Based In Fact Favorites: The 2018 NBA Draft
For our first ever NBA Draft coverage, each member of the Based In Fact staff has chosen to cover two prospects that impressed us in the NCAA. In this installment, we explore possible destinations for these players, as well as their potential impact at the next level.
Jarrett’s Picks
RAYFORD TRAE YOUNG
A 6’2” guard out of Norman, Oklahoma, Trae Young decided to stay close to home to play collegiate ball, despite offers from both Kansas and Kentucky. In his first and only season with the Sooners, Young lit college basketball on fire, becoming the first player in NCAA history to lead the nation in both PPG (27.4) and APG (8.7). With an 18-13 record, Oklahoma found its way into the NCAA tournament, for the first time since 2016, as a tenth seed. Despite an OT loss to Rhode Island in the opening round, Young became the first freshman to score at least 25 points (28), five assists (7) and five rebounds (5) in a tournament game since Chris Paul (2004). For his efforts, Young was honored with numerous awards and recognitions, but there remain questions as to how well Young will make the transition to playing at the next level. One knock on the Big 12 Freshman of the Year is that he averaged 5.2 turnovers per game, which he won’t be able to get away with in the NBA, especially if he wants to be the next Steph Curry, a player he has drawn comparisons to throughout his career. There are some very desperate teams in the top 10, which doesn’t bode well for a high-ceiling developmental project like Young, who still needs time to develop as a defender. Many mock drafts like the 18-year-old going to the Cleveland Cavaliers (at 8), but Young’s best spot might be with the Charlotte Hornets (at 11). He would not only provide value off the bench, but he’d also have an opportunity to learn from and compliment Kemba Walker, with a chance to supplant him down the road.
VICTOR MORITZ WAGNER
Mo Wagner played three seasons at the University of Michigan, despite persistent pressure to go pro for the entirety of his semi-professional career. The 6’11” center was a talented prospect out of Berlin, Germany, who Michigan was able to lure away from both the EuroLeague and Alba Berlin. The gamble payed off for both parties, as Wagner helped lead the Wolverines to back-to-back B1G conference championships, three-straight NCAA tournament berths, two Sweet 16s and one championship game, which resulted in a disappointing 79-62 loss to Villanova. Despite the inability to lead Michigan to its second-ever tournament victory, Wagner starred during the team’s title-game run, averaging 15 PPG, 7.3 RPG and 1.3 APG, while shooting 38.5% from beyond the arc. Due to the overwhelming amount of youth in the Draft, and despite being only 21, teams will likely view Wagner as an older prospect who will need to produce sooner rather than later. The Golden State Warriors (at 28) make a lot of sense, as he would be a solid building block for the future of an already loaded squad.
Devon’s Picks
LONNIE WALKER IV
Lonnie Walker, a 6’5” guard out of Reading, Pennsylvania, had one of the most memorable freshman seasons in the history of University of Miami basketball. Walker was the fourth freshman to lead the Hurricanes in scoring in program history, and the first to do it in the last 18 seasons. The 2017 McDonalds All-American chose Miami over more reputable programs such Villanova, Arizona and Kentucky. For him, the decision proved to be beneficial, as he has found his stock skyrocketing in the days leading up to the Draft, despite being the 22nd overall scorer in the ACC. Although he averaged just 11.5 PPG in his lone season in the Sunshine State, he hit game-defining baskets in victories against both Boston College and Virginia Tech. Though he was known as a good ballhandler with great vision and shooting range entering college, his 82-inch wingspan will likely benefit him most when he reaches the NBA. Look for a team with a defensive need, such as the Philadelphia 76ers (at 10), or the Los Angeles Clippers (at 12 or 13) to take a comfortable gamble on Walker’s potential.
LANDRY MICHAEL SHAMET
A 6’5” combo guard from St. Louis, Missouri, Landry Shamet is likely to see a dramatic role change in upon entering the NBA. The 21-year-old signed with Wichita State University in 2014, despite offers from Kansas State, Memphis and Northern Iowa (among others). A two-year All-State selection for Park Hill High School in Missouri, Shamet’s freshman year at WSU was tainted by a stress fracture in his left foot, which limited him to just three appearances. He recovered in tremendous fashion, becoming the only Shocker to start every game of the 2016-2017 campaign, leading the team in scoring through Wichita’s two NCAA tournament games. His final season saw him average a team-high 14.9 PPG, while his .442 3P% was good for 13th in the nation. Shamet occasionally faltered in big moments, but was also able to consistently produce at a high volume throughout his tenure. Though the primary playmaker in Wichita, Shamet’s average athleticism will likely lead to less responsibility on the offensive side of the ball in the Association. He will add value as a two-way player off the bench, with his solid three-point shooting and 84” wingspan, which will help him disrupt passing lanes. Barring a trade, Shamet could land with the Detroit Pistons (at 42) or the San Antonio Spurs (at 49). The Spurs could get the most out of Shamet, who, like all players, would benefit greatly under the tutelage of Greg Popovich.
Jack’s Picks
SVIATOSLAV MYKHAILIUK
A rarity in the current climate of basketball is to see a talented senior in the NBA Draft, but that’s exactly what 6’8” Kansas G Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk is. Mykhailiuk, a two-year player for Cherkaski Mavpi, a first-tier professional team in the Ukrainian Basketball SuperLeague, opted to join the Jayhawks in 2014. Throughout his collegiate career, the 21-year-old showed he could be an athletic finisher at the rim, averaging 14.6 PPG and 1.1 ORPG as a senior. In addition to his inside presence, Mykhailiuk was brilliant from beyond the arc, hitting 115 threes with a 44.4 3P% in 2018. His impactful shooting helped guide Kansas to a 31-8 record, and all the way to the Final Four of the NCAA tournament, where it fell to Villanova, 95-79. Mykhailiuk needs time to develop defensively, but his offensive expertise could see him going anytime in the second round of the Draft. A team building for the future, with an offensive need, like the Phoenix Suns (at 31/59) or the Orlando Magic (at 41) would welcome Mykhailiuk’s three-point shooting off the bench.
AJDIN PENAVA
Ajdin Penava made his mark at Marshall University in his three seasons with the Thundering Herd. In his lone season as a starter, the 6’9” power forward out of Bosnia was named the 2018 C-USA Defensive Player of the Year, with a nation-high 3.9 BPG. His aggressive playstyle worked against him for much of the 2018 season, as Penava recorded four or more fouls in 24 games, fouling out of five, including Marshall’s lone tournament victory over Wichita State. On offense, the junior standout was a talented finisher at the rim and flashed sublime playmaking ability from the post. Shooting 34% from beyond the arc, Penava also showed potential to develop into a perimeter threat and promising stretch four at the next level. A possible diamond in the rough, the 21-year-old will have to wait to hear his name called on Draft night, if it gets called at all. The San Antonio Spurs (at 49), or the Denver Nuggets (at 43/58) could take a chance on Penava, giving him the opportunity to learn from established stars LaMarcus Aldridge or Paul Millsap.
