NBA Draft 2019: 10 best prospects from Big Ten Basketball

The NBA Draft is upon us this week so that means it’s time to deep dive into some prospects. Big Ten Basketball had a bit of a down year in terms of draft prospects. A year after having eight players selected, the crop is weaker this year. Here’s a look at the 10 best players from the league.

10. Tyler Cook – Iowa – 6’9, 21 years old

Cook returned to Iowa for his junior season where he put up strong numbers, but did little to improve his NBA draft stock. Cook has always been a good athlete with a terrific second jump to help him on the glass. But his offensive repertoire is limited.

Cook failed to make a single three-pointer this season as his jumper continued to plague him. He is a force inside though and an active rebounder. He also improved his passing out of the post as well and his defensive intensity was there.

Cook is unlikely to get drafted, but if he can develop his jump shot in the G-League then there’s a chance he makes it.

9. Ethan Happ – Wisconsin – 6’10,  23 years old

Happ is coming off a prolific college basketball career where he dominated the Big Ten. His game is that of a more traditional center where he utilizes strong post moves to score. He’s got terrific touch and finesse around the rim and is an underrated ball handler and passer, leading the Badgers in assists.

Happ’s clear limiting skill is his lack of a jump shot. He never learned how to shoot beyond the paint and was an atrocious 46 percent from the free throw line last season. At 23 years old, it is unlikely he sees more development in his game.

Happ probably will not hear his name called on Draft Night, but he could be a two-way player that can give impactful minutes to a G-League team.