2018 NBA Mock Draft: A way-too-early look ahead

Mar 29, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds All-American West forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) poses with the trophy after winning the John Wooden Award as the most valuable player for the 40th Annual McDonald's High School All-American Game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 15, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Rawle Alkins (1) looks to pass around Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners forward Taze Moore (3) during the second half at McKale Center. Arizona won 78-66. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /

Arizona Wildcats sophomore Rawle Alkins is eerily reminiscent of another shooting guard from Brooklyn, New York: Lance Stephenson. He has a powerful upper body, equally as strong legs, and the ability to drive on just about anyone who’s placed in his way.

If Sean Miller can work with Alkins to improve upon what was an underrated freshman season, he could rival Stephenson’s 2013-14 success and trajectory in the NBA.

Alkins muscles his way into the paint against perimeter players and power forwards, and finishes through contact. He’ll need to prove capable of doing so in a more high-volume setting, but he’s been efficient in his moments of glory.

Alkins is also a skilled passer who can help run the fast break and work the pick and roll as a secondary facilitator—a skill that fits contemporary standards.

The keys for Alkins in 2017-18 will be defensive consistency and further progress on his outside shot. He’s already confident putting it up off the bounce, and shot 37.0 percent from beyond the arc in 2016-17, but he needs to be better without the ball.

The tools are in place for stellar two-way value, and Alkins will have an opportunity to prove it on a big stage with the Wildcats.