NCAA Basketball: Top 50 players from 2023 NBA Draft most likely to succeed

18. Colby Jones – Xavier Musketeers

2022-23 season stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, and 4.4 apg

On a team where he felt like a 5th option at times, Jones was arguably the best overall player for the Musketeers. He’s a 6’5 guard that improved on all aspects offensively, including being a real threat from three-point range. Jones’s defensive abilities and overall versatility should be a major help in getting him on the court and overcome not having elite athleticism.

17. Jaylen Clark – UCLA Bruins

2022-23 season stats: 13.0 ppg and 6.0 rpg

The 6’5 guard showed that he could be an offensive threat, even without a three-point shot. But Clark’s claim to fame is his defense and ability to guard 1-4 positions. His NBA Draft stock is severely affected due to a season-ending injury and likely won’t be ready for the start of next season. However, he could end up being the ultimate value add if Clark does indeed have to redshirt a year.

16. Nick Smith – Arkansas Razorbacks

2022-23 season stats: 12.5 ppg and 1.7 apg

Smith entered this past NCAA Basketball as the highest-ranked freshman point guard. He dealt with injuries all year and never looked fully healthy for Arkansas. He still had his moments, including 26 points against Georgia and 25 versus Kentucky. Now that Smith will be 100%, he very well could be a steal if he gets out of the lottery.