PAC-12 Basketball: Ranking of top 15 prospects in 2020 NBA Draft

Who are the top prospects from the PAC-12 in the 2020 NBA Draft and when are they projected to be drafted?

After taking a look at the 2020 NBA Draft talent from the ACC, SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, Big East, and bunching together mid-majors (sorry about the snub, AAC), we now take a look at the final conference we will analyze – PAC-12 Basketball.

While this conference isn’t all that top-heavy, it might be one of the deeper conferences in terms of draft-eligible talent this year, as quite a few players will hear their name called on draft night. Up first, a former Oregon State Beaver.

10. Tres Tinkle, F, Oregon State

DOB:

• June 3, 1996 (24)

SIZE:

• 6’8″, 225 lbs

PROS:

• Good inside and midrange scorer
• Does nothing really poorly offensively
• High basketball IQ

CONS:

• Not a good athlete by any stretch
• Already 24 years-old
• Weak defensive player

DRAFT GRADE:

• Late 2nd Round – Undrafted

Tres Tinkle was a dominant collegiate player offensively, scoring effortlessly down low and in the midrange game. He also makes the smart play more often than not, which is a testament to his high basketball IQ and selflessness on the court.

On the negative side, Tinkle is not a good athlete at all, which will certainly hinder his potential in the NBA. On top of that, he is already 24 years old, which is five years older than a lot of the players in this draft. I can see Tinkle going undrafted but signing with a team shortly after the draft on a tryout basis.

9. Payton Pritchard, G, Oregon

DOB:

• January 28, 1998 (22)

SIZE:

• 6’2″, 190 lbs

PROS:

• Plays with his heart on his sleeve
• Very high basketball IQ
• Solid shooter
• High motor

CONS:

• Struggles to score around the basket
• Lacks athleticism
• Gets burned on the defensive end by quicker players

DRAFT GRADE:

• Late 2nd Round – Undrafted

While I project Payton Pritchard to go anywhere from the late second round to undrafted, I’m pretty confident a team takes a shot on him due to his extremely productive collegiate career. A four-year starter, Pritchard is a leader who possesses a lot of the qualities it takes to win in the NBA. For example, Pritchard never gives up and always gives it his all, which is something to build off right away.

Where Pritchard’s game lacks is his athleticism, and there’s not much he can really do about that. He struggles when matched up against quicker players, as he is neither big nor fast. He also struggles to score in tight, making him only a threat offensively when his shot is on. All things considered, I think Pritchard ends up being one of the last players selected in the draft.

8. Jaden McDaniels, F, Washington

DOB:

• September 29, 2000 (20)

SIZE:

• 6’10”, 190 lbs

PROS:

• Extremely athletic
• Good scorer off the dribble
• Good shot blocker
• Can do a bit of everything
• Positional versatility

CONS:

• Does nothing exceptionally well
• Strength is a concern
• Inconsistent shooter
• Too aggressive offensively

DRAFT GRADE:

• Late 1st Round – Mid 2nd Round

Jaden McDaniels is a unique case unlike any other in this draft, as I’m completely unsure as to what position he will play in the NBA; this could be viewed as both a good and bad thing. McDaniels has superb athleticism and contributes in pretty well all facets of the game, but never with consistency.

In addition to the lack of consistency on both ends, McDaniels is also very lean, weighing only 190 lbs. while standing at 6’10”. If McDaniels can bulk up while maintaining his freak athleticism he has the potential to be a really special player at the NBA level. With that being said, his draft value is still a bit uncertain to me, so I can see him going anywhere from pick 25-45.