With conference play on the horizon in college basketball, we’ve already seen significant movement at the top of our NBA draft board. G League Ignite forward Ron Holland, the No. 1 prospect in the ESPN Top 100 last month, has dropped to No. 5 following a slow start to his season in which he has struggled to score efficiently.
Taking the No. 1 spot from Holland is USC freshman guard Isaiah Collier, but the door remains open for other prospects to move up following two erratic performances by Collier against Oklahoma and Gonzaga. One newcomer to the top five is Baylor freshman Ja’Kobe Walter, who moved up 12 spots thanks to his shot-making ability and perimeter defense.
We are still months away from the 2024 NBA draft on June 27, so these rankings complied by NBA draft expert Jonathan Givony with Jeremy Woo assisting in providing analysis will change – likely dramatically – as we learn quite a bit more about these prospects and others who weren’t under consideration previously.
Check back all season as we inform you of the risers and fallers of this unpredictable draft class.
Ranking last updated: Tuesday, Dec. 5. Write-ups last updated: Tuesday, Dec. 5.
Jump to: Jonathan Givony’s Top 100
1. Isaiah Collier | PG | USC
6-5 | Age: 19.1 | Previously ranked: 3
Collier recently took over the No. 1 spot in our mock draft but left the door wide open to other contenders with erratic showings last week against Oklahoma and Gonzaga – the two best teams USC has faced to this point. When Collier is at his best, his outstanding combination of size, creativity, ability to play at different speeds, live-dribble passing and bully-ball finishing gives him the type of star power no other prospect in this draft can match. However, not every NBA executive is currently sold on him, with detractors citing his often-lackluster defensive intensity, questionable decision-making and streaky perimeter shooting as concerns. USC is 5-3 on the season, looking lackadaisical as a whole with ill-fitting pieces. The Trojans will need their star freshman to mature quickly and show his considerable talent can translate into playing winning basketball, which will help his cause with NBA teams. – Jonathan Givony
2. Alex Sarr | PF/C | Perth
7-1 | Age: 18.5 | Previously ranked: 2
Sarr had one of his best showings of the season last week, notching 15 points in 16 minutes in a win over Sydney to cap a six-game win streak for Perth. His length, mobility and defensive instincts give him a chance to be one of the most impactful defensive players in this draft, and give him some baseline value out of the gate. Questions persist surrounding his toughness and offensive feel while his jumper is a work in progress – elements scouts will continue to nitpick as the season goes on. Sarr’s upside keeps him near the top of our draft board, but he’ll likely need to show more growth in key areas to make himself a truly convincing option at No. 1, a decision that might hinge on which NBA team has the pick. – Jeremy Woo
3. Zaccharie Risacher | SF | JL Bourg
6-10 | Age: 18.6 | Previously ranked: 5
Risacher is having an outstanding season in France and the EuroCup with JL Bourg, emerging as an essential cog as his team’s best defender and shooter. At 6-10, his ability to stretch the floor (46% from 3), guard everyone from point guards to small forwards and make good decisions with the ball gives him a high floor playing a coveted NBA role similar to that of New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III. If Risacher continues playing with improved confidence, productivity and efficiency while showing more flashes of shot-creation prowess, he could emerge as a sleeper candidate at No. 1. – Givony
4. Ja’Kobe Walter | SG/SF | Baylor
6-5 | Age: 19.2 | Previously ranked: 16
A series of strong early-season performances vaulted Walter into the discussion as one of the draft’s top prospects, showcasing his shot-making ability, impressive perimeter defense and competitive mettle. While it’s hard to earnestly project him as an on-ball creator due to his limited handle and average explosiveness, his appeal early in the draft stems from his reliability and the high floor promised by his skill set and intangibles. There’s a realistic, straightforward development path for Walter to become an elite shooting wing who adds value on the defensive end, which would be a coup in an uncertain draft. Anything else Walter can add to his offensive profile enhances his upside. – Woo
5. Ron Holland | SF | G League Ignite
6-7 | Age: 18.4 | Previously ranked: 1 
This has been a difficult season for G League Ignite and their prized prospect, Holland. As of Dec. 4, Ignite have a 1-8 record as Holland has struggled to score efficiently (20% from 3, 57% from the line). He is turning the ball over frequently (4.1 per game) and having too many lapses defensively. He took a major step in the right direction this past week, stringing together his three best games of the season while helping Ignite get their first win. Without elite physical tools, Holland’s competitiveness was his biggest calling card as a prospect and one of the main reasons he was so well-regarded coming out of high school. With a long season still ahead, Holland has time to adjust to the high level of competition he’s facing in the G League and remind scouts what makes him tick. – Givony
6. Donovan Clingan | C | UConn
7-2 | Age: 19.7 | Previously ranked: 7
Young centers with Clingan’s size, physical attributes and level of coordination are hard to come by, making him potentially quite valuable even as the NBA shifts away from traditional bigs. He still has a long way to go, but his consistent approach, toughness and upside as a passer give him a realistic chance to be a solid, starting-caliber big who rebounds and does the dirty work without being a black hole on offense. If Clingan can show improvement from the foul line and begin to offer floor spacing as a shooter, it would round out his profile, though he’s not at that point yet. – Woo
7. Matas Buzelis | SF | G League Ignite
6-10 | Age: 19.1 | Previously ranked: 6
Buzelis returned from a three-month absence due to a sprained ankle on Dec. 2, making a positive impact on a minutes restriction in Ignite’s first win of the season. At 6-10, his ability to handle, pass and shoot gives him strong versatility to tap into – especially now that he has added some bulk to his slender frame. Scouts want to see Buzelis show his ability to handle contact better on both ends of the floor and bring an increased level of physicality and intensity as a rebounder and defender, as well as get a better feel for what his role projects to be offensively this season. He’ll be monitored closely over the next month as it’s unclear how many games he will play for Ignite. – Givony
8. Stephon Castle | PG/SG | UConn
6-6 | Age: 19 | Previously ranked: 8
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Castle is on the verge of returning from meniscus surgery on his right knee, which held him out for nearly a month. He fared well in his first two games against low-level competition, and NBA teams will be eager to see him return, considering his strong trajectory and the possibility he can crash the party atop this draft. Castle offers plus tools and good upside as a big, athletic, playmaking guard who can defend at a high level. Castle has plenty to prove, but if he can endear himself to evaluators throughout this season, his long-term projectability should lead to an early selection in a draft that’s somewhat light on players in his mold. – Woo
9. Nikola Topic | PG | Mega Bemax
6-7 | Age: 18.3 | Previously ranked: 10
Topic has rapidly ascended draft boards after winning MVP of the FIBA U18 European Championship and now leading the youngest team in the Adriatic League to a strong start. Measured 6-7 in shoes, Topic has ideal size for a point guard along with coveted ballhandling creativity and vision, showing surgical precision making reads out of pick-and-roll. Despite a lack of exceptional explosiveness, he plays at a unique pace and has shown the ability to get anywhere he wants on the floor, finishing in the lane at a remarkable rate (66% on 2s as of Dec. 3). Topic’s ability to make 3-pointers consistently and bring intensity defensively are the two areas NBA executives want to learn more about, but his precocious feel for the game and his age – he’s the youngest player in the ESPN 100 – give him a high ceiling as an NBA point guard. – Givony
10. Cody Williams | SG/SF | Colorado
6-8 | Age: 19.0 | Previously ranked: 20
Thrust into a playmaking role as a true freshman, Williams, the younger brother of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams, has been able to show some of what makes him intriguing for the long term. Cody Williams offers excellent size and length and projects as a positive defender already. The challenge will be projecting his offense, as he seems to be learning on the fly as Colorado’s de facto point guard, isn’t yet a reliable catch-and-shoot threat, and doesn’t have a ton of juice creating with the ball. While a work in progress, Williams’ potential for eventual versatility should help him throughout the draft process and give him a long, feasible runway to improve his standing between now and June. – Woo
11. Kyle Filipowski | PF/C | Duke
7-0 | Age: 20.0 | Previously ranked: 11
Filipowski has produced like an All-American in early tests against Arizona, Michigan State and Arkansas, but he still has another notch he can get to to help his team reach its lofty goals – Duke is off to a disappointing 5-3 start. He’s a rare 7-footer who can handle the ball, pass off a live dribble and make 3-pointers in dynamic fashion while showing a high skill level as a post threat and pick-and-roll finisher. Defensively, he has had some difficult moments guarding ball screens and as a rim protector, two areas NBA scouts were hoping would improve after he missed the entire offseason following double hip surgery. Filipowski and Duke’s Dec. 20 matchup with center Yves Missi and Baylor at Madison Square Garden will be heavily attended by NBA executives. – Givony
12. Ryan Dunn | SF/PF | Virginia
6-8 | Age: 20.8 | Previously ranked: 22
Perhaps the most gifted defender in this draft class, Dunn has racked up blocks (2.8) and steals (2.8) at a remarkable rate, made even more impressive considering Virginia’s plodding, low-possession style. His all-around impact as a big defender who can switch all over the floor should translate immediately, giving him a simple pathway to becoming a high-level contributor. The main question around Dunn is how long it will take him to start making jumpers at a passable clip (26% from 3 in his career), given he’s a historically reticent 3-point shooter who’s just beginning to get comfortable catching and shooting. If he can do that, it could be very difficult to take him off the floor, but he will need significant growth in that department to tap into his considerable upside. – Woo
13. Justin Edwards | SG/SF | Kentucky
6-7 | Age: 19.9 | Previously ranked: 4
Edwards has the frame and tools to succeed at the NBA level, but underwhelming early play has thrown his draft stock into flux. He hasn’t shot well – a skill that was purported as his calling card – and hasn’t looked fully prepared for college competition, which is harder to swallow considering he’s set to turn 20 years old, making him a year or more older than many freshmen. He currently projects safest as an off-ball floor-spacing wing due to his limited feel, a role that can certainly earn him good draft position, but it will be on Edwards to make a more convincing case by making 3s and contributing positively on the defensive end. Frankly, he hasn’t looked like a potential lottery pick, and expectations might need to be reframed some. – Woo
14. Izan Almansa | PF/C | G League Ignite
6-10 | Age: 18.4 | Previously ranked: 9
Almansa’s transition to G League Ignite has been uneven as he has struggled to showcase his unique strengths on a team lacking point guard play and defensive cohesion. His timing and feel for the game as a passer and pick-and-roll operator still shine through along with his instincts and defensive versatility, but he’s cold from 3 (1-of-6) and is converting a dismal 47% of his free throw attempts this season. His lack of shooting range and average physical tools could make him a niche prospect for NBA teams, some of whom say they are still trying to decipher how his game will translate to the next level. – Givony
15. Tidjane Salaun | PF | Cholet
6-10 | Age: 18.3 | Previously ranked: 18
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Salaun isn’t having a breakout season in France in his first real taste of a professional role, but he possesses an ideal basic toolbox for a stretch forward and will likely benefit from being one of the youngest prospects in this draft class. His shot hasn’t been falling much in games lately and he never has been a prolific rebounder, but he’s still very early in his development and has the requisite size, length and mobility to eventually fill a valuable role. Teams will be looking for signs of progress come spring, and there’s room for Salaun to help himself if he can hit his stride. – Woo
16. Rob Dillingham | PG | Kentucky
6-2 | Age: 18.9 | Previously ranked: 31
Dillingham has been one of the most pleasant surprises of the freshman class, shooting the ball significantly better and playing a far more under-control, relatively mistake-free style than he did before Kentucky. Dillingham is one of the draft’s most talented ball handlers and passers, showing impressive speed, pace and feel for the game while getting to the right spots on the floor and making the game easy for teammates. The biggest question Dillingham will face comes on the defensive end, where he has little room for error having measured several times at 6-1½ with just a 6-2 wingspan; poor dimensions for an NBA point guard. His size affects him most vividly defensively, where his intensity comes and goes and he can be very casual with his approach, especially off the ball. – Givony
17. Kel’el Ware | C | Indiana
7-0 | Age: 19.6 | Previously ranked: 15
The Oregon transfer is having a highly productive season, as few opponents in college basketball can match his sheer talent in terms of size, length, mobility, finishing touch, shooting range, rebounding and shot-blocking prowess. He has added bulk, is playing harder than last season, and is flashing significant upside on both ends of the floor, especially considering he doesn’t turn 20 until late April. With that said, Ware did not leave a strong impression in his two high-profile games at MSG versus the best competition Indiana faced to this point in UConn and Louisville, showing the same lack of feel, physicality and intensity that has NBA scouts questioning his likelihood of achieving his considerable potential. Matchups next week with Auburn and Kansas, followed by Big Ten action, will give Ware a considerable platform to begin to put those concerns to rest. – Givony
18. Kevin McCullar Jr. | SG/SF | Kansas
6-7 | Age: 22.7 | Previously ranked: 47
McCullar has taken his game to another level in his fifth season in college, showing superb confidence as a scorer while shooting the ball better (39%) than he has in the past. Already considered one of the best defenders in college, McCullar’s improvement is notable considering he’s doing it as the go-to guy of arguably the best team in college basketball, which has played an extremely competitive schedule. While some will question his age and ideal situation as mitigating factors, he’s looking more like a plug-and-play option almost any NBA team could use with the versatility he offers. – Givony
19. Trevon Brazile | PF/C | Arkansas
6-10 | Age: 20.8 | Previously ranked: 25
Just a year removed from surgery to repair a torn ACL, Brazile has been up and down, unsurprisingly, but has shown vivid flashes of what make him an ideal prospect in many ways for the modern NBA. He brings a unique combination of size, a near 7-3 wingspan, floor spacing, explosiveness as a finisher, mobility on the perimeter and instincts as a rim protector. He’s still far from a finished product with his thin frame and developing physicality and feel for the game, but he has had several big outings (including a win vs. Duke) this season showing his potential, which will continue to help his standing in SEC play. – Givony
20. Oso Ighodaro | PF/C | Marquette
6-11 | Age: 21.3 | Previously ranked: 30
Ighodaro projects as a pretty bankable role player. He is an athletic big who offers rim protection, toughness and energy as well as plus passing ability and efficient play around the basket. He looks like a plug-and-play prospect, with the smarts to step in right away and add value off the bench. Ighodaro isn’t an elite rebounder for his position and might never be much of a jump shooter, factors that might limit him in the long run. Ighodaro is the type of reliable, low-maintenance performer many teams would be happy to have on the roster. – Woo
21. Bobi Klintman | SF/PF | Cairns
6-10 | Age: 20.7 | Previously ranked: 21
Klintman has shown promising versatility in the Australian NBL by making 3-pointers, playing above the rim frequently and being a real playmaker defensively thanks to his outstanding size (6-10) and explosiveness. A minor hip injury and his team’s FIBA pause derailed his play somewhat in November, just as his team finally recovered from a slew of injuries that forced Klintman into a significant role. Scouts will be watching to see how Klintman bounces back the rest of the season, as every team is looking for big wings in his mold who can contribute in a variety of areas across different positions. Making shots consistently is a major part of the equation, an area he has been streaky in (13-of-40, 33% over 10 games) on Australian soil with his somewhat deliberate release. – Givony
22. Reed Sheppard | PG/SG | Kentucky
6-2 | Age: 19.4 | Previously ranked: NR
Sheppard has been a revelation for Kentucky this season, turning in several strong showings and forcing his way into the draft conversation. While his more touted teammates have largely struggled, Sheppard has been a constant with his perimeter shooting, energy, poise and excellent decision-making. Sheppard doesn’t have a great physical profile for an NBA guard and wasn’t expected to challenge for one-and-done status – and it might ultimately benefit him in the long term to spend multiple seasons in college – but he has stepped up when sorely needed, which has been hard to ignore considering the context. It’s not hard to see him finding his way into an NBA role, but he’s also not the type of guard in which teams traditionally invest high-end draft capital. – Woo
23. Tyrese Proctor | PG | Duke
6-5 | Age: 19.6 | Previously ranked: 13
Proctor was injured early in Duke’s loss to Georgia Tech on Saturday, throwing his season into a bit of flux after an uneven first seven games. While he always has looked the part as a big playmaking guard, Proctor has struggled to consistently run an efficient offense and hasn’t been convincing as a scorer, either. While NBA teams gave Proctor some benefit of the doubt after last season, they were certainly hoping to see more all-around progress after a full year in college. Whenever he returns, it will be on him to prove he can handle the role he’s been given, with Duke relying heavily on him. But his trajectory as a player seems to have stagnated, making his lottery case a more difficult sell. – Woo
24. D.J. Wagner | PG/SG | Kentucky
6-3 | Age: 18.5 | Previously ranked: 14
Wagner was up and down in his first seven games before suffering an ankle injury. He looked inconsistent as a finisher, shooter, playmaker and defender, which gives him quite a bit of room to improve when he returns to the lineup for Kentucky soon. His creativity operating off crossovers and hesitation moves is intriguing when paired with the touch he shows on floaters and short-range shots, and he has shown some flashes of playmaking defensively that could be harnessed as his thin frame continues to fill out. SEC competition will tell us a lot more about Wagner’s standing in this draft, as opinions vary drastically in NBA circles on how to evaluate him long-term. – Givony
25. Tyler Smith | SF/PF | G League Ignite
6-10 | Age: 19.0 | Previously ranked: 42
One of the bright spots for G League Ignite, Smith has adequately showcased his ability to stretch the floor at his size and the upside that made him an intriguing – if sometimes underwhelming – player with Overtime Elite. Ignite have deployed him as a small-ball big, which might be the best use of his skill set in the long run, as he’s much more play finisher than creator. It will be paramount that he improve as a defender, where he’s behind developmentally and can be a liability. As long as he continues to make shots, Smith profiles as the type of prospect who often gets myriad opportunities to succeed and a viable development pick somewhere in the middle of the draft. – Woo
Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service used by NBA, NCAA and international teams.
Jeremy Woo is an NBA analyst specializing in prospect evaluation and the draft. He was previously a staff writer and draft insider at Sports Illustrated.
