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2018 NBA Draft: 6 prospects that improved their stock the most

By Max Holm

NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 15: Trae Young (11) of the Oklahoma Sooners dribbles up court during the Oklahoma Sooners against the Ball State Cardinals at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Ok. (Photo by Richard Rowe/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 15: Trae Young (11) of the Oklahoma Sooners dribbles up court during the Oklahoma Sooners against the Ball State Cardinals at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Ok. (Photo by Richard Rowe/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images /

5. Daniel Gafford (PF/C) – Arkansas

Daniel Gafford is as much of a new name as anyone — even Anfernee Simons. While Gafford was a top-50 recruit in the class of 2017, he’s shown a ton of potential in just his first few months in college. He’s doing work in less than 20 minutes, averaging 12.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game.

He’s blowing people away by dunking everything. Seriously, everything. Gafford jumps out of the gym, blocks shots with a 7’2″ wingspan and might only last at Arkansas another few months. If he can show the ability to even just offer some resemblance of passing or space defense, he might get a first round promise. Centers who can dive and protect the rim at an elite level are too valuable.