Every year, the Big Ten is one of the best conferences in college basketball. It is full of talented players, particularly big men. Last year the Big Ten had eight players drafted including five in the first round. Here are the Big Ten’s best draft prospects to look out for in the upcoming season.
Big Ten’s Best NBA Draft Prospects
Mackenzie Mgbako, Indiana
The Big Ten’s best draft prospect for next summer is Mackenzie Mgbako. The former Duke commit is now signed to play at Indiana this season. He was a consensus five-star recruit and was ranked in the top ten on most recruiting services. Mgbako’s ticket to the NBA will be his three-point shooting. In high school, he averaged nearly 1.7 three-pointers made per game, very good for a player of his size. If he can put up good numbers for the Hoosiers this season, don’t be surprised to see him taken as a lottery pick in next summer’s draft.
Kel’el Ware, Indiana
The Hoosiers have compiled many NBA-caliber players over the past few seasons and this won’t stop with the Oregon transfer Kel’el Ware. The second Hoosier to make the list, Ware is another elite big man who can make shots from beyond the arc. He is probably a bit more athletic than his counterpart Mgbako, but both possess the upside to be a lottery pick. Ware is a sophomore which can put off some NBA scouts, but his age should not be too much of a factor as he is still young enough.
Ware’s biggest weakness will be his college stats. He only averaged six points per game last season and was not nearly as effective from deep as he was in high school. If he can play a little more than his potential I would not be surprised if his first season at Indiana is his last before heading to the NBA.
DeShawn Harris-Smith, Maryland
The Terps have not had a one-and-done prospect since Diamond Stone in 2016. This could change this season with DeShawn Harris-Smith, who is the Terps’ best draft prospect in a few seasons. He will not blow you away with his technical skills, but the intangibles have led to him being a possible draft pick. He is an NBA-ready body with a winner’s mindset who gives 100% on every play and is an ultra-competitor. If he can prove that he can score at the college level, we could see Harris-Smith at the draft next season.
Coleman Hawkins, Illinois
One of the Big Ten’s most intriguing draft prospects is Coleman Hawkins from Illinois. Hawkins is a senior who has steadily improved each season with the Illini. He isn’t the best scorer, but he stuffs the stat sheet. He rebounds, plays defense, looks to assist his teammates, and can even shoot the three-pointer a bit.
Unfortunately, his age may stop him from being drafted as NBA front offices don’t typically love to take upperclassmen, even if they are very good. If Hawkins can show some improvement in his offensive game this season, a team may be willing to take him in the second round.
A.J. Hoggard, Michigan State
As a junior, A.J. Hoggard helped lead Michigan State to the Sweet Sixteen last March. He is now back for his senior season with higher aspirations for the Spartans. Hoggard is a scorer, which helps his chances of being drafted. His three-point shot isn’t bad but leaves a bit to be desired. If he can improve from deep and lead Michigan State on a deep tournament run, he will be drafted.
Zach Edey, Purdue
The final and most intriguing Big Ten draft prospect is Zach Edey. If this were twenty years ago, Edey would have been the first overall pick in the NBA draft. But, times have changed and the reigning national player of the year went undrafted after averaging over twenty points per game last season.
Edey’s size and scoring ability would be useful at the NBA level. He also plays great defense. But, his athleticism, or lack thereof, is holding him back. He is simply not fast enough to guard some NBA centers. If he can improve on this, I think an NBA team will be willing to take a chance on him.
