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

5. Yoeli Childs, F, BYU

DOB:

• January 13, 1998 (22)

SIZE:

• 6’8″, 225 lbs

PROS:

• Good athlete for his size
• Can score in various ways
• Good rebounder

CONS:

• Forces shots offensively
• Bit of a tweener, as he is small for a 4, but big for a 3

DRAFT GRADE:

• Mid-to-late 2nd Round

Yoeli Childs was an absolute beast during his time at Brigham Young, averaging over 20 points and nine rebounds per game during his final two seasons with the Cougars. As a player who can score in multiple ways and crash the glass effectively, there is a lot to like about Childs’ game.

Where the criticism comes is the question about where he will play at the next level, as some scouts believe him to be too small for power forward, but too big for small forward. Personally, I can see Childs becoming a good power forward in a small-ball lineup in the NBA, leading me to believe he will be drafted at some point in the second round (probably closer to the end).

4. Jalen Harris, G, Nevada

DOB:

• August 14, 1998 (22)

SIZE:

• 6’5″, 195 lbs

PROS:

• Great shooter
• Crafty scorer
• Good playmaker

CONS:

• Overly aggressive offensively
• A bit of a lazy defender

DRAFT GRADE:

• Mid-to-late 2nd Round

A very skilled combo guard who can shoot the basketball from all levels of the floor, Jalen Harris has the potential to be an effective scorer in the NBA. While he plays a bit out of control sometimes, Harris can run an offense due to his unselfishness and ability to score in tight and on the perimeter.

There are definitely some knocks about whether he can score as effectively as he did in college against NBA-quality defenders, which is a fair question to ask. With that being said, I believe Harris has what it takes to be an effective scorer off the bench in the NBA.

3. Grant Riller, G, College of Charleston

DOB:

• February 8, 1997 (23)

SIZE:

• 6’3″, 190 lbs

PROS:

• Great athlete
• Can create his own shot very well
• Effective scorer from all areas on the floor
• Good defensive instincts

CONS:

• Inconsistency from three-point range
• Too aggressive on defense at times

DRAFT GRADE:

• Mid-to-Late 2nd Round

Let me make one thing clear – Grant Riller will not go undrafted. A crafty combo guard who played at the College of Charleston, Riller can create his own shot and score with ease. The only major knocks on Riller are his inconsistency from three and the fact that he gets a bit too aggressive on the defensive end.

These are critiques that can easily be fixed with NBA coaching and development programs, so I expect Riller to hear his name called on draft day and potentially make an immediate impact.

2. Malachi Flynn, G, San Diego State

DOB:

• May 10, 1998 (22)

SIZE:

• 6’1″, 195 lbs

PROS:

• Good shooter from both mid and three-point range
• Good playmaker
• High basketball IQ
• Can create his own shot
• Good rebounder for his size

CONS:

• Below average athleticism
• Undersized

DRAFT GRADE:

• Late 1st – Early 2nd Round

While Malachi Flynn definitely lacks in size, speed and strength, it’s never overly noticeable due to the fact that he understands the game so well. Flynn can do everything on the offensive end, including spot-up shooting, create his own shot, and creating good opportunities for those around him.

On top of being incredibly smart, Flynn is a very good rebounder considering he is only 6’1″ tall. While he’s certainly not a lock to go in the first round, I would not be surprised if a team takes him late in round one.

1. Obi Toppin, F, Dayton

DOB:

• March 4, 1998 (22)

SIZE:

• 6’9″, 220 lbs

PROS: 

• Freak athlete
• Effective post scorer
• Stretch potential
• Very efficient scorer
• High motor
• Very strong for 220 lbs

CONS:

• Foot speed lacks when forced to guard on the perimeter
• Too passive both offensively and defensively

DRAFT GRADE:

• Lottery

When most scouts watch Obi Toppin’s tape, a feeling of excitement is what they get. Toppin is an absurd athlete who can score extremely efficiently all while giving it 100% of his effort at all times. With just two years of collegiate basketball under his belt, Toppin has shown consistent flashes of brilliance and is only improving in all facets of the game.

Between the rare potential, Toppin has and the confidence NBA teams have in developing raw talent, I expect Toppin to go in the top five of this year’s draft and carve out a long NBA career.