Darryn Peterson is the most polished shot creator in this class and arguably the most natural scorer overall. What separates him is how comfortable he is taking and making difficult shots. He has an elite handle, changes pace extremely well, and can score at all three levels without looking rushed. At 6’5 with length, he has the positional size to play either guard spot, though he may ultimately be most efficient as a scoring two who can be a secondary ball handler. His athleticism gives him legitimate upside on the defensive end. A three level scorer, Peterson has ability to knock down threes, hit tough middys off the dribble and make acrobatic plays at the rim. The biggest swing factors are durability and shot selection. If the efficiency scales to the NBA level, he has All Star upside written all over him.

Archetype: Three level scoring combo guard with lead guard upside

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Defensive Outlook
Length and athletic pop give him defensive upside. 

Weakness / Swing

AJ Dybantsa is the prototype modern wing. Dybansta has good size, length, can handle the ball fluidly and is a natural shot maker. At 6’8 he’s comfortable creating off the bounce, good at attacking closeouts and efficient scoring in transition. What makes him special is that he can guard positions 1 through 4 because of his mobility and wingspan. Offensively, he has the skill set of a primary option, but at times he can lean into volume shooting instead of letting the game come to him. Adding strength will be important at the next level.                     

Archetype: Athletic Scoring Wing

At 6’8 with length and a live handle, AJ is built like a modern NBA mismatch weapon.

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Weakness

Cameron Boozer is one of the most productive and efficient players in the class. He is simply an effortless scorer. Boozer is 6’9 with a strong frame, great footwork, can finish through contact, and rebounds at a high level. His outside shot continues to improve, which is the key to unlocking his ceiling. Some may question whether he’s an undersized NBA 5, so his ability to guard 3s and 4s at the next level will determine how elite he becomes. If he stretches the floor consistently and proves he can defend multiple positions, he will be among the elite.

Archetype: Skilled scoring forward with power base

Boozer’s efficiency is what separates him. He scores within structure. Strong lower body, polished footwork, elite touch around the rim.

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Swing Question
At 6’9, is he a 4 or small ball 5 long-term?
If he can:

Caleb Wilson might be the best athlete in this draft class. Wilson is 6’10  moves like a wing, runs the floor like a guard and is a high flyer above the rim. He’s an elite transition player and a legitimate rim protector with great mobility. Defensively, he can switch onto multiple positions and protect the paint. On offense he is currently more of a finisher than a creator, and his outside jumper is still developing. If the jumper becomes even respectable, his versatility and defensive upside make him incredibly valuable in today’s NBA.

Archetype: Switchable athletic 4/5 with rim protection upside

6’10 and moves like a wing. That’s rare.

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Weakness

Kingston Flemings is one of the most reliable guards in the class. He plays under control, makes the right reads, and scores efficiently without forcing the issue. He’s a clutch shot maker who makes the game look easy, and he brings value on the defensive end as a good on ball defender and surprisingly a shot blocker. His game is skilled and effective. The question is whether he has elite burst or upside beyond being a high level starter. Regardless, his floor feels very safe because of his polish and efficiency.

Archetype: Efficient combo guard who wins possessions

What stands out is control. Doesn’t force much.

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Weakness

Keaton Wagler has been tearing it up to a level that can not be ignored. His 46 point game on the road against Purdue, going 13-17 from the field and 9-11 from three point range is one of the best games posted by a freshman in CBB History. Wagler is a confident shot maker with deep range and advanced ball skills. For a point guard, he has good size at 6’6. He’s comfortable in big moments and doesn’t shy away from pressure. The questions revolve around his defensive ceiling and whether his athletic burst translates against elite athletes. If his efficiency and decision making hold steady, he projects as a high level offensive engine.

Archetype: Shot making lead guard

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Weakness

Darius Acuff is an elite shot creator with dynamic scoring ability. His ball skills are advanced, and he can score at all three levels with confidence. He’s comfortable taking tough shots and  breaking defenders down in isolation. Defensively, he competes and has the tools to guard his position. The swing factor will be his ability to guard bigger opposing players at the next level. Acuff is an effortless scorer and his upside as a primary scorer is extremely intriguing.

Archetype: Dynamic scoring guard

Elite ball skills. Can score at all three levels.

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Weakness

Hannes Steinbach is not the sexiest draft pick but he projects as someone who can step in and contribute right away. He’s a reliable interior presence who anchors the paint, scores, rebounds, and plays with physicality.  He’s shown elite ability to score down low and there have been flashes of shooting touch. If he can develop a consistent perimeter jumper over time, he could evolve into a stretch five type similar stylistically to a Brook Lopez progression. Even without that, his floor as a dependable interior big is appealing.

Archetype: Traditional big with stretch potential

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Swing
Can he develop an NBA 3?

Yaxel Lendeborg is a well rounded forward who impacts the game in multiple ways. He can guard multiple positions, rebounds at a high level, and plays with relentless energy. He’s shown the ability to knock down perimeter shots and is a strong free throw shooter, which is encouraging for long term shooting projection. He may not project as a primary creator for a team but he feels like a reliable rotational forward who contributes to winning. He can be a plug in play guy for a team looking for an extra piece to make a championship run. 

Archetype: Multi positional energy forward

Well rounded and physical.

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Weakness

Braylon Mullins is a pure shooter with an ultra quick release and deep range. He doesn’t need much space at all to get his shot off. He’s also more athletic than people realize and continues to improve each game. The main area of growth will be adding strength and proving he can hold up defensively. If he becomes even neutral on defense, his shooting alone gives him a long runway in the league.

Archetype: Movement shooter with athletic upside

Ultra quick release. Doesn’t need much space.

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Weakness

If he becomes neutral defensively, shooting alone keeps him in the league.