Mid-Major Basketball: Ranking of top 20 prospects for 2020 NBA Draft

10. Killian Tillie, F/C, Gonzaga

DOB:

• March 5, 1998 (22)

SIZE:

• 6’10”, 220 lbs

PROS:

• Definite stretch big potential
• Good passer
• Can score from all levels of the floor

CONS:

• Lacks aggression on offense
• Too aggressive on defense
• Extremely streaky
• Lacks rim protection ability
• Durability

DRAFT GRADE:

• Late 2nd Round – Undrafted

Killian Tillie is a player who probably regrets not entering the NBA Draft two seasons ago, as his value has significantly dropped since then. While Tillie is definitely a threat on the offensive end both inside and out, his shot still isn’t consistent enough to put fear in the opponents.

On the defensive side of the court, Tillie is quite aggressive, which many times found him on the bench early in foul trouble. On top of that, he does not have elite athleticism and thus will not be a great rim protector at the next level.

With all of this being said, I do believe Tillie’s offensive potential is high enough where a team might take a shot on him in round two. Let’s not forget that in 2018 some considered him a potential late first-round pick, so I’m sure many front offices still have the former Gonzaga Bulldog on their radar.

9. Nathan Knight, F/C, William & Mary

DOB:

• September 20, 1997 (23)

SIZE:

• 6’10”, 253 lbs

PROS:

• Great inside scorer
• Good athlete for his size
• Solid rebounder
• Rim protection potential

CONS:

• Outside game needs some work
• Too aggressive defensively
• Isn’t the most athletic guy

DRAFT GRADE:

• Late 2nd Round – Undrafted

I really like Nathan Knight‘s game and potential, as he is pretty agile considering he’s roughly 255 lbs. and can score inside at will. The only major knocks I see in Knight’s game is his inability to stretch the floor consistently and the fact that he is way too aggressive defensively.

However, I believe both of those negative qualities can be fixed, so I expect to see Knight selected late in the second round. If not, you can bet he will be approached by pretty well every team about signing a tryout contract.

8. Trevelin Queen, G/F, New Mexico State

DOB:

• February 25, 1997 (23)

SIZE:

• 6’6″, 190 lbs

PROS:

• Good athlete
• Crafty scorer
• Does nothing extremely poorly

CONS:

• Does nothing extremely well

DRAFT GRADE:

• Late 2nd Round

The case of Trevelin Queen is an odd one, as it’s tough to break down his NBA potential. When reviewing tape of New Mexico State games, Queen’s name consistently appeared in my notes as someone who makes a difference. However when watching him closely, I really don’t see any qualities that jump out at me; at the same time, I also don’t see a major flaw in his game either.

With all this being said, I’m quite confident Queen hears his name called on draft day at some point in the late second round, as he stuffs the stat sheet night in and night out and really doesn’t hurt the team in any way.

7. Lamine Diane, F, Cal State Northridge

DOB:

• November 7, 1997

SIZE:

• 6’7″, 205 lbs

PROS:

• Great athlete
• Can effectively score both off the dribble and in tight
• Great rebounder
• Wing D potential

CONS:

• Shooting in all forms (mid-range, three-point, free throw)
• Forces a lot offensively

DRAFT GRADE:

• Mid-to-Late 2nd Round

Lamine Diane played at a small school with Cal State Northridge, which I believe is a great thing for his draft stock due to the fact that scouts have no idea how he’ll fare against top-notch competition.

Diane is an extremely good athlete who is a proven scorer and rebounder, which is appealing to NBA teams regardless of what level he played at. I expect a team to take a shot on Diane in the mid-to-late second round, as there is a ton of potential here just waiting to be untapped.

6. Sam Merrill, G, Utah State

DOB:

• May 15, 1996 (24)

SIZE:

• 6’5″, 205 lbs

PROS:

• Can shoot the lights out, especially from three
• High IQ player
• Good playmaker

CONS:

• Lacks athleticism
• Not a great defender

DRAFT GRADE:

• Mid-to-late 2nd Round

Best suited as a combo guard at the next level, Sam Merrill is a player who rarely makes the wrong play. With an off-the-charts basketball IQ and a smooth stroke from three, Merrill fits what many teams covet off the bench in today’s NBA. The major knock on Merrill is his athleticism, as he may not be able to keep up with the players he will be forced to guard on defense.

While plus-athleticism is surely a quality that’s important in the NBA, I believe Merrill’s skillset and understanding of the game will lead to his name being called at some point in the second round in the upcoming NBA Draft.