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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 Patrick Albertini/EB via Getty Images
Photo by Patrick Albertini/EB via Getty Images /

15. Luka Samanic, PF — Croatia

After winning MVP at the Fiba European U18 tournament in 2017, Samanic has now found himself on Barcelona’s second team. He appears to be the next quality Euroleague teenage NBA prosepect. At 6’10”, Samanic is extremely skilled for his size. He can put the ball on the floor and attack a closeout, with quality passing vision and an improving jump shot. Samanic did not get much playing time in LEB Gold play this year for Barcelona. Hopefully, we will get to see him play and Barcelona will not be hiding him from the public like they attempted to do with Rodions Kurucs this season.

14. Killian Tillie, PF — Gonzaga 

Tillie graded out as a late first to early second-rounder on most people’s draft rankings and big boards this season. Tillie is a high IQ player that is consistently exactly where he needs to be on the floor on defense. His high IQ and quality rotations make up for his lack of athleticism defending down low. Tillie is a sniper from 3, shooting 48 percent from deep this season. Hopefully, he can gain some lateral quickness in the offseason, because his inability to defend on the perimeter in the NCAA Tournament may have been one of the key reasons Tillie elected to stay.

13. Naz Reid, C — LSU

Reid is an incoming freshman that really helped himself during the high school All-Star games, in particularly the McDonald’s All-American game. Standing at 6’10”, Reid is a hefty 240 pounds and possesses a rare combination of offensive versatility for a player his size. Reid can handle the ball in the open court like a guard and has a developing outside shot. It will be interesting to see how Reid is utilized in LSU’s offense with all of the talent they have coming in this year.

12. Romeo Langford, SG — Undecided 

Langford’s college decision should already be out. He is easily one of the most heralded scorers ever in high school basketball history in the state of Indiana. Langford is an explosive leaper with in-the-gym shooting range. I have thought that Langford does have some defensive concerns, but that part of his game is still wide open depending on how he fares in college.

11. Keldon Johnson, SG — Kentucky 

It’s really not a complete big board without a Kentucky freshman. Johnson is one of the few players in his class that competes on every possession. Johnson excels finishing at the rim and has a soft touch on floaters and mid-range pull-ups. If Johnson develops his 3-point shot in the offseason, he could be the leading scorer on a Kentucky team that features three prospects on this 2019 big board.