Twitter will be ablaze with undrafted free agent signing announcements as soon as the clock tops ticking during Thursday’s NBA draft. Some of the names finding homes, at least for the Summer League, will be former mid-major stars. It will be exciting! And as we saw last season, it can be a path to a spot on a regular season roster. Here are the players that could earn that shot: Yuta Watanabe | 6’9’’ Wing | George Washington Upside: Watanabe was a productive four-year player for the Colonials and is coming off a tremendous senior season (16.3 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 36.4 3P%). He’s a capable defender that spent time guarding the perimeter and post, and at times was tasked with locking down the opposition’s primary ballhandler. NBA teams may see his size and versatility as worth a Summer League look. Jock Landale | 6’11’’ Center | Saint Mary’s Upside: The most accomplished player on this list, Landale is unfortunately not the flavor of the month in the modern NBA from a profile standpoint. But skill is skill, and he was one of the most efficient low-post scorers in the country last season (64.4 eFG%), and an elite rebounder (20.2% total rebounding rate). That’s worth a look, even if it seems likely he’ll ultimately have to “settle” for a long, productive career overseas. Malik Pope | 6’10’’ Forward | San Diego State Upside: One of the most decorated high school recruits of the Steve Fisher era, Pope never became the star many anticipated. But he was still a valuable part of the Aztecs’ equation. He finished in the top-9 in block percentage in the MWC in each of his four seasons, and teams could buy into his potential as a versatile rim protector. He also shot an intriguing 37.8 percent on 230 career three-point attempts. B.J. Johnson | 6’7’’ Wing | La Salle Upside: Johnson is a former top-150 high school recruit that originally signed with Syracuse. He spent his final two seasons in Philadelphia, where he was a focal point of the Explorers’ offense. He was a solid three-point threat at La Salle (36.0 percent on 308 3PA), and teams may see him as a three-and-D project. Jaylen Adams | 6’1’’ Guard | St. Bonaventure Upside: Teams willing to get past Adams’ size will get a look at one of the country’s premier playmakers. The reigning co-A-10 Player of the Year is a scoring threat at all three levels (19.1 PPG, 43.6 3P%, 6.5 FTA), and a quality distributor. He worked seamlessly setting up high-volume shooting backcourt mate Matt Mobley to form a top-74 KenPom offense. The proven producer could be seen as a nice backup point guard project. Johnathan Williams | 6’9’’ Forward | Gonzaga Upside: Though he may have been underappreciated at times, Williams was an important of the Zags success over the past two seasons. The honorable mention AP All-American projects as a versatile, high energy frontcourt defender that can hold his own when switched onto guards. The biggest knock on Williams is three-point shooting (33.3% on 150 career attempts) and free throw shooting (career 57.1%), but it’d be surprising if the decorated college forward didn’t get a Summer League shot. Thomas Wilder | 6’3’’ Guard | Western Michigan Upside: The Western Michigan star brings decent size and a history of dynamic playmaking to the table. The second-leading scorer in Broncos history was as good setting up others (24.4% assist rate) as he was himself (18.8 PPG) last year. He’s coming off a solid run at the Portsmouth Invitational, which should earn him a spot on a Summer League roster. Adjin Penava | 6’9’’ Forward | Marshall Upside: Penava was a big part of Marshall’s NCAA Tournament upset of Wichita State, controlling the paint against a deep Shockers team (16 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks). He was an elite shot blocker last season, finishing with the 13th-best block rate in the country (11.5%). Teams may find that skill worth a Summer League tryout. Hayden Dalton | 6’8’’ Forward | Wyoming Upside: Stretch four prospects are in demand, and that’s just where teams may peg Dalton. The Cowboy forward was a 37.2 percent career three-point shooter, and shot 42.1 percent from deep in Mountain West play last season. While his slight frame may scare some teams away, but Dalton was an efficient offensive player and contributor on the defensive glass in college. That could be enough to earn a look. Kendrick Nunn | 6’3’’ Guard | Oakland Upside: The former top-60 high school recruit spent three seasons at Illinois before transferring to Oakland. Under Greg Kampe, Nunn was a lethal scorer at all three levels, and a particularly effective long range shooter. He made 38.6 percent of his 762 career three-point attempts, which should draw the attention of a league falling more and more in love with the long range shot. Donte Ingram | 6’6’’ Forward/Wing | Loyola University Chicago Upside: The Ramblers’ Final Four run was spurred by Ingram’s game-winning three against Miami. He’ll now likely try to follow in the footsteps of former teammate Milton Doyle and earn his way into the league as an undrafted free agent. Ingram has floor-spacing potential (38.2% career 3FG), and was a plus defender for Porter Moser. He’ll need to show he can transition to the wing full-time after playing the five at times in Loyola’s small lineups. Peyton Aldridge | 6’8’’ Forward | Davidson Upside: Have bigs that can shoot popped up yet? That’s the name of the game, and few forwards were better at shooting from distance than Aldridge in 2017-18 (38.1 percent on 202 3PA). He was the perfect frontcourt player for Bob McKillop’s system, and the co-A-10 Player of the Year will hope teams buy into his highly efficient offensive game (21.2 PPG, 7.4 TO%). E.C. Matthews | 6’5’’ Guard/Wing | Rhode Island Upside: Matthews never quite returned to form after tearing his ACL during the first game of the 2015-16 season. But he was still a highly effective college player over the past two years, averaging 14.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.<doc-sep>Miles Bridges became the second Michigan State Spartans basketball player selected in the first round of the NBA Draft Thursday night. The sophomore was technically selected at the #12 spot by the Los Angeles Clippers. However, the Clippers and Charlotte Hornets swapped draft picks and Bridges is headed to North Carolina. Bridges was the second member of last years MSU team to be selected in the NBA Draft lottery. Jaren Jackson Jr. was picked #4 by the Memphis Grizzlies. This is the first time since 2014 two Spartans were selected in the first round, Gary Harris and Adreian Payne. It’s the first time two Spartans have gone in the top 14 picks since Magic Johnson and Greg Kelser went 1 and 4, respectively, in the 1979 draft, before the lottery system began.<doc-sep>Zhaire Smith | Robert Williams | Keita Bates-Diop | Miles Bridges | Josh Okogie | Chandler Hutchison | Džanan Musa | Troy Brown Summary Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a 6’6 point guard from Kentucky about the size of Will Barton. Meaning, he’s very skinny. Playing with Kevin Knox, Hamidou Diallo, and the rest of the Kentucky roster, SGA didn’t start immediately. Early in the season though, it became evident that not only was he starter caliber, he was Kentucky’s best player. He wasn’t the leading scorer, but he was close, and it truly became his team as Kentucky entered the SEC and NCAA tournaments. In the pros, it’s unclear what SGA’s best role will be. Measuring in at 180 pounds at the combine (3rd lightest) and at just 3% body fat (lowest), it’s very possible the point guard doesn’t have the frame to become a legitimate starter. On the other hand, his 6’6 height in shoes and 7’0 wingspan were the best marks among point guards. Most players with his profile struggle to shoot from the perimeter, but SGA shot 40.4% from 3 (albeit on limited attempts) and 81.7% from the free throw line. It’s clear that Gilgeous-Alexander is unique. How he fits into the Nuggets rotation is also clear. Does he fit the most important need for Denver at 14th overall though? Let’s find out. Measurables Age: 19 Height: 6’6” Weight: 180 lbs Wingspan: 7’0” Standing Reach: 8’8” Stats Player Points/gm Rebounds/gm Assists/gm Steals/gm Blocks/gm Field Goal % Three-Point % Free Throw % Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 14.4 4.4 5.1 1.6 0.5 48.5 40.4 81.7 Strengths Slashing with finesse. As far as slashers in this draft, there aren’t many that are more talented than Gilgeous-Alexander. The thin point guard has some of the best touch approaching the basket in the entire draft, which is the skill that raises his floor as a prospect up to backup point guard levels. In the pick and roll, off the catch, and in isolation, SGA has excellent instincts and quick, fluid movements that allow him to slither past his defender or between two different ones. In the first clip, he shows some ability as an off ball slasher. He’s not out of control, but rather getting quickly to a spot where he’s comfortable using the glass. In the second clip, it’s easy to see him playing a two-man game with Nikola Jokic, toying with his defender trying to create space before Jokic pitches him the ball. SGA uses the glass well, always keeping his eyes up and looking for the best way to attack the basket. He can use either hand going to the rim, though he’s more comfortable going to his left and finishing back with his right. Not necessarily a bad thing, but something teams can scout. Spot Up Shooting Potential. Again, 40.4% from 3 and 81.7% from the line are good indicators for shooting potential. Nobody will confuse SGA with an elite outside shooter, as his attempts from the perimeter are way too low to draw the defense out too far. That being said, there are tools to work with here, and a good shooting coach should be able to turn SGA into a solid three-point shooter on moderate volume, if only to open up the rest of his game. If the Nuggets believe in their shooting coaches, then the SGA of the future may end up being the best point guard in the draft. Passing Promise. SGA makes some great passes because of his ability to see over the defense. At 6’6 with a 7’0 wingspan, his vision becomes unimpeded when guarded by someone 6’3 or shorter, and when he’s driving to the rim, his long arms reach around defenders to make passes. He hits shooters in this opposite corner, makes simple passes to bigs popping at the three point line, hits the post reasonably well. He needs help in the pick and roll, but Kentucky wasn’t a great pick and roll team anyway. It will take time to develop these skills, but he has a foundation. Defensive Potential. The best part about SGA’s defense is his length. He can gamble for steals, be a pest against guards, and be a threat on the defensive boards to grab the ball and attack in transition. He’s young and inexperienced, so it will take time for him to learn the ins and outs of team defense. He may not be a great player to guard big players on switches because of his frame, but given some physical development, maybe that changes. If he can defend at the point of attack though, that’s important. Athleticism and Profile. Not all NBA guards can do this. Gilgeous-Alexander uses his 7’0 wingspan to reach around his defender to score on the move to the rim.It’s a rare play to make at the college level, and SGA does it frequently. It’s encouraging that SGA is so spatially aware. He doesn’t get blocked often, understanding where his defender, the nearest rim protector, and the rim itself are. He’s coordinated and lengthy enough to get off awkward finishes, and when things break down, it’s nice to have somebody who can get to the rim. This is a lot like Will Barton on the Nuggets today. He was the designated isolation guy when things went bad, especially in the second unit. Barton’s ability to pull-up and shoot likely separates him from SGA now, but the coordination and passing ability SGA already possesses will help him improve his decisions as he gets experience. The athleticism and wingspan though? That’s unquestionable. Weaknesses (Concerns) Physicality. Again, 3% body fat and 180 pounds. Not a lot of room for growth. This manifests itself in struggling to finish through contact as well as being physical on the defensive end. He rebounds well for his size, but it could be even better. Overall, SGA is a finesse finisher on offense, and that may help him get by as a backup. In order to be a starter though, this is his most important phase of his game to improve. Shooting Polish.<doc-sep>The NBA Draft is Thursday, and ESPN has released an “ultimate ‘grade A’ mock draft” as we near the event. The mock covers just the first round, but takes a deep dive on each player, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is picked eighth in this mock, and Kevin Knox, who is picked 14th. That No. 8 pick is to the Cleveland Cavaliers, pitting Gilgeous-Alexander on a team that has been to the NBA Finals four years in a row. Here’s what Mike Schmitz had to say about Gilgeous-Alexander: Gilgeous-Alexander’s combination of floor and ceiling is intriguing for any organization in search of young talent. Trae Young and Collin Sexton have been the headliners of this year’s point guard crop, but Gilgeous-Alexander has the tools and makeup to end up as the top lead guard in this draft. With long strides, pick-and-roll savvy, finesse around the rim, a strong feel for the game, two-way potential and impressive intangibles, the smooth Canadian is the type of versatile guard who fits perfectly in the modern NBA. ESPN’s NBA experts rank Gilgeous-Alexander’s passing and perimeter defense as “major strengths,” and compared him to Shaun Livingston and Patrick McCaw. Schmitz also said that Gilgeous-Alexander would be a good pick for Cleveland because they’re in “dire need” of a ball-handler regardless of whether or not LeBron James returns next year. Knox’s No. 14 selection sends him to the Denver Nuggets. Here’s what Jonathan Givony had to say about the former Kentucky wing. One of the younger prospects in the draft, Knox is a tantalizing talent blessed with impressive physical tools and intriguing versatility on both ends of the floor. He’s a good shooter who is comfortable making jumpers on the move, and has shown the ability to defend multiple positions thanks to his size, length and mobility. The NBA experts peg Knox to have the potential to be one of the better players in the league when it comes to finishing and perimeter defense. His NBA physical comparisons are Paul George and Aaron Gordon. This seems low for Knox with the way his stock is currently trending. As team interviews went on, Knox’s stock has seemed to skyrocket and some outlets have had him in the top 10. Some other notable picks in ESPN’s mock. Michael Porter Jr. is the top pick from the SEC, going No. 6 overall to the Orlando Magic. Also, former Western Kentucky Hilltoppers signee Mitchell Robinson sits at No. 17 to the Milwaukee Bucks.<doc-sep>
Almost as soon as the pick was announced, SGA was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. So for now, LA appears to be where this former Cat will begin his NBA career. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2018 NBA Draft. Gilgeous-Alexander is the 19th Wildcat to be selected in the NBA Draft Lottery in the John Calipari. He led Kentucky in assists, averaging 5.1 per game, and was the second-leading scorer, as he averaged 14.4 points per game. He was the third-most efficient shooter, shooting at a clip of 48.5 percent from the field. He was also the only player on the team to shoot 40 percent or better from 3-point range. The one-and-done route wasn’t exactly the one that Gilgeous-Alexander was expected to take this year. He was an unheralded addition to UK’s 2017 recruiting class, coming aboard ranked behind Quade Green in most recruiting services. Green had signed and been considered UK’s next starting point guard. That all changed when practice started, as the two went head-to-head and Calipari saw strengths in each of them. Eventually Gilgeous-Alexander’s play outpaced Green’s, and he became the most productive player on the team. By the end of the year it was no surprise that he would put his name in the draft. With his length and his court vision, Gilgeous-Alexander was seen as a lottery pick as soon as he announced his draft decision, and his stock climbed a bit from there, even getting into the top 10 in mocks. Going into draft day, SGA was projected to go as high as No. 6 to the Orlando Magic, and the lowest protection had him going No. 11 to the Hornets. Congratulations to Shai. Best of luck to him in his NBA career. Sea of Blue comes loaded with the best Kentucky Wildcats links, news, analysis, and some other stuff, so be sure to go ‘like’ our Facebook page and then go follow our Twitter page.