The key for NBA evaluators, is just how much the shooting evolves, and then whether he can display any type of similar versatility on the defensive end. He’s a fluid handler for his size, has more shooting potential than his percentages from his freshman season indicate, and is a very tough cover when he puts it all together. He’s a versatile four-man who compensates for what he may lack in ideal size with a 7-foot wingspan, strong frame, and solid leaping ability at the rim. He’s not an especially dynamic creator though, and so he projects as a complimentary piece, but he has to be a more reliable floor-spacer in order to fit the role.Īrthur Kaluma, 6-7, SO, F, Creighton – Kaluma is entering his sophomore season with a lot of momentum after a strong freshman campaign and successful summer with the Uganda national team. He’s a solid passer, very good rebounder, and a quality defender who should be versatile on that end. He’s solid across the board with good perimeter size, a strong frame, and heady approach to both ends. If he does well and can simultaneously force opposing defenses to, at least, respect him off the ball, he could make a case for himself.Ĭolby Jones, 6-6, JR, W/G, Xavier – Jones began to intrigue NBA scouts as a freshman, made steady strides last year as a sophomore, and played his best basketball during the team’s post-season NIT run. It sounds like he will have the ball in his hands quite a bit this year and get to show his playmaking tools. The one missing link is the shot, and it’s been that way since he first came on the scene as a high school underclassman. He has the tools to be versatile and multi-positional defensively, but needs to build up his body first.Īndre Jackson, 6-6, JR, W, Connecticut – Jackson is an explosive athlete, dynamic open-floor attacker, under-rated passer, and potentially highly versatile defender. Scouts will also be watching the progression of his handle to see if he can evolve from more of a wing into a legit guard. He combines shot-making potential, vertical athleticism, and defensive upside, but needs to be both more consistently productive and efficient. This year, he will have every opportunity to take a major step forward. Jordan Hawkins, 6-5, SO, W/G, Connecticut – Hawkins has shown extreme tools since high school and provided some high-level flashes last year as a freshman. Jordan Hawkins (Photo: Courtesy of UConn, 247Sports) What is not debatable is that he goes into the Big East season in a league of his own in terms of his long-term NBA potential. Of course, there are also questions about how his recent thumb injury will impact his freshman season. So too are his other perimeter skills and instincts when he’s not able to impose his will physically. His shooting, while improved, is still questionable. Villanova lists him at 6-foot-7, but some scouts suggest he looks notably less than that in person. While his physical prowess is undeniable, there are still a wide-range of opinions on him. Now, he has become a trendy pick to go in the top-half of the lottery.
It was in that setting, where many NBA scouts got their first look at him, that his draft prospectus spiked. He continued to ascend for the next year, playing his way into the McDonald’s All-American Game. Whitmore immediately made an impression with his combination of power and explosiveness in his downhill attacking style. Whitmore’s national ascension began in the spring of 2021, just as the grassroots basketball world was re-opening following the covid shutdown. Cam Whitmore (Photo: Nike EYBL / Jon Lopez, Getty)
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