Will Tyler Kolek get drafted into the NBA? Exploring the chances of Marquette guard's 2024 draft projection

Tyler Kolek is a predicted first-round pick. Most mock drafts anticipate Kolek to go anywhere between No. 21 to No. 25. In his four-year college career split across Geroge Mason and Marquette, the point guard averaged 11.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 6.2 assists. He shot 43.6%, including 35.5% from the three-point range.

Tyler Kolek's best year was his senior season, where with career-high averages of 15.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 7.7 apg. He led the Golden Eagles to their first Sweet 16 appearance since 2013 in the March Madness, where they lost 67-58 to NC State.

Tyler Kolek: NBA draft projection

ESPN projects Tyler Kolek to be a No. 25 pick. Meanwhile, the NBA Draft Room's assessment predicted the guard to go at No.22 to the Phoenix Suns. They're the team that Kolek has been most associated with in the lead-up to the draft along with the Milwaukee Bucks.

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"The general consensus is that the Suns are zeroing in on Kolek because of his high IQ and ability to come in right away and give solid minutes. He plays bigger than his frame, is smart with the ball and finishes well through contact," the Draft Room wrote.

Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley also shared the same feeling as he wrote:

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"The Suns spent this past season without a traditional point guard. It doesn't sound like they'll try that again. Kolek could be exactly what they need: A ball-mover, shot-maker and plug-and-play prospect who looks like he could handle at least a significant reserve role right from the start."

Most analysts assess Tyler Kolek as a true floor general who can make an immediate impact. In the case of the Phoenix Suns, they already have a Big Three – Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker – who can make the shot. What they need is a distributor who can also assist them with additional shooting skills. And Kolek fits the role perfectly.

Even Rick Pitino is confident of Tyler Kolek's skills and gave the guard his stamp of approval. He tweeted earlier this month:

"Tyler Kolek is a sleeper pick in the late first round. He’s better than people think -sees the play before it happens."

The 2024 NBA draft is set to be held at the Barclays Center and the ESPN Seaport District Studios on Wednesday and Thursday. It will be broadcast live on ESPN (both days) and ABC (first round).

Where do you think Tyler Kolek will land? Let us know in the comment section below.

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