BIG10 Prospect Preview: 2024-25
Uncovering the rebuilt BIG10 conference's top NBA prospects
Welcome back to the Draftstack conference-by-conference previews! I kicked off the series by diving into the ACC’s prime prospects, so if you missed it, check it out here!
Continuing the series, we’ll break down key prospects playing in the BIG10 for the 2024-25 series. Of course, conference realignment shook the entire landscape of college sports, with the BIG10 experiencing the most drastic shift. The dissolution of the PAC12 allowed for the BIG10 to integrate three of the college sport’s biggest powerhouses: Oregon, UCLA, and USC. Oh, they also added Washington but let’s be real, they don’t have the same impact (Sorry Husky fans and Isaiah Thomas).
With the conference now composed of 18 total teams, the competition level has reached a new high. Along with returning talent, the BIG10 welcomed recruits from the transfer portal, high school, and overseas, all looking to raise eyebrows.
BIG10’s Bigtime Freshmen
This crop of freshmen in the BIG 10 could be the most formidable group in years. Is conference realignment the reason? Perhaps. But even long-standing teams brought in their share of contributing young guns.
Rutgers’s offseason can be described in one word: Masterclass. Despite historically being one of the conference’s doormats, the Scarlett Red Knights brought in the Second and Third ranked recruits in the country.
Ace Bailey has emerged as the frontrunner to challenge Cooper Flagg’s unanimity. His elite athleticism combined with his auxiliary skills makes him a premier prospect. The 6’10 jumbo wing jumps off the screen when watching him. Literally. He’s a quick-footed, explosive vertical leaper taking long, powerful strides up the floor. Scoring on all three levels is no problem for Ace. His finishes at the rim can either be savvy or ferocious. He knocks down tough shots in the midrange and has extended his range beyond the arc. An active and versatile defender, Bailey can be used in various schemes differently. His experience as a primary rim protector in high school will serve him well as a help defender. The athletic tools project Bailey to strive as an on-ball defender. Bailey has struggled with his shot selection. With so much pressure on him to score this season, this issue may still be present throughout the cycle.
Dylan Harper joins Bailey in New Brunswick. He’s been guided by his father, Ron Sr, a 5-time NBA champ, and his older brother Ron Jr, a 2-time All-Big 10 team winner. Dylan will inevitably follow in the family's footsteps- and raise the bar. I've become enamored with his game (scrappy guard bias incoming). Harper has a true two-way impact. He’s an impressive offensive attack as a scorer and playmaker. Around the rim, he shines using his body control and coordination to make crafty finishes. His mechanics are balanced and fluid, making him an effective shooter. Already an NBA mind, Harper has shown to be a confident primary playmaker. He gets a little too fancy at times, which should show less against better competition. His nimble feet and excellent screen navigation make Harper an incredible point-of-attack defender.
Montverde product Derik Queen is the second-best recruit in Maryland basketball history. The big provides a distinctive skillset. Unafraid to put the ball on the floor, Queen has established himself as a compelling initiator. He’s got impressive footwork, using an arsenal of post moves to finish softly around the basket. Out the post, he completes advanced reads. I’m confident he’ll find success on the college level, due to pure skill advantage. However, his NBA potential may be limited and fit-dependent. He lacks an outside shot and defensive versatility which limits the schemes he can fit into.
Illinois coach Brad Underwood found nothing short of triumph this recruiting circuit. The Fighting Illini have 2 potential lottery picks: Will Riley and Kasparas Jakucionas. Riley, a skilled wing, offers ideal positional size and athletic prowess. While he still has to fill out his frame, Riley stands at 6’8 with remarkable fluidity and twitch. Combining those traits with his deep bag, the Canadian efficiently gets to the rim., finishing strong with either hand. His passes in the half-court slice defenses up. Once again, his size benefits him. A multi-positional defender, Riley is reliable both on and off-ball, clogging passing lanes and initiating fastbreaks. To be a true offensive threat, he must tweak his jumper to be a bit smoother. Meanwhile, Kasparas Jakucionas has already captured the hearts of the draft community. He understands his gravity. Using his bounce off the dribble, Kasparas effortlessly penetrates the paint. From there, he attacks the basket, finishing with finesse or dimes it out to an open teammate. His decision-making and lackluster defense hold back Kasparas, as he plays too ambitiously in both aspects. Although fluid mechanics, he hasn’t clipped it at a high rate just yet.
Westward Expansion
Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington’s new additions have brought an influx of pro-level talent.
Oregon is headlined by two marquee returners: Kwame Evans Jr and Jackson Shelstad. While Evans’ stats aren’t eye-popping, the numbers don’t tell the full story. His impact comes on the defensive end. Evans, at 6’9, uses his length, lateral movement, and motor to serve as a hybrid defender. His light footwork and length allow him to navigate and disrupt screens. Because he’s so well coordinated, he has excellent anticipation, allowing him to make plays in gaps and time up his help defense at the rim. He plays with immense energy. You can find him crashing the boards or diving for loose balls. His thin frame and lack of perimeter shooting limit his offensive skillset. However, putting the ball on the floor and creating for others isn’t a problem for the wirey wing right now. While Evans shines on the defensive end, Jackson Shelstad excels offensively. Reminiscent of former Duck Peyton Pritchard, Shelstad is a pesky, fearless off-ball shooter with range that’ll dance with defenders. A fearless finisher, Shelstad attacks the basket equipped with an arsenal of acrobatic finishes. He may be strong and sturdy but his lack of size will hinder his NBA potential.
UCLA doesn’t project to have any premier prospects in 2025, but a few guys are already on NBA radars looking to raise their stock. Kobe Johnson transferred over from cross-town rival USC, ready to serve the Peyton Watson/Jaylen Clark role for the Bruins. He’s an agitative defender with a constant engine, averaging 2.2 steals a match. Because of finite on-ball creation abilities, he’s a connective offense piece that’ll score off cuts and catch-and-shoot opportunities. Aday Mara was and still is a compelling prospect. The Spaniard has garnered attention throughout his career due to his towering size of 7’3 and playmaking finesse. He’s shown flashes of making incredible reads most players his age couldn’t make. His size makes him a natural shot blocker and post scorer with a soft touch. Mara was evidently uncomfortable with the fast-paced college game, looking lost on the court. His glaring weaknesses were consistently exposed through high screens, as he was either attacked by the ball handler or abused by the roller. One of the most underrated prospects in this draft cycle is Dominick Harris. The Loyola Marymount transfer, who started at Gonzaga, tested the NBA waters before joining UCLA. Throughout his career, Harris has been a sniper with a rapid release. He plays within the flow of offenses, constantly moving and patiently waiting to get off a smart shot. Playmaking is a part of his repertoire as well, successfully operating as a ball handler in the PNR. Outside of being able to cover ground quickly, Harris isn’t much of a defender. Finally, William Kyle is a physical beast that’s bursting with energy. He’s a proficient rebounder who utilizes his strength on both sides of the ball to create positive plays.
Similar to UCLA, USC doesn’t have a standout star but a variety of players with next-level upside. Hailing from Boise St, Chibuzo Agbo is an athletic swingman radiating 3&D promise. He converts difficult shots, capitalizing on his precise footwork to create space. He shot over 40% from three in his two seasons at Boise St. Joining him is the crafty Saint Thomas. Essentially a 6’7 guard, Thomas gets downhill with will. Once piercing the paint, Thomas does a great job at deciding whether to pass or finish. He’s a reliable shooter off the catch as well. His inefficient burst and strength will pose defensive challenges for him. Desmond Claude could be the most impressive out of USC’s prospects. The former Xavier product thrived as a Point Forward, proving to be a PNR maestro with his handle and IQ. Most of his buckets come from inside the arc, where he leverages his size to finish strong. Implementing his IQ on the defensive end, Claude stays involved in plays rotating fluidly. Claude could be a potential first-rounder if he develops his shot to be more consistent.
Washington seems to have another underwhelming season ahead with a brand new Head Coach and talent that falls short compared to the rest of the BIG10. However, not mentioning Great Osobor would be insincere. There’s a reason the British Big amassed over two million dollars in NIL. Despite being undersized, Osobor plays with great power and tenacity. He plays above-the-rim on both sides of the ball, finishing lobs and blocking shots. His strength allows him to bruise up in the post and overpower defenders. While not the most mobile, Osobor has a high floor that contending teams could take a chance on.
Key Returners and Transfers
Mike Woodson went to work this offseason, recruiting the second-best transfer class while maintaining two of his three top players from last year. Mackenzie Mgbako was a former five-star recruit who was thought of as a potential lottery pick going into last season. He had a slow start last season, particularly from three. His shooting chops slowly revealed itself as he became more accustomed to the college game. The defensive game followed a similar path. He struggled to keep up with guards and wings at first but eventually began using his strength to his advantage to blossom. Showcasing an ability to put the ball on the floor and create shots for himself and others is the next step in Mgbako’s game. Kanaan Carlyle seems to be every draft sicko’s favorite sleeper. He’s a blazing athlete with mesmerizing ball skills. An effective shot-creator, he opens up the floor for his entire team with his scoring gravity. While he’s not the most consistent shooter from long-range yet, he’s shown a ton of flashes, especially in the midrange. Carlyle operates best as a nuisance on-ball, consistently applying pressure to stay in front of his guy and force turnovers. Joining him in the backcourt is Myles Rice. Resilience defines Rice, beating Lymphoma in 2023. Rice will serve as Indy’s lead guard, who displayed his floor general skills at Washington State last season. He’s a savant operating the PNR. When he’s not making a sharp pass off the screen, he’s using it to pull up and knock down a midrange. Similar to his running mate Carlyle, he hasn’t efficiently drained the trey ball. Omar Ballo mans the middle for the Hoosiers after a prosperous stint in Arizona. He’s a pure paint powerhouse- dominating the boards, making above-the-rim plays. He’ll bang up in the post with his size and length, powering through defenders. Outside the paint, Ballo is virtually only successful as a screener with little to no on-ball capabilities and outside shot.
Ohio State revamped its program this offseason, hiring a new coach and securing key players through the portal. Aaron Bradshaw, a former five-star, was the Buckeye’s big get. Picture the optimal rotational NBA big. You’re probably thinking of someone wirey and agile who flies above the hoop and flashes floor stretching skills. That’s Bradshaw for you. Plagued with an injury bug at Kentucky, Bradshaw has a fresh new start in Columbus. For his size, he’s very fluid, jumping out of the gym to finish lobs and block shots. He times both lobs and blocks with precision. His shooting numbers aren’t anything remarkable. The mechanics and release are solid with Bradshaw showing flashes of hitting it from behind the arc. His skinny frame is of concern to NBA teams, especially against NBA bigs. But if the success of Derrick Lively II has shown anything, maybe taking a flier on a slim athletic big is worth it.
Remember when I said Illinois went mayhem this offseason? Well in addition to their freshmen stars, they went out in the transfer portal and poached some top-tier talent. Kylan Boswell will act as lead playmaker for the Illini. While not excelling as an athlete and undersized, he still finds ways to impact the game. He’s got a great feel for the game. He doesn’t force passes and plays within the system. A quick processor, he’ll make advanced reads hitting cutters, especially in transition. As a defender, he irks on-ball and does a surprisingly good job applying pressure. Evansville transfer Ben Humrichous could’ve declared for the NBA draft last year and made an NBA roster in my eyes. At 6’9, he launches and knocks down triples at a high rate. It’s not just off the catch either. He provides real value as a shooter off movement and the dribble. Whether he’s a capable defender is to be determined, as he picked on less skilled players on the mid-major level, using his size to collect blocks. Another guy Coach Underwood brought in who packs potential is Carey Booth. He’s slender and explosive, using his slithering body to vertically rise and punish the rim. Although he has yet to space the floor consistently, the mechanics are fluid as he gathers himself quickly and finishes highs. His athleticism should enable him to switch at 6’10, although he will struggle against stronger players.
Some college programs are so stable that no matter what, they’ll produce NBA talent. Iowa is one of them, consistently churning out NBA upside. Their wing tandem of Payton Sandfort and Owen Freeman is next in line. Sandfort tested the waters last season, accumulating buzz from his deadeye shooting. He’s pestering off-ball as defenses always need to keep an eye on the marksman. He fits the classic shooter stereotype of lacking defensive prowess. But, he’s hard-nosed and smart, so I’m betting he can figure it out and show real development on that end. Owen Freeman, the BIG10 Freshmen of the Year, is a specimen. He’s a hefty 6’10. Don’t let the size deceive you- he’s surprisingly smooth. His mobility and handle allow him to create opportunities off the dribble. Freeman can finish at the rim softly with either hand. I’m not sold on him as a legit NBA talent yet, showing too many defensive lapses and an inability to shoot from a distance.
Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans are one of the most renowned programs in collegiate ball. However, they’ve gone through a dry spell producing NBA players in past years. Don’t worry Spartan fans, you may have two saving graces: Xavier Booker and Coen Carr. Both their physical profiles check out on an NBA level. Booker takes long strides and is extra bouncy for 6’11. These attributes allow Booker to affect the game in a multitude of ways, such as being a threat on the open floor and finishing above the basket. He’s reportedly bulked up, which was a glaring issue during his freshmen season. On top of impressive physicals, he can pound the rock and shoot off the dribble. Maintaining this at a consistent level is the key to Booker being drafted. Coen Carr may just be the best athlete in college basketball. This dude can jump. And when I mean jump, I mean fly. He glides through the air effortlessly, leaping towards the rim. His athleticism allows him to cover ground adequately, never taking him out of a play. Skill-wise he’s raw and needs to show he’s more than just a jumper to reach the next level.
Set for a drastic improvement, DeShawn Harris-Smith looks to elevate his game. DHS is one of my main sleepers for this class, partially due to his glue-guy upside. He understands his role within the flow of the game: create opportunities off-ball and lock down whoever is in front of him. He forces his way through picks, chasing whoever his assignment. However, he currently is a dreadful shooter, showing little to no instances of hope.
After years at the helm of college basketball, Purdue is ready to transition into the post-Zach Edey era, led by Braden Smith. He’s far from the perfect NBA prospect but I couldn’t not mention him. Smith has a high IQ, can shoot and pass- something not a lot of prospects can say. Yes, he’s barely six feet and is a defensive liability. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if his already-established skills help him reach backup point guard status.
Quick Hit Sleepers
Malik Reneau: Entering his Junior season at Indiana, Reneau’s prospect status has shifted from being high upside to being a utility guy. He’ll thrive as a roll man finishing around the basket. He’s a natural athlete that positions himself well in the paint, challenging opponents.
Jamari Phillips: Originally committed to Arizona, Jamari Phillips decomitted for a bigger role for Dana Altman and the Oregon Ducks. The combo guard offers scoring versatility due to his ball handling and tough shot-making.
Tyler Harris: Washington has a real game-changer in Tyler Harris. The fluid 6’8 wing made a massive improvement as a shooter from high school to college. Additionally, he was a plus on defense clogging lanes and utilizing his athleticism.
Ty Rodgers: Returning to Illinois for his Junior season, Rodgers is an oversized guard who passes with finesse. He’s a talented, well-coordinated defender who gathers both steals and blocks. If Rodgers can stretch the floor, he’s a surefire NBA prospect.
Seydou Traore: Traore is largely unknown due to playing at Manhattan. This season at Iowa, he has a chance to make a name for himself. Traore plays with a vibrant energy that translates to rebounding and defense.
Berke Buyuktunctel: After an unsuccessful campaign at UCLA last year, Buyuktunctel looks to show off his versatility in more run at Nebraska. The 6’9 swingman can put the ball on the floor and attack the paint while using a variety of ball fakes to score. He’s not a sure-fire shooter yet and his slow footedness may limit his defensive ceiling.