Jaden Ivey Purdue
Ivey had a tremendous season and has the ability to be one of the best players in college basketball next season. Furthermore, his 3-point shot was only at 25.8% but showed the ability to improve it throughout the season and made big shots when necessary. Additionally, he does a really good job of running the floor in transition spotting up or pushing it with the basketball. Next, he has the size and physicality to get into the lane being able to finish effectively through contact. Continued, the dribble penetration against individual defense is good and he can break down the defense off the bounce. Also, the growth in his game would be more efficient and being more consistent with his shooting. The best aspect of Ivey is knowing when he needs to take over the game he is capable to do so from all three levels. Also, his growth offensively will be vital to him reaching his potential as one of the best players in the country. As for defensively, he has the size and athleticism to continue to develop on that end. The consistency with positioning and locked-in effort at crucial times would elevate him to another level of a defender. Ivey will be looking to lead Purdue to a Big Ten and a deep NCAA Tournament run.
Donta Scott Maryland
Scott showed major growth in his game during his sophomore season with the ability to add offense to Maryland. First off, he brings the ability to play inside and use his physicality to his advantage in the post. Next, he moves well off the basketball being able to come off pindowns for shooting opportunities and his percentage from three at 43.8%. Continued, the area of improvement for Scott will be his ability to make plays and shots off the dribble. Also, he is really good as a cutter around the basket as he finishes strong around the rim. Scott is a very dependable offensive player especially with his effort that leads to him getting 2nd chance opportunities. As for the defensive end, he brings great effort and versatility to effectively guard the perimeter. He moves well out on the perimeter and he can alter drives at the rim effectively. Scott is a very good glue guy and will be a key piece for Maryland looking to win the Big Ten.
Keegan Murray Iowa
Murray had a very solid freshman season for Iowa providing great consistency and effort on both ends. Next, he brings the athleticism in the open floor running hard as a runner. Additionally, the activity on the offensive glass is very effective in providing second chance opportunities. Continued, his development with basketball will allow him to take the next step in his game. Along with, improving his 3-point shooting to be a versatile forward who can stretch the defense. Also, he has the ability to play above the rim with finishing strong around the basket. As for defensively, he has the athleticism and length to be disruptive against forwards and guard well on the perimeter. Next, his versatility and continued improvement on the ball could help transform Iowa into a better defensive team. Murray will be a breakout guy for Iowa being a focal point in their frontcourt.
Andre Curbelo Illinois
Curbelo had a tremendous freshman season and is going to be one of the best players in college basketball moving forward. First off, without Ayo Dosunmu this will allow Curbelo to be the focal point in Illinois’ offense at a higher level. Now, Curbelo does a great job of getting into the lane with the ability to use footwork and manipulation to finish around the basket. Next, he is a maestro in ball screen action with the ability to distribute to others and get his shot in the mid-range area. Continued, he has the ability to make incredible plays, but he can also make massive mistakes it will imperative to find that balance and have a higher assist to turnover ratio. The pace of play by Curbelo is very good on the open floor, however, in the half-court, he must be more controlled to operate an offense efficiently. For Curbelo, he must improve his ability to make perimeter jumpers as he shot 16.1% from three, making him way easier to defend. Therefore, the improvement would make him even more lethal as a passer with his ability to enter the ball into the post at an elite level and find perimeter players. As for the defensive end, he brings a really good edge and activity on the basketball. Also, he has a deceptive length which can disrupt the ball handler he is guarding as well. Curbelo has All-American potential as long as he develops a jumper and becomes even more efficient as a playmaker.
Cliff Omoruyi Rutgers
Omoruyi had an up and down season battling injuries throughout the year. Now, he brings really good athleticism and mobility with the ability to be a great cutter and ball screen player. Additionally, he will be a major factor on the boards with his activity and develop into a threat in transition. Continued, his ability to play above the rim will be something Omoruyi is good at. He has great success in 2nd chance opportunities and lobs around the rim. The area to improve for Omoruyi will be his ability to make mid-range jumpers and even expand his range to the three-point line. Next, the physical traits are there for him to develop into a high-level offensive threat around the basket. Now defensively, he needs to polish his positioning and mobility on the defensive end. Also, his ability to guard out on the perimeter could improve to match his length and athleticism. Omoruyi should develop into a very good player at Rutgers with the physical traits he brings.
Images Courtesy of, 247 Sports, Sports Illustrated
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