You’ve already acquired two lists of names to know for the 2024 NBA Draft with our second checklist dropping fairly lately. And why not have one other 5 names to know? You possibly can by no means be too ready for draft season today. Listed below are the names it is advisable know and why they’ll be massive in subsequent 12 months’s draft.
2024 NBA Draft Prospects
Rob Dillingham (Kentucky)
The 6-foot-3 taking pictures guard needs to be electrical in his lone faculty season assuming Coach Cal lets him play with the total toolbox. He has among the shiftiest ball dealing with on this recruiting class and doubtless confirmed off just a little an excessive amount of in his summer time league and Additional time Elite video games. Nevertheless, he’s confirmed he can get to wherever he desires on the courtroom along with his deal with and has an extremely fast pull up on his jumper.
Dillingham has the flexibility to not simply be a microwave, however he may go supernova in a given recreation. He’s tremendous fast and a bit harking back to De’Aaron Fox in that regard (absolutely a cause Calipari likes him a lot). He tends to take a excessive variety of powerful pictures, which can not translate that properly within the NBA and even in faculty. But when he can get his decision-making with pictures below management, he’s going to be an enormous weapon.
DJ Wagner (Kentucky)
There’s a theme occurring right here with Kentucky guys as coach Calipari is completely loading up on expertise this 12 months. When you acknowledge Wagner’s title, that’s seemingly as a result of he’s the son of Memphis legend (and former Calipari participant) Dajuan Wagner. He’s additionally the top-ranked level guard within the 2023 recruiting class. It’s straightforward to see why at 6-foot-3 and along with his velocity and ball dealing with means. He controls the offense, however nonetheless is aware of easy methods to get his personal shot and create for himself when mandatory.
Wagner has the prospect to be the primary third-generation NBA participant assuming he leaves faculty after this 12 months. He’s going to be participant different future NBA gamers so to see how he runs this group may give us a preview into what to anticipate when he will get to the following degree. He’s a stable three-level scorer, however may stand to enhance his three-point taking pictures a bit.
Ja’Kobe Walter (Baylor)
The 6-foot-5 taking pictures guard is headed to Massive 12 nation this 12 months and his protection will definitely translate there. He’s a menace on that finish of the courtroom and is consistently forcing turnovers, which has earned him the No. 8 spot within the 2023 recruiting rankings. His on-ball protection is disruptive and flusters lots of his opponents, one thing Baylor has at all times prided itself on with its guards. He’ll undoubtedly endear himself to followers fairly shortly that method.
Walter can be happily an excellent shooter and is comfy creating his personal shot. He’s not an elite athlete, however he will get nice elevation on his bounce shot and is great within the mid-range. He is probably not the quickest participant on the courtroom, however he definitely is aware of easy methods to get to his spots and take advantage of his handles.
Stephon Citadel (UConn)
The 6-foot-6 freshman for UConn is becoming a member of a championship group and must fill the footwear of Jordan Hawkins or Tristen Newton. He’s a bit versatile in that he may play as a jumbo guard, off-ball guard, or a considerably smaller wing. Citadel has phenomenal physique management and is a clean athlete. It helps make up for any elite velocity or quickness he might not possess.
He is aware of easy methods to get to his spots and get on stability for fast pictures. Citadel will in all probability need to get just a little stronger so he can end by contact and get by the bumps from defenders on the perimeter. He has the showings of an excellent, constant outdoors shot, however must show he can try this in Storrs.
Tyrese Proctor (Duke)
The 6-foot-5 guard is the second returning participant we’ve listed to this point. He confirmed some good enchancment over the course of the season and with one other 12 months below Jon Scheyer’s steering, he will likely be even higher ready for a much less stellar 2024 NBA Draft class. He’ll get the prospect to showcase an improved shot and if he’s extra constant in it subsequent season, that may go a great distance for his draft prospects.
He’s already proven that he’s shifty with the ball in his arms and he acquired the hold of operating an offense late within the season. If he can present a larger command of that offense and create for others just a little higher, he will likely be a lock as one of many first level guards taken off the board. And if he’s a giant cause the Blue Devils are profitable this 12 months, the hype will get even stronger for him.