NBA Draft 2018: 5 potential candidates to be the next Fred VanVleet

Former Wichita State Shocker Fred VanVleet has burst onto the NBA scene this year after going undrafted two seasons ago. Who might follow in his footsteps?

After one of the most accomplished college careers for a mid-major player in recent memory, Fred VanVleet did not hear his name called on draft night during the 2016 NBA Draft.

Despite leading the Wichita State Shockers to a Final Four appearance, an undefeated regular season, being named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year twice, and earning three straight honorable mention All-American honors, VanVleet found himself having to fight for a spot in the NBA.

Nearly two years later, the diminutive point guard is an integral part of the Eastern Conference-leading Toronto Raptors’ rotation, playing in crunch-time scenarios for the top seed in the East, and has emerged as a legit Sixth Man of the Year candidate.

Every team, contender or not, needs players like VanVleet to round out a competent NBA rotation.

He always makes the right pass, takes care of the ball, scores from inside or outside when needed, and holds his own on defense. All of this from an undrafted player.

Finding another VanVleet would be difficult. It would take the perfect combination of team, player, and draft class, combining a skilled-but-overlooked player with a strong team in need of a cheap rotational addition.

These five players could prove to be this year’s hidden gem.