2018 Mid Major Draft Prospects
While much of the top talent in every draft is made up of players from big schools, it doesn’t mean that players from smaller institutions should be overlooked, as the NBA is still full of players from them (Damian Lillard, Paul Millsap, etc.). While there isn’t a “top tier” talent from a small school this year, there a plenty of players that I think are worth drafting.
Chandler Hutchison, G/F, Boise St
Maybe the biggest name out of this year’s Mid Major class is Chandler Hutchison of Boise St. Hutchison is an intriguing wing with ballhandling ability and the ability to finish at the rim thanks to a 7 foot wingspan. My big problem with him is that I don’t believe in the jumpshot, he’s shot under 70% from the line all 4 years in college so far and is shooting 37% from 3, which is ok but I’m more inclined to put more emphasis on the poor FT% when he’s taking 7 shots at the line each game. Overall, I think Hutchison is draftable, but I think people are overrating his offensive versatility.
Kevin Hervey, F, UT-Arlington
Kevin Hervey is my guy, I think he’s a top 40 player in the class thanks to his length and shooting ability. I wouldn’t expect him to defend very well in the NBA, but I think his jump shot is going to be too difficult to defend and that will make him a valuable role player.
Alize Johnson, F, Missouri St
Alize Johnson is another big name in the draft community. He’s a terrific rebounder with a great motor, but my problems with him start with his size as he’s listed at 205 lbs and has average at best length for a 4. Athletically he’s fine and is very mobile for a 4, but offensively he leaves you wanting more as his 3P% has dropped significantly since last year. The shot looks good, he gets up high and does so quickly, but if it isn’t going to fall what’s the point? Even though I have a lot of concerns with Alize I still think he’s worth a look thanks to his energy, athleticism, and potential.
Milik Yarbrough, F, Illinois St
One guy who just played Alize Johnson is Illinois St’s Milik Yarbrough, a guy I’m really starting to like. Yarbrough is a well-built forward with long arms and fantastic passing ability, he often runs the offense for the Redbirds. In the Missouri St game Yarbrough showed off something that often goes underrated with prospects: he didn’t get rattled when double teamed, he stayed focused and found his teammates. He also did a nice job defensively when put on Alize Johnson, even boxing him out a few times. I think the jumper needs some work, but I think he’ll be able to be at least a capable shooter in time. Yarbrough is definitely being overlooked, I think he’s worth taking in the top half of the 2nd round.
Mike Daum, F, South Dakota St
One of college basketball’s most productive players is Mike Daum of South Dakota St. Daum is a stretch 4 with good shooting numbers, and that’s how he’s going to make his money, but he can also score down low and get to the free throw line. I think Daum is worth drafting in the 2nd because you can count on him putting up points.
Brandon McCoy and Shakur Juiston, UNLV
UNLV has 2 players worth noting in Brandon McCoy and Shakur Juiston. Starting with McCoy, who’s essentially a back to the basket center with excellent touch and a workable jump shot. The problem with McCoy, despite his size, he is pretty inept defensively. He’s got some work to do but I do think he could end up playing a similar role to what Greg Monroe did on the Bucks, come in for 20 or so minutes a night off the bench and worry about putting the ball in the basket. As for Juiston, he’s a terrific rebounder and athlete who just lacks a lot of offensive skill at this point. I think he can be a menace in transition, but if he’s going to make it in the NBA he’ll need to work on scoring outside of five feet.
Tyler Hall, G, Montana St
A guy who seemed to get some love last year was Tyler Hall of Montana St. Tyler Hall is a shooter whose efficiency has gone down a bit this year. He’s also undersized for a 2-guard (6’4 and roughly 175 lbs). I still think he’s got a good chance to make it, but he’s going to need to shoot better than he has so far this season.
Hayden Dalton, F, Wyoming
Staying out west, Hayden Dalton of Wyoming is a guy I’ve seen get a little bit of hype from the draft community as a potential stretch 4. Dalton is currently hitting 39% from the outside and 83% from the line. While those are good numbers, I’m concerned with just how skinny he is, he’s 6’8 and listed at 185 lbs. He comes off as a bit of a tweener to me just because of the thin frame while not having quick enough feet to play on the perimeter full time. If he does add a significant amount of strength I do think he’s a guy worth watching though.
James Thompson IV, C/F, Eastern Michigan
Thompson has a productive big man at Eastern Michigan for 2 1/2 years now, making a name for himself as one of the best rebounders in the country. He’s a good athlete with decent touch around the rim. The big thing with him is consistency. He’s got all the tools to be a terrific rim protector, but doesn’t always seem focused or seem to make the smart play. I think he’s worth giving a shot just because there is upside there, but in a league that is saturated with big men he’s going to have to stand out a bit more.
Malik Pope, F, San Diego St
Malik Pope is a guy I don’t think expected to be considered a 2018 draft prospect as he was getting hyped up as a potential 1st rounder heading into his sophomore campaign. Pope hasn’t really developed but still has impressive measurables and athleticism worth giving an opportunity.
Other players worth keeping an eye on:
· Kendrick Nunn of Oakland is the nation’s 2nd leading scorer (behind Trae Young) and takes 20 shots/night including 11 from outside.
· Ajdin Penava of Marshall is a terrific shot blocker, his point guard Jon Elmore is also extremely productive.
· Thomas Wilder of Western Michigan isn’t shooting nearly as well as his junior season but has improved as a distributor and ball handler.
· Miye Oni is just a sophomore at Yale but has an interesting all-around skillset.
· Nevada has 3 guys worth tracking in Jordan Caroline and the Martin twins.
· Jacobi Boykins of Louisiana Tech is a good athlete with 3 and D potential but just hasn’t improved from his junior to senior year
· Chima Moneke is basically the mid major version of Bonzie Colson.
· Giddy Potts is a lights out shooter who started on a bit of a cold streak but is heating up recently.
· The last guy I want to mention is only a freshman but Ja Morant from Murray State is a very impressive point guard who needs to shoot better, but is still very skilled.
