Big East Basketball: Top 15 prospects for 2020 NBA Draft

Who are the top prospects from Big East Basketball in the 2020 NBA Draft and when are they projected to be drafted?

In the third of our Top 15 NBA Draft Prospects segment, we take a look at Big East Basketball’s top talent entering this year’s draft and rank them based on NBA potential. While there are two players I see going in the first round, there are definitely some sleepers that could be selected in the second round or prove themselves as an undrafted free agent in the Summer League.

Without further ado, the top 15 prospects from the Big East that have entered the 2020 NBA Draft.

15. Romaro Gill, C, Seton Hall

DOB:

• October 2, 1994 (26)

SIZE:

• 7’2″, 255 lbs

PROS:

• Exceptional shot blocker
• Length is an obvious plus

CONS:

• Heavy feet
• Not a very good inside or outside scorer despite his height
• Will struggle with the athleticism jump at the next level
• Age

DRAFT GRADE:

• Late 2nd Round – Undrafted

Anybody who is 7’2″ tall, averaged over 3.0 blocks per game in his senior year and played in a good conference like the Big East is bound to get some looks from NBA front offices. While Gill is certainly on the radar of teams, I just don’t think there is enough upside where he is worth drafting. Gill is already 26 years-old and struggles mightily against quicker players, so the jump to the NBA will not be an easy one. With that being said, Gill will almost certainly be signed as an undrafted free agent with a chance to prove himself during the Summer League.

14. Quincy McKnight, G, Seton Hall

DOB:

• December 15, 1995 (24)

SIZE:

• 6’4″, 185 lbs

PROS:

• Decent playmaker
• Shooting range is steadily increasing
• Active hands

CONS:

• Lacks the athleticism to be impactful at the next level
• Inconsistent shooter
• Age

DRAFT GRADE:

• Late 2nd Round – Undrafted

Let me start by saying I’m a huge fan of Quincy McKnight’s game. He’s a bit streaky, but there are times where McKnight is the best player on the court from either team. With that being said, McKnight is just simply too inconsistent and lacks the athleticism to get a serious look from anyone in the second round. On top of that he will be 25 by the time the season starts, so expect McKnight to sign as an undrafted free agent looking to make his mark in the Summer League.

13. Alpha Diallo, G/F, Providence

DOB:

• June 29, 1997 (23)

SIZE:

• 6’6″, 210 lbs

PROS:

• Good athlete
• Above-average defender
• Attacks the basket well

CONS:

• Not a good shooter from anywhere on the court

DRAFT GRADE:

• Late 2nd Round – Undrafted

Alpha Diallo is intriguing due to the fact that he is already someone who can provide an important quality to an NBA team – the ability to defend. With that being said, he is not an NBA-quality player in any aspect offensively. He attacks the rim decently well, but the inability to knock down shots will probably scare teams away. It’s unlikely a team takes a shot on Diallo in the late second round, but his defensive upside will give him a shot somewhere as an undrafted free agent.