Paul’s 2020 Big Board 3.0 (4/28)

With the current pandemic going on across the country, sports are currently taking a backseat to the real and difficult circumstances we are faced with. As of right now, the 2019-2020 NBA season is on halt with no clear path of return in site. Which means, as of now the NBA Draft deadlines, combine, and withdrawal period are all still set with a high possibility things can get pushed back if the season starts up again. Players this year have the option to declare for the draft and even hire an agent that is a part of the NCAA’s approved list, and still retain college eligibility if they withdraw from the draft by the withdrawal deadline. The deadline to declare for the draft was on April 26, with the withdrawal date set for June 3, and the NBA Draft still scheduled to take place on June 25. The following is my special Top 100 rankings for this year’s NBA Draft, different than my usual top 15 per position in my other Big Boards. I hope you enjoy!

*Write ups and rankings are my own personal opinions and are carefully articulated through personal impacts on me and research of draft stocks and draft declarations from NBADraft.net, ESPN, Stadium, and NBC Sports.

Top Players Returning To College:

Scottie Lewis
SG | Florida | Freshman | 6’5 | 185 lbs
19-20 Stats: 8.5 pts, 3.6 reb, 1.2 stl, 1.2 blk

Landers Nolley
SG/SF | Virginia Tech | Freshman | 6’7 | 230 lbs
Transferring To: Memphis
19-20 Stats: 15.5 pts, 5.8 reb, 2.4 ast, 0.8 stl

Ochai Agbaji
SG | Kansas | Sophomore | 6’5 | 210 lbs
19-20 Stats: 10 pts, 4.2 reb, 2 ast, 1.2 stl

Matthew Hurt
PF | Duke | Freshman | 6’9 | 214 lbs
19-20 Stats: 9.7 pts, 3.8 reb, 0.9 ast, 0.7 blk

Joe Wieskamp
SF | Iowa | Sophomore | 6’6 | 210 lbs
19-20 Stats: 14 pts, 6.1 reb, 1.6 ast, 1 stl

Neemias Queta
C | Utah State | Sophomore | 7’0 | 245 lbs
19-20 Stats: 13 pts, 7.8 reb, 1.9 ast, 1.7 blk

Nahziah Carter
SF | Washington | Junior | 6’6 | 205 lbs
19-20 Stats: 12.2 pts, 4.9 reb, 1.5 ast, 1.4 stl

D.J. Jeffries
SF | Memphis | Freshman | 6’7 | 225 lbs
19-20 Stats: 10.8 pts, 4.3 reb, 1.5 ast, 1.1 blk

Top 100

—Lottery—

Perceived by many as the first overall pick and the premier talent in the draft, Edwards brings elite athleticism and scoring to the table.

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Younger brother of Pelicans’ Lonzo Ball, LaMelo slots in as the top PG choice with great ball handling and unlimited range. Will be a legitimate threat to Edwards as the #1 pick.

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The 2020 Wooden Award winner and the breakout star of the 19-20 CBB season, Toppin led Dayton to one of their best runs in school history. Obi might be the most athletic prospect in the draft and a sure Top 5.

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After being deemed ineligible by the NCAA due to recruiting violations, Wiseman spent all but 3 games training primarily for the draft. Will be the top rated and highly anticipated big man.

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The top international prospect of this years draft, scouts are fascinated with Avdija’s mix of size and playmaking skills. Will be a top tier prospect coming out of the famed Maccabi Tel Aviv of the EuroLeague.

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Helping aid a Tiger team that over-performed all season long, Okoro was one of the top recruits coming out of the 2019 High School class. With elite defensive skills and inside scoring, Isaac will be a top 10 pick.

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As an elite force in the paint both offensively and defensively, teams are looking at Okongwu to be a perennial shot blocker/ back to the basket scorer in the NBA.

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With a high basketball I.Q. as the son of a former pro, Cole’s mix of scoring and playmaking lands him as a huge talent handling the 1 in today’s NBA.

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A mixture of size and athleticism that can fill up the stat sheet in many ways, Haliburton looks to be a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander type prospect. After breaking his wrist mid-season, Tyrese could miss the start of his Rookie campaign although he will still be a highly likely lottery pick.

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As the headlining freshman in Duke’s class, Carey put up a stellar 1-and-done season for the Blue Devils. A versatile big man that gives you rebounding, scoring, and defense, Vernon is a lock for a top pick.

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In a stellar breakout sophomore season, Oturu led the way for the Golden Gophers as their go to scorer and all around playmaker. With great size, athleticism, and the ability to step out and hit a three if need be, Oturu is a spitting image of the evolved big men we see in today’s NBA.

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Originally from Florida, Hayes skipped the American high school and college scene to play overseas since 2017. Hayes’ playmaking skills and size lands him as a top prospect, gaining experience from playing in the pros since a young age.

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Another top 1-and-done that we’ve seen over the last few years decide to join Mike Hopkins’ Huskies squad, McDaniels was a 5-star High School recruit. With an up and down freshman year on a struggling Washington team, Jaden should still be a late lottery pick with his size and skill at the 4.

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As the son of a former NBA player, Nico has gotten a lot of recognition since his High School days. As a premier ball handler and good shooting range, Mannion will be a top PG off the board.

—Mid-Late 1st Round—

One of several Wildcat underclassmen to make this list, Maxey shined alongside Ashton Hagans in the teams’ backcourt in 2019-20. With great defense and passing ability, Maxey might need to become a more consistent shooter in the next stage.

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Another Bryce Drew top recruit, Nesmith lit up the floor until injuries derailed his season. His scoring ability is what scouts are most intrigued with and they hope he can possibly be a 20+ PPG scorer in the NBA.

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Another new wave 5-star that decided to go pro overseas rather than college, Hampton joined the NBL alongside LaMelo Ball. After a solid year, Hampton’s athleticism and scoring ability could potentially even land him in the lottery.

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Another Huskie projected in the 1st round, Stewart’s size makes him a force in the paint. With the ability to stretch the floor and wreak havoc in the post, Bam Adebayo would be my closest comparison.

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The anchor of the last few competitive Louisville teams, Nwora has finally decided to stay in this years draft and it’ll most likely pay off. A great scorer and rebounder for his size, Jordan does a little bit of everything and can fit well as a role player for many teams.

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Another athletic guard headlining the 1-and-done class is Green who projects to be a typical 3 and D type player. After shooting a solid 36% from behind the arc, Green has shown he can let it fly in any level.

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Headlining the Wildcats’ backcourt along with Tyrese Maxey this year, Hagans led the point at an effective rate. A pass first PG that gets everyone involved, Ashton’s defensive game is top level as where his offense might need improvement.

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After a few years pro at a young age, Maledon looks to be yet another French PG taken in the first round. With great ball handling skills and drive, scouts think Theo can develop into a well established PG in the NBA.

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Leading the way in most major categories for Mississippi State, Perry’s breakout sophomore season can land him in the 1st round. His size and versatility will keep a lot of scouts high on the 6’10 scoring PF.

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One of Penny Hardaway’s other top lands this year, Achiuwa was a top recruit coming out of High School and showed it in his one year at Memphis. With great defensive skill and drive on offense, Precious could be a key wing piece for several NBA teams.

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After a better than expected freshman campaign, Nnaji contributes effective inside scoring and rebounding with the ability to stretch the floor from long range. With a game built for today’s NBA, Nnaji can find himself being the third Wildcat freshman to be taken in the first round.

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Shining as Texas Tech’s main catalyst this season, Ramsey aided Chris Beard’s squad in many ways. Scoring comes with an ease for Jahmi’us but the question is more about his size and defense.

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After an up and down, injury filled tenure at Kansas, ‘Doke’ was able to put together a solid senior campaign as one of the best big men in the country. Providing his usual defensive presence along with a much improved post game, Azubuike might be the first senior taken off the board in the draft.

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Another gritty and hard nosed player produced by Jay Wright, Bey brings solid scoring and defensive skill at the 3. With his unorthodox looking jumper, many wonder if he can continue to score in the NBA, or will he decide to return to Nova to strengthen his stock even more.

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One of my personal favorite players in all of college ball, Dosunmu led a young and exciting Illini team to one of it’s most competitive seasons in a long time. With great size at the PG, ball handling skills, passing, and lethal scoring ability, Ayo should be a lock for a late first round pick if he stays in.

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One of the Blue Demons’ first big prospects in a while, Reed’s breakout sophomore year was followed up by an even more dominant junior season. As a force in the paint, Reed can bring a lot of teams a defensive upgrade at the hoop.

—2nd Round—

As the Jayhawks’ go to scorer, Dotson has given off the impression of more of a shoot first point guard. After staying for a second season for Kansas, Dotson looks to be a solid bench piece for a lot of teams in the late 1st/ early 2nd range.

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One of the most dominant paint players in all of college ball, Smith is no doubt built to produce in the NBA. A great shot blocker with very solid back to the basketball scoring skills, Jalen is definitely a candidate to rise up the ranks from now until the draft.

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After deciding to return for his sophomore year, Jones followed up with an even more impressive season winning ACC Player of the Year. A tremendous defender and much improved scorer, Tre could be a steal if he falls into the early 2nd round.

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Another Leonard Hamilton product we see rising up the ranks at draft time, Williams brings a 3 and D style play to the table. With the ability to score from anywhere including stepping out to hit a 3, Williams could find himself on the brink of the first round come draft day.

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As a top tier prospect who barely was able to figure things out his first two years, Richards had a breakout junior campaign, one that John Calipari was anxiously awaiting since he brought him to Lexington in 2017. Showing much more improvement and maturity, Richards is an early second round piece that can aid many teams benches in need of big men.

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Another breakout star that raised up the draft ranks quickly, Lewis’ breakout season for the Crimson Tide didn’t go unnoticed. Providing everything from scoring to rebounding to defense, Kira has a real NBA build and if he can put on weight can even be an impact player.

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Leading all of D1 in scoring and putting up three straight 40%+ seasons from behind the arc, Howard singlehandedly kept Marquette afloat all year. Without a doubt the best pure scorer in this years draft in my opinion, Markus’ size might be the only thing luring scouts away from his incredible talent.

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Another crafty forward from Spain, Bolmaro emerged on the radar of scouts pretty quickly. With size, scoring ability, and solid defense many have Bolmaro even reaching late 1st round ranks.

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As a sharp shooting guard, Vassell jumped into Hamilton’s starting 5 this past season and didn’t disappoint. With not much identity besides lethal shooting from 3, Devin is looking at a 2nd round selection.

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The son of another former player, Alston broke out last year for the Broncos and followed up with an even better junior year. With great size and all around scoring ability from anywhere, Alston hopes at the very least to raise his ranks with scouts if he returns for his senior year.

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As another 5 star freshman for Duke, Stanley didn’t put up the greatest numbers but impressed scouts with his athleticism and flashy dunks. Cassius might not make it in the 1st round but should be a mid second round selection at least.

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As one of the main anchors of a Colorado squad that was able to sneak into the Top 25 a couple of times this season, Bey brings great length to stretch the floor along with rebounding and above average defense.

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As one of the top recruits Creighton has landed over the past several years, Alexander was the leader of a Blue Jays squad that won the Big East in 2020. Ty-Shon is a great scorer with solid defense and will most likely find himself taken somewhere in the mid 2nd round.

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With freakish size and length, Pokusevski is seen as a project with a potential great upside a few years down the road. At only 18, Aleksej has a lot of weight to put on and may wait a little while until he comes over to the NBA from Greece.

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One of the biggest names in all of college basketball, Pritchard led the Ducks with lethal scoring ability from anywhere on the court and lock down defense. Payton can definitely carve himself out a solid career off the bench as an NBA second rounder.

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Another huge name across the college basketball platform, Powell’s ability to take over any game with his scoring ability led the Pirates to a consistent Top 15 rank in 2019-20. Myles is a bench piece that I think will be highly sought after on draft day.

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As the headlining Freshman for LSU’s 19-20 season, Watford’s up and down season lands him somewhere in the 2nd round. He might need another year or two of college ball to be able to raise his stock to somewhere close to the lottery.

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Another household name across the college basketball circuit, Winston wrapped up an incredible career in East Lansing. Dealing with adversity all throughout his time in Michigan State including the death of his brother, Winston is no doubt built for the NBA and provides the mental toughness not too many rookies possess. With a never say die attitude and amazing work ethic, I highly expect Cassius to rise up NBA boards before draft day.

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The headlining JUCO transfer for the upcoming season, Scrubb’s scoring landed him on the radar of many top programs and ultimately committed to Louisville. Well, it turns out he won’t be headed to the Cardinals next season and instead will try his luck in the draft straight out of junior college.

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As a transfer from N.C. State, Omer has been on draft radars dating all the way back to his freshman year in 2016. With another grad year left at Georgetown, Yurtseven plans to forego his college eligibility and begin his career in the pros.

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As the leading scorer for the streaky Syracuse Orange this past year, Hughes will test his luck and stay in the draft, foregoing his senior year. Elijah has great scoring ability and solid perimeter defense and hopes to raise his stock big time before draft day.

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One of the best seniors in the nation this year, Stevens’ lethal scoring and ability to stretch the floor made Penn State a tough team to beat. I believe a team will definitely look his way in the mid-late second round range and could be a Two-Way contract candidate next year.

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The anchor in the paint for the Spartans this past season, Tillman could bring great strength and solid bruiser minutes to many teams’ benches. Xavier will test the draft process but could ultimately return for his senior season in East Lansing.

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The engine that kept the Aztecs running this year, Flynn transferred from Washington State and immediately made an impact in Cali. Flynn is planning to forgo his last year of eligibility in the hopes a team will latch onto him somewhere in Round 2.

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As Virginia’s key piece throughout the season after the losses of Guy and Jerome to last years draft, Diakite can provide bruiser minutes off the bench for many squads. Mamadi is definitely in the late 2nd round/ Two-Way Contract type situation.

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A familiar face to my Big Boards, Austin Wiley finishes up his up and down Auburn tenure on a high note. Now as a senior, Wiley will finally be headed to the league where he’ll look to latch onto a team with his superb post defense and rebounding skills.

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The key piece of a Gaels team that made a tremendous run during the cut short 2019-20 season, Fitts will try his luck in the draft. As an all around talented prospect with inside scoring skills and solid defense, Malik might need another year in college to improve his selection out of the 2nd round.

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After a breakout sophomore campaign for a top seeded Gonzaga squad, Petrusev will throw his name in the pile to see where his stock lands. With two years left of eligibility and the potential of being a 1st round pick down the line, I don’t see Filip staying in this year’s draft for long.

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Declaring for the draft and planning to forego his senior season, Naji Marshall brings inside scoring and solid perimeter defense to the table. As a 3 year starter, Marshall hopes to raise his stock in the draft and potentially land a 2nd round or Two-Way contract in the NBA.

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Another breakout star of this year’s CBB season, Pons stepped in to replace a couple Volunteers wings who left for the draft in Admiral Schofield and Grant Williams and did not disappoint. After a solid year, Yves will test the draft process with the ability to return for his senior year in Tennessee.

—Undrafted—

A UConn transfer that provided great low post bruiser minutes doing the dirty work for the Cardinals, Enoch will head to the draft in hopes of landing a bench role. On the brink of being undrafted in most mocks, Enoch will probably be in the range of a Two-Way contract for 2020-21.

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Throughout an up and down season, Wesson was the body the Buckeyes relied on and provided the spark they needed. Kaleb will test the draft process with high likelihood he’ll return to OSU for his senior season.

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Another familiar name to these Big Boards, Tillie’s size and talent has made him a highly scouted prospect throughout the last few years. Now as a senior, Killian’s bad history of injuries might throw off some scouts in using a selection on him.

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Another big land from Brad Underwood’s Fighting Illini, Cockburn was a highly sought after incoming freshman across the country. With great size but still a ton of raw talent, Kofi might need at least another year or two in school to get him into a 1st round selection.

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One of the anchors of this years Wildcats squad, Quickley will test his luck in the draft and not return for a junior year in Lexington. With consistent scoring ability, Quickley can definitely sneak into a 2nd round selection and might need some time in the G-League to develop.

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Cousin of the Detroit Pistons’ Thon Maker, Makur gained eligibility from the NBA to declare for the draft out of High School. Still only 19, Maker possesses great potential and freakish athleticism as a ball handler although he might need time to develop as he’s still a bit of a raw talent.

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As a lethal scorer and great overall defender, Elleby does it all for the Cougars and plans to test the waters for the draft. Only a sophomore, I anticipate C.J. returning to school as currently he doesn’t plan on transferring out of WSU.

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Another bruiser on the low post, Tshiebwe was one of WVU’s top recruits this past year and had a solid freshman season. Oscar will declare for the draft to try to test his stock that definitely can rise a bunch if he returns to school for another year or two.

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As the leading scorer for a Baylor team that sat at #1 in the country for several weeks, Butler will test the draft process with two years of eligibility left. A combo guard that can shoot at high levels from anywhere on the floor, Jared might sneak into some 2nd rounds in mock drafts if he stays in.

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A lengthy forward that can handle the ball, Smith has had a solid tenure for the Bruins. He’ll test the NBA draft process with high likelihood he’ll return for a senior year at UCLA.

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The heart and soul for the Horned Frogs the last few years, Bane’s tenure at TCU is one that many fans will remember. Now a prospect for the draft, Desmond will definitely be a Two-Way candidate and might get some looks at the end of the 2nd round.

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A three year starter for the Bulldogs, Hammonds’ great talent and size is headlined by his excellent rebounding ability and being able to step out and hit the three. Rayshaun will test the draft process and could be a huge return for Tom Crean’s squad if he withdraws for his senior season.

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A lengthy forward that can spread the floor, Eboua has been a solid NBA talent for a couple of years in Italy. Now 20, Paul could be a second round pick and a G-League project if he decides to come over right away if/when he’s drafted.

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A lights out shooter for the Razorbacks, Joe shot 34% from three and 89% from the line while only playing in 26 games this past season. He’ll test his luck in the draft but most likely return for a junior in Arkansas.

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A freak athlete who’s flashy dunks have been all over hoop mixtapes since his days in high school, McClung will test the draft process for the first time since joining the Hoyas. After an injury filled season, Mac still led the team in scoring and would be a big blow for G-Town if he decides to head to the NBA.

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Having a solid season for the Wolfpack after jumping into the starting lineup, Funderburk is testing the draft process with two years of eligibility still remaining after redshirting a year. I anticipate D.J. heading back to NC State for next season in a full time starting role.

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After an absolutely unreal breakout season for the Hawkeyes, Garza throws his name in the draft pool to see where his stock is at. With so much talent and size with lethal scoring ability, Luka might need to return to Iowa, where a follow up senior campaign could lead to him being one of the first picks off the board in 2021.

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Transferring from Virginia Tech to play a grad year with the Gators, Blackshear had another solid season as a great low post scorer and rebounder. Although he’s definitely a candidate to go undrafted, Kerry will highly likely cling on to someone’s summer league and potentially land a Two-Way next season.

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After a breakout sophomore season that saw his 3 point clip finish at 43%, Woodard’s size and defensive ability makes him an intriguing prospect. Although it might not be the year for him to stay in the draft, Woodard’s stock definitely will rise if he can follow up with a good junior season.

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As one of the better prospects Stanford has been able to land recently, Terry will test the draft process after a solid freshman year. With Ziaire Williams set to join the Cardinals as well next year, Terry might be more inclined to head back to Stanford for at least another season.

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Another Crimson Tide testing the draft process, Petty’s been a consistent piece for a squad that’s struggled over the past few seasons. Although I think he’ll return for his senior year, Petty might decide to stay in the draft if he believes there’s nothing left to prove at Bama.

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As a four year starter for the Bulldogs, Baldwin has been a staple for the Butler squad that peaked at #5 in the country this past year. Now as a senior, Kamar will definitely get many looks in the 2nd round and will be in the mix for a Two-Way contract.

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Another key piece for the Volunteers for the past few seasons, Bowden’s defense and corner three’s have been his trademark. Definitely a candidate for a summer league spot somewhere after the draft.

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A four-year starter for the Cougars, Childs’ low post scoring, rebounding, and ability to step out and hit the three have aided BYU into a couple of competitive seasons. Childs’ build is a little small for the way he plays but will definitely get several looks after his amazing junior and senior seasons.

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After committing to Jerry Stackhouse’s squad at Vanderbilt, Martin will skip the college scene and declare straight for the draft. The son of a former first overall pick, Kenyon Jr. might try to make his way through the G-League rather than spending time in college to increase his draft stock.

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Stepping in as the leader of the Sun Devils this season after the departures of Lu Dort and Zylan Cheatham, Martin picked up the pace averaging almost 20 a game while running the point. A great all around PG, Martin could be a 2nd round pick next year if he decides to return for his senior year.

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A four-year starter for the Catamounts, Lamb has averaged no less than 12 points and 5 rebounds since arriving in Burlington. Now a senior, Lamb will be one of the top mid-major prospects to be looked at in the 2nd round and for the summer league.

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After a solid junior campaign, shooting 44% from downtown, Kispert will test the draft waters along with teammates Petrusev and Ayayi. I highly anticipate Corey to return to the Zags for his senior year to build on the progress he made this past season.

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Another Spartan starter to test the draft waters, Henry shot well from three with good rebounding skills at his size. With a lot more to still prove at MSU, I anticipate Aaron heading back for his junior season where he might become a team leader without Winston and potentially Tillman.

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As the bruiser in the paint for the Sun Devils, White has been a 3-year starter doing the dirty work for ASU. As a great rim protector and enforcer without needing the ball in his hands, there’s definitely a spot in the NBA for a player like Romello whether it’s this year or next.

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As a transfer from UNC-Asheville in 2018, Teague joined the Bears as a sit 1, play 2 and did not disappoint in his first season. Now testing the waters for the draft, MaCio was a key piece of Baylor’s deep run last year and should head back for a senior season to raise his stock.

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Another 4-year starter hitting the draft process, Mays’ lethal shooting and great on-ball defense makes him a solid NBA talent at the 2. Definitely a player that will get a few looks in the 2nd round and at worst be a candidate for a Two-Way.

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A transfer from Utah, Daniels has aided the Wolf Pack the last two seasons with solid scoring and defense. He’ll test the draft process but most likely will return for a senior season.

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Playing for his dad Wayne at Oregon State, Tinkle’s tenure was exciting including three straight First team All Pac-12 finishes. Tres will definitely get a bunch of looks in the 2nd round with his great size, scoring ability, and defense for the Beavers the last few seasons.

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Another mid-major phenom to make the list, Riller’s lethal shooting, elite ball handling, and on-ball defense will get him many looks in the NBA. A four-year starter that has averaged no less than 13 a game for the Cougars, Riller can definitely latch onto a career in the pros.

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Running the point since his freshman year for the Buffaloes, Wright’s scoring and playmaking headline his game. Testing the draft waters to see where his stock lands, McKinley might be headed back for a senior season in Colorado to help get selected in 2021.

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As a full-time starter this past year for the Wildcats, Montgomery didn’t have the prettiest stat line although he was definitely a contributing piece to the Kentucky squad. E.J. will forego his last two years and hope to latch onto the G-League and make his way to the pros.

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A 5-star prospect this past year for the Wildcats, Whitney had trouble seeing the floor and ultimately left Kentucky mid-season. After considering transferring, Kahlil decided to enter the pros and will go through the draft process hoping to latch onto a summer league team and then the G-League.

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A transfer after two years at Auburn, Heron struggled to stay on the floor for the Red Storm, and ultimately played worse during his time with the Johnnie’s. Heron’s scoring ability and potential will definitely get him looks in the 2nd round and should latch on to a G-League squad if undrafted.

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Rounding out the top 100 is the enforcer in the paint for the Pirates this past season who is testing the draft waters. With Powell, McKnight, and Gill all graduating from Seton Hall, I think Mamu will definitely return for his senior season where he might need to be the anchor of a depleted roster.