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

By Brad Cavallaro

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 7: Ponds
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 7: Ponds /
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CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 19: Ajdin Penava #11 of the Marshall Thundering Herd reacts after making a three-point basket against the Xavier Musketeers in the first half of a game at Cintas Center on December 19, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 19: Ajdin Penava #11 of the Marshall Thundering Herd reacts after making a three-point basket against the Xavier Musketeers in the first half of a game at Cintas Center on December 19, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Ajdin Penava PF Junior, Marshall

Penava is the only player on this list from the mid-major ranks and is also the only one to sign with an agent. He had a breakout season for Marshall who upset Wichita State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Penava improved significantly from last season as he averaged 15.6ppg, 8.5rpg, and 3.9bpg. The 6’9” forward also shot 34% from three (33 makes) which makes him a rare shot-blocking floor spacer. This is such a rare and useful skillset that gives teams additional lineup flexibility.

He is also a good athlete who could be effectively paired with offensive-minded centers who do not protect the rim. Guys like Enes Kanter have great offensive abilities but need to play with a shot blocking PF to hide their limitations.

Even if Penava does not pan out in the NBA, he is definitely worth the risk in the second round or on a two-way contract. Chris Boucher, the former Oregon PF, is a solid recent comparison. Boucher earned a two-way contract despite being hurt for most of the season, so at least one team should be intrigued by Penava’s talent.

It is utterly shocking that NBA teams would rather see complete unknowns (who are dubious NBA talents) over guys like Penava with highly coveted skillsets.

Even if Penava goes undrafted, he will be in good shape. He is a European born player so he will not have to deal with any American quotas on European rosters. I think you can pencil in Penava as a second-round sleeper in June’s NBA draft.

Next: Analyzing key NBA Draft decisions

These are five players who were most surprisingly snubbed from the combine. I expect most of these players to return to school and put their name in the NBA draft next season. All five have realistic NBA potential and extremely bright basketball futures.

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