At 7-1, Sarr presents immense upside as an above-the-rim threat, blocking shots and finishing lobs with his elite leaping and length. The idea of pairing him next to Cade Cunningham as a building block in Detroit should be exciting for Pistons fans after a tough year.

There's still a fairly good chance Risacher winds up No. 1 in this class, but his struggles of late are tough to ignore. He's made just three of his last 28 3-point attempts, a worrisome trend for a 6-9 forward whose buy-in has centered around his improved shot this season.

Castle earned a ton of fans in NBA circles this season embracing his complementary role for a 37-win UConn team that won the national title. He embraced his role as a lockdown defender and was able to turn it up a level on offense when necessary. Lots of untapped potential here for a big guard with a big game.

Smooth guard from Mega who has a big frame and fits the profile of a multi-positional facilitator. Can play downhill and attack plus has an advanced feel for the game that should translate to early production in the NBA.

Buzelis has made his way back into the top-five mix after finishing strong with G League Ignite and showing off his big frame that makes him a potential super-sized wing at the NBA level. Would love to see his shot improve to pay off this price but the size + movement skills are worthwhile building blocks to pair next to Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio.

The trajectory and growth Holland showed this season as a consistent force for G League Ignite passing the ball, making plays and playing big with his athleticism should have NBA teams excited about his prospects. This could be the best player to come out of the draft if he hits -- and Toronto gets him at a reasonable price here.

What's better than one superstar athlete who can do everything on offense? Two of them! Next to Ja Morant, the Grizzlies could add a Kyrie-like clone in Dillingham whose defense could use some work but whose offense is sensational. Microwave scorer who is just scratching the surface.

Sheppard goes one spot behind his fellow UK freshman teammate to the Jazz. He had a stellar one-and-done season as one of the best 3-point shooters in college and gives the Jazz a three-for-one skill set as a savvy defender, elite shooter and underrated passer.

No draft prospect had a better NCAA Tournament than Clingan, whose defensive impact as a shot-blocker and shot-alterer was on full display during UConn's title run. He doesn't yet have the outside game to fit the modern-day profile of an NBA big but he's sure good enough to be a difference-maker defensively already because of his length and timing on that end.

There's been too much overcorrection here in the Collier market after he -- and the Trojans -- struggled in his one season with USC. The truth is that he is likely a top-10 talent in this class on paper because of his physical downhill game and finishing ability. He makes a tough style look easy -- the Puka Nacua of guards in this year's draft class.

Filipowski led Duke in scoring and rebounding this season and showed significant improvement from his freshman to sophomore year in the process. The 7-footer has a versatile skill set that figures to be a safe projection to the NBA. In this class that alone could be more valuable than some might think.

Being a shot-maker at the guard spot in the NBA is a must; being one who can make TOUGH shots in the NBA is a plus. That's what McCain brings to the table. Electric shooting weapon who can make shots off movement, and a relentless rebounder for a guard his size.

A big wing with a sturdy shooting base and a consistent release, Salaun has quickly become one of my favorites in this class. His mechanics as a shooter are excellent and his positional size as a jumbo wing make his game immediately translatable to the NBA.

Knecht did well for his draft stock on the NCAA Tournament stage with a dazzling 37-point outing vs. Purdue in the Elite Eight, flashing the type of shot-making that has launched him from Northern Colorado afterthought to potential lottery pick. He finished shooting nearly 40% from 3-point range on major volume as the SEC Player of the Year.

Walter wasn't been the world's most efficient offensive player in his lone season of college basketball, but he showed all the tools which made him a five-star prospect. He's athletic and rangy, and his excellent free-throw shooting suggests there is long-term shooting upside. I'm still a believer.

Given the ascension of older brother Jalen Williams into an All-Star, Cody should warrant some consideration early in the lottery. He's a tough eval on what was a deep Colorado team, but he has a promising shot and has the size and playmaking to plop into a role as a big wing who can play with or without the ball.

A raw prospect with tremendous upside, Missi is a potential lottery pick due to his size, skill, and shot blocking ability. He's a developmental type prospect but the flashes of "wow" he put together at the end of the season became more frequent.

Cal went from a 3-win team to a 13-win team largely because of the addition of Tyson, who averaged just shy of 20 points per game this season and flashed real improvement in a leading role. Big wing with big-time shooting ability.

This might be earlier than some expect for Kolek, but he was the best player not named Zach Edey this season in college basketball when healthy. Love his competitive edge and swagger he plays with, and his shooting and passing have dramatically improved during his time at Marquette.

The selling point for Dunn is simple: he is one of the best defensive prospects in college basketball. Dunn averaged 2.3 blocks and 1.3 steals per game for a Virginia D that rated in the top 10 of efficiency metrics at KenPom, which no one else at the major conference level accomplished. He has excellent timing and anticipation on defense and is one of the few on that side of the ball I'd consider a true playmaker.

The selling point for Dunn is simple: he is one of the best defensive prospects in college basketball. Dunn averaged 2.3 blocks and 1.3 steals per game for a Virginia D that rated in the top 10 of efficiency metrics at KenPom. He has excellent timing and anticipation on defense and is one of the few on that side of the ball I'd consider a true playmaker.

Carrington began the season ranked just inside the top-100 of his own recruiting class but heads to the draft as a possible top-30 selection after a big year at Pitt. He led the team in assists and finished second in scoring and minutes played.

You have to do some projecting here to buy into Furphy because of his limited role at Kansas and hit-or-miss production, but he can shoot it great from anywhere on the floor and has the ball skills to be an attacker off the bounce as well.

A former five-star who began his career at Gonzaga, Sallis has flourished this season at Wake averaging 18.3 points per game and shooting 41.6% from 3-point range. His progression as an outside scoring weapon was what previously kept him from earning first round buzz, and is now what might get him into the top 30.

Smith is a stretch big who has quietly had a strong season for G League Ignite shooting it from deep and showcasing his athleticism. He has a five-star pedigree and has flashed enough to get first round looks for a team in this range looking to develop a big for the future.

In a head-to-head matchup with projected top-10 pick Donovan Clingan in the national championship game, Edey scored 37 points and showed why even the most capable defenders may have trouble slowing him in the NBA. He's been the best player in college for two straight years and should get looks as early as the teens in this draft.

Few did better for their draft stock during the NCAA Tournament than da Silva, who for Colorado shot it great from 3-point range, flashed his two-way versatility and impacted winning on both ends. His defense and size coupled with his reliable jumper should make him a trendy riser late in the process.

Shannon scored 26, 30 and 29 points in his first three NCAA Tournament games in dragging Illinois to the Elite Eight. He's an older player who spent five seasons in college but his polish as a scoring guard presents immediate value for teams in this range hoping to find someone to be plug-and-play.

There's a wide range of draft outcomes for Holmes but this *should* be the basement of where he's selected. He's an incredible athlete who fits perfectly into the modern NBA's ideal of a big because of his shot-blocking, improved outside shot and lob threat.

This is quite a bit later than where Klintman is expected to go but there's reason to be a bit skeptical about his game. He's still young and has a great frame but he remains a work in progress and developmental prospect, which may not be as appealing for contending teams late in the 20s.

Sarr spent part of this season sidelined with a hip injury but is back now and looking like a real candidate to go first in this draft. He's a 7-1, high-energy, versatile frontcourt prospect from France who can switch onto smaller players and also rim-protect. Think Jaren Jackson Jr. but without the established 3-point shot. Is Sarr a can't-miss prospect? No. But he would be a nice fit in Detroit next to Jalen Duren and could become the piece that ultimately returns the Pistons to respectability.

Nobody, and I mean nobody, had Sheppard projected this high — or even as a lottery pick — in the preseason. And, obviously, this is really high. But in a draft that's been labeled weak, relatively speaking, for at least a year now, why not make a bet on a 6-3 guard who can dribble, pass, shoot and guard his position. As The Athletic's Kyle Tucker recently pointed out, as of Feb. 7, Sheppard was the only player in college basketball who had recorded 90-plus assists, made 50-plus 3-pointers, created 50-plus steals and committed less than 40 turnovers on the season. He's just a basketball player, plain and simple, and a super-impressive one even if he has mostly been coming off of Kentucky's bench this season.

Risacher could be the first or second player from France selected in this draft depending on how franchises at the top ultimately settle on their evaluations of him and Sarr. Either way, Risacher shouldn't last long given that he's a good-enough athlete to play either forward spot. Also worth noting: he's shooting nearly 50% from 3-point range this season.

An NBA-record seven former Kentucky players were named NBA All-Stars this season, three of whom are guards -- Devin Booker, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Maxey -- who didn't even manage to earn First Team All-SEC honors while at UK. Could Dillingham be the next? He's a little on the small side, and the defense needs to improve in terms of the discipline he shows on that end of the court. But Dillingham is the type of dynamic shot-creator and scorer who could become the latest in a line of prospects who ended up being better NBA players than they were Kentucky Wildcats.

Williams is the brother of Oklahoma City standout Jalen Williams. He's taller and a lot more heralded at the same age as his sibling, which is among the reasons the Colorado freshman will likely be the second player from his family to be selected in the lottery in a three-year span. He needs to add weight and continue to develop as a 3-point threat, but there are reasons to believe he'll do both things. That's why Williams is widely viewed as one of the safer options inside the top 10.

In college basketball this season, Walter is my favorite guard prospect who doesn't call Kentucky home. He's a 6-5 teenager with a 6-11 wingspan who has already shown signs that he could be a big-time scorer at the next level. Walter also seems capable and committed to guarding his position, which suggests he should be a real asset on both ends of the court.

The Grizzlies being projected to land in the lottery is a byproduct of Ja Morant's 25-game suspension, his season-ending shoulder surgery and what seems like a million other injuries up and down the roster. Regardless, if healthy, Memphis should be capable of contending in the West next season -- which could lead to the Grizz moving this pick for a veteran better-equipped to help immediately. Time will tell. But if the Grizzlies keep the pick, Knecht, who will be 23 years old on the night of the draft, looks like the type of rookie who could help as a shooter and playmaker off the bench.

Topic remains sidelined in Europe with a knee injury, but that shouldn't prevent him from going in the top 10 of this draft. The 6-6 wing is a high-level shot-creator and accomplished scorer who has been a professional since the age of 16. In Atlanta, Topic could lighten the scoring load on Trae Young, who is currently seventh in the NBA in field goal attempts per game despite shooting below 44% from the field.

Collier remains an interesting prospect, but his likely only season at USC has not gone well. The 6-5 point guard only guided the Trojans to an 8-8 start before being sidelined with a hand injury. In those 16 games, the five-star freshman turned it over 3.6 times in 28.5 minutes per contest while missing nearly seven out of every 10 3-pointers he attempted. Both numbers are concerning and suggest that Collier needs to show improvement when he returns presumably later this month to lessen some concerns that have shown themselves.

Castle is among the reasons UConn is in position to repeat as college basketball's national champion despite losing three of the top six scorers from last season's team. In the simplest terms, he's a five-star high school prospect with great positional size who has been playing a big role nicely for one of the nation's best teams. That's an encouraging combination even if concerns about his not-quite-there-yet jumper are legitimate.

Among the main things Filipowski needed to do this season to improve his stock is make a higher percentage of 3-point shots to show that he can truly be a stretch-big at the next level. So far, so good. The 7-foot center has made 35.6% of the 3.5 3-pointers he attempted per game. That's 7.4 percentage points better than what Filipowski shot from beyond the arc as a freshman, which is obviously an encouraging development for Duke's second-year star.

How about a third French player in the lottery? Salaun is a wing with size who is an emerging shooter and plus-defender with a good motor. At this point, he's more of a spot-up shooter than an off-the-bounce shooter. But Salaun is still only 18 years old, point being there's plenty of time to expand his game on both ends.

Edey will be one of the most polarizing prospects in the draft. On one hand, he's an unstoppable force at the collegiate level, which makes him intriguing. On the other hand, he's a non-shooter who might struggle to guard in space at the next level. Either way, I'm convinced there's a place for Edey in the NBA, and with Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas in the final year of his contract, it makes sense that Edey's place in the NBA could start in New Orleans.

McCullar's decision to spend a fifth season playing college basketball is paying off — both in NIL money and as it pertains to his draft stock. The 6-7 wing is averaging a career-high 19.5 points while shooting a career-high 36.1% from 3-point range. In a draft short on top-tier talents, using a lottery pick on an older prospect who should be plug-and-play at the next level isn't the world's worst idea.

Buzelis is the type of long prospect who can move all over the floor in ways that front offices really value these days. That he's shooting below 30% from 3-point range for a terrible G League Ignite team is a bit of a concern, especially considering there have long been questions about whether Buzelis will ever truly be a knockdown shooter. But his positional versatility and ability to pass at his size should make the Chicago native close to a lock to go somewhere in the top 20.

Holland skipped college to play for the G League Ignite, where he's leading the team in scoring but almost never leading it to victories. He's also shooting below 25% from 3-point range and averaging roughly as many turnovers as assists. As you can see, I'm lower on Holland than most based on what I've seen in the G League. But I'll be happy to revisit the evaluation if and when Holland shows improvement in any of the areas mentioned.

Furphy changed Kansas' season when Bill Self inserted him into the starting lineup after a loss at UCF, and the 6-9 guard has already done enough to establish himself as a serious one-and-done candidate. He comes from a family of athletes in Australia and is shooting above 50% from the field and above 40% from 3-point range. If those numbers stay steady, Furphy cracking the lottery should not be ruled out.

Some consider Dunn a high-floor/low-ceiling prospect who has the potential to be an elite defender who guards multiple positions but will maybe never amount to much on offense. I don't completely disagree with the sentiment. But using the 18th pick in a weak draft on a high-IQ, high-energy player who projects as the best versatile defender in this draft doesn't seem like the type of thing a franchise would regret.

Ighodaro doesn't project as the type of big who will stretch the floor because he doesn't even take 3-pointers at Marquette. But the 6-11 athlete is a versatile defender and lob threat who could be a real weapon in Atlanta in lineups with Trae Young.

Clingan is among the center prospects who have the size and talent as a real rim-protector to help a contender as a rookie the same way the Mavericks' Dereck Lively is helping a contender as a rookie. That acknowledged, the 7-2 center hasn't had the type of jump in production some predicted once Adama Sanogo left UConn and allowed Clingan to slide into the starting lineup. A foot injury that sidelined him for five games this season is another area of concern.

Smith making nearly 40% of the roughly four 3-pointers he's attempting per game for the G-League Ignite this season is a huge positive for the Overtime Elite alum. To stick in the NBA, the defense will have to improve dramatically. But Smith's shooting alone could prove valuable for a New Orleans franchise that ranks in the bottom half of the NBA in 3-pointers made per contest.

Missi is an incredible physical specimen who is excellent at the rim on offense and in possession of enough athleticism, size and strength to really excel defensively. The 7-footer from Cameroon would be fortunate to land in Philadelphia, where he could learn from and back up reigning MVP Joel Embiid.

I've been a believer in Wagner as an NBA prospect for years after watching him on the grassroots circuit as the son of a former lottery pick. Skeptics will point out that he doesn't pop athletically or make shots from the perimeter reliably — and they're right. But I still think, one way or another, Wagner will prove to be a longtime NBA player.

Chomche has visited multiple colleges over the past year — among them Texas and Arizona —and reportedly remains open to playing college basketball next season. As always, we'll see. But the Cameroon native does have first-round potential considering he's 6-11 with a 7-4 wingspan and regarded as one of the best athletes who could be available in this draft.

Klintman is a two-way wing from Sweden who should be able to alternate between both forward spots. He initially declared for the 2023 NBA Draft after one year at Wake Forest but ultimately withdrew and pursued a professional opportunity in Australia. With another year of development under his belt, and not many great options in the 20s, Klintman will have a better chance to get a guaranteed contract in this draft than he did last year.

Edwards was the highest-ranked prospect in Kentucky's top-ranked recruiting class but has been largely disappointing all season. He's sixth on the team in minutes played, sixth on the team in scoring and shooting below 30% from 3-point range. Off of his high school reputation alone, somebody will take a flier on the 6-8 wing because somebody always takes a flyer on a one-and-done player who was ranked in the top five of his high school class. But the truth is that Edwards has done very little at UK to suggest he should be selected anywhere close to where most had him projected before this season began.

Tyrese Proctor was regarded as Duke's best backcourt prospect heading into this season — and he still might be. Eye of the beholder and all that. But it's McCain who is having the better season by averaging 12.8 points and 4.5 rebounds while making 40.0% of the 5.2 3-pointers he's taking per game. With Mike Conley both 36 years old and headed for free agency, Minnesota adding a guard who can really shoot like him would be understandable

Sallis spent two years at Gonzaga but never got going and only averaged 4.4 points in those seasons. He's been unlocked at Wake Forest, though. The 6-5 guard is averaging 17.9 points and making nearly 40% of the 5.6 3-pointers he's attempting per game. He's the latest example that highlights how sometimes a change of scenery is all a player needs, which is why folks are often misguided when they label student-athletes who transfer as people who are just "running from adversity." Sometimes, in reality, they're just running toward success.

Holmes is the rare top-55 high school prospect who enrolled at an Atlantic 10 school, and he's the main reason Dayton has emerged as a Final Four threat. The 6-10 forward has gone from a good A-10 player as a freshman to an All-American candidate as a junior. He's a sensible option at this point in the draft in part because of the way he's gone from a non-shooter upon enrolling at Dayton to a real stretch-the-floor threat as a third-year player who is making above 38% of the 3-pointers he's attempting.

Kolek has some obvious issues as an NBA prospect, most notably a lack of athleticism relative to what's desired from lead guards. Still, at 6-3, Kolek is adequately sized for his position, terrific in pick-and-rolls, an A-plus passer and a reliable 3-point shooter. If you focus on what he can do instead of his perceived deficiencies, what you'll see is a reigning Big East Player of the Year who is skilled enough to stick in the NBA for many years.

Risacher brings great size and length to the wing with encouraging fluidity on his outside shot. Like any young international prospect, Risacher will need time to develop the physicality required to thrive in the NBA. In the absence of an obvious headliner from the class, he's as deserving as anyone to be taken No. 1 overall.

Sarr is an athletic rim protector with upside as a perimeter defender. His 3-point shooting percentages leave something to be desired. But for a young player of his size, he's ahead of the curve offensively in how he's flashed the ability to handle the basketball and create shots.

Topic is a big European guard with a nifty handle and natural passing instincts. It's easy to envision him facilitating out of the pick-and-roll. Whoever drafts him may need to be patient with his 3-point shot but will be getting a player with tantalizing offensive upside.

If you don't think Sheppard is a lottery-level player, it's because you haven't watched much Kentucky basketball and are relying on the same stereotypes as the evaluators who pegged him as the fifth-best player in his own signing class at UK. He's an elite defender, elite shooter and one of the best passers in college basketball.

Buzelis hasn't shot it great from 3-point range for G League Ignite, but he's shown a well-rounded offensive game and is making an impact on the defensive end. In a draft class full of rangy wings with potential versatility, he is arguably the most well-rounded of the bunch.

If you want to nitpick, Williams has turned the ball over a lot and hasn't rated as one of Colorado's top defenders during his freshman season. But his offensive efficiency has been off the charts, and he's got all the physical tools and talent needed to potentially develop into an NBA All-Star.

Castle is a big, versatile guard capable of facilitating the offense or playing off the ball. He also rates as UConn's No. 2 defender behind only 7-4 Donovan Clingan, according to evanmiya.com. From an intangibles perspective, it's remarkably impressive to see a freshman making such valuable contributions to the reigning national title winners.

Salaun is demonstrating encouraging proficiency as a 3-point shooter overseas, suggesting his floor would be as a rotational 3-and-D wing. If the flashes he's shown as an attacker and finisher translate to the next level, then he could be a dynamic NBA playmaker.

Walter hasn't been the world's most efficient offensive player in his lone season of college basketball, but he's shown all the tools which made him a five-star prospect. He's athletic and rangy, and his excellent free-throw shooting suggests there is long-term shooting upside.

Knecht is one of the oldest players with lottery potential in recent memory after five years of college basketball. But he's proven that he is an elite scorer at all three levels while playing for an excellent Tennessee team that has faced some of college basketball's top opposition.

Filipowski's offensive efficiency and rim protection have improved this season. He could have been a first-round pick last year. After another year of quality development, he's undoubtedly a lottery-level talent in this class.

Dillingham is an offensive wizard with a knockdown 3-point shot and a knack for finishing at the rim among the trees. He can play either guard spot and hit shots off the dribble or as a spot-up shooter. His defense is unimpressive, but that's no shock for a young and slender guard.

Missi is a bouncy post player and potentially elite shot blocker who is effective offensively as a dunker, lob threat and face-up operator in the high post. He's still learning the game and 3-pointers aren't even close to being a part of his arsenal. But his tremendous defensive upside, length and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect.

For a slender guard, McCain's offensive efficiency has been off the charts. He's a relentless worker who can play either guard spot, and he rebounds well for his size. McCain's defense isn't a strength, but his offensive upside makes up for it, and he's no worse defensively than most players his size.

Holmes is an athletic big man with a ton of variety in his game on both ends. He swats shots at the rim but can also move his feet to stay in front of smaller players. Offensively, he can score from the block or pull you out to the 3-point line with a sweet jumper. He can also put it on the deck and attack the closeout. Holmes is one of the most underrated players in this class.

Collier is an elite offensive guard with three-way scoring chops and the size to become a quality defender. There's a reason he was ranked the No. 1 prospect in the Class of 2023 by 247Sports, and it's mostly because he can get buckets.

Holland's offensive game needs plenty of refining, but his upside as a long and athletic wing is obvious. Few in this class share Holland's potential as a perimeter defender. If he can establish an offensive identity, Holland could be a useful NBA player earlier than many in this draft.

Clingan's professional identity will be as a rim protector and dunker. There isn't much else to his game, but he's elite in those facets, which will make him useful to the right NBA team.

Smith's 3-point shooting numbers are encouraging, and his solid free-throw shooting suggests they are no fluke. Defensively, he may be something of a "tweener" lacking the physicality of most fives and the lateral quickness of many fours. But a franchise with vision and developmental chops can help him reach proficiency on that end.

Tyson is a two-way wing with impressive offensive efficiency for such a high-volume player. Perhaps the elite-level upside isn't there. But with a proven body of work in college basketball on both ends of the floor and good size, he should have a reasonably high floor in the NBA.

Dunn may be the best defender in the draft class. His perimeter shot needs a ton of work, but he's efficient inside the arc and is a versatile menace with elite shot-swatting DNA on the other end.

Carter is a menacing perimeter defender whose draft stock has surged this season amid a massive uptick in his 3-point shooting volume and percentage. He can play either guard spot and defend taller players.

George is a big wing who shoots it well from deep while playing quality defense. Those two traits alone make him worth a look in the first round. But there are some edges that need to be smoothed out, especially with regard to his offensive game inside the arc.

Since catching the attention of NBA scouts last season, Jones has only improved upon his stat-stuffing game, raising his 3-point percentage and remaining impressively efficient as a high-volume player with intriguing defensive upside.

Alexander is a stingy perimeter defender for his size and brings three-way scoring chops to the table as a versatile guard capable of playing on or off the ball. His 3-point shooting percentage has slipped this season, but he retains high-upside as a shooter as evidenced by a steady career free-throw mark of above 80%.

Ware is flying under the radar since Indiana is languishing outside the NCAA Tournament picture. But he's shown all the flashes of why he was a five-star prospect in the Class of 2022. With an effective 3-point shot and shot-blocking ability, there is a home for him in an NBA rotation.

A change of scenery was all Sallis needed to begin realizing his potential after two seasons as a reserve at Gonzaga. His offensive efficiency has been stunning for Wake Forest and has actually improved amid the grind of conference play.

Edwards has improved as an outside shooter as the season has progressed, helping him to quietly evolve into an efficient secondary option for a loaded Kentucky team. He's not been the star that many expected him to be out of high school, but the upside is still there, and that should become obvious to scouts if he goes through the pre-draft process.

The biggest questions with McCullar are about his health and age as he's sat out several games this season due to a lingering knee issue. If he checks out medically, he could make an early impact as one of the oldest prospects in this class with a well-proven skill set as a two-way wing.

Just because Wagner has been overshadowed by some of the other quality freshmen on Kentucky's roster shouldn't take away from the flashes of potential he's shown. The biggest issue is his unimpressive 3-point shooting. But the playmaking and shot-creation potential remain appealing.