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2018 NBA Draft Combine participants and preview

By Connor Harr

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 12: ESPN Analysts break down players during the NBA Draft Combine Day 2 at the Quest Multisport Center on May 12, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 12: ESPN Analysts break down players during the NBA Draft Combine Day 2 at the Quest Multisport Center on May 12, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by George Walker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Photo by George Walker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images /

Combine snubs

Jalen Hudson, SG — Florida

Hudson is ranked as the 37th best prospect on my top 60 big board. The Virginia Tech transfer enjoyed a quality offensive role at Florida this season. Mostly coming off the bench as Florida’s sixth man, Hudson was an instant spark plug on offense this season. He finished the season with 15.5 points per game and shot 40 percent from the 3-point line on 5.7 attempts per game.

Even though Hudson may be the worst defender in my top 60, he has a projectable role at the next level. He has enough ball-handling ability to attack a hard closeout from the threat of his jump shot, moves off the ball very well, and was one of the better catch-and-shoot players in college basketball last season, ranking in the 86th percenttile in the nation on those situations, per Synergy Sports.

Hudson has yet to sign with an agent and not receiving a combine invite means he will most likely return to Florida for his senior season.

Shamorie Ponds, PG — St. John’s

Ponds is a player that I have not ranked until the end of this season, mostly out of respect for other colleagues, but he is a real NBA prospect and should have been invited to the combine. The St. John’s lead guard averaged 21.6 points per game this year and put himself on the map with a wonderful outing against Duke midway through the season.

Ponds may be the most creative ball-handler in this class. He has a toughness about him when he plays that you can see in many New York point guards. His best bet on sticking in the league would be in a backup point guard role off the bench where he provides instant offense. Unfortunately, Ponds struggled shooting this year, boasting an underwhelming 42 percent field goal percentage and shooting 25.3 percent from the 3-point line.

Ponds reportedly has several workouts lined up with NBA teams despite not receiving a combine invite. Even though those reports may be true, Ponds is a better bet to stay in school, where he can start the season as the best point guard prospect in the 2019 NBA Draft class.

Vincent Edwards, SF — Purdue

Edwards is not really a surprise to not receive a combine invite. With the surplus of underclassmen declaring this year, it was likely some seniors would be left without combine invitations. However, the Purdue forward is definitely a senior that should have been invited.

Standing at 6’8″ with an encouraging frame, Edwards is a do-it-all combo forward. He shoots, defends and rebounds the ball well, and he also possesses solid passing vision. It will be difficult trying to project a clear-cut role for Edwards, but his ability to have value in many different areas, along with his high basketball IQ, would not make it surprising to see Edwards find a home somewhere in the league.

As a senior, Edwards is automatically eligible for the NBA Draft. Sadly Edwards will not be able to participate in combine activities, including the 5-on-5 scrimmages, which is where I thought he would really shine and boost his draft stock.