21. Aamir Simms Clemson
Simms brings really good versatility and athleticism for Clemson. He moves really well for a guy with his size and can be very effective in ball screen situations either diving or popping out to the perimeter. He has the skill to face up on the high post or baseline to shoot or attack effectively. Furthermore, he brings good toughness inside and finishes well on post-ups with the ability to go to different moves quickly. His three-point shooting is a big aspect of his game as he forces other frontcourt players to guard him out on the perimeter. His athleticism and ability to make plays with the ball make him very difficult to contain and match up against. He’s also an effective rebounder on both ends of the floor. Now, defensively he brings good size and toughness but he can struggle to close out on shooters at times. He moves his feet well and gives good length on the ball his versatility is key. Simms will be an all ACC player next season.
22. Garrison Brooks North Carolina
Brooks had a very good season and was a really good scoring threat for North Carolina. Next, he’s really effective as a rim runner and gets very good positioning in the post. Furthermore, he’s a solid rebounder and contributes effectively to the glass and finishing second chance opportunities. Also, he has good touch around the basket and is pretty good with his footwork. He’s not very quick and has some limitations athletically. Additionally, he had very solid hands and will force double teams on a consistent basis. The drop step is his best move. He will be in a really good frontcourt with Armando Bacot. As for defensively, he’s not very solid with his inability to move that well. He doesn’t have great positioning and strength to be a solid defender. Brooks will be one of the best big men in the country next season.
23. Sandro Mamukelashvili Seton Hall
Mamukelashvili had a very good season despite being injured in the middle due to a broken wrist. Next, he brings very good versatility and size with the ability to make perimeter shots at a high level. Furthermore, he’s got really good mobility and cuts strong with the ability to post up well with good touch around the basket. Additionally, he can attack off the dribble really effectively with his size and athleticism. Continued, his ability to play at the rim is very effective with the athleticism and size he brings. Further, he will be the go-to option for Seton Hall now with the departure of Myles Powell. He’s a difficult player to a defender with all he brings to the table and will be one of the best Big East players next season. Now, defensively his quickness and mobility on the defensive end need to improve. There are too many times when he is off-balance and gives up easy shots. Mamukelashvili should have a very good season for Seton Hall next season as the go-to option.
24. Geo Baker Rutgers
Baker is a clutch player with his big-time shot-making ability for Rutgers. Furthermore, he does an exceptional job of making plays off the dribble especially in late shot-clock situations. He is also really good in ball screen action situations getting downhill or creating shots. Next, his shot-making from three could improve with the ability to take the next step in that area. Also, he plays with major confidence and toughness leading Rutgers offensively, which helped them become a factor in the Big Ten. The isolation ability to score benefits Rutgers as they are not strong offensively but Baker can negate some of those issues. He also could improve getting to the basket more effectively by getting easier shots. Now defensively, he brings solid effort but can be a step behind on active players off the ball. Baker will look to lead Rutgers to be back in a position to make the NCAA tournament.
25. Caleb Mills Houston
Mills has solid size and brings great shot-making ability. Next, he has really good ball quickness with the ability to get to the basket and to the mid-range very effectively. His ability to get into the lane and create separation for shots is very good. Also, he has the ability to push the ball in transition and get to the rim consistently. Additionally, he could improve on his overall shot selection and become more efficient shooting around the basket. Becoming a more consistent three-point shooter and extending his range would help. He’s very dynamic with the basketball and has a very good feel and ability to be one of the best guards in the country. As for the defensive end, he must improve his ability to guard the basketball and improve his strength. Also, he could improve his mobility on the defensive end. Mills will be apart of a deep perimeter for Houston as they are the clear favorites in AAC for next season.
26. Yves Pons Tennessee
Pons took major steps forward on the offensive end for Tennessee this past season. He’s an exceptional athlete with the ability to rebound the basketball very well and provide second chance opportunities. Next, he has the ability to play inside and out with his athleticism to attack slower forwards and his shot has vastly improved from deep. His mobility makes him a very difficult cover for defenses and he has the opportunity to get even better offensively. His post-up game could improve with going at people and settling less for turnaround fades. The potential for Pons is very high and if he can take even more strides he could be SEC Player of the Year. Defensively he’s an exceptional athlete and brings great effort on this end. He has really good length and size with great activity on and off the ball. Also, he will make plays the rim and help create transition opportunities by forcing turnovers. Pons and John Fulkerson will make for a very good frontcourt for Tennessee looking to win the SEC.
27. Mark Vital Baylor
Vital is a perfect fit in what Scott Drew and his program wants. His overall toughness and versatility defensively are exceptional. He’s the ultimate glue guy who will contribute to winning in any aspect for the team, as he’s one of the best all-around contributors in the country. Furthermore, he runs the floor hard and can be a factor in transition. He rebounds exceptionally well even though he’s undersized. He’s a non-offensive threat with the inability to really shoot or have the ball skills to attack, that’s the area he must improve in. Additionally, he will score on second-chance opportunities and any loose ball is going to be Vital’s. Vital’s offensive game needs to work to be somewhat of a factor for them in the scoring department. Now defensively, he’s elite with the ability to guard all positions and give tremendous effort on each position. The ability for him to guard the ball with ease then be able to guard any big very well is extremely impressive. Vital is super important to the success of Baylor and will look to be part of a National Championship team next season.
28. Jalen Johnson Duke
Johnson is set to the next freshman star at the wing position to join the likes of Brandon Ingram and Jayson Tatum. Now, he is an extremely skilled and talented player who should be able to flourish on the offensive end of the floor. Also, he is going to be a really good passer with his vision in the open floor and plays the game with a high IQ. He will be a really good shooter with the ability to make threes on a consistent basis. As a defender, he must improve his quickness to guard the ball well. Johnson’s overall size and skill set are setting him up to have a great freshman season at Duke.
29. Isaiah Joe Arkansas
Joe brings the ability to score the basketball at a high level and is the catalyst for the Arkansas offense. Furthermore, he has a really good size which allows him to elevate really well on the perimeter and makes threes at a consistent rate. Next, he’s really good on and off the basketball being able to play multiple positions on the perimeter. Additionally, he must improve his ability to get to the basket and use his size to finish at the rim. The ability to score off the dribble is really effective and is his best trait. Also, he could improve on becoming an even better perimeter shooter being the guy for Arkansas next season. Now, defensively he has very solid length but must improve on his overall strength. He does a solid job of being in a good position and containing the ball. Joe will be one of the best scorers in college basketball and the SEC next season.
30. Joel Ayayi Gonzaga
Ayayi brings really solid play in all aspects of his game. Furthermore, he is very quick with the basketball but is always in control whether in transition or in the half-court using ball screens to get the basket effectively. Next, he brings really good athleticism and versatility to Gonzaga with his ability to play multiple positions. Continued, he could be more crafty finishing around the basket in which he could take the next step with a finish through contact at the rim. Additionally, is a very solid catch and shoot player from three and can be dependable. The poise of Ayayi throughout is very impressive and he will continue to develop a more well-rounded game offensively to be one of the best perimeter players in the country. Now defensively, Ayayi brings really good length with solid size who is very good on the ball but also is really active off the ball looking to create turnovers. Ajayi should develop into one of the best two-way guards in the country next season for Gonzaga looking to capture a National Championship.
Images Courtesy of, 247 Sports, Asbury Park Press, Clemson Athletics
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