NBA Draft 2023: 5 underrated NCAA Basketball players to watch

It seems like everyone has their “guys” these days. The depth of NBA Draft coverage online is as deep as it’s ever been, with social media being used as a platform to share opinions. This makes it a bit harder to have “sleepers” or have a general understanding of what consensus is.

But, using the “Consensus Big Board” at RookieScale.com, I found five players I am more in on than the norm. Unsurprisingly, these players share similar qualities and are traits I typically look for in players.

Taylor Hendricks – UCF – 6’9, 210 lbs – November 2003

Consensus ranking: 9

My ranking: 4

Of the non-top three prospects, Hendricks is the one I am most willing to back, given that I think he has both a high-floor and some untapped potential and high-end outcomes. An unheralded four-star recruit, Hendricks managed to put up impressive numbers, without requiring too many touches or plays run for him. In short, that is his pathway to early contributions and value as a rookie.

His body needs to fill out, but Hendricks stands just under 6’10 in shoes. He’s a capable and willing shooter, using his high-release to disregard contests in catch-and-shoot. A few, fixable mechanical tweaks and we could be looking at 40% three-point shooter on good volume. Hendricks should be a plus pick-and-pop threat while providing floor-spacing and the ability to score in low-usage ways.

Defensively is where I think Hendricks’ should have some high-end upside. He glides across the court, is instinctive, and has had some incredible weakside rim-protection flashes. He should be able to be a disruptor off the ball with his length. On the ball, he should be able to guard threes and fours, and I think there’s a non-zero chance he can survive at the five when he bulks up.

Hendrick’s upside will be tied to his ability to create for himself or others on the ball. Admittedly, he didn’t show much in that regard and has a ways to go as a handler and decision-maker. But, Hendricks can be a versatile defender and scalable offensive fit.