2021 NBA Draft: 20 most interesting college prospects at draft combine
Kessler Edwards, Pepperdine
The 6-8, 215-pound small forward is maintaining his college eligibility, although he is almost 22 years old, which makes him an “older prospect”. Edwards is coming off a decent season for the Waves with 17.6 points and 6.8 boards a game while shooting 49.1% from the field, 378% from beyond the arc, and 87.6% from the charity stripe.
He is an excellent shooter who projects to be a quality 3-point shooter at the NBA level. However, Edwards, who is projected as a mid-second round selection, does have to show that he can defend consistently as well as demonstrate he is a capable passer.
Luka Garza, Iowa
The 2021 National Player of the Year is coming off a sensational campaign and has dropped nearly 20 pounds since the season ended. He should be selected somewhere in the second round, but the 22-year-old, 6-11 center will need to demonstrate he is mobile enough to defend in the NBA, particularly against pick-n-rolls.
Johnny Juzang, UCLA
The 6-6 wing showed up at Kentucky as a highly-regarded prospect but he struggled in his lone season with the Wildcats in 2019-20. However, Juzang bounced back this past season averaging 16.0 points and 4.1 rebounds and leading the Bruins to the Final 4, while increasing his production to over 22 points a contest.
He is an excellent shooter and dynamic scorer who is potentially a first-round draft choice but if this week doesn’t go as well as he likes, the Los Angeles native could return to school. Juzang’s athletic prowess, passing, and defense are things to keep an eye on.
Joe Wieskamp, Iowa
The 6-6 guard, who could return to school, had a nice year with the Hawkeyes averaging 14.6 points and 6.6 caroms. Wieskamp is an excellent shooter with bombing away from beyond the arc being his specialty. He is strong and well-built and was a good rebounder at the college level. His defense and athleticism are things to watch this week. Wieskamp is a potential second-round draft choice.