2019 NBA Draft: Ja Morant headlines top 9 mid-major prospects

3) Brandon Clarke, PF, Gonzaga

Clarke might be the biggest riser in this draft outside of Morant. Heck, he might even give Morant a run for his money.

Morant entered the year as a borderline second-round pick, after all. Clarke wasn’t even an afterthought after transferring to Gonzaga from San Jose State.

That has changed in a big way throughout the three months he has been suiting up for the Bulldogs. Clarke’s insane athleticism has made him one of the country’s best shot blockers (3.0 bpg) at just 6-8, both tools that will allow him to make an impact in the NBA.

He’s also extremely quick, showcasing the ability to beat opposing big men off the dribble and be a factor in transition, whether it’s running down the court for an easy dunk or chasing down a block.

Clarke is small and doesn’t make up for it in strength (215 lbs). The Phoenix native also doesn’t stretch the floor – he has only made three three-pointers all year. But Clarke is an elite athlete and can provide a defensive spark off the bench for an NBA team, and that is worthy of him being a first-round pick.