With leap day approaching, March and the madness that comes with it There are less than 24 hours left. This means college basketball and its top players and prospects are set to take center stage in the coming weeks.
However, while Sunday selection And the NCAA tournament arrive quickly, the 2024 NBA draft The tournament will feature several picks that aren’t currently in the college ranks, particularly at the top, according to CBS Sports’ latest mock draft based on Kyle Boone’s reading of the first 30 picks.
In Boone’s simulation, there is still 22 university players 16 different schools were selected in the first round. Among the other eight, there are three players from France, three from the G-League Ignite, one from Serbia and one from Sweden, including six in the top ten.
Here is the complete look on how Boone sees the first round unfolding on June 26.
1. Washington Wizards: Tight end Zaccharie Risacher – France
The debate over the No. 1 pick in this class is heated, and Boone chose Risacher, from France. He currently plays in his home country, where he has been playing in preparation for the upcoming NBA draft.
Given the class we’re in, it seems like it’s a do-it-yourself deal as to your preference at No. 1. That’s why, because of the “superstar potential” of “6-foot-9 wings who can handle and shoot as easily as he can,” Boone is leaning toward Risacher as his top pick.
2. San Antonio Spurs: PG Nikola Topic – Serbia
For Boone, Topic’s choice isn’t so much about potential as it is about fitness. In his mind, the next player he picks is a better player than the 6-foot-2 Serbian.
However, due to San Antonio’s roster and trajectory, he believes the Spurs should select him because “it would be impossible to pass up the opportunity” to pair him with Victor WembanyamaThis would give their franchise player and last year’s number 1 pick a game point to allow him to prepare the ground.
3. Detroit Pistons: C Alex Sarr – France
Sarr, the younger brother of Current thunder C Olivier Sarrhas as good a chance as the other two to be the first pick in this draft. He earned that distinction through his development at Overtime Elite and his most recent season with the Perth Wildcats in the NBL.
Now, regarding his professional Boone believes Sarr “has every chance of being considered the top defender” in the draft. His season in Australia proved that, with an average of 1.3 blocks, 9.7 points and 4.4 rebounds in 17 minutes.
Williams is the first college player to leave the field as a a top freshman in that previous recruiting classHe is also related to a member of Oklahoma City as the younger brother of Jalen Williamsa first-round pick by the team in the 2022 nba draft.
In 18 games with the Buffaloes, Williams is averaging 13.7 points and shooting 59 percent. Add to that the versatility of his 6-foot-10 frame and he fits the profile of a winger who tends to have the tools to play at the next level.
Few players have all done for their respective teams this season that Reed Sheppard has in Lexington. THE home state hero “has always been the most impactful presence on the team,” according to Boone and many others who follow the Wildcats.
Sheppard is on average 12.5 points4.4 rebounds, a team-high 4.3 assists and a team-high 4.4 2.7 interceptions while shooting 53.8 percent from the field and 51.7 percent from three-point range. He regularly fills the scoresheet and, as such, will have a chance to be the program the latest and most recent after being the least heralded freshman in his class heading into the year.
6. Toronto Raptors: Point Guard Rob Dillingham – Kentucky
Rob Dillingham is just as much of a luxury on the Kentucky bench as Sheppard. He’s second for the Wildcats rating has 14.8 pointsassists at 3.7 and steals at 1.1 while shooting 48.3% from the field and 44.5% from three-point range.
Dillingham’s size and defensive limitations could hamper his overall ceiling. the NBA. Still, Boone said, his “pure potential…is tantalizing” based on what he brings to the field as an energetic, high-volume spark plug.
Walter is another impressive freshman based on his current season in Waco. He leads Baylor in scoring with 14.8 points, despite shooting under 40 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range.
As a full-time starter for the Bears, his ability to take the next step is clear. It’s just that Boone hopes to see him be more effective by the end of this season or during his eventual pro career in the league.
8. Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn Nets): SF Tidjan Salaun – France
Salaun is the fourth international player and third Frenchman to be included in Boone’s top 8. That’s justified, however, given the confidence he places in the player as a prospect.
Standing around 6’2″ and an age that will make him one of the youngest players in the draft, Boone is expected to be able to compete in the NBA right away. That will be especially true if his three-point shooting and 3-point shooting continue and come with him from overseas.
9. Atlanta Hawks: PF Matas Buzelis – G-League Ignite
Buzelis, another best freshman in this latest classchose to forgo college and instead be the next member of the G-League Ignite. This decision paid off for him, even if he didn’t reach the heights many expected of him in an overall weaker draft class.
Buzelis averaged 13.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, 1.6 assists and one steal in 21 G League games before playing in the NBA All-Star Weekend Rising Stars Game. All of that, combined with his past potential, leads Boone to believe it’s “still hard to see him falling out of the Top 10.”
10. Oklahoma City Thunder (by Houston Rockets): PF Ron Holland – G-League Ignite
Holland is another former top recruit that, like Buzelis, chose the G-League during college after initially committing to TexasIt was also a successful run for him, averaging 20.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.5 steals with the Ignite.
Boone has enjoyed Holland’s play and seen his growth as a player over his 14 outings as a pro. Now, heading into the NBA draft, he wants to see that trend continue so he can continue buying stock on him as a top-10 lottery prospect.
Choices #11 to #30
11. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Utah Jazz): PG Isaiah Collier – University of Southern California
12. Chicago Bulls: PG Stephon Castle – University of Connecticut
13. New Orleans Pelicans (via Los Angeles Lakers): C Yves Missi – Baylor
14. Sacramento Kings: C Donovan Clingan – University of Connecticut
15. Miami Heat: C Kyle Filipowski – Duke
16. Toronto Raptors (via Indiana Pacers): PF DaRon Holmes II – Dayton
17. Orlando Magic: SG Dalton Knecht – Tennessee
18. Portland Trailblazers (via Golden State Warriors): PF Trevon Brazile – Arkansas
19. New York Knicks (by Dallas Mavericks): PF Bobi Klintman – Sweden
20. Phoenix Suns: SG Kevin McCullar Jr. – Kansas
21. Philadelphia 76ers: SG Terrence Shannon Jr. – Illinois
22. New York Knicks: SG Johnny Furphy – Kansas
23. Milwaukee Bucks: Point Guard Jared McCain – Duke
24. New Orleans Pelicans: SG Hunter Sallis – Wake Forest
25. Denver Nuggets: PF Tyler Smith – G-League Ignite
26. Los Angeles Clippers: SG Trey Alexander – Creighton
27. Cleveland Cavaliers: PG DJ Wagner – Kentucky
28. Toronto Raptors (via Oklahoma City Thunder): SF Ryan Dunn – Virginia
29. Minnesota Timberwolves: C Zach Edey – Purdue
30. Boston Celtics: SG Dillon Jones – Weber State
March Madness is a good time to highlight some of these college players, who can boost their value and surpass some of their counterparts. However, for now, it’s worth noting how many international and non-college prospects are looking to reach the top of this NBA Draft at this point.
