NBA Draft 2023: Victor Wembanyama leads way-too-early mock draft

15. Jarace Walker (PF) – Houston

Walker is the highest-rated recruit that Houston has landed in the 247Sports Composite era and also the first five-star recruit of the Kelvin Sampson era. He joins a program that has made the Elite Eight and Final Four the last two seasons and has a strong case to be preseason No. 1 in November with the return of Marcus Sasser.

Walker has a long wingspan and is a fierce competitor on the defensive end, which will certainly be highlighted in Sampson’s system this season. He can stretch to the mid-range offensively and has the potential to be an excellent playmaking power forward as well with his ball-handling and passing. Walker’s game should translate to the NBA right away with his two-way skillset, physicality, and competitive drive.

14. Julian Phillips (SF) – Tennessee

Phillips is a long wing with 3-and-D potential and a projectable frame. He fits the NBA mold athletically with his quickness and leaping ability, but his most covetable skill is his shooting. Phillips can thrive in catch-and-shoot situations but also off the move in the pick-and-roll, off pin-downs, or even in a dribble weave type of action. It will be interesting to see if Rick Barnes uses Phillips in that way.

In the past, it would have been unlikely, but Barnes opened his offense up with more shooting and spacing last season, often running three-guard and four-wing lineups that could help Phillips thrive in what will likely be his lone season on Rocky Top.