Tyler Kolek was one of the bigger stars in college basketball the past two seasons. He enters the draft as a point guard who can make an immediate impact. Let’s dive into Kolek’s game and place within this draft class.
Tyler Kolek 2024 NBA Draft Profile
College Career
Kolek started his collegiate career at George Mason. He averaged 10.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists Kolek was named the Atlantic-10 Rookie of the Year. However, the Rhode Island native would transfer to Marquette after just one season. In his first season with Marquette Kolek averaged 6.7 points, 5.9 assists, and 3.7 rebounds.
Kolek truly exploded in his junior season averaging 12.9 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.1 rebounds. Furthermore, Marquette finished with a 29-7 record best in the Big East, and earned a two-seed in the NCAA tournament. As a result, he was named the Big East Player of the Year and established himself as one of the best guards in the country. Marquette would ultimately fall short losing to Michigan State in the round of 32.
Kolek followed this up with a stellar senior campaign. Averaging 15.3 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.2 rebounds while leading Marquette to a 27-10 record and a two-seed in the NCAA tournament. Notably, Kolek’s 7.7 assists were first in the country. Kolek was battling an oblique injury heading into the tournament but that didn’t hold him back as he put together a brilliant tournament. He averaged 18.7 points, 8.3, assists, and 7 rebounds Marquette would lose to NC State in the Sweet Sixteen who eventually went to the Final Four. Regardless, Kolek’s incredible tournament play earned him a spot on the South’s All region team.
Strengths
Kolek is a dynamic playmaker with elite vision and ball handling. His elite vision and pinpoint accuracy make him stand out as arguably the best passer in the draft class. Kolek’s playmaking and IQ make him an elite pick-n-roll ball handler. Kolek averaged an absurd 34 assist percentage for his collegiate career including a 42% in his senior year. Crucially, Kolek is also a great decision-maker maker highlighted by his 2.69 assist-to-turnover ratio as a senior.
Tyler Kolek masterclass in passing tonight:
◾️ 18 AST pic.twitter.com/9rjIl2o30q
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) February 22, 2024
Furthermore, Kolek is a prolific scorer capable of getting buckets in a variety of ways. Most notably he is a crafty finisher at the rim. Kolek uses his elite handle and quick first step to constantly pressure the rim. He is a strong finisher capable of finishing through contact but also frequently uses floaters to score. Kolek is also a high-level three-point shooter both off the catch and off the dribble. Shooting 35 percent from three in his college career including 39 and 38 percent in his final two years. This skill set allows Kolek to control the game like no other and makes him a quintessential point guard. Defensively Kolek has a high motor and uses his elite basketball IQ to consistently be well-positioned.
Weaknesses
Kolek’s athleticism is a clear drawback. At the draft combine Kolek measured in just the 33rd percentile for max vertical, the 16th percentile for standing vertical, and the 22nd percentile for standing reach. There’s no doubt adjusting to the more athletic NBA will be a challenge for Kolek. Additionally, at the draft combine Kolek measured in at six-foot-one without shoes. While Kolek is a high-effort defender, his lack of athleticism and size will result in him being constantly targeted defensively. This is paired with his advanced age of 23 which will make many scouts wonder if Kolek is already a finished product.
NBA Comparison
Kolek’s playmaking abilities and elite court vision make him very similar to Tyus Jones. His role in the league will likely be similar to Jones, an efficient high-iq playmaker who can run the offense and set the table for his teammates. Goran Dragic is another common comparison. Dragic’s crafty left-handed finishing abilities paired with an uncanny ability to control the pace of each game makes the two players similar.
2024 Draft Projection
Late First-Round Pick
