Army head coach Jeff Monken led the Black Knights to its third Armed Forces Bowl victory in last-minute fashion. The Black Knights were led by a rambunctious running game that featured running back Jakobi Buchanan. After an injury to starting quarterback Christian Anderson, the team turned to two different quarterbacks, Tyhier Tyler and Jabari Laws, to lead the team down the stretch.
Army team captain Arik Smith (No. 53 pictured) had 88 tackles, four quarterback sacks and 11 tackles for losses in 2021. Over the last two seasons, he has 20 tackles for losses.
Senior linebacker and team captain Arik Smith garnered Armed Forces Bowl Game MVP honors after posting 12 tackles, two quarerback sacks and two-and-a half tackles for losses in the team’s victory. Junior placekicker Cole Talley banged home the game-winning field goal with no time remaining on the clock to secure the team’s 24-22 victory.
The 2021 Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl was the first of two bowl games in three days to take place at Toyota Stadium, the home of the FC Dallas Burn. The game pitted two teams that entered the game with a combined total of 23 victories. In a contest that largely lived up to the billing, the Brady Hoke-led Aztecs (12-2) took over the contest in the second half to win 38-24. It was just the second loss for the 24th-ranked Roadrunners (12-2), who have turned into one of the nation’s up-and-coming programs under Texas high school coaching legend and 2021 C-USA Coach of the Year Jeff Traylor.
Baskerville (No. 34 pictured jumping) had nine tackles and one interception to earn Defensive MVP honors in the 2021 Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl.
Chavous discusses who won the highly-anticipated battle between UTSA offensive tackle Spencer Burford and SDSU defensive end Cameron Thomas. In addition, he goes inside the bowl game MVP performances from wide receiver Jesse Matthews and safety CJ Baskerville.
The 2021 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl featured a battle between the 12th-ranked BYU Cougars (10-3) and the UAB Blazers (9-4) in Shreveport, Louisiana on December 18th. DraftNasty’s Corey Chavous breaks down the game’s turning points, the state of both programs and the top pro prospects on each of the teams. In a back-and-forth battle, the Blazers outlasted the Cougars.
The Blazers were led by running back DeWayne McBride (5’11, 215, SOPH), who rushed for 183 yards on 28 carries behind an offensive line featuring LT Kadeem Telfort (6’8, 335, R-JR) and RT Colby Ragland (6’5, 315, R-SR). Chavous breaks down both in the video, along with their star deep threats in tight end Gerrit Prince (6’5, 240, R-SR) and junior wide receiver Trea Shropshire (6’3 195, JR).
UAB redshirt senior tight end Gerrit Prince caught four passes for 43 yards and two touchdowns in the 2021 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl.
On the other side, BYU had a stalwart of its own in star running back Tyler Allgeier (5’11, 220, R-SOPH). Allgeier finished with 192 tough yards and averaged 7.1 yards per carry. Playing without injured quarterback Jaren Hall (6’1, 205, SOPH), the team turned to the Romneys, Baylor (6’2, 195, SOPH) and Gunner (6’2, 195, JR) to get it done in support. But it was one of BYU’s freshman defenders who stood out. Find out who it was in Corey Chavous’ video in-game report.
The 2021 CSJ Bahamas Bowl features a number of healthy individual storylines, but perhaps none more so than a three-fers approach for one of the nation’s top defenses. Injuries and improved play have been a theme for both teams heading into the contest. Toledo (7-5), led by first-year starting quarterback DeQuan Finn, reeled off victories in four of its last five games. Middle Tennessee (6-6) rebounded from a 2-4 start by winning four of its final six contests to achieve bowl eligibility. The Blue Raiders eventually settled on freshman quarterback Nicholas Vattiato, a Plantation, Florida native, in its last four games. Today, however, we spotlight one of the game’s top defensive minds and a philosophy that has led to eye-popping results.
MTSU Defensive coordinator Scott Shafer’s three-fers
Shafer, the former Syracuse head coach, is one of the more creative defensive minds in all of college football. Shafer-led defenses are known for producing turnovers and touchdowns, and they do so on a regular basis. In 2021, his unit has forced a whopping 18 fumbles (T-2nd nationally), recovered 15 fumbles (T-1st nationally) and picked off 16 passes (314 yards, 3 TDs). For good measure, the team has also returned three fumbles for scores. Their six defensive touchdowns are tied for first in all of FBS football with Nevada and Ohio State. One of the reasons? Shafer’s recruiting philosophy. He talks about recruiting three-fers. Three-fers are high school athletes who play three different positions (in football) and three different sports.
So which players on MTSU’s explosive defense have contributed to his unique philosophy?
The first-team All-C-USA safety was a star quarterback at West Limestone High School (Ala.), where he rushed for over 3,000 yards, passed for over 1,000 yards and tallied 1,004 receiving yards. The former state championship basketball player is the unquestioned leader of the defense, combining a coach’s intelligence with positive movement skills. After back-to-back injury-plagued seasons, Blankenship has largely returned to his 2018 form, when he picked off four passes and returned one of the interceptions 100 yards for a score. His angles have been hit-or-miss at times as a tackler, but he typically posts at least one highlight film play per game. Blankenship was forced to miss over 40 days of summer workouts in 2020 due to quarantine for COVID-19, but never tested positive. That absence gave him an even stronger appetite to be around both teammates and coaches, whom he steadily gives credit to both on and off the field.
“It starts off just listening to the coaches,” Blankenship said when asked about his long run of big plays at the school. “It’s all about your teammates on the plays you make.”
Blankenship was named an all-conference performer in 2021 after notching a career-high 10 tackles for loss.
He finished third on the team in 2021 with 10 tackles for loss, returned a fumble 90 yards for a score and forced two fumbles. The respect he has for those around him is definitely reciprocal.
“He has a high football IQ. Good vision. Patience. Very good football player,” Shafer said of Blankenship. “There’s a comfort factor there.”
Blankenship recently received an invite to the 2022 East-West Shrine All-Star Game in Las Vegas, Nevada.
3 Quincy Riley 6’0 181 CB-R-Freshman MTSU
The next of Shafer’s three-fers who stood out in 2021 was Riley, a former A.C. Flora High School (S.C.) product with blazing recovery speed.
Want proof?
Riley won the South Carolina Class 4A state track and field championship with a blazing 10.48 100-meter time back in 2019. His confidence on the field allows for him to jump routes early in the down, as UTSA quarterback Frank Harris discovered early in 2021 when trying to throw an out pattern to Riley’s side that he picked and nearly took back the distance.
Injuries have been a bit of a hiccup for Riley, who missed four games in 2021. Technically, he is eligible for the 2022 NFL Draft after having played in three games back in 2019, his first year on campus. During that season, a season-ending injury also thwarted his charge. In fact, the first-team All-C-USA freshman corner posted five interceptions for 153 yards (TD) in just eight games this season. In 2020, prior to injury, he picked off two passes (77 yards) in an All-C-USA freshman campaign.
First-team All-C-USA CB Quincy Riley (pictured in press) finished tied for second in the nation with five interceptions (153 yds, TD).
So what other sport made him one of the three-fers?
“He was a great basketball player in high school,” Shafer said.
Yes. Another player who fits the bill. And in football, he stood out playing wide receiver at the prep level, notching over 300 yards receiving as a senior with six special teams scores.
91 Jordan Ferguson 6’2 262 DL-Junior MTSU
The permanent team captain rounds out our list on Shafer’s philosophy, although the defense is littered with players who fit the bill. Ferguson is actually tied with another of the three-fers, safety Gregory Grate (5’11, 197, JR), for the team lead in forced fumbles (three). The Cartersville High School (Ga.) product plays a variety of roles for the team, as he aligns at defensive tackle, defensive end and rush outside linebacker. In fact, he has seen time as a personal protector on the punt team.
In high school he was a star tight end, racking up 15 touchdowns as a junior alone. Shafer found him somewhere else.
“He played high school basketball as a kid,” Shafer said. “Great leader. He is capable of playing inside or outside (on the defensive line). Ran practices for the team when we weren’t there.”
The second-team All-C-USA performer certainly was there for the team in 2021, when he notched career-highs in sacks (eight), tackles for loss (16.5), forced fumbles (three) and quarterback hurries (14). In the team’s bowl-clinching win versus Florida Atlantic, he took a fumble return back 71 yards for a score.
The three-fers don’t stop with those three, no pun intended, as second-team All-C-USA linebacker DQ Thomas (80 tackles, 5 QB sacks, 14.5 TFLs, FF, 2 INTs (43 yds, TD), 2 PBUs) was a powerlifter at the prep level. Versus Virginia Tech, he ran down quarterback Braxton Burmeister for a sack and was in on several pressures. The Oxford, Mississippi native is the school’s all-time leader in tackles for loss (51.5) heading into his final career game.
But it all goes back to the former collegiate quarterback drawing up the defenses and his own unique recruiting philosophy. Shafer’s mix of pre-snap defensive movement (involving safeties and linebackers), zone blitzes, six-man pressures, five-man fire zones and multiple looks leads to confusion for opposing offenses.
MTSU defensive coordinator Scott Shafer gives Marshall a unique defensive pre-snap look back in 2019.
He credits MTSU head coach Rick Stockstill for being open to his various suggestions during games.
“He’s open to thoughts before, during and after games,” the longtime defensive coordinator said.
And with three head coaches on one coaching staff (Stockstill, Shafer and former Clemson HC Tommy West), perhaps they meet the three-fers philosophy on their own.
After all, as Shafer put it, “there’s nothing we’re afraid to communicate.”
The 2021 NBA Draft offered up a number of prospects who were very productive in school, the NBA’s G League or overseas in other professional basketball leagues. Our NBA draft recap profiles each of the draft’s selections and we begin with a polished playmaker taken by the Detroit Pistons.
Green, pictured, was a standout for the AAU squad Team Why Not in the 2019 Nike EBYL circuit. His ability to score going to the basket ranks as one of his biggest assets.
2. Houston Rockets: Jalen Green 6’6 180 SG-NBA G League Ignite As Green continues to grow into his frame, his game will expand. In terms of comparisons, the team hopes he has a similar run to former Rocket Tracy McGrady, who excelled for the squad after a productive five-year stint in Orlando.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Evan Mobley 7’0 215 PF-USC Mobley’s quiet demeanor shouldn’t taken for granted on the court. He plays on both ends of the floor and is capable of guarding multiple spots. Mobley posted 12 double-doubles for the Trojans this past season.
5. Orlando Magic: Jalen Suggs6’4 205 PG-Freshman Gonzaga Much like former Big 12 Freshman of the Year Trae Young, Suggs went fifth overall after being projected perhaps a pick or two higher. The second-team All-American’s physical nature provided plenty of big moments for a team that relied on him late in games. After being down by 12 points in the WCC Championship, no one stood bigger than Suggs in the game’s final moments. These performances became the norm for the former Zag.
6. Oklahoma City Thunder: Josh Giddey 6’7 205 PG-AdelaideNBL Australia The team needed depth in the backcourt and on the wings, more specifically another playmaker. With three first-round picks they had flexibility. Giddey was the NBL (Austrialia) Rookie of the Year in 2020-21 after averaging nearly 11 points per game. His size and overall playmaking skill (7 RPG, 7 APG) could complement the recent addition of former Celtic Kemba Walker.
7. Golden State Warriors: Jonathan Kuminga 6’7 200 SG-NBA G League Ignite The Warriors chose James Wiseman with the second overall pick in 2020 and the results were mixed. With the team’s health a question mark, a ready-made player would have seemed to be the focus. Kuminga’s athleticism gives the team flexibility on the defensive end and his scoring should improve over time. The former five-star recruit signed with the NBA G League Ignite and averaged nearly 16 points per game in 2020-21 (15.8 PPG).
8. Orlando Magic: Franz Wagner 6’7 220 SF-Michigan Orlando uses its second Top 10 pick to take the scorer on the wing to complement the earlier selection of Suggs. This is another team that hasn’t been able to keep its core players healthy for the entirety of the year. Wagner finally puts an end to Michigan’s drought in the Top 10 of the NBA Draft.
9. Sacramento Kings: Davion Mitchell 6’1 202 G-Baylor Who will be the big defensive stopper down low for the Kings? It is still in question, but the draft’s best defender helps seal up the perimeter. Even with that said, he also shot 45% from beyond the arc in 2020-21. His tenacity and play speed should help him overcome his relative lack of length at the next level. Mitchell was a big reason the Bears successfully disproved DraftNasty’s model for picking a national champion this past spring.
10. New Orleans Pelicans (traded to Memphis Grizzlies): Ziaire Williams 6’10 188 PF-Stanford Despite a less than stellar collegiate stop, Williams – a former five-star recruit- still went in the range many scouts projected when he entered school. He showed off his athleticism during the 2021 NBA Combine with a 39 1/2” max vertical jump and a 10.69 time in the lane agility drill.
11. Charlotte Hornets: James Bouknight 6’5 190 SG-UConn Bouknight missed time in 2021 due to an elbow injury, but he bounced back in time to still earn first-team All-Big East honors. The former LaSalle Academy (N.Y.) product shot 46% from the field in 2020-21 due to his combination of handle and floor speed.
12. San Antonio Spurs: Joshua Primo 6’5 189 SG-Alabama Primo was just one of many big long range artists for the Crimson Tide’s arsenal this past season. He reclassified to the 2020 class and that’s one of the reasons he entered the draft as an 18-year old. He will combine with 2020 11th overall pick Devin Vassell to increase the team’s youth in the backcourt.
13. Indiana Pacers: Chris Duarte 6’6 190 SG-Oregon The first-team All-Pac-12 performer becomes the oldest first-round pick since Melvin Ely in 2002. Duarte -the AP’s Pac-12 Player of the Year- shot over 42% from three-point range in 2020-21 for the Ducks.
14. Golden State Warriors: Moses Moody 6’6 211 SG-Arkansas The SEC Freshman of the Year scores in a number of ways and rebounds with equal effectiveness. His length could combine with Kuminga’s to increase the team’s backcourt defensive capability.
15. Washington Wizards: Corey Kispert 6’7 223 SF-Gonzaga The Wizards received Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to increase its backcourt scoring after the trade of Russell Westbrook (LA Lakers), but they still needed another shooter. Kispert has enough of a mid-range game to complement his catch-and-shoot ability (41% career three-point shooter).
16. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Boston picking for the Houston Rockets, whom they traded the pick to): Alperen Sengun 6’10 243/C-Besiktas (Turkey) The Rockets get a skilled scorer who averaged 19 points per game in the Turkish League to earn MVP honors as an 18-year old. Will he be able to defend consistently to stay on the floor?
17. Memphis Grizzlies (picking for New Orleans-trade): Trey Murphy III 6’9 206 F-Virginia, Rice Murphy is a strong catch-and-shoot player with enough range to complement Williamson and Ingram on the wing. Before arriving at Virginia, Murphy actually 42% from three-point land while at Rice back in 2018-19. The Durham native’s father, Kenneth, played for East Carolina in the late 1980s.
Mann (pictured for the E1T1 AAU squad during the 2019 Nike EBYL) increased his averages in nearly every statistical category as a first-team All-SEC selection in 2020-21.
18. Oklahoma City Thunder: Tre Mann 6’4 178 SG-Florida Mann’s ability to create off the dribble has never been in question, but his improved shooting depth expanded his game exponentially in 2020-21. After weighing in at 178 pounds at the 2021 NBA Combine, he still needs to put on more bulk. We explored the possibility of Mann ending the Gators’ infamous draft streak earlier this summer. Mission accomplished.
19. New York Knicks (traded to Charlotte Hornets): Kai Jones 6’11 1/2” 221 PF-Texas Jones has nearly a 7’2” wingspan and he brings potential as a low post scorer. Despite just one double-double in 2020-21, he shot an impressive 75% from the free throw line. He has enough explosiveness to add a different element to the Hornets frontcourt.
20. Atlanta Hawks: Jalen Johnson 6’9 210 F-Duke In the 13 games in which Johnson did play for the team, he averaged over 11 points per game and snagged six rebounds per contest. Turnovers, however were an issue, as he posted six games with at least three. The powerful 6-foot-9 forward has a diverse game that includes enough range, strength and open floor capability.
21. New York Knicks (traded to Los Angeles Clippers): Keon Johnson 6’5 185 SG-Tennessee While Johnson did post a record vertical jump at the 2021 NBA Combine (48″), his lane agility time was only “OK” (11.45). His shooting needs to improve but he can guard and run the floor (3.0 seconds in 3/4 court sprint). One of the key positives is the ability to get to the free throw line, where he connected at a 70-percent clip.
Jackson (No. 23 seen tipping vs. former Memphis C Moussa Cisse in the 2019 Nike EBYL, is one of the draft’s top shot blockers.
22. Los Angeles Lakers (for Indiana Pacers via Washington): Isaiah Jackson 6’10 206 PF-Kentucky Jackson (a Michigan native) is a shot-blocking maestro who led the SEC in that category (2.6 per game). Even with limited bulk, Jackson averaged 6.6 rebounds in 21 minutes per game for the Wildcats. He won’t be asked to do much more than follow shots and rebound initially, but he does have some potential as a scorer that has yet to be tapped.
23. Houston Rockets: Usman Garuba 6’8 229 PF-Real Madrid (Spain) Garuba is a rim-runner who finishes in transition and can project in a role off the bench for the Rockets. In the open court, he flashes some ability to handle the ball. Garuba was named the ACB’s Best Young Player in 2021 after moving up to the Real Madrid’s senior squad 2019-20. He’s currently competing for the Spanish national team in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
25. Los Angeles Clippers (For the NY Knicks, whom they traded pick to): Quentin Grimes 6’5 210 SG-Houston, Kansas The AAC Co-Player of the Year increased his scoring every year on campus, and much of it had to do with his ability to finish at the free throw line. Grimes improved nearly 12 percentage points in that category in 2020-21. For a 210-pound guard, he sped 3.07 seconds in the three-quarter court sprint at the 2021 NBA Combine, but more importantly he moved fluently without the ball and continued to thrive as a catch-and-shoot threat.
26. Denver Nuggets: Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland6’3 169 SG-VCU The A-10 Player of the Year also impressed during the 2021 NBA Combine with his range, but it was his nearly 10-point jump in one season that caught the attention of NBA scouts. Despite his slender frame, he created for himself and others through traffic during NBA Combine scrimmages. He manufactures room with his handle to get his shots off in isolation; either on the perimeter or when driving to the cup.
27. Brooklyn Nets: Cam Thomas 6’4 210 SG-LSU The former Oak Hill Academy star brings a mid-range game, underrated strength to finish through contact and outstanding shooting from the stripe (88.2% FT in 2020-21). Of the Top 20 players nationally in terms of free throw percentage, Thomas led the group with 220 attempts (7.58 per game) in 29 contests. Becoming more efficient will be his task as he gets less shots at the next level.
28. Philadelphia 76ers: Jaden Springer 6’4 202 PG-Tennessee The Tennessee native is following in the footsteps of his father, Gary, a former sixth-round pick in the 1984 NBA Draft. He never seems to be out of control on the court and relies on his rhythm as either a playmaker or shooter. His strength gives him the ability to finish through contact around the rim. If he gets to the stripe, his efficiency should not be underestimated. Springer missed just 19 free throw attempts this past season (81%).
29. Phoenix Suns (for the Brooklyn Nets via trade): Day’Ron Sharpe 6’11 265 C-UNC Sharpe’s overall skill-set is impressive, and his ability to find open men as a passer -particularly versus double teams- should not be underestimated. Even in a league that is becoming increasingly perimeter-based, his strength to gain position down low stands out.
30. Utah Jazz (traded to Memphis Grizzlies): Santi Aldama 6’11 215 PF-Loyola (Md.) Aldama impresses with his range out to around the 25-to-27-foot mark, and adequate bulk allowed him to rebound effectively in the Patriot League. The sophomore-entry is patient setting up low post moves and showcases solid hand-eye coordination. He improved his three-point percentage nearly 15 points in 2020-21.
31. Milwaukee Bucks (traded to the Washington Wizards via Indiana Pacers): Isaiah Todd 6’10 219 PF-NBA G League Ignite It would not have been a surprise to see Todd, who played with fourth overall pick Scottie Barnes on the Nightrydas Elite AAU squad back in 2019, also go in the first round of this year’s draft. He has an 8’11.5″ standing reach, runs the floor well and has potential as a long distance shooter. Despite just two starts for the NBA G League Ignite, he averaged over 12 points per game and shot an impressive 82.4% from the free throw line.
32. New York Knicks (traded to Oklahoma City Thunder): Jeremiah Robinson-Earl 6’9 242 PF-Villanova The former McDonald’s All-American had offers from everyone coming out of high school, but settled on the Wildcats. He nearly entered the draft a season ago, which shouldn’t have been a surprise after averaging nearly a double-double (10.5 PPG, 9.4 RPG) as a freshman. At 242 pounds, he battles to gain position with a burly brand of basketball. Don’t be mistaken, however, as his sleek footwork around the hoop often baffled opponents.
33. Orlando Magic (traded to LA Clippers): Jason Preston 6’4 181 PG-Ohio The kid who was simply going to UCF as a student but made a highlight tape (after agreeing to play in an AAU Tournament) he put on Twitter goes 33rd overall. He has enough size to play either on or off the ball, which wasn’t the case until his growth spurt from a few years back. Opponents have a tough time forcing him to go one way because he can dribble-drive to either the left or right.
34. Oklahoma City Thunder (traded to NY Knicks): Rokas Jokubaitis 6’4 194 PG-FC Barcelona The 2020 Olympics qualifying rounds gave everyone a glimpse of what Jokubaitis was doing for Lithuania. The trick shot specialist benefits from changing speeds on the floor, and his left-handed game changes angles for opponents. Will the Lithuanian’s savvy approach translate to the NBA game?
35. New Orleans Pelicans: Herbert Jones 6’7 206 SF-Alabama The SEC Defensive Player of the Year uses his 7’0 wingspan to frustrate guards or forwards on the wings. His shooting improved dramatically from beyond the arc this past season, but if there is a question mark regarding the left-hander’s game, it starts and stops on the offensive end of the court.
36. Oklahoma City Thunder (traded to NY Knicks): Miles McBride 6’2 195 PG-West Virginia McBride is solid in a number of facets, but his feel for the game shouldn’t come as a surprise. His father, Walt, played for Xavier. The second-team All-Big 12 point guard darts like a defensive back with anticipatory skill to steal passes defensively. Those instincts created a multitude of transition opportunities. McBride shot over 41% from three-point range for the Mountaineers.
37. Detroit Pistons (traded to Charlotte Hornets): JT Thor 6’9 203 PF-Auburn Not many players come out of the state of Alaska, but Thor does after moving there at the age of five years old. He eventually made his way back inland to play at the prep level. In 27 starts this past season for Auburn, he averaged over one blocked shot per contest. The Hornets hope his 7’3” wingspan and 9’2” standing reach translate into more contested baskets at the next level. Even more so, the lefty’s quick release could expand his game if he gains consistency. He found a way to knock down nearly 30-percent of his 74 three-point attempts as a freshman.
38. Chicago Bulls (from New Orleans Pelicans): Ayo Donsunmu 6’5 194 PG-Illinois Dosunmu, a Nigerian product, gets to stay at home after starring at Illinois. Aside from being clutch (see Michigan ’20), the Bob Cousy Award winner used his 6’10” wingspan to post six double-digit rebounding games in 2020-21. Along the way, he had three triple doubles and cleared the 30-point mark three times in the month of December (2020). Cutting down on the turnovers will be a focus as he ventures to the NBA scene, but his rebounding capability ranks as a plus .
39. Sacramento Kings: Neemias Queta 7’0 248 C-Utah State Queta’s 7’4” wingspan may even pale in comparison to his 9’4.5” standing reach, which nearly is at the rim without leaping. As a result, the Portuguese native ranked third in the nation in blocked shots. Twice he was named the MWC Defensive Player of the Year. Queta averaged nearly a double-double for his career.
40. New Orleans Pelicans (traded to Utah via Memphis): Jared Butler 6’4 193 PG-Baylor Butler’s strength and quick hands often contributed to the Bears ability to get out and run on change of possessions. In fact, he posted 11 games in 2020-21 with three or more steals. During the team’s national championship run, his timely shot-making capabilities often wore down opponents, as did his overall pace.
41. San Antonio Spurs: Joe Wieskamp 6’7 205 SF-Iowa Wieskamp averaged nearly 15 points per game, but his ability to put the ball in the hoop stood out at the 2021 NBA Combine and resulted in a draft spot. This was not the first time the former Hawkeye decided to test the NBA waters, but this decision proved to be sound as he went 41st overall. His scoring capability dates back to his prep level days as one of the top scorers in the state of Iowa.
Former Michigan forward Isaiah Livers (seen with the Meanstreets AAU squad back in 2016) may have gone even higher if he had not gone down to injury in the 2020-21 campaign.
42. Detroit Pistons: Isaiah Livers 6’7 231 SF-Michigan Livers’ 2020-21 injury may have stopped what could have potentially been a Final Four run for the Wolverines. Down the stretch, his offensive game was missed all the way in the 2021 Big Ten Tournament loss to Illinois. He had a six-game stretch of games in January where he cleared double figures before slowing down considerably prior to going down.
43. New Orleans Pelicans (traded to Portland): Greg Brown III 6’8 1/2″ 206 SF/PF-Texas Brown actually has some wing capability and his movement complements rare explosiveness and bounce off the floor. His leaping prowess goes back to his days playing for the Texas Titans AAU squad, where he was a teammate of number one overall pick Cade Cunningham. The former Texas Gatorade Player of the Year went under 11 seconds (10.98) in the lane agility and posted a 33 1/2″ standing vertical jump at the 2021 NBA Combine.
44. Brooklyn Nets: Kessler Edwards 6’8 203 SF-Pepperdine Edwards’ shooting touch has never been in question (career 39% three-point shooter), but he also blocks shots and rebounds. In fact, his 60 blocks in 2019-20 represent one of the school’s Top 10 all-time totals. He will have to improve in finding secondary options, and sometimes he is content passing up shots (see 2021 CBI Championship Game).
45. Boston Celtics: Juhann Begarin 6’5 214 Paris Basketball (France) Begarin’s creativity at the cup after getting a step on the opposition was noteworthy, going either left or right. There were occasions when he was even more impressively defending the opposition, due to his 8’9” standing reach. The Celtics are betting on the 18-year old’s development as one of the younger draft picks in this year’s class. His performance at the NBA G-League’s Elite Camp helped his draft stock.
46. Toronto Raptors: Dalano Banton 6’9 204 PG-Nebraska, WKU Banton’s long strides allowed him to often out-pace the competition in transition. The Toronto, Ontario (Canada) product re-classified back in 2018 and actually started 12 games for WKU in 2018-19. While he’s been a stat sheet filler, he will need to speed up his release from long range to further threaten NBA personnel.
47. Toronto Raptors: David Johnson 6’5 203 SG/SF-Louisville Johnson’s trek from Trinity HS (Ky.) to Louisville didn’t start off on a high note, as he was forced to recover from injury as a freshman. He played in a heavy ball screen offense in school and his range (up to at least 25 feet) helped him excel on occasion. He changes speeds well as a ball handler, which allows him to stay under control when finding perimeter scorers.
48. Atlanta Hawks: Sharife Cooper 6’2 185 PG-Auburn Cooper did not workout at the NBA Combine and the prevailing thought was that he’d go much higher in the draft after averaging 20 points and eight assists per game in 2020-21. The former McEachern High School (Ga.) product gets an opportunity to return home, where he was named Georgia’s Gatorade Player of the Year in 2019.
49. Brooklyn Nets: Marcus Zegarowski 6’2 180 PG-Creighton Injuries have been somewhat of an issue for Zegarowski during his collegiate stay, but his quick trigger release in catch-and-shoot situations helped lead the team to wins in the 2021 NCAA Tournament.
50. Philadelphia 76ers: Filip Petrusev6’11 235 PF/C-Mega Soccerbet/Gonzaga The Belgrade native withdrew from the 2020 NBA Draft to improve his game with the Mega Soccerbet squad in Serbia. He was named the ABA’s League MVP after averaging 17.5 points and 7.9 rebounds during his last season with the Zags (2019-20).
51. Memphis Grizzlies (through Portland):Brandon Boston, Jr. 6’7 188 SF-Kentucky The former five-star recruit averaged 11.5 points per game in his lone season at Kentucky, but his poor shooting from the field (35.5%) contributed to a draft day slide. With that said, his jab step to create separation remains in place and his potential on the wing could shine in the right situation.
52. Detroit Pistons: Luka Garza 6’11 242 C-Iowa Two-time consensus All-Americans are normally not available at this point in the draft, but Garza -whose Hawkeyes jersey has already been retired- was on the board. The Pistons are getting a prolific college scorer with athletic bloodlines who has both range and low post skills. He did not impress in testing at the NBA Combine and questions about his athleticism continue to persist.
53. Philadelphia 76ers: Charles Bassey 6’10 230 PF-Western Kentucky Bassey is a shot-blocking maestro who is still developing on the offensive end. The 2021 C-USA Defensive Player of the Year runs the floor well and was extremely impressive on the foul line (77%) in a Hilltoppers career where he averaged a double-double (16 PPG, 10.5 RPG). He had one of the largest wingspans in this year’s draft (7’3″).
54. Indiana Pacers (traded to Milwaukee): Sandro Mamukelashvili6’10 240 PF-Seton Hall Yet another Montverde Academy product to get drafted, Mamukelashvili has an 8’10.5” standing reach and 7’1” wingspan. Aside from posting seven double-doubles in 2020-21, Mamukelashvili overcomes just average agility with an ability to put the ball on the floor to get to the hoop. He is also a legitimate factor in pick-and-pop situations.
55. Oklahoma City Thunder: Aaron Wiggins SG-SF 6’5 190 Maryland Wiggins has nearly a 6’10” wingspan and used it to impress during the G-League Elite Camp on the offensive end. Following that performance, he earned an NBA Combine invite, where he was just okay. Following a career as a potent bench producer for the Terrapins, he got his chance to start in 2020-21 and didn’t disappoint, averaging just under 15 points per game and rebounding at a high clip for a wing (5.8 RPG).
56. Charlotte Hornets: Scottie Lewis 6’5 188 SG-Florida The selection of Mann in the first round ended the Gators draft futility, and now the team gets two players drafted for the first time since 2011. The sophomore Bronx native averaged just eight points per game in his career, but he has just four percent body fat, a 7-foot wingspan and a max vertical jump of 42 inches. In addition, he went 2.98 seconds in the 3/4 court sprint at the 2021 NBA Combine.
57. Charlotte Hornets (traded to Detroit): Balsa Koprivica 7’1 240 C-FSU Koprivica comes from professional bloodlines as his father, Slaivisa, played for Paritzan in the EuroLeague. Prior to becoming a four-star recruit, Koprivica actually won gold in the 2017 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championships. He averaged 1.4 blocks per game for the Seminoles in 2020-21 and continued to improve his overall movement skills on the floor.
58. New York Knicks: Jericho Sims 6’10 250 C-Texas The son of former dentist and Minnesota Golden Gophers Charles Sims put on a clinic during the 2021 NBA Combine, posting a 44 1/2″ vertical jump while also showing off his 7’3″ wingspan. His dunking prowess went viral, but the former Longhorn’s shot blocking and rebounding skills were ultimately what attracted the Knicks to his skill-set. Sims’ quick bounce allows him to rise quickly around the bucket.
59. Brooklyn Nets: RaiQuan Gray 6’8 269 PF-FSU Gray still needs to get in optimal condition for the NBA but the former Dillard High School (Fla.) product developed nicely after being a top prospect coming out of the prep level. His footwork is above average and the Seminoles team captain flashed defensively by garnering over a steal per game in 2020-21. In addition, he was solid from the free throw line and extended his range this past season.
60. Indiana Pacers (traded to Milwaukee): Georgios Kalaitzakis 6’8 191 SF-Panathinaikos (Greece) After initially declaring for the NBA Draft back in 2020, the four-time Greek League Champion signed back with Panathinaikos of the Euroleague for another year. It was during his time with Nevezis in the LBL (2019-20), where Kalaitzakis’ quick release and ability to run the floor caught the attention of NBA scouts, as he averaged over 12 points per game.
Johnson, despite playing in just 13 games for the Blue Devils in 2020-21, remains a viable Top 15 prospect in the 2021 NBA Draft. The powerful 6-foot-9 forward has a diverse game that includes enough range, strength and open floor capability. The former Phenom U AAU
Former Duke forward Jalen Johnson (pictured in 2019 with the Phenom U AAU squad) put up 24 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, four blocked shots and two steals versus Pittsburgh on January 19, 2021.
product made stops at three different high schools before settling at the IMG Academy, where he never actually played. Nevertheless, Johnson -a former five-star recruit, earned a Jordan Brand Classic invitation.
In the 13 games in which Johnson did play for the team, he averaged over 11 points per game and snagged six rebounds per contest. Turnovers, however were an issue, as he posted six games with at least three.
His midseason departure has left many NBA scouts in disagreement on his final draft status. Will he continue the Blue Devils’ recent tradition of forwards going high in the first round or fall out of it altogether? We take a look back at Johnson during his AAU prep level playing days.
LSU’s Cam Thomas ended this past season as the nation’s fourth-leading scorer at 23 points per game. He has a game that combines savvy and footwork, which often ended up with him at the free throw line. Thomas shot 88-percent from the line in 2020-21 for the Tigers and that total ranked 19th nationally. Of the Top 20 players nationally in terms of free throw percentage, Thomas led the group with 220 attempts (7.58 per game) in 29 contests.
The former Oak Hill Academy (Va.) star transferred from Oscar F. Smith HS (Va.) and played for the Boo Williams AAU squad in the Nike EBYL. During his 2019 Offensive Player of the Year performance in the EBYL, he averaged nearly 30 points per game.
Cam Thomas (pictured vs. NY Renaissance SF Jonathan Kuminga) led the 2019 Nike EBYL in points per game (29.5).
If you’re looking for someone to pull for in the 2021 NBA Draft, please stop at former NBA G League Ignite forward Isaiah Todd. His story is not one of redemption but it very well could be. Following a mother, Marlene Venable, who remarkably turned her life around, Todd has displayed a maturity well beyond his years.
Take this past season for instance, where despite starting just two games in the NBA’s G League (for the Ignite), he still managed to average over 12 points per game. The 6-foot-10-inch forward has a chance to develop into a legitimate contributor for the team and he will begin his journey this summer.
Todd, pictured, averaged nearly 13 points and five rebounds per game for the NBA G League Ignite in 2020-21. He became the first pick of the second round in the 2021 NBA Draft and was subsequently traded to the Washington Wizards (through Milwaukee via Indiana).
It would not have been a surprise to see Todd, who played with fourth overall pick Scottie Barnes on the Nightrydas Elite AAU squad back in 2019, also go in the first round of this year’s draft. He has an 8’11.5″ standing reach, runs the floor well and has potential as a long distance shooter. Despite just two starts for the NBA G League Ignite, he averaged over 12 points per game and shot an impressive 82.4% from the free throw line.
Texas forward Greg Brown III, once a five-star recruit from the same state, earned his keep during a one-year run at the school. A 24-game starter in 2020-21, Brown averaged over nine points and grabbed six rebounds per game. His high-flying antics date back to his time playing with Detroit Pistons 2021 number one overall draft pick Cade Cunningham as a member of the Texas Titans AAU squad in 2019.
Brown actually comes from a football background and his father, Greg, was a former honorable all-conference safety for the Longhorns. In fact, during his 25-game run as a starter, Brown II picked off six passes and took two of them to the house. He went on to snag three interceptions in NFL Europe while playing for the Rhein Fire.
Former Texas forward Greg Brown III is looking to make an impact for the Portland Trailblazers/
Brown III actually has some wing capability and his movement complements rare explosiveness and bounce off the floor. The former Texas Gatorade Player of the Year went under 11 seconds (10.98) in the lane agility and posted a 33 1/2″ standing vertical jump at the 2021 NBA Combine.
Herbert Jones, a four-year contributor for the Crimson Tide, was one of the better defenders in the SEC over that time period. Jones slides his feet defensively, works through ball screens and consistently drew offensive fouls in school. The New Orleans Pelicans drafted him with hopes that he will continue to develop into at least a viable contributor offensively.
Along with first-round pick Trey Murphy III, the Pelicans upgraded its versatility on the defensive end by drafting two wing defenders with seven-foot wingspans.
Jones (No. 10 pictured in the 2018 SEC Tournament) drew 23 charges on the defensive end as a freshman in 2017-18.
The SEC Player and Defensive Player of the Year uses his frame to frustrate guards or forwards on the wings. His shooting improved dramatically from beyond the arc this past season, but if there is a question mark regarding the left-hander’s game, it starts and stops on the offensive end of the court.
