17. Desmond Bane, guard, TCU
Four seasons at TCU groomed Desmond Bane into one of the biggest risers in this year’s draft cycle. Once an afterthought, he’s now a virtual lock in the first round. While unorthodox in both style and build, Bane should have no trouble carving out a role at the next level.
Bane is one of the best shooters in this draft — if not the best shooter. On the move, pulling up, standing still. He can hit a wide variety of shots, and do so at high levels of difficulty. In addition to his shooting, Bane is a smart and measured playmaker, even if that is sometimes offset by a mediocre first step.
With a flamethrower in his back pocket and a real knack for creating out of the pick-and-roll, Bane’s game is suited to today’s NBA. He’s also a competitive, intensely aware defender who doesn’t make a ton of mistakes. He can appear slow and plodding, but the skill level is undeniable.