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

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.