The SEC is viewed as the most talent-rich conference in college basketball when it comes to future pros. Last year, the league had the highest-picked CBB player in the NBA Draft, with former Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard going No. 3 to the Houston Rockets.
The league had another strong year, getting a pair of lottery picks in this year’s draft. Here’s a look at where each former SEC Basketball player landed, including a grade of the pick.
No. 6: Tre Johnson (Texas Longhorns) - Washington Wizards
The 6’6 guard is one of the best individual shot-makers in the NBA Draft and could easily be a 20+ ppg scorer at the next level. Just as important is Johnson taking pressure off Bub Carrington in the backcourt.
Grade: A+
No. 9: Collin Murray-Boyles (South Carolina Gamecocks) - Toronto Raptors
The 6’7 combo forward is an interesting prospect in that his talent and production may not translate as smoothly as others. Murray-Boyles still is a nice swing for a Raptors squad that has solid players but could use a star to lead the way in the frontcourt. He also keeps them as athletic and versatile as possible.
Grade: B
No. 18 Walter Clayton Jr. (Florida Gators) - Utah Jazz
Clayton was the star of March Madness, scoring 30+ points in multiple games during the national title run. His shot-making abilities allowed him to rise up the draft boards and make him a solid pickup for a Utah roster that lacks shot-making and efficient scoring from the backcourt.
Grade: A
No. 23 Asa Newell (Georgia Bulldogs) - Atlanta Hawks
Frontcourt scoring has been an issue for Atlanta, so getting Newell at this stage in the draft is a good move. Even more important is getting a first-round pick from New Orleans for next year, all while getting a potential starter after trading down.
Grade: A+
No. 35: Johni Broome (Auburn Tigers) - Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers’ backcourt is set, so the needs are now in the frontcourt. Broome, an All-American and elite defender, is a nice option to either pair with or fill in for the often-injured Joel Embiid. It’s a nice pickup for the team to add needed depth inside.
Grade: A
No. 36: Adou Thiero (Arkansas Razorbacks) - Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers moved up to get Thiero, an athletic 6’7 forward who can create his own shot and defend. But forward wasn’t a real need compared to finding either a ball-handler or center, which Theiro is not.
Grade: C-
No. 37: Chaz Lanier (Tennessee Vols) - Detroit Pistons
Lanier was one of the top scorers in college basketball last season and gives Detroit a needed scoring boost to pair with superstar Cade Cunningham. It’s a spot where the former Vol could see a real spot at getting minutes into the rotation.
Grade: B+
No. 39: Alijah Martin (Florida Gators) - Toronto Raptors
He flew under the radar next to Walter Clayton Jr. in Florida’s backcourt, but Martin was just as efficient and effective. He’d be a nice addition to the Raptors, a team that could use some shooting.
Grade: A
No. 41: Koby Brea (Kentucky Wildcats) - Phoenix Suns
The 6’6 guard was one of the best shooters in CBB these last couple of years and now will go to Phoenix, paired with Devin Booker and Jalen Green in the backcourt. Brea’s shooting should be able to translate and allow him to find a role.
Grade: A
No. 46: Amari Williams (Kentucky Wildcats) - Boston Celtics
Williams showed he can be a great interior defender at the SEC level and is a big body overall. After losing Kristaps Porzingis via trade and potentially Al Horford too via free agency, there was a need for the Celtics to get a center at some point to bolster the frontcourt depth.
Grade: B+
No. 56: Will Richard (Florida Gators) - Golden State Warriors
Although he was the third guard on the title-winning Gators squad, Richard is an all-around playmaker who can fit on any team. Golden State has been a friendly franchise for rookies, so there’s a chance he can make the team.
Grade: B
No. 59 Jahmai Mashack (Tennessee Vols) - Memphis Grizzlies
Mashack was one of the better defenders in all of CBB, and on paper, should be the perfect replacement for Marcus Smart for the Grizzlies. As a specialist, he’s a great option for Memphis with the final pick.
Grade: A