2024 NBA Mock Draft (Version 2.0)

Posted on May 31, 2024 by Jon Teitel

The NBA Draft is scheduled to take place on June 26th/27th and until then we will do our best to predict where everyone will get selected. Some websites do their mock drafts based on “best player available” but we try to focus on team needs: for example, if a team like Atlanta already has Trae Young at the point then they are probably not selecting a PG with the 1st overall pick. Please see our 1st round predictions below and then tweet us your comments regarding what looks good and what might need a re-pick.

#. TEAM: NAME, POSITION (SCHOOL/YEAR OR COUNTRY)
1. Atlanta: Alexandre Sarr, C (France)
2. Washington: Zaccharie Risacher, SF/PF (France)
3. Houston: Stephon Castle, PG/SG (UConn/FR)
4. San Antonio: Dalton Knecht, SG/SF (Tennessee/SR)
5. Detroit: Matas Buzelis, SF (G-League/FR)
6. Charlotte: Reed Sheppard, PG/SG (Kentucky/FR)
7. Portland: Nikola Topic, PG (Serbia)
8. San Antonio: Donovan Clingan, C (UConn/SO)
9. Memphis: Ronald Holland, SF (G-League/FR)
10. Utah: Rob Dillingham, PG (Kentucky/FR)
11. Chicago: Cody Williams, SF (Colorado/FR)
12. Oklahoma City: Tidjane Salaun, PF (France)
13. Sacramento: Devin Carter, PG/SG (Providence/JR)
14. Portland: Ja’Kobe Walter, SG (Baylor/FR)
15. Miami: Isaiah Collier, PG (USC/FR)
16. Philadelphia: Carlton Carrington, PG/SG (Pittsburgh/FR)
17. New Orleans: Kyle Filipowski, C (Duke/SO)
18. Orlando: Jared McCain, PG/SG (Duke/FR)
19. Toronto: Tristan da Silva, PF (Colorado/SR)
20. Cleveland: KyShawn George, SF (Miami/FR)
21. New Orleans: Kel’el Ware, C (Indiana/SO)
22. Phoenix: Yves Missi, C (Baylor/FR)
23. Milwaukee: Johnny Furphy, SG/SF (Kansas/FR)
24. New York: DaRon Holmes II, PF (Dayton/JR)
25. New York: Tyler Kolek, PG (Marquette/SR)
26. Washington: Jaylon Tyson, SG/SF (California/JR)
27. Minnesota: Ryan Dunn, SF (Virginia/SO)
28. Denver: Zach Edey, C (Purdue/SR)
29. Toronto: Bobi Klintman, SF/PF (Sweden)
30. Boston: Justin Edwards, SF (Kentucky/FR)

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Going for the Gold: HoopsHD interviews Team USA U18 AmeriCup player Derrion Reid

Posted on May 29, 2024 by Jon Teitel

Even though the Olympics do not tip-off until July there are still basketball players who will be fighting for a gold medal in June. Team USA will try to beat out 7 other countries (Argentina/Belize/Brazil/Canada/Dominican Republic/Puerto Rico/Venezuela) in the 13th edition of the FIBA U18 AmeriCup biennial competition, while also trying to qualify for a spot in the 2025 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup in Switzerland. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to chat with Team USA player Derrion Reid about rolling with the Tide and being named a McDonald’s All-American.

You were born/raised in Georgia, and as a sophomore at Grovetown High School you won the Class 6A state title: what did it mean to you to win a championship? It meant a lot. I had big shoes to fill as 1 of the youngest players in my grade but even though there were 4 seniors in our starting lineup I was still able to make a good impact as a crucial piece.

Why did you decide to transfer last year to Prolific Prep? We had a couple of good years at Grovetown when I was a sophomore/junior, but after that senior class left I knew that I could expand my game by playing with higher competition.

You had scholarship offers from several great schools including Florida State/Georgia but you signed with Alabama last January: what was the biggest factor in your decision? It was so close because I had a great connection with all the schools and their coaching staffs. In the end I just felt that Alabama was the best fit for my style of play.

You are part of a great recruiting class that includes your Prolific Prep teammate Aiden Sherrell as well as Labaron Philon/Naasir Cunningham: how close are you and Aiden, and how well do you know the other 2 guys? Aiden and I are very tight: we have played against each other since we were growing up, saw each other at several camps, and were even roommates at Prolific Prep. Labaron and I played together for an entire year of AAU ball (with Team Thad) and have clicked since then. I played against Naas a little in the past and I expect to grow that relationship throughout the year ahead.

You missed most of this season due to knee surgery: how is your health doing now? I am 100% after doing various rehab in Alabama/Sacramento/at home.

Last January you were named a McDonald’s All-American (along with Aiden): what did it mean to you to receive such an outstanding honor? It was a dream come true. There were questions after my injury as to whether I could get back onto the court in time but I was good enough to play in the game so it was a great accomplishment.

You are listed at 6’8″: what position did you play in high school, and what position will you feel most comfortable at in college? I can play any position and will go wherever my coach needs me. I play mainly at the 3 but I can guard the 2 or the 4 or bring the ball up the court as the 1.

Your mother Marie played basketball at South Carolina State and led her team in scoring/rebounding as a senior: who is the best athlete in the family, and do you think that she will be moving to Tuscaloosa as well? I am definitely the best athlete in my family…even though some of my relatives do not want to admit it! As of now she is looking at moving to Alabama with me.

1 of your favorite players is Jayson Tatum: do you think he will win a championship next month? I actually texted him yesterday and told him to get it done!

On Tuesday you were named to the U18 national team that will compete in the Men’s AmeriCup next week in Argentina: what does it mean to represent your country, and what would it mean to you to win a gold medal? It means a lot. When I was younger I made out a list with a whole bunch of accomplishments and all of my short-term goals are finally coming true.

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The Hoops HD Report: May Session – NIL and House Case Discussion

Posted on May 20, 2024 by David Griggs

Chad is joined by Galen Clavio, Rocco Miller, and David as they discuss the ongoing House Case that the NCAA is involved in. We also look at how the NIL rules have changed the landscape of college sports, and how it will likely continue to change in the coming months and years. We also look at some of the immediate impacts it’s having, especially on the upcoming MTE’s for the 2024-2025 season.

And for all you radio lovers, below is an audio only version of the show…

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2024 Draft Preview: HoopsHD interviews Wright State G Trey Calvin

Posted on May 15, 2024 by Jon Teitel

The NBA Finals have not even begun but it is already time for most of the league to start preparing for next season. The lottery will be held on May 12th, the final deadline for early entry withdrawal is June 16th, and the draft will take place on June 26th/27th. We will spend the next several weeks interviewing as many members of this year’s draft class as possible. HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel continues our coverage by chatting with Wright State G Trey Calvin about being a great scorer and what it would mean to him to get drafted.

You were born/raised in Illinois: what made you choose Wright State? It was my only offer after my junior year: they were the 1st school to believe in me, so I went with them.

You played in 31 games as a freshman and averaged 18.4 MPG: how were you able to come in and contribute right from the start? At 1st I thought that I would be very good offensively…but the guy ahead of me was better so I just tried to become the best defender I could, which is why my coach would put me into the game.

In the 2022 NCAA tourney you scored 21 PTS in a win over Bryant and 16 PTS in a loss to Arizona: what is your favorite memory from that magical week? Beating Bryant to become the 1st team in school history to win an NCAA tourney game was very special.

In February of 2023 you scored a career-high 44 PTS and played 53 minutes in a 2-PT 3-OT loss at Youngstown State: where does that rank among the wildest games of your career? It is top-3 for sure. It was the most points that I ever scored in my life, and seeing so many game-tying shots to extend the game was amazing (www.youtube.com/watch?v=tecv474VXTE).

You were top-25 in the nation in 2023 with 20.3 PPG and your 2139 career PTS is #2 in school history: what is the secret to being a great scorer? For me it is about getting into the gym, putting in the time, and getting shots up 2-3 times/day, all of which gives me confidence.

Last season you led the conference with 89.6 FT%: what is the key to making FTs? The same thing: living in the gym. When you get up a lot of shots it will translate to the game.

Last March you were named 1st-Team All-Horizon/1st-Team All-NABC (District 12): what did it mean to you to receive such outstanding honors? It means a lot. I worked hard during my 1st 3 years but still was not the player I wanted to be, so it was nice to be acknowledged like that as a senior.

Your former coach Scott Nagy was recently hired at Southern Illinois: how do you think that his former assistant Clint Sargent will do as the new Wright State head coach? I think he will do very well, even better than some people think he will. He is a winning person/coach and has been part of a winning program so he will pick it up quickly.

1 of your strengths is your mid-range game, but it seems like the NBA these days is about making shots from behind the arc or at the rim: do you think there is room for your skill set to shine or do you need to change your offensive strategy? It will be easier to get mid-range shots at the pro level so even though I will try to become a better 3-PT shooter the mid-range is my bread-and-butter, so I am not going away from that.

What would it mean to you to get drafted, and what is the plan if you do not get drafted? Getting drafted has always been my dream so it would mean the world to me and my family. If not, then I will play pro basketball for whoever wants me, show them what I can do, and have fun with it.

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2024 NBA Mock Draft (Version 1.0)

Posted on May 13, 2024 by Jon Teitel

The NBA Draft is scheduled to take place on June 26th/27th and until then we will do our best to predict where everyone will get selected. Some websites do their mock drafts based on “best player available” but we try to focus on team needs: for example, if a team like Atlanta already has Trae Young at the point then they are probably not selecting a PG with the 1st overall pick. Please see our 1st round predictions below and then tweet us your comments regarding what looks good and what might need a re-pick.

#. TEAM: NAME, POSITION (SCHOOL/YEAR OR COUNTRY)
1. Atlanta: Alexandre Sarr, C (France)
2. Washington: Zaccharie Risacher, SF/PF (France)
3. Houston: Stephon Castle, PG/SG (UConn/FR)
4. San Antonio: Rob Dillingham, PG (Kentucky/FR)
5. Detroit: Matas Buzelis, SF (G-League/FR)
6. Charlotte: Reed Sheppard, PG/SG (Kentucky/FR)
7. Portland: Nikola Topic, PG (Serbia)
8. San Antonio: Donovan Clingan, C (UConn/SO)
9. Memphis: Dalton Knecht, SG/SF (Tennessee/SR)
10. Utah: Cody Williams, SF (Colorado/FR)
11. Chicago: Ronald Holland, SF (G-League/FR)
12. Oklahoma City: Tidjane Salaun, PF (France)
13. Sacramento: Ja’Kobe Walter, SG (Baylor/FR)
14. Portland: Yves Missi, C (Baylor/FR)
15. Miami: Isaiah Collier, PG (USC/FR)
16. Philadelphia: Kyle Filipowski, C (Duke/SO)
17. New Orleans: Tyler Smith, PF (G-League/FR)
18. Orlando: Devin Carter, PG/SG (Providence/JR)
19. Toronto: Jared McCain, PG/SG (Duke/FR)
20. Cleveland: KyShawn George, SF (Miami/FR)
21. New Orleans: Carlton Carrington, PG/SG (Pittsburgh/FR)
22. Phoenix: Terrence Shannon Jr., SG (Illinois/SR)
23. Milwaukee: Jaylon Tyson, SG/SF (California/JR)
24. New York: Johnny Furphy, SG/SF (Kansas/FR)
25. New York: Tyler Kolek, PG (Marquette/SR)
26. Washington: Tristan da Silva, PF (Colorado/SR)
27. Minnesota: Ryan Dunn, SF (Virginia/SO)
28. Denver: Pacome Dadiet, PF (France)
29. Toronto: Kel’el Ware, C (Indiana/SO)
30. Boston: Zach Edey, C (Purdue/SR)

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2024 Draft Preview: HoopsHD interviews Rice F Max Fiedler

Posted on May 10, 2024 by Jon Teitel

The NBA Finals have not even begun but it is already time for most of the league to start preparing for next season. The lottery will be held on May 12th, the final deadline for early entry withdrawal is June 16th, and the draft will take place on June 26th/27th. We will spend the next several weeks interviewing as many members of this year’s draft class as possible. HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel continues our coverage by chatting with Rice F Max Fiedler about being an Academic All-American and what it would mean to him to get drafted.

You were born/raised in Florida: what made you choose Rice? I really liked what they had going with their program, and I had a great relationship with all the coaches. It is a world-class institution so I liked that I could play high-level basketball while also getting a great degree.

In January of 2023 you became the 1st D-1 player in a decade to have a 20-PT triple-double while shooting 85 FG%: where does that game (24 PTS/12-14 FG/13 REB/11 AST in a 7-PT OT win at UTSA) rank among the greatest all-around performances of your career? That was a very fun game: getting a road win is always nice for the team. I had a good performance that night and I am glad that things fell our way. We were shaky for the 1st 38 minutes before pulling it out in OT:

Photo credit: kenpom.com

In the 2023 CBI quarterfinals you had 22 PTS/9-12 FG/16 REB in a 2-PT loss to Southern Utah: how close did you come to pulling off the upset after trailing by 14 PTS with under 5:30 to play? We were very close! We were down by 3 at the end before Travis Evee hit a jumper with 15 seconds left to tie it, but then Tevian Jones made a fadeaway jumper with 2 seconds left to win it. That loss stung a lot.

You finished that season #1 in the nation with 73.5 FG%: what is the secret to being a great shooter? Just looking for the right opportunity to score and not forcing it. You must be aggressive and take what the defense gives you.

Last summer your school switched from C-USA to the AAC: any thoughts on conference realignment? For us it was good: the higher level of competition is good for the program, and you must change with the times and be ready to go.

You are a 3-time conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year and last month you were named an Academic All-American: how do you balance your work on the court with your work in the classroom, and what the heck is mathematical economic analysis?! It is economics with more of an emphasis on data analysis/statistics. You need good time-management and always keep the main things the main things.

Your parents Tristan/Sandy rowed at Miami, your uncle Brian Bollinger played for the 49ers, your cousin Brooke Bollinger played soccer at Florida State, and your cousin Ben Bollinger played football at Air Force: who is the best athlete in the family? We have some good athletes. I will say myself…but I am sure that everyone else would disagree!

Last month you played at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament: which of your fellow seniors impressed you the most (Sean East III/Aaron Estrada/DJ Horne/other)? It was a great event/experience. There are a lot of good players out there so everyone just went out and did their thing.

You are the only player in NCAA history with career stats of 1000+ PTS/1000+ REB/500+ AST/100+ STL/100+ BLK: what makes your skill set so unique, and do you think that anyone will ever match your numbers? I pride myself on being a versatile player who can score/rebound/get others involved. I had good teammates along the way who made things easier on my end. I am sure that someone will match my accolades 1 day and I will congratulate them when they do.

What would it mean to you to get drafted, and what is the plan if you do not get drafted? It would be a great honor: there are a lot of good players around the world, and I just want to make my mark. If not, it is not the end-all-be-all: I am just focused on finding a good situation where I can help teams win.

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