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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 G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images
Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images /

Potential scrimmage stars

Kevin Huerter, SG — Maryland

Kevin Huerter is currently listed in my 2019 top 30 big board. However, Huerter has gained some traction for the 2018 draft. He’s not somebody that will dazzle during the athletic testing at the combine, but could really skyrocket his stock if he plays in the scrimmages.

Huerter is a 6’6″ wing that can really shoot the ball from the outside. He has a little bit of equity as a ball-handler playing out of pick-and-rolls and enough to attack closeouts. Additionally, he plays very well off of the ball and really has a unique ability to see the passing lanes while he comes off screens. If Huerter can show that he’s more than a shooter and play quality defense, he will vastly improve his draft stock.

Sagaba Konate, C — West Virginia 

Similar to Huerter, Konate is currently ranked in the 2019 top 30. The strong-framed, shot-blocking extraordinaire could really gain some first round attention with an impressive combine performance. With the lack of big men depth in this class, Konate could make a strong push toward a late first round selection.

Konate was a monster in the Big 12 this year as a rim protector, averaging 3.2 blocks in only 25.5 minutes per game. If he can show some value as a rim-runner offensively in the scrimmages with such a strong frame, he will definitely turn some heads at the combine.

De’Anthony Melton, PG — USC and Billy Preston, PF — Kansas 

I grouped these two together because both neither got to play this season due to NCAA rules. Preston ultimately decided to go play for BC Igokea of the Adriatic League, while Melton waited longer hoping for his eligibility to work itself out, which never materialized.

Melton can really help himself at the combine if he proves his shot is real. He’s a 6’3″ point guard that does not always need the ball in his hands to be successful. Melton’s real value as a prospect is on the defensive end of the floor, where he is a quality defender both on and off the ball.

I went into the season expecting big things out of Billy Preston. He would have presented Bill Self with an unlikely modern big man option where Self usually prefers throwbacks. As a 20-year-old freshman in college this season, Preston has little room for error. The time on his developmental clock is ticking compared to other prospects. However, I anticipate a strong showing from Preston where he showcases what a matchup problem he can be at the 4 with his offensive versatility.