NCAA Basketball: 10 most important 2024 NBA Draft decisions to watch

8. Payton Sandfort - Iowa Hawkeyes

2023-24 season stats: 16.4 ppg and 6.6 rpg

The 6’7 wing emerged as the top-scoring option for Iowa, leading them in scoring while shooting 38% from deep on over seven attempts a game. Sandfort had 12 games of 20+ points this past season, including a 30-point effort against Kansas State in the NIT. He has the kind of game as a sharpshooter with size that’ll fit in the NBA and could be a first-round pick if he stays.

Iowa is a team that’s already lost a few players to the transfer portal, including Tony Perkins to the transfer portal. Losing Sandfort would be a devastating blow to the program and force them to essentially rebuild around freshman Owen Freeman to have any hope of competing in the Big Ten next season.

7. PJ Hall - Clemson Tigers

2023-24 season stats: 18.3 ppg and 6.4 rpg

Hall nearly left for the NBA Draft a year ago after a good combine performance but came back to lead Clemson to an Elite 8 appearance after a strong season. His shooting numbers slipped, going from 40 to 32% from three-point range. Still, his all-around game improved, especially scoring inside.

The Tigers are losing guards Joe Girard and Chase Hunter so losing Hall would be a big blow to the program. He’s the difference between having a good shot at getting back to the NCAA Tournament and having to rebuild its roster.