NBA Draft 2023: Takeaways and biggest stars from PK85 Tournaments

Gonzaga

Julian Strawther – Gonzaga – Wing – 6’7, 205 lbs – April 2002

Strwather has taken the necessary steps forward each season in Spokane as his role has expanded. I’ve always liked his mechanics and shot prep, but Strawther is now making them at a higher rate and with range and versatility. Like most Gonzaga players, he runs the floor well in transition and is a willing ball-mover. He isn’t an elite finisher but can attack closeouts and attract gravity in the half-court.

He’s got NBA wing size, and while he isn’t an elite defender, he should hold up on that end and maybe guard down a bit as well. It remains to be seen if he can do enough ancillary things to be an elite starter, but Strwather projects nicely as a three-and-D role player that should have a long career. I’d feel comfortable drafting him anywhere from 25-45 right now.

Connecticut

Jordan Hawkins – Uconn – Wing/Two Guard – 6’5, 185 lbs – April 2002

Hawkins has definitely taken the leap many were expecting after showing some flashes as a freshman. He’s a bucket-getter and hunter in the truest sense. He comes off of pindowns and flare screens, just looking to shoot. The efficiency wasn’t great all weekend, but he’s got a clean-looking stroke and gets elevation to shoot over defenders. I think if you scaled back the usage and shot diet, he can be an efficient off-ball scorer. He’s got some juice attacking closeouts and getting past defenders, especially at the second level.

He’s pretty thin and not much taller than 6’5 if at all. I’d like to see him develop some other skills besides scoring and he is a little older for a sophomore. But, there’s a chance the scoring alone makes him a plus NBA player at his size. After seeing them at the same event, I internally debated him and Julian Strwather since they are a similar archetype. I lean toward Strawther given the size and consistent shooting, but Hawkins total scoring package could give him the edge. Regardless, they are in the same range for me (25-45).