6’9 240

Amani Lyles is having a breakout senior year. He’s averaging 15.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game while shooting 59.9% from the field and 43.8% from three, ranking 15th nationally in offensive rating and top 40 in defensive rebounding percentage. What stands out is the development of his jumper. After attempting just one three pointer total in his first two seasons and shooting 31% last year, Lyles is now 28-of-64 (43.8%) from three, and it looks legitimate. The mechanics are fluid, he gets it off cleanly against contests, and he’s confident stepping into catch and shoot threes. His free throw percentage has also jumped to 77%  which is a 12% increase from last season. Lyles is an extremely physical and powerful, athletic 240-pound forward who finishes above the rim, runs the floor, and rebounds at a high level. He can handle in transition, finish through contact, and now stretch the floor. That added shooting turns him into a legitimate three level scoring threat. He most recently posted 18 points and 15 rebounds against Buffalo, going 4-of-9 from three. There are flashes of a Bam Adebayo archetype  mobile, strong, able to facilitate a bit and guard in space, although not at that same defensive dominance level. 

6’9, 225 lbs | From France

Roman Domon is one of the more unique freshmen in the country because he is a legitimate 6’9 guard. Domon is averaging 12.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game while shooting 41.3% from three. He also ranks near the top nationally in offensive rating and is top 40 in fouls drawn per 40 minutes. What makes him intriguing is the blend of size and skill. At 6’9”, he handles the ball comfortably, can break defenders down off the dribble, and has a polished turnaround fadeaway in his bag. He’s crafty around the rim and uses euro steps, bump finishes, and has soft touch in traffic. His shooting is real. It’s more of a set shot, but the numbers are elite for a freshman at his size. He rebounds well for a guard and his professional experience in France shows in college. Murray State uses him as their PG in some scenarios, and even puts him in isolation situations at the top of the key. There are moments where you wish he imposed his physicality more so he could dominate smaller guards off sheer size, but the upside is significant. Most recently, he posted 19 points and 10 rebounds against Drake, shooting 3 of 5 from three. A 6’9 freshman guard who can shoot 41% from three, draw fouls, and create off the dribble? That archetype always draws attention. Still has more to prove. 

6’8  | 7-foot wingspan | From Qatar

Mousa is an intriguing archetype in college basketball right now. He’s a legitimate 6’8 guard with length and skill. He’s averaging 21.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game while shooting 38.5% from three, ranking top 15 nationally in scoring,  top 30 in offensive rating and top 25 in fouls drawn per 40 minutes. He scores at all three levels. Mousa can shoot it off the catch, attack closeouts,  and handle in transition. He has real guard skills at his size. He's a comfortable ball handler, and creative around the rim. He’s also able to guard multiple positions thanks to his length. What separates him statistically is how often he gets to the line and how efficiently he converts. He already has three 30 point games and eight 20+ point games this season. He has professional and international experience, having played for the Qatar Men’s National Team. The swing factor is motor and strength. He seems not to be exhausting his full potential effort wise at times. If he adds more physicality to his frame, maintains consistent energy, and proves himself against higher level competition (possibly via transfer), he will be in conversation with the elites. He’s not ready now, maybe he will be in the future. 

6’11, 220 lbs

Rafael Castro is one of the most efficient bigs in the country right now. He’s averaging 16.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game while shooting 65% from the field, ranking top 30 nationally in effective field goal percentage. He also sits top 20 in defensive rebounding percentage and owns a top tier offensive rating. Castro is an athletic, mobile rim running big who thrives in the pick and roll. He’s primarily used as a screener who dives hard to the rim and is a legitimate lob threat with elite vertical pop. His athleticism at 6’11 immediately jumps out. His play style reminds me of Nic Claxton in the way he sprints the floor, finishes above the rim, and protects the paint. He has the lateral quickness to switch onto smaller players in short stretches and recover. He’s not a polished back to the basket scorer yet, he is more of a drop off dunk and rim finishing weapon  but his efficiency profile and mobility make him extremely intriguing. He’s recorded a double-double in his last three games, including a dominant 23 point, 16 rebound performance against Davidson.

6’4, 200 lbs

Larry Johnson is one of the most physically advanced freshmen in mid major basketball. He’s averaging 16.5 points and 5.4 rebounds per game on 51.6% shooting, ranking 7th nationally in offensive rating, which is absurd efficiency for a freshman guard given his usage. He currently sits 5th in scoring in the Southland Conference, and his production isn’t empty. Johnson plays downhill and uses his 200 pound frame to absorb contact at the rim. He loves the mid range pull up and is comfortable stopping on a dime inside the arc. His physicality stands out, he throws his body into defenders and finishes through traffic.He hasn’t established himself as a three point shooter, and has struggled thus far from three.  but because he’s been so efficient inside the arc, his overall offensive rating remains elite. His combo of physical rim pressure plus shot making inside 18 feet makes him tough to guard. His 24 point, 10 rebound performance against Nicholls showed his ability to take over games. If the perimeter jumper comes along, his ceiling rises significantly.