- Milos Uzan – I may have overlooked the strides he made this year. Sometimes after watching a player not pop for 2-3 seasons, you naturally write him off and keep a closed mind. That 25-point game against Arizona in the Big 12 Championships was an eye-opener. I love guards that that possess both pull-up shooting prowess and floater touch, and Uzan this year has made 42 pull-ups on 42% and an even more impressive 40 floaters on 46%. 147 assists to just 46 turnovers is also quite the ratio. He struggles around the basket but overall I like the way he moves and changes gears with the ball. Being a 44% catch-and-shoot guy is also key for versatility at next level. Houston seems poised to play deep into this tournament, Uzan feels like a guy who could get scouts (and myself) to take him more seriously, even this late in his career.
- Kam Jones vs. Donovan Dent. Jones is better prospect with the shotmaking and finishing but Dent’s craftiness and ability to find ways to score without three-point shooting always impresses me. I know there are scouts that are hesitant to write him off. Fun matchup to watch regardless of what you think of either point guard.
- Jeremiah Fears is on a tear right now, 28+ points in 3 of 4 games heading into the tournament. He puts up star highlights with how shifty and explosive he is, the improv scoring inside the arc, the midrange shotmaking. Obviously the 3-point shooting shooting and turnovers remind of someone like Scoot Henderson. But Fears is so young, still 18, very curious to see if he continues his current run against Connecticut and then Florida. Big opportunities for him to end the year.
- Bennett Stirtz vs. Missouri. He’s so skilled and clever. Analytics ace. Good size at 6-4 although limited frame/athleticism. Still incredible success against weak opponents, really looking forward to seeing him against Tamar Bates, Anthony Robinson .
- Asa Newell, wouldn’t mind seeing him against J’Wan Roberts and that Houston defense. Something about Newell’s consistency that’s comforting, always seems to find ways to give opponents 12-15 points with his tools/timing, touch and some. But still that lack of creation and surefire shooting suggests his offensive archetype aligns more closely with a Jalen Smith type. Likable player but sometimes I find myself struggling to identify paths to upside, which probably would require him being a defensive difference-maker.
- Tre Johnson vs. Ryan Conwell, probably won’t learn anything new but still a fun matchup of shotmakers. I just saw Conwell go for 38 at MSG, he was ultra potent, feels overlooked on the national scene.
- Kasparas Jakucionis, been a tough stretch lately for him. FGA are down, 3s aren’t falling, lots of turnovers. Wouldn’t mind seeing him vs. Tre Johnson in Rd of 32. Jakucionis scares me a little with how hard he has to work to separate. I moved him down my board into late lottery range few months ago, although over the years I’ve put less stock into athletic limitations when evaluating ball-handlers who are great at changing speeds and improvising. Plus he’s around 6’6″ and can hit tough shots.
- Shulga vs. Demin, obviously Demin is the bigger name for the 2025 draft but Shulga clearly a better (obviously a lot older) player. VCU hasn’t played anyone noteworthy this year but Shulga has some connector skills for next level with spot-up shooting and passing IQ. Wish he was bigger threat off the dribble, struggles with pull-up and doesn’t have a floater. Demin’s playmaking is obviously the draw but hard to buy the shotmaking and his turnovers are beyond frustrating. Looks like he’s making decisions at half speed sometimes, barely putting thought into them.
- Jase Richardson is #4 on my big board, that’s higher than any scout’s I’ve talked to. But he is gaining steam, becoming a more believable high-level NBA prospect lately, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him generate more support if he’s able to power MSU on a run.
- NIT! Yaxel Lendeborg vs. Rasheer Fleming! Hell of a prospect matchup, that game should draw scouts. Lendeborg has been ridiculous, that 30-20-8-9 stock game was wild. He does so much with his finishing, passing, mid-range scoring, defensive playmaking that it’s worth overlooking the shooting range (which has gotten better). I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s drafted to a team in the 20s. Fleming has been in my first round all year, mainly because of fit. I don’t see a ton of upside but there’s a clear role for a big strong PF that shoots 40% 3PT, finishes and disrupts defensively.
jwscouting.com 