Rise and Fall of NBA Draft Prospects in the 2024 College Basketball Season
The 2024 NBA Draft is set to be an unpredictable one, lacking the clear standout stars of previous years. The absence of a dominating presence like Victor Wembanyama, who topped the charts in 2023, leaves the field wide open for a surge of unpredicted talent.
The college basketball landscape introduces an interesting dynamic this year, too, with many top prospects opting for alternate routes such as the G League Ignite or playing overseas.
This shift away from the NCAA as the primary path to the NBA further adds to the mystery and anticipation surrounding the 2024 NBA Draft.
Table of Contents
Risers
The following players are seeing their stock go up in next year’s NBA Draft:
Ja’Kobe Walter, Baylor
Making an instant impact on college basketball, Ja’Kobe Walter’s stunning 28-point score against Auburn on the season’s second day has been one of the freshman year’s finest performances. Walter’s exceptional shot-making skills on the wing are noteworthy, marked by his ability to take on and execute difficult shots, along with impressive range beyond the arc for Baylor.
Despite not being a particularly explosive ballhandler, Walter’s advanced scoring proficiency enables him to get into positions and score at all three levels. Given his current performance, his potential to be the first college player off the board come June seems plausible.
Reed Sheppard, Kentucky
Initially perceived as a long-term asset in Kentucky’s loaded recruiting class, Sheppard has arguably outperformed his peers this season, putting him in the running for the 2024 draft’s first round. A reputed shooter during his high school days, his current 57% three-point percentage is truly impressive.
Furthermore, Sheppard’s defensive capabilities, far exceeding expectations, and tireless efforts at the point of attack make him a formidable player. While questions about his overall upside may hinder his ascent into the lottery, Sheppard’s consistent contribution to victories might result in him surpassing his draft position once he enters the league.
Fallers
The following players have fallen in many mock drafts:
Isaiah Collier, USC
The start of the season has been rocky for Isaiah Collier, who entered as the highest-rated recruit but has been marred by inconsistency. His outstanding debut against Kansas State has been overshadowed by subsequent struggles, coinciding with the Trojans losing four of five games.
Collier’s powerful drive has been overshadowed by his turnover-prone play, averaging a concerning 4.4 turnovers per game – second-highest nationally. This reality has had a noticeable effect on NCAAB spreads. This, coupled with a less-than-consistent outside shooting stroke, has cast doubts about him being the No. 1 overall pick. Despite this, there is no clear alternative, and his playmaking potential keeps him in contention.
Tyrese Proctor, Duke
The much-anticipated sophomore leap for Tyrese Proctor hasn’t materialized as hoped. The Australian point guard’s performance appears similar to his freshman year before an ankle injury sidelined him earlier this month. Proctor’s quiet presence in the Blue Devils’ biggest games, most notably Arizona and Arkansas, raises questions.
He sometimes seemed shaky, even in a 13-point, six-assist game against Michigan State. Proctor’s ability to operate in ball screens still hints at first-round potential, but the jump to the top 10 seems less probable, as expected by some.
