NCAA Basketball: Takeaways from Team USA in 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup

Other Notes

• I only touched on 2022 draft-eligible players but France’s Victor Wembanyama proved why he’s the best prospect in the world regardless of class. His size, rim protection and offensive skill set at that age are utterly ridiculous.
• LSU’s Adam Miller got off to a slow start but was a really impactful player down the stretch. He showed he’s more than a scorer, having two games of seven assists. He was also a menace defensively on the ball. I still am uncertain what his NBA potential is, but he be is in line for a big season in Will Wade’s system.
• Incoming Tennessee freshman was another five-star prospect who struggled with consistency. He shot the ball well, and had moments of special athleticism, but played too out of control at times and lacked a willingness to pass. I’m really curious to see if he can improve on that under Rick Barnes because the physical tools of an NBA guard are there.
• Incoming Creighton freshman Ryan Nembhard is another small point guard who had some moments of brilliance this week. He’s lightning-quick and great at manipulating the defense. His 6-foot stature limits his NBA upside, but he should be productive from day one as the heir apparent to Marcus Zegarowski.
• I’ll be fascinated to see how Matt Painter handles the big man pairing of Trevion Williams and Zach Edey after Edey’s World Cup outing. He still lacks skill, but his sheer 7’4 size made it difficult for opposing teams to score on him at the rim. He’s probably overqualified to be a backup center but both he and Williams’ lack of shooting makes them hard to play together. He probably needs two more years of college to develop, but he could eventually become a two-way contract player as a situational big.

• It’s hard me for to see him playing in the NBA, but Louisiana Tech’s Kenny Lofton Jr. has a new fan in me. The 6’7 old-school forward was instrumental in helping Team USA win gold. He should put up monster numbers next season in C-USA.