NCAA Basketball: Top returning players to watch for 2022 NBA Draft

2. Bennedict Mathurin – Arizona – Sophomore – 6’7, 195 lbs – June 2002

Another unheralded recruit (Mathurin was No. 129 in 247Sports), Mathurin was a quiet, but productive contributor in Tucson this past season. He shot 41% from deep and has a smooth shot. Like Ivey, Mathurin also rode positive momentum into a strong showing at the U19 World Cup.

Mathurin’s role was simplified into hitting shots and guarding the other team’s best wing, and he excelled. With a new coaching staff and James Akinjo out of the picture, I’m curious to see if he’s tasked with more on-ball creation. That could be good for his development as he had just five isolation possessions last season.

But Mathurin’s role at the next level will be similar to his freshman season role. Mathurin is a good, but not great athlete, with size for the wing and a frame that can easily add strength. He needs to become more versatile as a shooter (94.7% of his threes were assisted), but Mathurin has an easy projection to an NBA role. He’s a high-floor, minimal upside prospect who likely won’t do too much to hurt himself this season.