NCAA Basketball: 5 biggest snubs from the 2018 NBA Draft combine

Jalen McDaniels F/C Freshman San Diego State

McDaniels has the highest upside of the five players highlighted in this article so it is shocking that he was not selected. He had very little buzz in the preseason but quickly played his way onto the NBA Draft radar.

He averaged 10.5 ppg and 7.5 rpg while playing most of his minutes at center. McDaniels has a similar lanky frame to Jonathan Isaac of the Orlando Magic which could limit his effectiveness at that position in the NBA. At 6’10” and 195 pounds, he is the epitome of lanky.

McDaniels will need to improve his jumper if he is to play more PF because he only hit four three-pointers last season. His excellent free throw percentage (79%) suggests that he could realistically add long-range shooting to his game.

However, the most appealing aspect of McDaniels’ skill set is his mix of physical tools and a relentless motor. He is very athletic, but also consistently plays with great energy and aggressiveness, especially on the glass. This is a coveted quality and is not always a given, even with the most physically gifted players.

San Diego State looks like the second-best team in the Mountain West with or without McDaniels, but their upside is certainly higher with him. I think McDaniels has the most to gain, out of all these players, from returning to school.

If he improves his jump shot, he could be a guaranteed first rounder in next season’s NBA Draft. The risk of returning is low as long as he continues to play with consistent energy and aggressiveness.