Posted on November 18, 2020
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1. Onyeka Okongwu, Power Forward, USC
Okongwu has emerged as the top Pac-12 prospect in the Draft and seems like the only lottery lock right now. His defensive skills are what’s keeping him at the top of Draft boards as one of the best shot blockers available. He has the mobility to thrive in the fast-paced modern NBA game when compared to more bigger, traditional big men.
2. Josh Green, Shooting Guard, Arizona
A borderline lottery pick, Green also will go quickly because of his defensive skills. At 6-foot-6 and athletic, he’s the kind of player who will find value on a team as a lockdown perimeter guy who hopefully can develop more of an offensive game in a few years.
3. Tyrell Terry, Point Guard, Stanford
Terry is a flat-out offensive terror and sharpshooter who reminds a bit of Steph Curry. He’s still pretty raw, but still seems like a First-Round lock because he’s one of the best shooters in this year’s class. And he can handle the ball enough to play point guard at the next level.
4. Jaden McDaniels, Small Forward, Washington
Probably has the highest ceiling of any Pac-12 player—and of just about any player—in the Draft. He’s 6-10, less than 200 pounds, and ultra raw, having just not put his game together much at all. He could be a steal if he puts it together even just a little bit more as a very, very tough player to defend.
5. Tyler Bey, Small Forward, Colorado
Long athletes who can defend with complete games and a little experience under their belt like Bey are gold at the end of the First Round. He reminds a lot of other Buff alum Andre Roberson, and could easily have a career like Roberson.
6. Nico Mannion, Point Guard, Arizona
Good size and a developed offensive game keep Mannion as a guy who should go in the First Round. He seems like he has a pretty low floor while still having plenty of room to grow, especially if he goes to a good team that needs a point guard to come off the bench.
7. Zeke Nnaji, Power Forward, Arizona
Nnaji showed a lot as a freshman and has great size, probably enough to get him into the bottom of the First Round. He’s the kind of player who could easily be a role player with a 10-plus-year career.
8. Isaiah Stewart, Power Forward, Washington
At a 6-10 and 250 pounds, Stewart is a throwback—the kind of guy who was probably a lottery pick lock as a strong power forward until just a few years ago. These days, he could fall into the Second Round due to the changes in the game. But his hustle and ability to rebound and score should propel him to a career in the League no matter where he goes.
9. CJ Elleby, Small Forward, Washington State
A pure scorer with a complete game, he’s been kind of underrated playing out in Pullman. He’s the kind of player you could see maybe winning a Sixth Man of the Year Award. He should be a second round steal.
10. Payton Pritchard, Point Guard, Oregon
Is there a better player in the Draft? I don’t know. Pritchard’s game might not translate to the NBA but someone will assuredly give him a chance, and don’t bet against him making it happen.
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