Big Ten Basketball: Top 10 prospects for 2020 NBA Draft

4. Xavier Tillman Sr., C/F, Michigan State

DOB:

• January 12, 1999 (21)

SIZE:

• 6’9″, 245 lbs

PROS:

• Above-average athlete
• High motor
• Solid scorer around the rim

CONS:

• Lacks scoring versatility
• Struggles guarding on the perimeter, but also lacks strength to guard inside

DRAFT GRADE:

• Mid-to-late 2nd Round

Xavier Tillman Sr. is a player who has shown flashes of elite potential, often using his athleticism to make great players above the rim. Tillman Sr. is also a player who never stops working, which is a trait that is loved by teammates, coaches, and executives.

The knocks on Tillman Sr.’s game is his versatility offensively and potential to be a tweener defensively – too small to guard bigger fives, but too slow to guard quicker fours. With that being said there is a lot of raw potential to be tapped into, and I expect Tillman to be drafted somewhere between 45-60th overall.

3. Cassius Winston, G, Michigan State

DOB:

• February 28, 1998 (22)

SIZE:

• 6’1″, 185 lbs

PROS:

• Rugged toughness
• High basketball IQ
• Solid shooter from everywhere
• Above-average playmaker

CONS:

• Not an incredible athlete for a player of his size
• Struggles to guard both bigger and faster players

DRAFT GRADE:

• Early-to-mid 2nd Round

Cassius Winston is a player who plays the game with his heart on his sleeve. Always looking to get his teammates involved, Winston is a pass-first point guard who has proven he can be a scorer as well when he is called upon.

The potential problem with Winston at the next level will be on the defensive end, as bigger and faster players are bound to eat him up both on and off-ball. However with all that being said, the offensive potential outweighs the potential defensive negatives, so I expect to hear Winston’s name called somewhere between 30-40.