immanuel Quickley, Tyler Herro and Quade Green.
For now, Hagans projects as the best prospect of the bench. He’s an aggressive defender who has earned a reputation on that end, impacting games with his effort and hustle. He’s also an athletic scorer who can use his quick first step to attack the lane and finish inside.
Working on his jumper will be key, as is the case for many young guards. Hagans has the tools to emerge as one of several first round prospects on the Wildcats, which even in a down recruiting season, seems to be the norm.
Jalen Smith will join Bruno Fernando in a talented Maryland frontcourt, giving the Terps two legitimate NBA prospects. Standing 6-foot-10, Smith’s defensive upside and offensive versatility will intrigue teams in the first round.
While adding more bulk should be a priority for Smith, he’s still a mobile defender who can use his length to alter shots around the rim. It’s his offense, however, that draws the most intrigue, mainly with his ability to shoot.
Smith can hit from deep, attack closeouts and finish with touch around the rim. He’s a prime two-way prospect for the modern NBA, displaying all the attributes needed to remain relevant in an up-tempo system.
While Zhaire Smith drew the most attention, Jarrett Culver was another surprising freshman wing for the Red Raiders. He’s a solid, versatile defender himself, but he’s much further along offensively than Smith.
Starting 20 of 37 games last season, Culver averaged 11.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists. He also shot 38.2 percent from deep, showcasing a fluid stroke when spotting up. His ability to attack closeouts, create off the dribble and occasionally find teammates is what makes him so promising.
In a league that’s becoming increasingly wing-dependent, Culver fits the mold of a 3-and-D wing with some ancillary playmaking upside. He’s not getting significant hype right now, but he’s someone draftniks will have their eyes on all season.
After playing in limited minutes over the last two seasons, Hachimura finally seems ready to step into a bigger role with Gonzaga. His offense has always been a work in progress, but few players possess his ceiling on defense.
Standing 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Hachimura is an impressive physical specimen. He’s aggressive underneath, can slide along the perimeter, and will rack up some impressive blocks and steals as the season progresses.
A career 22.5 percent three-point shooter on low volume, Hachimura would benefit greatly from adding a reliable spot-up jumper. If he can take the next step skill-wise, there’s little keeping Hachimura from the top 10 on most draft boards.
A supremely athletic big man, Daniel Gafford made the interesting decision to return to Arkansas despite considerable draft hype. If he can build on a strong freshman season, it might work out for him. The 2018 class was overwhelmingly big man-centric.
Gafford uses his length, mobility and bounce to deter shots at the rim. Becoming a reliable perimeter defender would work wonders for Gafford’s stock, but he has the makings of a high-level rim protector.
At 6-foot-11, Gafford is also an elite roll man, playing above the rim and finishing off lobs with ease. His range doesn’t stretch too far outside the paint, but he fits a niche offensively and presents ample upside on defense.
Standing 6-foot-10, Luka Samanic is your prototypical stretch four. He’s already smooth along the perimeter, knocking down spot-up jumpers and creating his own shot in spurts. His offensive malleability will leave teams intrigued in an otherwise underwhelming international class.
Adding strength will be important to Samanic’s success on the defensive end. He has promising mobility, but lacks the core strength needed to handle stronger bigs in the interior or stronger wings off the drive.
A definite project, there’s a chance Samanic takes a season or two longer overseas before joining his NBA franchise. Even if that’s the case, however, his offensive game fits the direction basketball is heading. He’s one of only two international prospects in the top 30.
Joining Killian Tillie and Sekou Doumbouya as the elite French prospects in the 2019 class, Jaylen Hoard is prepared to unleash his talents at Wake Forest this season. Standing 6-foot-9 and wielding a 7-foot-1 wingspan, Hoard brings impressive versatility to the frontcourt.
With multi-positional defense and shooting touch, Hoard can impact the game on both ends. He’s athletic enough to survive switches and can chase down weak-side blocks, fitting the vein of small-ball bigs who will attract NBA teams.
On the other end, he’s an improving shooter who can attack closeouts, create on drives and make high-level passes for his position. He has some development to do, but his overall skill set is something scouts will appreciate as the season progresses.
Jontay Porter will miss the entire 2018-19 season with a torn MCL and ACL, which he sustained in an off-camera scrimmage. That will almost inevitably tank his stock — and maybe force him to stay another season — but he’s still a gifted offensive talent.
Getting into better shape will be key for Porter, especially after a knee injury. His defense will be the prime concern for NBA teams, with questions surrounding his ability to defend in space and contain the pick-and-roll.
He makes up that ground, however, on offense, where his post scoring, perimeter shooting and high-level passing allows him to impact the game in multiple ways. Porter is an unselfish, high I.Q. teammate who should have an NBA future.
Nazreon Reid is one of the most intriguing prospects in recent memory. Standing 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, there are valid concerns about Reid’s conditioning. He’s also a supremely versatile offensive player, creating off the dribble, spreading the floor and thriving in the post.
Coming into the season, Reid appears to have trimmed down significantly, which bodes well for his stock. His perimeter defense is a question mark, but his skill set is too diverse to overlook. His handles, passing and shooting touch aren’t common for someone his size.
Playing for an under-the-radar LSU team, Reid has the chance to shine as a featured option. He’s one of the rare players who, despite defensive question marks, is too talented to rank outside the lottery (for now). We’ll see how that holds up once the season begins.
At 6-foot-9, Louis King is a fluid scorer with great size for a wing. He’s the less-publicized major recruit on Oregon’s roster, but he’ll have the chance to step up for a Ducks team that has lost several key contributors in recent seasons.
With another month left in his recovery from a torn meniscus, the injury factor will play a role in King’s stock. As someone with one-and-done upside, he needs to prove he can bounce back quickly to establish himself as a potential lottery pick.
In addition to a smooth offensive game, King has the size and versatility to defend multiple positions at the next level. He’s not known for his defensive aptness, but the tools for success are there on both ends.
For the time being, Johnson is the Wildcats’ best prospect in what some consider to be a down recruiting year. That doesn’t take away from their litany of NBA talent or No. 2 ranking the AP Polls, of course.
At 6-foot-5, Johnson is an energetic perimeter defender whose 6-foot-9 wingspan affords him the versatility to defend three positions. He’s aggressive on the ball and can make plays off it, bursting into passing lanes and creating transition opportunities.
On the other end, Johnson needs to become a more consistent three-point shooter. He’s already an aggressive slasher who can finish through contract and make plays off the bounce, it’s just a matter of consistently hitting shots from deep. His mechanics aren’t bad.
Hunter has the rare potential to defend four-to-five positions at the NBA level. He’s a strong, mobile 6-foot-8, hounding perimeter players and defending with force inside. His 7-foot-2 wingspan helps make up some ground against larger bigs.
In addition to his defense, Hunter has also carved out a solid niche on the other end. He averaged 9.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game as a freshman, but that was in a limited capacity off the bench. He projects as the starting power forward this season.
For an offense built around ball movement and shooting, Hunter’s ability to isolate and score played a big role in reserve last season. He should take his numbers to the next level with expanded minutes. He shot 38.2 percent from deep as well, which is promising.
Despite the potential downside, Bol Bol’s ceiling belongs in the top 10. He’s a long, mobile 7-foot-2, boasting a 7-foot-8 wingspan and the ability to stretch the floor on offense. He’s a rare, rare talent who can fit the modern game in a unique way.
There are questions about Bol’s motor, as well as his ability to defend consistently in space. Add in a rail-thin frame, and some NBA teams will heir on the side of caution and avoid Bol. He has the potential to become a game-breaking player on both ends, though. He will be worth the risk to some teams.
With his length, Bol can engulf shots in the lane. He’s also a smooth shooter who, at the very least, can knock down spot-up threes. He has shown flashes scoring off the dribble as well, while his touch at the rim exceeds most 7-foot-2 athletic freaks.
Playing for his hometown Indiana team, Romeo Langford will have ample opportunity to shine on the offensive end. He’s one of the draft’s most polished scorers, boasting smooth handles and range comfortably behind the three-point line.
Few players can get buckets in isolation as well as Langford can. Developing as a playmaker will be important, but his upside as a go-to scorer is something NBA teams will covet. Standing 6-foot-6, Langford has excellent size for the two or three.
Whether it’s attacking the lane or pulling up, Langford uses his tremendous craft to generate space and score in traffic. He changes speeds and is capable of scoring from anywhere on the floor. Defenses will respect that.
Joining Simi Shittu in a strong Vanderbilt recruiting class, Darius Garland is a shifty athlete and potentially the best lead guard in the 2019 draft. He’s explosive off the bounce, using a quick first step to get penetration and dissect opposing defenses.
While Garland doesn’t have elite size at 6-foot-2, he’s crafty enough to thrive against high-level defenders. He embraces contract, can drill pull-ups out to the three-point line, and should thrive as a pick-and-roll ball handler.
Garland is also a quality defender, playing aggressive on-ball defense and showing nice anticipation when it comes to deflecting passes. His combination of skill, athleticism and energy are going to pop on film. He will quickly win over scouts.
Joining a crowded Kansas backcourt, Quentin Grimes should stand out as their only top-flight prospect. Standing 6-foot-6, he’s a bigger comboguard who will fit nicely with the current direction of NBA basketball.
For the most part, Grimes is a fluid scorer at all three levels, using his dynamic handles to create space, get defenders off balance and carve out shots. Consistency will be important, but he’s already a diverse offensive player and could morph into a reliable lead ball handler.
In addition to his offensive upside, Grimes has the size to defend multiple positions on the perimeter. He isn’t an elite athlete by NBA standards, but he’s quick enough to contain guards at the point of attack and long enough to cover wings.
Despite recent struggles, Doumbouya remains one of the highest-upside prospects in the 2019 class. He’s also the only elite international prospect, headlining one of the weakest European crops in years. He joins Luka Samanic as the only international prospect in the top 30.
At 6-foot-8 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan, Doumbouya is an elite athlete with a tantalizing defensive ceiling. He’s strong enough to battle underneath and has the lateral quickness to defend on the perimeter, putting him in a similar vein to the aforementioned De’Andre Hunter.
While his offense remains a tad unpolished, Doumbouya has already shown the potential for dynamic shot-making at his size. His three-point shot needs some work, but he can hit from range and shows impressive flashes in transition, where his athleticism pops.
Nassir Little improved his stock significantly over the summer, putting himself in the top tier on most draft boards. He will be the go-to perimeter scorer for a good North Carolina team, getting both national exposure and high-level competition.
At the McDonald’s All-American Game, Little went straight at Zion Williamson on multiple occasions, attacking off the dribble and eventually winning the game MVP. He’s a tough, fearless scorer who absorbs contact and thrives in isolation. UNC will give him the chance to score in bunches.
Little combines his offensive repertoire with excellent defense, boasting great size on the wing at 6-foot-6. He’s physical on the ball, but also uses his 7-foot-1 wingspan to disrupt passing lanes and force turnovers. He’s locked into the top five right now.
This might be a hot take, but it’s worth prefacing with this statement — Duke has three elite, All-World talents. Barrett is firmly in the top three and has the potential to go No. 1, it’s just difficult to decipher between all the Blue Devil talent at this point. Barrett is locked into the top tier.
Arguably the most NBA-ready talent of the bunch, Barrett is a smooth operator on the wing. His three-point shot has been a concern in the past, but he’s showing growth in that department. He’s also an aggressive slasher, finishing with touch and craft around the rim.
He’s also the only prospect (as far as I’m aware) who’s working with Drew Hanlen. As the featured option for a talent-laden Duke team, there’s a good chance Barrett leads the way in scoring. He’s also an adept passer and versatile defender. All the tools are there, and he’s probably the safest player on the board.
Zion Williamson is wholly unique, bearing little resemblance to any prospect in recent (or non-recent) memory. He might be the best athlete to enter the draft since LeBron James, if not before then. His athletic profile alone makes him a high-end prospect.
It’s not at though Zion is just an athlete, though. He’s a 6-foot-7, 280-poind freight train who can handle, pass and score at a high level, boasting one of the most underrated skill sets in the 2019 class. He’s more than the highlight mixtapes you’re accustomed to seeing.
Becoming a viable three-point shooter is an important step, but Zion can already attack off the dribble, making high-level passes on the move and finishing with touch around the basket. His defensive ceiling will be fun to explore. He’s going to be really, really good. Not putting him No. 1 might look foolish by the time June rolls around.
Despite being the least-heralded of the Duke trio, Cameron Reddish might have the most overall talent. He just needs to carve out a consistent role in the Blue Devils’ offense and prove his motor runs hot on a regular basis.
At 6-foot-9, Reddish has legitimate point forward upside. He’s a smooth ball handler and exceptional passer, using his height to survey the court and find open teammates. In a league that preaches versatility, someone with Reddish’s size and skill combination will obviously draw intrigue.
He’s also the best perimeter scorer on Duke’s roster, boasting fluid mechanics and comfortable three-point range. As long as he’s given the opportunity, he has the tools to overtake Barrett and Williamson on more draft boards. How the Duke situation shakes out is THE storyline entering the college basketball season.
To keep up with our draft content all season, just check out our NBA Draft tab here.