NBA Draft 2022: Early observations heading into 2021-22 NCAA Basketball season

Team context’s to monitor (for guard purposes)

This is perceived as a weaker guard class, but I think some of that stems from uncertainty surrounding which guards will have opportunity and will succeed at the college level. In this regard, Gonzaga is the team most worth watching. Andrew Nembhard will likely have the biggest role in the backcourt and is the best college player on the roster, but lacks some physical tools and elite shooting to be viewed as a great prospect.

Then, two freshmen, Hunter Sallis and Nolan Hickman will be next to him and both are better prospects. I prefer Sallis right now given his handle, athleticism, and length, but he may not be ready to contribute to winning as much as Hickman. Hickman is smart, plays under control, and has some shooting upside, but didn’t scream “NBA player” on film. Both are five-star prospect guards and one should emerge as first-round talent (my bet is Sallis).

How Alabama handles its elite guard talents will also be interesting. Jahvon Quinerly is poised to run the show, but five-star JD Davison is the superior prospect. Davison is a freak athlete, but, like the Gonzaga freshmen, is less ready for the college game than Quinerly who will impact winning more right away.

There’s also sharpshooter Jaden Shackelford back. Davison is probably too talented to not start, but I’m fascinated if the three guards can play together at all. Nonetheless, Davison’s athletic upside and shooting make him my favorite freshman of this group and he’s my top college freshman guard prospect.

International

This year’s international group doesn’t have the top-end talent some classes have had, but I’m encouraged by the depth early on. My favorite is 6’9 Serbian wing Nikola Jovic. He’s a good shooter for his size, and has on-ball skills, but needs to improve as a defender.

Ousmane Dieng is a high-upside playing in the NBL this season. If he shoots it consistently and shows an improved feel, it’s hard to not see him as a first-round caliber prospect. Roko Prkacin and Tristan Vukcevic are high-floor frontcourt options.

Two international prospects playing in the states this year worth monitoring are Jean Montero (Overtime Elite) and Dyson Daniels (G-League Ignite). Montero has a creative handle and shooting versatility, giving him the potential to be the No. 1 point guard in this class. Daniels has some upside as a two-way wing. I came away encouraged after U19’s.