With the 2022 NCAA Tournament right around the corner, it's time
for conference tournaments to begin so teams can begin punching
their ticket to The Big Dance in March.
Mid-major tournaments have already gotten underway, on
Wednesday, five Power Five tournaments will have begun theirs to
join the club.
(Editor's note: Check out our breakdowns of the ACC, Big 12, Pac-12 and SEC.)
Since everyone will have their eyes on the best players in these
conferences over the next few weeks, BasketballNews.com has
highlighted each Power Five and its top 2022 NBA Draft
prospects.
Here are the names to look out for in the Big Ten.
Class: Sophomore
Draft Day Age: 20.4
Nationality: USA
For the Boilermakers this season, Jaden Ivey is shooting career
highs across the board and has propelled himself into top-three
consideration. Ivey is a phenomenal athlete and a promising on-ball
defender who has flashed great potential on the defensive end of
the floor. His offense has taken a huge leap, as he's shown the
ability to create space for himself, score on multiple levels and
attack the rim at an elite level. Purdue is one of the best teams
in America, and Ivey is a huge component of the team's success.
He's one to keep an eye on near the top of the 2022 NBA Draft
class.
Class: Sophomore
Draft Day Age: 21.8
Nationality: USA
At 6-foot-8 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan, Keegan Murray has a high
motor and does a lot of the “little things'' that contribute to
winning, and he is a terrific defender. Despite shooting an
inefficient 29.6% from deep last season, Murray has shot and scored
the ball at a much higher rate this season. In addition, his
ability to attack closeouts and score from multiple levels has
allowed him to carry a greater offensive load. Murray is a
candidate for National Player of the Year and has played himself
into top-10 consideration in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Class: Sophomore
Draft Day Age: 20.3
Nationality: USA
At 6-foot-5, Johnny Davis carries positional size and has
become one of the most reliable scorers in the country. He can take
his defender to the rim, is comfortable operating in the mid-range
and has shown consistency from deep. He isn’t flashy, but is
incredibly effective and decisive, which has resulted in a large
jump in his free-throw rate. His combination of physicality and
quick decision-making brings good versatility to his game. Davis
has established himself as one of the best shooting guards in the
country, and is a candidate for National Player of the Year.
(Unfortunately, Davis was injured on a flagrant foul in Wisconsin's
loss to Nebraska, but he believes he'll be ready to play
in the conference tournament.)
Class: Freshman
Draft Day Age: 19.4
Nationality: USA
A former five-star recruit, Max Christie came to Michigan State
as one of the top-ranked freshmen in the country. At 6-foot-6 and
190 pounds, Christie possesses the ability to shoot and score the
ball at a high level. It’s also worth noting that he has some
experience playing on the ball as a point guard. And although plays
mostly off the ball for Michigan State, it is a good example of his
versatility. Christie is a strong candidate to be a one-and-done
prospect.
Class: Junior
Draft Day Age: 21.5
Nationality: USA
Although he is a bit undersized for the position, the Buckeyes
often use E.J. Liddell as a 4/5 in their lineups. He is physical
and versatile on both ends of the floor, scoring both inside and
out. He appears more comfortable in the mid-range and paint, which
works well for his college system, but raises questions in regards
to his translatability to the NBA. Liddell continues to fill up the
box score and play with great effort and toughness. He has
certainly carved out a spot for himself in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Class: Freshman
Draft Day Age: 19.1
Nationality: USA
Malaki Branham was ranked 35th in the 2021 RSCI recruiting class
and, after a slow start, burst onto the scene in conference play.
At 6-foot-5, he plays with patience, and is a smooth three-level
scorer. He is comfortable operating in the pick-and-roll and
mid-range, and has shown promise as a spot-up shooter. Branham is
full of potential, and is hitting his stride as a scoring threat.
He's certainly one to watch down the stretch.
Class: Freshman
Draft Day Age: 19.6
Nationality: USA
Possessing positional size and length, Bryce McGowens has
flashed space creation as a shooter with pull-up craft,
ball-handling and the ability to elevate over defenders. Although
he can be a bit streaky, the fluidity with his shooting mechanics
are special. He is also a solid defender due to his length,
athleticism and instinctual play. With his combination of great
athleticism, shot-making and finishing craft at the rim, McGowens
has been the go-to scorer for the Huskers this season.
Class: Freshman
Draft Day Age: 20.4
Nationality: France
Standing 6-foot-11, 210 pounds and possessing an impressive 7-3
wingspan — while also being capable of moving fluidly — Moussa
Diabaté’s physical tools jump off of the page. While he is still a
work in progress on the offensive end, Diabaté’s talent and
versatility on the defensive end stand out. Since Diabaté has been
able to properly showcase his talent and
make the necessary steps in his development throughout the
season, he is a strong candidate to be a one-and-done prospect.
Class: Freshman
Draft Day Age: 19.5
Nationality: Canada
Caleb Houstan, a five-star recruit for head coach Juwan Howard
and the Michigan Wolverines, is a high-level outside shooter and a
marksman who possesses positional size at 6-foot-8. Houstan's size,
mechanics, shot-making are special, but there are questions about
his versatility and consistency. He is one to monitor as the season
wraps up, and is a viable floor-stretching option in the 2022 NBA
Draft.
Class: Senior
Draft Day Age: 21.8
Nationality: USA
Trevion Williams may be the best low-post scorer in the country.
He has incredible footwork, craftiness at the rim and is always
thinking a step ahead with the ball in his hand. He is also an
impressive athlete at 255 pounds, as he's quick off the ground and
runs the floor well. Williams is old school in the way he provides
points, but he does the little things well. He has good vision out
of the post, plays with a great motor and is the kind of player you
want in the locker room. Williams has a great chance of earning a
shot at the NBA level.
Others worth noting:
Kofi Cockburn | Illinois
Hunter Dickinson | Michigan
Zach Edey | Purdue
Ron Harper Jr. | Rutgers
Trayce Jackson-Davis | Indiana
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