Although they don’t attract the best talent out of high school, mid-major programs throughout college basketball still manage to send players to the pros via the NBA Draft. Last year, DaRon Holmes of Dayton represented the smaller schools, picked No. 22 overall by the Denver Nuggets.
This year, the mid-majors managed to get two first-round NBA Draft picks, along with some more in the second round. Here’s a look at where they went, as well as a grade.
No. 11: Cedric Coward (Washington State Cougars) - Memphis Grizzlies
After playing just seven games at Wazzu this past season, Coward’s measurables and potential as a “3 and D” player allowed him to rise into the lottery. For Memphis, they’re hoping he can fill the void left by Desmond Bane after making the trade with Orlando. But it’s a definite risk with this one.
Grade: B
No. 24: Nique Clifford (Colorado State Rams) - Sacramento Kings
The 6’5 guard led the Rams in all three main categories as a do-it-all guard. Sacramento did trade for Zach Levine and has DeMar DeRozan on the roster, but assuming neither is a long-term option, Clifford has the chance to get a large role in the future.
Grade: B+
No. 31: Rasheer Fleming (St. Joe’s Hawks) - Phoenix Suns
The Suns traded up to get the first pick in the second round and took the athletic combo forward out of the A-10. Fleming shot nearly 40% from deep and has the defensive potential to be a real impact player on a Phoenix squad that lacks depth at his position.
Grade: A
No. 50: Kobe Sanders (Nevada Wolf Pack) - Los Angeles Lakers
The 6’6 guard is a solid scorer from the Mountain West and can create his own shot at a high level. With star wing Kawhi Leonard often injured, Sanders would be a nice depth piece to get minutes during the regular season.
Grade: B
No. 54: Taelon Peter (Liberty Flames) - Indiana Pacers
The 6’4 guard averaged 13.7 ppg off the bench at Liberty, shooting 58% from the field and 45% from deep. Peter was certainly efficient, but he’s an off-guard, something the Pacers didn’t really need. Plus, he likely could’ve been a free agent pickup.
Grade: D
No. 57: Max Shulga (VCU Rams) - Boston Celtics
The A-10 Player of the Year is an efficient play-making big guard who can shoot it. With Jason Tatum out for next season, the Celtics will need a collective effort to remain offensively viable in the backcourt. Shulga may be a good fit for the franchise, and playing time could be available if he makes it.
Grade: B