Big Ten Basketball: Top 10 prospects for 2020 NBA Draft
By Nick Raponi
7. Jon Teske, C, Michigan
DOB:
- May 4th, 1997 (23)
SIZE:
- 7’1″, 265 lbs
PROS:
- Good inside scorer
- Mobile for 265 lbs.
- Solid shot blocker
CONS:
- Limited scoring versatility
- Struggles defending quicker players
DRAFT GRADE:
- Late 2nd Round – Undrafted
Jon Teske is the first player on this list that has a legitimate chance at being drafted, as he checks a lot of boxes in terms of what qualities are looked for in a modern center at the NBA level.
However, in order to be a good role player at the next level, he will have to improve his shot and work on more inside moves, as he relies on a few moves and doesn’t stretch very well. With all this being said I do expect him to go undrafted, but I won’t be surprised at all if Teske’s name is called.
6. Lamar Stevens, F, Penn State
DOB:
- July 9, 1997 (23)
SIZE:
- 6’8, 230 lbs
PROS:
- Good athlete
- Attacks the basket well
CONS:
- Lacks strength to play inside, but quickness to play on the perimeter
- Not a great shooter
DRAFT GRADE:
- Late 2nd Round – Undrafted
Lamar Stevens is a player whose athleticism catches the eyes of a lot of scouts, as he is a big man who moves very well for his size. The potential is definitely there with Stevens, the problem is he is not a great scorer and is a bit of a tweener defensively. With that being said, I think the good might outweigh the bad with Stevens and a team could very well select him at some point late in the second round.
5. Kaleb Wesson, C, Ohio State
DOB:
- July 29, 1999 (21)
SIZE:
- 6’9″, 270 lbs
PROS:
- Stretch big potential
- Solid all-around scorer
- Very strong
CONS:
- Lacks athleticism
- Overly aggressive on both ends
- Lost when switched on the perimeter
DRAFT GRADE:
- Late 2nd Round – Undrafted
Kaleb Wesson is a player who should hear his name drafted in the late second round, but I wouldn’t say it’s a guarantee. Wesson is an extremely strong player who can score both inside and out, which appeals to many front offices.
The issue with Wesson is his speed, as he struggles to guard quicker players. With that being said, I think a team takes a shot on him in the second round and gets him on a good training regimen.