Let’s forget about LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, and James Wiseman for a minute. They’re all covered, and whatever happens, they’ll get their shine in the foreseeable future.

It’s high time we talk about the intriguing under-the-radar prospects, especially since there’s a good amount of them in this class. Remember that draft steals are always hiding in plain sight.

The headliners will continue getting buzz, but take note of these guys too:

Cassius WinstonMichigan State University – Senior
Height and position: 6’1, PG
Projected pick:
Late first round to mid second round
NBA comparison(s):
Ty Lawson, Ish Smith
2019-20 avgs: 18.6 PPG, 5.9 APG, 43.2 3FG%

Though Cassius Winston is your prototype exciting point guard, he’s beyond speed, quickness, and all the flashy stuff. Under Tom Izzo, he developed into becoming a good floor general and pick-and-roll playmaker. There’s efficiency in his outside shots too as he shot 43.2% from beyond the arc on 5.6 attempts per game.

Malachi Flynn – San Diego State University – Junior
Height and position: 6’1, PG
Projected pick:
Late first round to early second round
NBA comparison(s):
Luke Ridnour, Patty Mills
2019-20 avgs:
17.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.8 SPG

It’s a bit of a mystery why Malachi Flynn isn’t higher on mock drafts because he has the tools you’d want in a point guard. Along with being patient and precise with his playmaking instincts, especially off a pick-and-roll, he offers solid on-ball defense as well.

Tyler Bey – University of Colorado – Junior
Height and position: 6’7, SF/PF
Projected pick:
Late first round to early second round
NBA comparison(s):
Shawn Marion, Andre Roberson, OG Anunoby
2019-20 avgs: 13.8 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 53 FG%

Offense will always rule on everyone’s eyes, so having defense as a key asset is a good tool to standout. Tyler Bey is ‘Exhibit A’ for that in this class. He’s blessed with great athleticism and besides using it on the open floor, where he’s dangerous, he’d also display it by being an active rebounder and defender.

Devon Dotson – Kansas University – Sophomore
Height and position:
6’2, PG
Projected pick:
Early to mid second round
NBA comparison(s):  
Eric Bledsoe, Darren Collison
2019-20 avgs: 18.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.0 APG, 2.1 SPG

Devon Dotson is great finisher in the rim and an absolute speedster, easily one of the fastest players in the draft. What makes him even more effective is that he mixes his quick first step nicely with his ability to change speeds, regardless if he’s in transition or on the half-court. As seen in his recent season averages, all that quickness has also translated in plenty of turnovers against the opposition.

Desmond Bane – Texas Christian University – Sophomore
Height and position: 6’6, SG
Projected pick: Late first round
NBA comparison(s):  
Wesley Matthews
2019-20 avgs: 16.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, 44.2 3FG%

If you want to talk immediate impact, Desmond Bane will be at the top of the list. He has the skillset and overall style of a ‘3 and D‘ player, and it makes him easy to plug on any type of offense. With a shooting clip of 44.2% from deep last season, he’s also one of the deadliest shooters in all of NCAA.

Watch out for the power in his enormous arms too.

Aleksej Pokusevski – Serbia/Olympiakos
Height and position: 7’0, C
Projected pick: Second round
NBA comparison(s):  
Toni Kukoc, Mike Miller
2019-20 avgs:
10.8 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.8 BPG

It won’t be easy to reach, but Aleksej Pokusevski has a very interesting ceiling as he possesses one of the most unique skillsets in the draft. He appears to be a quicker and more agile Nikola Jokic, and he has The Joker’s passing, shooting, and overall feel of the game too. From what we’ve seen, he’s a good gamble.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

  • Immanuel Quickley (Kentucky)
  • Isaiah Joe (Arkansas)
  • Cassius Stanley (Duke)
  • Tyrell Terry (Stanford)
  • CJ Elleby (Washington State)
  • Reggie Perry (Mississippi State)