Dink Pate, G League IgniteEvan Yu/NBAE via Getty Images
11. Dink Pate (G League Ignite, SG, 2006)
Pate is taking the Scoot Henderson route, signing up to play two years for Ignite with a goal to blow up during his second season. He’ll likely play a more limited role this year behind the vets and 2024 draft-eligible prospects. The combination of 6’7″ size, live-dribble passing, pull-up shooting and defensive quickness create tantalizing potential and visions of a wing-sized lead guard. Gradual improvement to become a consistent shotmaker and strong playmaking decision-maker could propel Pate into one of Ignite’s 2024-25 top options and a top-10 pick.
12. Rocco Zikarsky (Brisbane Bullets, C, 2006)
The youngest Next Star in NBL history, Zikarsky has already delivered some impressive performances in August exhibitions and September preseason games. Enormous at 7’3″, 227 pounds, he moves bigs below the rim and gets high above it for easy finishes and shot-blocking. Still, it’s the ability to put the ball down in the half court, finish with fluidity on the move and use both hands that separates him from most centers who’ll be as big and heavy as Zikarsky.
13. Jalil Bethea (Archbishop Wood, PG/SG, 2005)
A USA minicamp participant last week, Betha has the look of an NBA combo guard with 6’5″ size, dribble/passing creativity and three-level shotmaking. Translatable on and off-ball scoring should lead to one-and-done draft buzz, as long as his limited frame doesn’t affect his ability to get to spots and finish at Miami.
14. Garwey Dual (Providence, SG, 2005)
Dual caught scouts’ attention last April during Nike Hoop Summit practices and scrimmages. He’s now a big draw entering the season at Providence, where he’s poised for a prime role to showcase his 6’5″ guard size, creativity, passing and 6’10.5″ wingspan for defensive playmaking. NBA teams may show a willingness to reach early this upcoming June, but Dual could a season season of improved shooting could put him in the 2025 lottery discussion.
15. Liam McNeeley (Montverde Academy, SF/PF, 2005)
McNeeley is coming off a strong year junior season at Montverde Academy, where he finished top in the NIBC in scoring and No. 2 in threes made per game.
He doesn’t project as a high-usage creator, but 6’7″ size, advanced shooting, IQ and generally a high skill level hint at an easy fit for every level. McNeeley’s stroke stands out first, though he’s also shown the ability to attack closeouts and finish runners with both hands.
An efficient off-ball scorer and play-finisher who rarely makes unforced errors, he’s going to earn a lot of fans who’ll see a plug-and-play complementary role player. His game just doesn’t scream upside the way some of the other top prospects’ do.
16. Bryson Tucker (Bishop O’Connell, SF, 2006)
Now with Bishop O’Connell after leaving IMG, Tucker gives off pro vibes with his 6’7″ size, pull-up game, spot-up three-point stroke and athleticism around the basket. He should see more on-ball creation reps this year, but his current skill set and mentality are well suited for off-ball scoring in any setting or role.
17. Caleb Foster (Duke, PG/SG, 2004)
A deep backcourt and rotation at Duke this year could make it difficult for Foster to maximize his draft stock after one season. It seems more realistic to picture a two-and-done first-rounder and breakout sophomore who’ll win scouts over with 6’5″ size, shiftiness and creativity, three-level scoring and enough playmaking ability to maintain a combo guard label.
18. Isaiah Evans (North Mecklenburg, SG/SF, 2005)
College coaches and NBA scouts witnessed Evans’ polished shot-making at Peach Jam, where he averaged 20.4 points on 14-of-33 from three. The 6’7″ Duke commit doesn’t need many dribbles or much space to score by drilling jumpers off movement or rise-and-fires inside the arc. Given his skinny 195-pound frame, stroke and college jersey, the Brandon Ingram comparisons will be inevitable. He’s just not as shifty or creative yet.
19. Boogie Fland (Stepinac, PG, 2006)
A recent participant at USA minicamp, Fland brings flair, shiftiness, energy and shotmaking to the point guard position. At 6’2″, 175 pounds, he’ll have the challenge of getting scouts to look past his limited physical tools and athleticism. But Fland excels at shaking defenders and creating separation, and a skill set/level to shoot and pass off the dribble is evident.
20. Karter Knox (Overtime Elite, SF, 2005)
Scouts have already seen Knox with USA Basketball and at Peach Jam, and they’ll have a lot more access in 2023-24 now that he’s with Overtime. They’ll get to see the 6’6″, 211-pound combo forward next month against projected top-10 picks in Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey and Cameron Boozer (2026). Knox pops with his positional strength, face-up drives and confident shot-making. Scouts will just want to see him fine-tune his shooting and shot selection over the next two years.
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