2024 NBA Mock Draft: Full 2-Round Predictions Ahead of Sweet 16

NBA scouting continues for the 2024 draft with the NCAA tournament moving into a Sweet 16 that's loaded with top seeds and prospects to track for the lottery, late first round and second round.

The entire starting lineup for Connecticut has now become worth thinking about for NBA teams. This updated mock also now has two Duke players projected to go in the lottery for the first time all season.

Three Colorado prospects are on the move after the team earned a third game in the tournament.

Scouts also had some newer takeaways from Kentucky's loss to Oakland, which has raised some good debate about where to slot Rob Dillingham, Reed Sheppard, Justin Edwards and D.J. Wagner now that their seasons are officially over.

Clemson, Creighton, Arizona, Tennessee, Gonzaga, North Carolina, Marquette and Illinois each still have draftable prospects capable of moving the needle over the next week or two.

Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 1

Team: Perth Wildcats

Position: PF/C

Size: 7'1", 216 lbs

Age/Year: 18

Nationality: French

Pro Comparison: Jaren Jackson Jr.

Alexandre Sarr's season is over after Perth lost two of three to Tasmania in the NBL semis. At 18 years old, he averaged 9.6 points and 1.5 blocks in 18.0 minutes with 16 made threes in 30 games.

There is no question that the primary draw to Sarr revolves around his potential defensive impact as a roaming shot-blocker who can sit in a stance and guard ball-handlers and wings around the perimeter.

But he's become a strong candidate to go No. 1 thanks to some of the offensive flashes of three-point range, pull-up shooting and open-floor ball-handling—unique skills for a 7'1", switchable rim protector.

Of all the projected top picks, Sarr is starting to look like the best bet to help change a team's identity and upside.

Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 2

Team: Kentucky

Position: PG/SG

Size: 6'3", 176 lbs

Age/Year: 19, Freshman

Nationality: American

Pro Comparison: Darius Garland

An off-night from Rob Dillingham in Kentucky's loss to Oakland won't move the needle much. Scouts had always acknowledged how his style and shot selection left him vulnerable.

Even with that jumper-heavy diet and underwhelming finishing tools, he still shot 47.5 percent from the floor with a 59.5 true shooting percentage. Along with his mostly reliable shotmaking on and off the ball, he offers the most convincing creation ability in the class with his ball-handling skill and shiftiness. He even surprised with how well he leveraged his elusiveness and gravity for playmaking and finding teammates (29.7 assist percentage).

Defense is the biggest issue with Dillingham, and scouts remain concerned by how much his lack of size/physicality, effort and awareness will negate his offensive contributions. He'll likely require a specific type of roster-building to ultimately hide his core weaknesses.

*Check out our Full Rob Dillingham 2024 NBA Draft Scouting Report.

Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 4

Team: JL Bourg-en-Bresse

Position: SG/SF

Size: 6'8", 204 lbs

Age/Year: 18

Nationality: French

Pro Comparison: Harrison Barnes

Zaccharie Risacher is locked in as one of the perceived safe top options at the draft. There is simply a level of comfort around his scoring production, positional size, 42.9 percent three-point shooting, defensive tools and court coverage.

On one hand, Bourg-en-Bresse has tightened his role, allowing Risacher to play strictly to his strengths as a spot-up scorer and transition finisher. On the other hand, he's not been given many on-ball reps to showcase or grow his creation, ball-handling and playmaking skills. Risacher hasn't recorded an assist in five consecutive games.

But teams also won't be overly picky in this draft. Fit will be valued more than usual at the top, given the lack of surefire stars. And Risacher's three-and-D projection represents a coveted, low-risk archetype that is also easy to fit in most lineups.

Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 6

Team: G League Ignite

Position: SF

Size: 6'6", 204 lbs

Age/Year: 18

Nationality: American

Pro Comparison: Cam Whitmore

Despite Ron Holland's stock having dipped since being projected No. 1 earlier in the season, he still averaged 19.5 points in the G League at 18 years old. And he made some encouraging adjustments throughout the season, particularly with his ability to play at different speeds, rather than just fast.

At worst, he should be able to inject his team with transition offense, rim pressure and easy baskets. But given his age and the flashes, there is still plenty of untapped self-creation, passing and shot-making to bet on.

Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 3

Team: Kentucky

Position: PG/SG

Size: 6'3", 187 lbs

Age/Year: 19, Freshman

Nationality: American

Pro Comparison: Kirk Hinrich

An uncharacteristic showing against Oakland re-raised questions asking how high is too high to draft Reed Sheppard. Aside from some bad passes and defensive lapses, he played mostly a background role during Kentucky's loss, which was the bigger concern for a prospect who'd recently started to generate top-five buzz.

It added fuel to skeptics' primary argument that he doesn't provide enough half-court creation for a 6'3" guard.

However, the bigger full-season picture still shows an excellent pick-and-roll ball-handler thanks to his pull-up game, passing IQ and feel/timing slashing to the basket. And he graded out as college basketball's most efficient spot-up scorer (1.5 points per possessions).

The case right now for Sheppard is more about fit over upside and translatable strengths/skills that teams always value, like shooting, playmaking, a reliable floater and generally sound decision-making. Even without an advanced one-on-one game or scoring ability, he finished tied for the 12th-best box plus-minus on record for a freshman, behind 11 top-10 picks.

*Check out our Full Reed Sheppard 2024 NBA Draft Scouting Report.

Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 9

Team: Connecticut

Position: SG

Size: 6'6", 215 lbs

Age/Year: 19, Freshman

Nationality: American

Pro Comparison: RJ Barrett

Two wins into the NCAA tournament, Stephon Castle has put together a strong offensive game against Stetson and a lockdown defensive performance against Northwestern senior guard Boo Buie.

Even without a jump shot, Castle has shown the ability to get to his spots using change of direction, strength and deceleration. And at 6'6", 215 pounds, he continues to showcase his physical tools guarding multiple positions.

He's still one of the most divisive prospects, with believers in his positional strength, ball-handling, passing and defense, and skeptics who question his creation and shot. But once we get to the late lottery or mid-first round of this draft, one team seems poised to bet on a big-wing or two-way playmaker and what even moderately improved shooting can do for his offensive game.

Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 10

Team: Connecticut

Position: C

Size: 7'2", 280 lbs

Age/Year: 20, Sophomore

Nationality: American

Pro Comparison: Jakob Poeltl

Donovan Clingan's performance against Northwestern was a 27-minute sales pitch about what he can do for an NBA team's defense.

The Wildcats seemed lucky to get a clean look with Clingan on the floor. He contested shots (eight blocks) all game as a primary and secondary defender, covering ground and airspace with his improved mobility, massive reach and anticipation.

His rim protection feels like one of the most bankable strengths of any prospect's. And despite being limited offensively, he still provides scoring value with his finishing, putbacks and low-post game. And he's started to look more savvy with his passing.

Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 8

Team: KK Crvena Zvezda

Position: PG

Size: 6'6", 198 lbs

Age/Year: 18

Nationality: Serbian

Pro Comparison: Goran Dragić

Rare production for an 18-year-old overseas had led to top-five buzz for Nikola Topić. But he's becoming vulnerable due to an injury that's now cost him two months, plus the fact that he doesn't play off the ball and most lottery teams already have lead guards.

This missed time is costing him opportunities while Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham strengthened their cases. However, leading the Adriatic League in assists and ranking second in scoring should have been enough to secure lottery interest, regardless of what happens upon his return.

Teams should feel comfortable about his potential to come in and provide instant rim pressure, pick-and-roll offense and playmaking.

Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 7

Team: G League Ignite

Position: SF

Size: 6'8", 209 lbs

Age/Year: 19

Nationality: American/Lithuanian

Pro Comparison: Hedo Türkoğlu

While the NCAA tournament has scouts' attention, Matas Buzelis has had some promising showings lately in the G League. He finished with at least 15 points, four assists and two blocks in three consecutive games, appearing more aggressive with Ron Holland and Tyler Smith both out.

He still continues to deliver a mixed bag of enticing scoring versatility, inconsistent shooting, athletic plays at both ends and problems converting off self-creation.

He's going to get a pass from teams who covet the big-wing archetype and remain willing to stay patient with his shot and execution. But without one surefire, translatable skill and too much on-and-off production, it's difficult to imagine a team using a top-five pick on Buzelis.

Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 5

Team: Colorado

Position: SF/PF

Size: 6'9", 190 lbs

Age/Year: 19, Freshman

Nationality: American

Pro Comparison: Jaden McDaniels

Cody Williams finished the year on a high note in a loss to Marquette, looking more aggressive with drives, hitting a three and delivering some impressive defensive sequences.

He's still clearly on the raw side, lacking polish off the dribble, showing no real pull-up game and averaging just 1.7 three-point attempts per game. But he'll remain a top-10 candidate, with the likelihood that one team covets a big, two-way wing archetype and can afford to wait on his creation and shot developing.

Even if the team that drafts him doesn't have time to wait, Williams would still have something to offer as a 6'9" driver, off-ball play-finisher and wing stopper who generally plays the right way.

*Check out our Full Cody Williams 2024 NBA Draft Scouting Report.

Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 19

Team: Duke

Position: PG/SG

Size: 6'3", 197 lbs

Age/Year: 20, Freshman

Nationality: American

Pro Comparison: Immanuel Quickley

Eight three-point makes against James Madison gave Jared McCain another bump in the draft's shooter rankings. He's now up at 41.5 percent from deep on the year with a balanced shot distribution chart of spot-up, off-screen and pull-up jumpers.

But stellar pick-and-roll play with his pacing, floater touch, finishing craft and passing IQ also adds an extra element of creation and playmaking for McCain to generate offense with.

Despite lacking ideal size or plus athletic traits, he has an easy-fit game with his on/off-ball skill set. Positive energy and passion are bonuses with teams likely to covet McCain's character and intangibles.

Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 12

Team: Illinois

Position: SG/SF

Size: 6'6", 225 lbs

Age/Year: 23, Senior

Nationality: American

Pro Comparison: Kelly Oubre Jr.

Between the Big Ten and NCAA tournaments, Terrence Shannon Jr. is now averaging 31.6 points, having seemingly figured out how to consistently optimize his speed and physicality.

Despite missing games, he's also now up to 73 made threes to go with 115 half-court field goals at the basket and 212 made free throws—numbers that reflect his potent combination of confident shotmaking and rim pressure.

Still, it's impossible to talk about Shannon's draft stock without mentioning his May 10 hearing for a September rape charge.

Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 14

Team: Duke

Position: PF/C

Size: 7'0", 248 lbs

Age/Year: 20, Sophomore

Nationality: American

Pro Comparison: Santi Aldama

Kyle Filipowski hasn't been needed too much during two blowout wins of the NCAA tournament.

Regardless of much he scores the rest of the way, it's still versatility—a specific combination of shooting, passing, physical finishing and switchable defense—that separates him from most 7-footers and can give a frontcourt a different feel or advantage.

Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 13

Team: USC

Position: PG

Size: 6'5", 210 lbs

Age/Year: 19, Freshman

Nationality: American

Pro Comparison: Tyreke Evans

USC missed the NCAA tournament, so Isaiah Collier figures to start training for the draft and figuring out how he can alleviate scouts' concerns over his shooting and decision-making.

The scouting report remains well-defined, with his quickness, power and tough finishing good for creation, rim pressure and gravity, and his shooting struggles and turnovers troublesome for a lead ball-handler.

Scouts are deciding what role will suit Collier best. Regardless, without many starting point guard jobs open, he figures to begin his career as a change-of-pace bench spark.

*Check out our Full Isaiah Collier 2024 NBA Draft Scouting Profile.

Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 15

Team: Tennessee

Position: SG/SF

Size: 6'6", 204 lbs

Age/Year: 22, Senior

Nationality: American

Pro Comparison: Wally Szczerbiak

Tennessee is still alive in the Sweet 16 after a rare off-game from Dalton Knecht against Texas. Regardless of what happens from here, he's earned scouts' trust with consistent production, shooting and toughness, plus huge scoring outputs against quality opponents like Kentucky (40 points), Auburn (39 points), North Carolina (37 points), South Carolina (31 points) and Florida (39 points).

There will always be some reluctance to select a 23-year-old in the lottery. But in this particular draft, there will be teams willing to ignore the rules of upside to add a surefire shotmaker with a perceived high likelihood starter outcome.

Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 11

Team: Providence

Position: PG/SG

Size: 6'3", 195 lbs

Age/Year: 21, Junior

Nationality: American

Pro Comparison: Derrick White

Providence was kept out of the NCAA tournament, but the sample size of Devin Carter's offensive development was big and strong enough to lock in first-round interest.

He closed the year with another outstanding performance, putting up 27 points on 14 shots against Marquette.

Regardless of the scoring outbursts this year, he's going to earn NBA minutes and paychecks off versatility and intangibles. For a 6'3" guard, the 32 blocked shots and 8.7 rebounds per game are telling.

Unteachable defensive intensity, toughness and instincts separate Carter and fuel his identity, though he's entered the lottery conversation by developing into a dangerous shot-maker and crafty pick-and-roll ball-handler.

Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 16

Team: Indiana

Position: C

Size: 7'0", 242 lbs

Age/Year: 19, Sophomore

Nationality: American

Pro Comparison: Brook Lopez

Though Kel'el Ware struggled during Indiana's finale and loss to Nebraska, he mostly had a strong last two months in terms of scoring and impact.

Narratives that point out empty stats or low-impact production have lost steam. He's delivered more consistently in one-on-one situations around the basket while also flashing bonus shotmaking touch and range that create more offensive upside.

Ware is only going to look more enticing during workouts, where his physical tools, athleticism and shooting could push teams to ignore previous questions about inconsistency or motor.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 25

School/team: Colorado

Position: SF/PF

Size: 6'9", 220 lbs

Age/Year: 22, Senior

Nationality: German/Brazilian

Pro comparison: Kyle Kuzma

A strong three-game NCAA tournament (18.0 PPG, 60.0 percent FG) helped Tristan da Silva continue to sell his scoring versatility and IQ for passing and defense. The lack of explosiveness and physicality bring down his perceived ceiling, but he's still big, skilled and efficient for it to matter outside the lottery. Regardless of how much his athletic limitations hold him back, teams can bank on da Silva's shooting, passing and overall discipline.

Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 17

Team: Baylor

Position: SG/SF

Size: 6'5", 195 lbs

Age/Year: 19, Freshman

Nationality: American

Pro Comparison: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

After struggling during the Big 12 tournament, Ja'Kobe Walter scored 19 and 20 points respectively against Colgate and Clemson. He showed exactly what the scouting report read all season—catch-and-shoot shotmaking, physical line-driving and limited creativity off the dribble.

He finished 35 games with 75 threes, 145 made free throws and just 50 assists, numbers that clearly reflect his strengths and weaknesses.

Walter figures to interest late-lottery to mid-first-round teams who could use more wing depth and see a three-and-D rotation player.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 18

Team: Ignite

Nationality: American

Position: PF

Size: 6'11", 224 lbs

Age: 19

Pro comparison: Channing Frye

Scouts debate whether Tyler Smith is merely a spot-up shooter or a more versatile, inside-out scorer.

At 6'11", a convincing stroke and strong finishing tools should draw top-20 interest regardless, but he has fans around the league who'd take him earlier than mid-first round.

The ability to catch, rise and fire from anywhere in the half court could turn Smith into a more useful/dangerous scoring threat.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 21

School: Baylor

Nationality: Cameroon

Position: C

Size: 7'0", 235 lbs

Age: 19

Pro comparison: Mark Williams

A quiet game in a loss to Clemson capped off a productive season of 63 dunks, interior defense and occasional face-up drives. Teams interested in adding another easy-basket target and shot-blocker will have to assess Missi versus Zach Edey, who's far more productive and skilled, but also older and less athletic/mobile.

Missi's 61.6 free-throw percentage and 13 total assists are worth thinking about, but given his tools, foot speed, coordination and leaping, it's also easy to picture his finishing, switchability and rim protection carrying over.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 22

School/team: Kansas

Position: SG/SF

Size: 6'7", 214 lbs

Age: 23, Senior

Nationality: American

Pro comparison: Josh Hart

Kansas ruled Kevin McCullar Jr. out for the NCAA tournament before it started, and now the conversation heading into predraft revolves around his knee.

The Jayhawks looked like a different team without him, which speaks to his impact and wide-ranging contributions getting Kansas into offense, finishing plays, making shots and defending opponents' top wings.

Scouts buy his versatility and defense for a supporting NBA role, though he'll have to avoid any medical report concerns predraft.

Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 20

Team: Kansas

Position: SF

Size: 6'9", 202 lbs

Age/Year: 19, Freshman

Nationality: Australian

Pro Comparison: Cam Johnson

The strengths on Johnny Furphy's scouting report popped against Samford in Kansas' opening NCAA tournament game. He buried three spot-up threes, drove past closeouts and made plays in transition.

His reliance on shooting and play-finishing was evident against Gonzaga, though he was still able to hit a pair of threes and show some defensive toughness.

NBA teams will ultimately have a clear picture of his future role and value, with Furphy's shotmaking and athleticism built for a stretch-forward, off-ball role.

Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 24

Team: NBA Africa Academy

Position: C

Size: 6'11", 225 lbs

Age/Year: 18

Nationality: Cameroon

Pro Comparison: Serge Ibaka

Scouts will now have multiple opportunities to see Ulrich Chomche during April's Nike Hoop Summit and May's BAL Elevate season in Africa.

His play over the next two months will likely dictate whether the 6'11", 18-year-old will declare for the draft or consider his college offers for the 2024-25 season.

Chomche had some wow moments in December at the G League Showcase, making a strong impression with his rim protection and offensive flashes of shot-making, ball-handling and passing.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 29

Team: California

Nationality: American

Position: SF/PF

Size: 6'7", 215 lbs

Age: 21

Pro comparison: Caleb Martin

Jaylon Tyson has become one of the draft's most advanced on-ball forwards with handles and footwork for self-creation into drives, jumpers and floaters.

His shot-making off his own dribble and post moves powered his scoring production. He just wasn't as efficient off the ball, and some teams may question how he'll adjust and fit after this year's 30.2 usage percentage.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 24

Team: Cholet

Nationality: French

Position: PF

Size: 6'9", 212 lbs

Age: 18

Pro comparison: Obi Toppin

The flashes and eye test figure to outweigh Tidjane Salaun's numbers and inconsistency, given his age and the appeal of an athletic, 6'9" shot-maker who can defend wings.

The 18-year-old forward is up to 60 made threes and 32 dunks, a combination that highlights his play-finishing as a spot-up shooter and finisher.

Anything he adds in between will take time and feels like a bonus, but he'll draw first-round interest for his ability to space the floor, run in transition, cut for easy baskets and crash the glass.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 27

Team: Miami

Position: SG/SF

Size: 6'8", 205 lbs

Age/Year: 20, Freshman

Nationality: American

Pro Comparison: Kevin Huerter

Kyshawn George finished the year at 40.8 percent on 4.2 three-point attempts, highlighting impressive shot-making for a 6'8" wing who can handle and pass.

Scouts believe he can generate first-round interest from teams drawn to his archetype and upside, though his floor does feel low thanks to zero explosion and a 46.7 two-point percentage.

Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 26

Team: Cairns Taipans

Position: SF/PF

Size: 6'8", 215 lbs

Age/Year: 21

Nationality: Swedish

Pro Comparison: De'Andre Hunter

Bobi Klintman has started preparing for the draft after an encouraging season in the NBL, showing teams his transition ball-handling, shooting range, athleticism around the rim, some live-dribble passing and strong defensive tools.

While he hasn't established one signature skill, versatility and fit have become selling points for an NBA combo forward.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 45

Team: Marquette

Position: PG

Size: 6'3", 195 lbs

Age/Year: 23, Senior

Nationality: American

Pro Comparison: Jason Preston

Tyler Kolek has Marquette in the Sweet 16 after totaling 39 points and 22 assists through two wins. Like he did to Big East defenses all year, he picked apart Colorado on pick-and-roll possessions, showing unteachable command with his change of speed to keep an advantage the instant a ball screen is set.

While his athletic limitations are well documented, he finds ways to compensate with how well he uses his body to shield and extension and touch to finish. He's going to draw interest from teams that could use a second-unit engine capable of creating and setting the table, though his efficient catch-and-shoot stroke figures to also give Kolek an extra scoring method from off the ball.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 32

School/team: Purdue

Position: C

Size: 7'4", 300 lbs

Age: 21, Senior

Nationality: Canadian

Pro comparison: Jonas Valančiūnas

With the national spotlight on college basketball, the debate over Zach Edey's NBA fit has gotten louder. He continues to dominate in the postseason with a skill set that's deemed outdated for today's NBA. But the improved footwork, mobility and conditioning have helped pump new optimism into the possibility that he can move with pro bigs and slide adequately enough when pulled away from the basket.

It's getting tougher to bet against Edey competing for a backup job that calls for lob-catching, post scoring and shot-blocking. Teams have to ask when it's worth targeting a prospect for that role and what Edey's chances are of providing starter value with his inside scoring, rebounding and rim protection.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 30

School: Colorado

Nationality: American

Position: Guard

Size: 6'2", 189 lbs

Age: 21

Pro comparison: Cole Anthony

While there will always be skeptics in undersized scoring guards, KJ Simpson demonstrated the type of craftiness, high-level shotmaking and competitiveness for teams to bet on a 6'2" guard overcoming some physical limitations. At least if the gamble only requires a pick in the late 20s or second round.

He had an ultra productive and efficient season, and that continued in the NCAA tournament. A contested, game-winning dribble jumper against Florida gave Colorado a second win.

A 43.1 percent catch-and-shoot guard who hit 42.7 percent of his pull-ups and 43.2 percent of his mid-range shots, totaled 110 made half-court buckets at the rim and registered a 25.0 assist percentage in three consecutive season, Simpson is still likely to go late in the draft due to size and athletic question marks.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 31

School/Team: Weber State

Nationality: American

Position: SF

Age/Year: 22, Junior

Size: 6'6", 235 lbs

Pro comparison: Tosan Evbuomwan

The only NCAA player on record to average at least 20 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a three-pointer, Dillon Jones has scouts divided on his historic production and unusual fit/position for the NBA. Teams are asking whether he'll be a useful creator on the ball and if he offers any value playing off it.

There figures to be one team willing to take a chance earlier than others. At 6'6", 235 pounds, his ball-handling, live-dribble passing, finishing, improving touch and capable shot ultimately create tempting versatility.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 28

School/team: Pittsburgh

Position: PG/SG

Size: 6'5", 190 lbs

Age: 18, Freshman

Nationality: American

Pro comparison: Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Carlton Carrington could generate first-round interest if he declares after he averaged 2.0 threes and 4.1 assists at 18 years old. He'd also have an opportunity to improve his stock for the 2025 draft if he returned, showed more driving burst and raised his 32.2 three-point percentage.

He will be one of the interesting names to track predraft and at the withdrawal deadline.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 35

School/team: Creighton

Position: SF

Size: 6'7", 205 lbs

Age: 23, Senior

Nationality: American

Pro comparison: Joe Ingles

Baylor Scheierman's shotmaking has been on full display through two NCAA tournament wins. Along with his seven total threes, he's also racked up 22 boards and seven assists. Scheierman had a pretty off-balance mid-range jumper to send the Oregon game into overtime, but even if his athletic limitations restrict any two-point scoring at the next level, Scheierman has demonstrated textbook off-ball and connector skills with his spot-up and movement shooting and pick-and-roll passing.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 33

School/team: UC Santa Barbara

Position: PG

Size: 6'5", 190 lbs

Age: 21, Junior

Nationality: Belgian

Pro comparison: Andrew Nembhard

Ajay Mitchell's year ended with him scoring over 35 points in two of Santa Barbara's final three games. A weak strength of schedule, record (seventh in the Big West) and his lack of three-point volume work against him. But there will be believers in his scoring translating based on how effectively he uses change of speed to get to spots and touch shots/adjustments around the paint.

Plus, despite taking just 2.9 threes in 31.5 minutes as a third-year college guard, he made them at a solid rate (39.3 percent), burying free throws (85.8 percent) and demonstrating the shot-making versatility to connect off the catch and dribble.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 40

School/Team: Arizona

Nationality: Swedish

Position: SF

Age: 23

Size: 6'6", 215 lbs

Pro comparison: Christian Braun

Pelle Larsson's improved shooting deserves real attention, given how adaptable the rest of his game is. He's 5-of-9 from deep through two NCAA tournament games and now up to 44.1 percent on the season.

Despite lacking self-creation skill, Larsson continues to sell himself as an NBA fit with his spot-up and pull-up jumper, and 6'6", 215-pound size and IQ for slashing and passing as a pick-and-roll ball-handler.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 38

School/team: Houston

Position: PG

Size: 6'1", 200 lbs

Age: 21, Senior

Nationality: American

Pro comparison: Jevon Carter

Jamal Shead has his flaws, like size and unreliable shooting through four years, but there are bound to be teams willing to look past them due to his outlier defense, toughness, leadership and other intangibles. Despite missing all five threes against Texas A&M, he was a difference-maker, finishing with 21 points, 10 assists, hustle plays and big shots in overtime.

There will surely be second-round interest from teams who'll simply just value his ball pressure, passing and intangibles for a spark-plug role.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 36

School/team: North Carolina

Position: SF/PF

Size: 6'7", 235 lbs

Age: 21, Junior

Nationality: American

Pro comparison: Naji Marshall

With five made threes in the round of 32, Harrison Ingram's year of improved shooting continued against Michigan State. A 61.2 free-throw percentage does raise some red flags, but Ingram offers enough connector skills with his ball-handling and passing, plus rebounding and useful defensive tools to potentially help cushion some shotmaking regression at the next level.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 39

School/team: UCLA

Position: C

Size: 6'10", 245 lbs

Age: 20, Sophomore

Nationality: Turkish/Nigerian

Pro comparison: Isaiah Jackson

The scouting report hasn't changed much on Adem Bona, an exciting finisher, capable low-post option, rangy defender/shot-blocker and foul/turnover-prone big man.

While he isn't sharp enough with the ball for NBA teams to feed in the half court, he does have the right tools, athleticism and motor for an energizer role.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 34

Team: Marquette

Position: PF/C

Size: 6'11", 235 lbs

Age/Year: 21, Senior

Nationality: American

Pro Comparison: Brandon Clarke

The appeal to Oso Ighodaro stems from his ball-handling, passing and short touch shots for a 6'11" big. He can give Marquette's and an NBA team's frontcourt a different look with how he acts as an initiator and playmaker, along with being a threat to score from the post or around the key.

He struggled to get shots off against the strong Donovan Clingan in the Big East tournament, and now he'll face North Carolina State's DJ Burns Jr., a 275-pound physical big who can also expose Ighodaro's thin frame.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 37

School/team: Virginia

Position: PF

Size: 6'8", 216 lbs

Age/Year: 21, Sophomore

Nationality: American

Pro comparison: Matisse Thybulle

Ryan Dunn finished the year with one double-digit scoring game in February and March. But certain teams will be willing to accept his scoring limitations, given his defensive specialist potential and explosiveness for play-finishing.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 43

School/Team: Kentucky

Nationality: American

Position: SF

Age: 20

Size: 6'8", 203 lbs

Pro comparison: James Posey

Shooting is a clear swing skill for Justin Edwards, who has an NBA physical profile for a wing but no translatable creation or playmaking skills. He finished the season missing six of his seven threes in losses to Texas A&M and Oakland immediately following a six-game heater (14-of-21).

Going first round will require a real optimistic believer in Edwards' shotmaking. But he did finish the year with some encouraging percentages: 38.8 percent catch-and-shoot, 38.1 percent on pull-ups, 77.6 percent free throws.

Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 44

Team: Ratiopharm Ulm

Position: SF/PF

Size: 6'8", 210 lbs

Age/Year: 18

Nationality: French

Pro Comparison: Isaac Okoro

Athletic, 6'8" and 18 years old, Pacome Dadiet is finding ways to score in the German League and Eurocup by running the floor, cutting and making 40.2 percent of his jump shots.

NBA teams could determine that he has the right physical traits, motor and an adequate shooting stroke for off-ball finishing and defensive versatility.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 46

Team/nationality: Saint-Quentin

Nationality: French

Position: SG/SF

Age: 19

Size: 6'7"

Pro comparison: Evan Fournier

Between FIBA and LNB Pro A, there has been enough evidence of Melvin Ajinça's shot-making for teams to target it in the second round. They'll just have to accept the idea that he may not offer much else in terms of creation, passing or defensive upside.

Ajinça will have a big stock-boosting opportunity next month at the Nike Hoop Summit.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 56

School/team: Baylor

Position: SF/PF

Size: 6'9", 225 lbs

Age: 22, Senior

Nationality: American

Pro comparison: Dorian Finney-Smith

After hitting 6-of-10 threes in two NCAA tournament games, Jalen Bridges finished the year at 41.2 percent on 5.1 attempts per game. Even if teams aren't buying the improved self-creation and pull-up flashes, he's developed into an accurate off-ball shotmaker (15-of-27 off screens) with an excellent defensive profile at 6'9", 225 pounds.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 55

School/team: Dayton

Position: C

Size: 6'10", 235 lbs

Age: 21, Junior

Nationality: American

Pro comparison: Trayce Jackson-Davis

DaRon Holmes II went out strong with 23 points and 11 board against Arizona, though it was the two three-pointers and three assists that were the most meaningful numbers from an NBA scouting perspective. The improved range, handles/body control attacking the basket and passing have raised his draft stock. There still seems to be some reluctance from scouts who question his defensive fit and how translatable his new shot is.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 57

Team: Clemson

Nationality: American

Position: PF/C

Size: 6'10", 238 lbs

Age: 22, Senior

Pro comparison: Dean Wade

PJ Hall is looking at an opportunity to move the needle against Arizona after two relatively quiet NCAA tournament games by his standards. Foul trouble limited him against New Mexico and Baylor, but he was still able to showcase his improved shotmaking skill and quickness in the post.

Scouts could have new takeaways from Hall winning one-on-one battles against Keshad Johnson and Oumar Ballo.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 48

School/team: Illinois

Position: PF

Size: 6'10", 225 lbs

Age: 22, Senior

Nationality: American

Pro comparison: Georges Niang

In NCAA tournament wins over Duquesne and Morehead State, Coleman Hawkins has hit five threes, totaled eight assists and been able to show off his ball-handling for capitalizing on space and driving lanes. Iowa State's elite defense will be a different type of test for both Hawkins and scouts.

Regardless, he clearly checks an appealing mix of boxes with his shooting, secondary playmaking and defensive foot speed for an NBA power forward.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 47

School/Team: Marquette

Nationality: American

Position: SG

Age: 22

Size: 6'5", 200 lbs

Pro comparison: Malik Beasley

Marquette is riding a hot Kam Jones into the Sweet 16 after he buried 9-of-20 threes against Colorado and Western Kentucky. He oozes shotmaking confidence off the catch and his own self-creation footwork, but he's also been very efficient around the basket with his layup package and touch shots.

Scouts question his size despite a solid 6'5", 200-pound listing. But he's becoming too productive, consistent and impactful of a scorer/shooter for teams to nitpick inches in the second round. The reg flags worth thinking about are his 2.1 free-throw attempts in 29.0 minutes and career 68.2 free-throw percentage.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 41

School/team: Wake Forest

Position: SG

Size: 6'5", 185 lbs

Age: 21, Junior

Nationality: American

Pro comparison: Malaki Branham

A breakout season with Wake Forest reignited interest around Hunter Sallis' three-level scoring. His team couldn't survive Georgia in the NIT with Sallis missing the game with an ankle injury. He'll presumably now start the predraft process after averaging an efficient 18.0 points on 40.5 percent shooting from three. Sallis is viewed more safely as a second-rounder due to limited playmaking for a 185-pound guard. But he flashed enough creation, shotmaking and athleticism to sell scouts on his scoring, and he'll likely be advised to try to improve his stock further during NBA combine scrimmages.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 42

School/team: Iowa

Position: SF

Size: 6'7", 215 lbs

Age: 21, Junior

Nationality: American

Pro comparison: Sam Hauser

Payton Sandfort's season ended in strange fashion during the NIT after he followed up his best game of the year (30 points against Kansas State) with his worst (1-of-11 against Utah).

Neither game will ultimately move the needle, with Sandfort's shotmaking, passing IQ and athletic limitations all well-documented by now. He'll be a second-round candidate for teams who see a fit in a 6'7" shooter who can add some secondary playmaking with his dribble and decision-making.

Previous mock draft spot: Off the board

Team: BYU

Nationality: American

Position: SF

Size: 6'7", 190 lbs

Age: 21, Senior

Pro comparison: Julian Champagnie

Despite BYU's upset loss to Duquesne, Jaxson Robinson made his strongest pitch of the season to scouts with his shooting versatility and bonus flashes of self-creation into jumpers and drives. He'll have a chance to improve his odds of getting drafted with more impact shotmaking during NBA combine scrimmages.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 50

School/team: Creighton

Position: SG

Size: 6'4", 190 lbs

Age: 20, Junior

Nationality: American

Pro comparison: E'Twaun Moore

Despite struggling inside the arc against Oregon, Trey Alexander was still able to showcase his shotmaking with four threes and improved passing on five assists. He'll have a big opportunity next round in a matchup against Tennessee's tough defense. His slight frame and limited athletic ability have kept draft buzz from building over the past two years, but he's still developed into a well-rounded offensive player with his three-ball, mid-range game and secondary playmaking.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 51

School/team: Connecticut

Position: SG

Size: 6'4", 205 lbs

Age: 23, Senior

Nationality: American

Pro comparison: Jeff Hornacek

A career 41.6 percent three-point stroke, excellent floater game and excellent pick-and-roll feel will help teams look past Cam Spencer's lack of size and athleticism. He's going to earn a two-way contract with the idea that he can eventually play a shotmaking role while injecting a lineup with toughness and competitiveness.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 54

School/Team: Kentucky

Nationality: American

Position: SG

Age: 23

Size: 6'6", 195 lbs

Pro comparison: Justin Holiday

Antonio Reeves' 27 points weren't enough to make up for his own and Kentucky's defensive struggles against Oakland. For a 6'6" guard, he's too advanced of a shotmaker with his spot-up, movement and pull-up shooting (and floater) to not think about in the 50s for a scoring specialist role.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 52

School/team: Syracuse

Position: PG/SG

Size: 6'4", 185 lbs

Age: 20, Sophomore

Nationality: American

Pro comparison: Jaden Ivey

Judah Mintz finished the regular season strong with four consecutive 20-plus-point games. Still, no signs of real three-point improvement will keep the 6'4" combo guard from climbing boards.

Teams could still see buy-low value in the 40s or 50s, given how effective he is attacking and using his quickness, shiftiness and gravity to set up teammates.

Those strengths, paired with some tough two-point shot-making, could help Mintz compensate for his limited range.

Previous mock draft spot: Off the board

School/team: Connecticut

Position: PG/SG

Size: 6'5", 195 lbs

Age: 22, Senior

Nationality: American

Pro comparison: Terance Mann

The further Connecticut advances, the more Tristen Newton's impact and versatility will be felt. Questionable three-point percentages and underwhelming athleticism won't stop teams from thinking it's worth using a two-way contract on a 6'5" Swiss Army knife who leads the No. 1 team in scoring.

Previous mock draft spot: No. 53

School/team: Auburn

Position: C

Size: 6'10", 240 lbs

Age: 21, Junior

Nationality: American

Pro comparison: Markieff Morris

Johni Broome's 24 points, 13 boards and four assists in Auburn's NCAA tournament opener were seemingly erased by a Yale upset. He still had a year worthy of NBA attention, after he stood out last year at G League Elite camp, returned and improved key areas like shooting and passing. Broome should have done enough this season to earn an invite straight to the NBA combine.