Olivier-Maxence Prosper – Marquette – 6’8, 218 lbs – July 2002
Another Big East player for another Big East team that could potentially have huge expectations next year. Prosper took a big leap in year three, averaging double-figures in scoring for the first time. He’s a bit of a mismatch hunter, taking slower-footed bigs off the bounce, or using his length to finish over smaller defenders. Prosper needs to bulk up a bit, but he’s got potential to be a havoc-causer on the wing with his length. His jumper showed some slight improvements over the year as well.
I think Prosper has a true 50-50 case to leave or return. I value his intriguing upside and the various ways he can be an effective NBA player and I would target him starting in the 30s. But, Prosper is not in the RookieScale consensus top 60, was No. 49 on The Athletic’s latest mock draft, and is No. 64 on ESPN’s board. Prosper will have to show he’s a real shooter and hone in on that energy and length on the defensive end to prove he can survive on the wing in the NBA.
After winning both the Big East regular season and conference tournament, the Golden Eagles retained the services of Big East Player of the Year Tyler Kolek, leading scorer Kam Jones, and offensive hub Oso Ighodaro. I was a bit surprised none of the three even tested the NBA Draft waters. Bring Prosper back and the core of a 29-win team is back…and out to avenge their early NCAA Tournament loss. Marquette would be a surefire preseason top-10 team, and have a case to be the No. 1 overall team in the preseason.