Over the last few years, there’s always been a gem hiding in plain sight at the point guard position in the NBA Draft. Tre Mann is the next one in line.
It’s never too early to begin preparation for the next NBA Draft.
Point guards have been at the center of attention over the last few years due to the ever growing need of dynamic ball handlers, crafty facilitators and lights-out shooters on the perimeter.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young as well as the Cleveland Cavaliers‘ Darius Garland are perfect examples of lead creators who fit this new-age mold, and there’s already another clone in the pipeline.
His name is Tre Mann.
Now Mann hasn’t exactly made his way around the popular draft circles quite yet, but as the college season nears some scouts and evaluators have started to take notice of his game, including SI’s own Jeremy Woo.
Currently set to star alongside Andrew Nembhard at Florida this year, Mann will have plenty of opportunities to show off his shot-making prowess and range working both on and off the ball.
In fact, the 3-pointer is arguably the best skill Mann will bring to the table early, which is where the ties to Young and Garland come into play.
While mixtapes and highlight cuts generally don’t tell the bigger picture of a prospect’s full potential, they’re what we have to go off of preseason.
Take a look at this package and notice the distance he showcases already at the high school level. Just the threat of a bomb from beyond the arc sets up the rest of his game given where he needs to be picked up in the halfcourt.
Defenses don’t just give players open driving lanes without respect to a jump shot.
The fact that Mann has to be paid attention to once he steps within 20-plus feet of the basket speaks volumes to the kind of damage he’s capable of inflicting once let loose off a nifty pump fake or dribble move.
Going back to his deep ball, form and consistency are two of the most important factors when it comes to determining the success level of a jumper in the NBA. Mann already has both of those under control.
His release point, guide hand placement and follow through are all incredibly reminiscent of both NBA comparisons.
The consistency in his form both on a pull-up shot as well as with his feet set validates the shooting comparison, and is at the heart of his sleeper status according to Cole Zwicker at The Stepien.
Even though he’ll be asked at the next level to play PG given his emerging playmaking chops and ball handling capabilities, Mann will most likely start off the rock next to Nembhard who is more than comfortable initiating the offense and making smart reads.
The ball won’t stick in Florida’s offense, as incoming freshman Scottie Lewis is a team player in his own right. Between drive and kicks from both Nehmbard and Lewis, Mann will have enough catch-and-shoot looks to fill it up from deep and score in bunches.
Sure he’ll have chances of his own to create and operate one-on-one, but guards who are versatile and can play multiple roles are all the rage in today’s NBA.
The importance of shooting and spreading the floor for pick-and-roll actions and transition offense is at an all-time premium and Mann’s play in the collegiate ranks should propel him into top-10 conversations by season’s end if not within the first few weeks.
While his athleticism and other talents will certainly be on display throughout his (projected) short stint in college, Mann’s NBA draft stock will boom or bust dependent upon his efficiency from beyond the arc.
It’s never too early to start mining diamonds in the rough and Mann already has himself at the top of the list.