In the latest NBA draft, a noticeable trend emerged as freshmen took center stage, overshadowing some experienced college players who now await their chances in the next round.
Among those still hoping for selection are St. Joseph’s junior Rasheer Fleming, Stanford senior Maxime Raynaud, and seasoned veterans like Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner and Auburn’s Johni Broome.
These college veterans, who have honed their skills over several seasons, are now awaiting their turn in light of the freshmen’s dominance.
The first round of the draft saw a total of 30 picks, with only eight of those being big men.
A significant 18 freshman entrants and six international contenders filled the rest of the slots.
As the draft progresses, attention turns to top prospects yet to be picked when the selection process continues, with Minnesota poised on the clock.
For aspiring draftee Rasheer Fleming, the 6-foot-8 junior from St. Joseph’s showcased commendable performance by averaging 14.7 points and 8.5 rebounds last season.
Equipped with a wingspan exceeding 7-5, he made an impression with 1.5 blocks per game over two seasons.
Fleming also demonstrated versatility by improving his shooting accuracy from beyond the arc, elevating from 31.3% to 39%.
His catch-and-shoot proficiency and finishing at the rim were notable highlights in his game.
Maxime Raynaud from Stanford is another conspicuous talent.
The French 7-footer had a standout season averaging 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds.
His versatility is evident from a striking record where he was a unanimous first-team pick alongside Duke’s top draft pick, Cooper Flagg.
Raynaud’s post-up success rate at 50.7% and his ability to secure 67 three-pointers demonstrate his broad skill set.
Noah Penda of Le Mans Sarthe Basket adds depth to the international prospects.
The 6-8, 225-pound forward showed his capability with averages of 10.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in France’s top division.
His potential on both ends of the floor is highlighted by his promising defensive statistics and playmaking skills.
Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner continues to be a formidable presence in the paint.
Standing at 7-1, the senior boasted an average of 14.5 points and 2.4 blocks, shooting 65.8% over his college career.
Kalkbrenner’s ability to convert efficiently in post-up opportunities and his improved perimeter shooting mark him as a potent threat.
Meanwhile, Kam Jones from Marquette distinguishes himself as an adept ball handler.
The 6-3 senior impressed with averages of 19.2 points and 5.9 assists, particularly shining in pick-and-roll situations.
His consistent performance through his college career, missing only two games, earned him a Cousy Award finalist spot.
Johni Broome’s collegiate success at Auburn illustrates the contrast between college excellence and NBA readiness.
Despite averaging 18.6 points and 10.8 rebounds, Broome’s draft appeal is questioned due to his play style and athleticism limitations.
His shooting and ability to create offense remain points of concern.
Additional prospects include the versatile Adoou Thiero from Arkansas, Duke’s Tyrese Proctor with his two-way play capability, and Wisconsin’s John Tonje, known for his sharpshooting skills.
John Tonje finished a noteworthy career spanning multiple programs, proving to be a reliable scorer.
Lastly, upcoming talent Jamir Watkins from Florida State and Bogolijub Markovic from Serbia’s Mega Basket are notable mentions.
Watkins has been a consistent scorer, while Markovic presents intriguing long-range shooting potential for his position.
As the draft’s second day approaches, all eyes are on these prospects as they await their chance to join the professional ranks.