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

Arkansas Razorbacks guard Anthony Black (0) dunks the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Arkansas Razorbacks at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023.
Arkansas Razorbacks guard Anthony Black (0) dunks the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Arkansas Razorbacks at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023.
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NCAA Basketball Santa Clara Broncos guard Brandin Podziemski James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
NCAA Basketball Santa Clara Broncos guard Brandin Podziemski James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

39. Julian Strawther – Gonzaga Bulldogs

2022-23 season stats: 15.2 ppg and 6.2 rpg

Strawther is a 6’7 true wing that can score both inside and out and had a number of clutch shots at Gonzaga this past season. He shot 41% from three-point range and is capable of making shots from nearly 30 feet. Strawther plays a coveted position of need and has the size but he’s not the greatest individual defender. But his shot-making skills make him a legit 2nd-round option in the NBA Draft.

38. Jordan Walsh – Arkansas Razorbacks

2022-23 season stats: 7.1 ppg and 3.9 rpg

Walsh is a former five-star prospect of the same size as Strawther as a 6’7 combo forward. Yet he’s the complete opposite when it comes to strengths and weaknesses. He was a quality versatile defender at Arkansas but was an offensive liability at times, especially as a shooter. The good news is that Walsh is a long-term prospect that can improve his shooting ability while getting minutes early thanks to his ability to defend.

37. Brandin Podziemski – Santa Clara Broncos

2022-23 season stats: 19.9 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 3.7 apg

The 6’5 guard and former top-100 prospect didn’t play much at Illinois but transferred to the perfect spot out west, breaking out to become the WCC Player of the Year. He shot 44% from three-point range and had three 30+ point games last season, including 38 against Pacific. The hope is that he can have an impact like last year’s star from Santa Clara, Jalen Williams, did as a rookie. He’ll have to find a way to impact the game without the ball being in his hands as much as it was last season.