NBA Draft: On The Bubble Prospects Who Can Make An Impact
With the college basketball season in full swing, the NBA Draft talk is heating up. With all of the usual names projected in the 1st/2nd round cementing their stock, there are those who will be fighting to get a call from an NBA roster. The following names are players who, despite little fanfare, are fringe players who could make their way onto a roster after NBA Draft night (possibly even drafted).
Jamaree Bouyea (University of San Francisco)
I was tipped off about Bouyea from another draft site. Living in the Bay Area, I had no idea who Bouyea was. Playing for the University of San Francisco should mean I’d have some clue of his talent. I obviously didn’t. All I’ve seen thus far from Bouyea, absolute dominance.
Bouyea is a 6’2 guard that has really electric skills with the ball. He’s able to create separation with his dribble. Bouyea possesses the speed to get past his defenders to the hoop. He’s very good at allowing his teammates to help initiate the offense. Bouyea directs traffic on the court, and at the NBA level, that is what you’re looking for.
Arthur Kaluma (Creighton)
I’ve been very high on Ryan Nembhard (Creighton’s freshman point guard) for quite some time. It’s easy to view Kaluma as their best first-year player. While I trust Nembhard’s basketball IQ more, Kaluma just has that tiny bit more of a wow factor. As the season progresses, he’s going to shoot up boards. He’s a Power Forward that shows a nice shooting touch and developing pick and roll game. If he can refine the pick and roll game and continue to maintain a solid blocked shot average, Kaluma will be a hot commodity.
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Jahmir Young (UNC Charlotte)
Quite possibly the best player we aren’t talking about, Young has the makings of a star. He’s proven to be clutch in the clutch moments. He’s athletic and crafty at getting to the basket. His assist totals have doubled from last season’s breakout sophomore campaign, he just screams potential.
If there is cause for concern, a below 38 percent 3-point shooting clip. However, his free throw percentage has increased each season (over 87 this year) leading to the belief the 3-point shot will come around. I do have concerns over his ability as a shooter; I think he will make his mark as primarily a driver/slasher. Still, he has good basketball instincts that will guide him to a playing career outside of college.
Tari Eason (LSU)
Eason, a former Cincinnati Bearcat, made the move to LSU and has had immense success. His scoring average of 15.6 points per game show he’s a potential NBA rotation player. He’s not effective from 3 at all (below 30 percent), and at 6’8 might be considered a bit small to handle the power forward spot on a consistent basis. However, his defense is superb. Eason can get into passing lanes and knows where to be on defense. If he can develop more of an all-around offensive game, he’s got a high chance of being a mid-2nd round pick.
With any NBA GM, the scouts are key. These 4 players have attention from me, and I’ll bet some teams have their eye on them as well. While we might not hear their name called on draft night, we’ll see almost all of them in the G-League or Summer League.
Image Source: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
