5 college basketball standouts who could go undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft ft. Antonio Reeves
Unfortunately for many college basketball stars, college stardom does not necessarily equate to NBA Draft demand. Two years ago, Naismith Player of the Year Oscar Tshiebwe went undrafted... and that's not exceptionally unusual. Here are five college stars who might not hear their name called in the 2024 NBA Draft.
5 college basketball standouts who may go undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft
1.Antonio Reeves, Kentucky
The 6-foot-4 Reeves has had an excellent career between Illinois State and Kentucky. Reeves was SEC 6th Man of the Year in 2022-23 and then made All-SEC this past season. Reeves scored 1,155 points in two years at Kentucky and had 1,195 in his two years at Illinois State.
A 38% career 3-point shooter, Reeves is an adequate passer and defender. But he lacks elite size or shot creation skills. Reeves will get a pro chance whether he gets drafted or not, but he's certainly at risk of not being picked in the Draft.
2. PJ Hall, Clemson
The 6-foot-10 Hall was an excellent collegiate power forward, but is a fringe NBA Draft prospect. A four-year standout at Clemson (and three-year starter), he ended up with 1,702 points and 634 rebounds as a Tiger. Hall has developed as a shooter, connecting on 33% of his 3-point tries.
While Hall is expected and proficient across the game, he lacks crazy athleticism and is a good but not great perimeter shooter. He'll get a pro shot if he sticks with it. But it's entirely possible that he won't be chosen in the NBA Draft.
3. Tristen Newton, UConn
In college basketball, Tristen Newton was a two-time champion and a UConn legend. But it's yet to be determined if he has an NBA future. The East Carolina transfer scored 995 points in two title seasons with the Huskies. For his five-year college career, Newton finished with 2,013 points, 438 rebounds and 433 assists.
Newton was a great offensive creater and penetrator. He was just a 33% 3-point shooter in college. He's 6-foot-5, but has never been a great defender or a consistent wing threat. His leadership and title experience might help, but Newton also might miss out on the NBA Draft.
4. N'Faly Dante, Oregon
A 6-foot-11 center, Dante showed flashes of incredibly ability in his career at Oregon. Limited by injuries, he played just 103 games in five seasons. Dante totalled 1,168 points and 733 rebounds in college. He was a two-time All-Pac 12 pick.
But Dante is a traditional center. He did not attempt a 3-pointer in college. Despite his size, he blocked just 131 shots. He's not quick, can't shoot and is limited as a back-to-the-basket player. Dante's size means he'll likely get a pro shot, but it's far from guaranteed.
5. Boogie Ellis, USC
A five-season fixture at Memphis and USC, it'll be odd to see college basketball without Boogie Ellis. He scored 2,008 points in college and connected on 313 3-point shots (38% shooter). Ellis was also a two-time All-Pac 12 pick.
But Ellis's game was limited. He ran hot and cold on perimeter shooting. A mediocre defender and passer, Ellis doesn't have enough facets to his game to hang an NBA hat on his scoring ability. Or at least, he doesn't yet.
Which college stars do you think could miss out on hearing their names called at the NBA Draft? Tell us your picks below in our comments section!