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2019 NBA Draft: R.J. Barrett headlines first top 30 big board

By Connor Harr

PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 13: R.J. Barrett #5 of Team World claps from the bench during the game against Team USA during the Nike Hoop Summit on April 13, 2018 at the MODA Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 13: R.J. Barrett #5 of Team World claps from the bench during the game against Team USA during the Nike Hoop Summit on April 13, 2018 at the MODA Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by David Becker/Getty Images
Photo by David Becker/Getty Images /

20. Jalen McDaniels, PF — San Diego State

McDaniels was a player I tweeted about heavily during the college basketball season. Even early in the season his length, activity and motor always popped off the screen for me. Unfortunately, his wingspan is not available to pinpoint his elite length. McDaniels shows a high level of coordination for his size attacking closeouts and making quality passes. He needs to get a lot stronger and develop a consistent jump shot, but his athletic and physical traits are more than enough to get him noticed. McDaniels has declared, but will not hire an agent. It has not been reported whether McDaniels received a combine invite. However, he is another player who could test off the charts physically and athletically.

19. Sagaba Konate, C — West Virginia 

After only playing 20 minutes a game in his freshman season, Sagaba Konate came out of nowhere to become a quality NBA prospect. At 6’8″ with a 7’2″ wingspan to go along with an impressive 260 pounds of pure muscle, Konate has outstanding physical tools. He projects as a rim protector at the next level. He averaged 3.2 blocks in only 25 minutes this season. Konate also has declared for the draft, but similarly to most of the big men on this list will return to school because of how top heavy this big man class is.

18. Carsen Edwards, PG — Purdue 

Carsen Edwards is a score-first point guard that is an excellent and efficient scorer. He scored in almost every way possible in his sophomore season at Purdue. He does not have great size for the position at 6’1″ but his length makes up for it a bit. Edwards also has declared for the draft, but is better staying out because this 2019 NBA Draft class looks to be extremely weak for point guards.

17. Kevin Huerter, SG — Maryland 

Kevin Huerter is gaining a lot of momentum as a quality NBA prospect on Draft Twitter. Huerter has great size for the NBA wing at 6’6″. However, he does have subpar length with only a 6’7″ winsgpan. Huerter is a knockdown shooter that may have some equity off the dribble as well. He’s also an extremely underrated playmaker in low-usage situations. Huerter could become a quality offensive weapon in the league one day, possessing just enough offensive skill to become more than just a spot-up shooter. Huerter also has declared for the draft and he is probably the most likely to stay in with an impressive five-on-five combine showing. Along with decent athletic testing at the combine as well.

16. Bol Bol, C — Oregon 

Our first freshman has appeared on this list. Son of former NBA center Manute Bol, Bol Bol has his dad’s length. Unfortunately, he also inherited his dad’s frame. Bol is widely regarded as a top-five college recruit, but even if there is college success for Bol, it is hard to see it translating. If he puts some weight on and gets more aggressive defensively and on the boards, then maybe he will draw more NBA attention. However, there is no denying a player with Bol’s length and shooting ability is enticing.