2018 NBA Draft: 5 experienced prospects worth targeting
By Connor Harr
1. Keita Bates-Diop, PF — Ohio State
Keita Bates-Diop is the only player that was not a senior last year on this list. However, he was a redshirt junior due to injury and is still one of the older prospects in this class.
Bates-Diop came out of nowhere to lead the Buckeyes to a Cinderella season. His stock should be going up after the combine as well. He measured in at 6’8″ which fits his ideal 4 position in the NBA.
Bates-Diop is a tough shot-maker with a jump shot nearly impossible to block. His isolation-heavy scoring in space is perfect for the NBA game. He’s an underrated defender as well, but needs to look to add more muscle or else he will be very limited to who he can guard.
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Also, ball-handling will be a key improvement to Bates-Diop’s offensive game and could go a long way to becoming a highly productive NBA player. KBD appears to be a likely late first round selection, but I believe he has a real shot at outplaying his draft position and having a long NBA career.