NBA Draft 2023: 5 underrated NCAA Basketball players to watch

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 10: Jaime Jaquez Jr. #24 of the UCLA Bruins brings the ball up the court against the Oregon Ducks in the first half of a semifinal game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on March 10, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bruins defeated the Ducks 75-56. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

2 of 5

NBA Draft Alabama Crimson Tide forward Noah Clowney Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

Noah Clowney – Alabama – 6’10, 210 lbs – July 2004

Consensus ranking: 22

My ranking: 13

Clowney caught the eyes of myself (and several NBA executives) in Portland at the PK85 in November. An unheralded freshman, the 18-year-old carved out a starting role on one of the best teams in the country. Clowney’s numbers weren’t eye-popping, but he did a lot of things that contributed to winning: rebounding, defensive versatility, some floor-spacing, and playing hard.

The long-term sell with Clowney is that he’s one of the few prospects who can both protect the rim and space the floor. Clowney only shot 28% from deep but has workable mechanics, and Alabama’s system gave him the freedom to shoot. His age (July 2004 birthday is young for the class) and frame will give him the ability to add some weight and become a five at some point.

Clowney won’t be a dynamic scorer, bringing little low-post game. His decision-making and processing need to grow a bit as well (negative assist to turnover ratio). But, I think there’s a lot to like about him on the surface and a ton of different avenues he can grow into to become a successful NBA player. He can be the versatile front-court piece that winning teams tend to utilize.

Home/NBA Draft News