Big Board 4.0, Part 2
My February ranking of prospects 26-50 in the 2022 NBA Draft
On Thursday we debuted Big Board 4.0, Part 1, ranking the top 25 prospects in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Today we go deeper into the draft to look at bubble first rounders and potential second-round picks that have piqued the interest of NBA scouts.
The ranking of such players is challenging, as many teams have yet to build out their own boards in this range. I tried to include every prospect that at least one source rates as a first rounder.
You’ll see that this list is loaded with underperforming freshmen and international prospects as well as older prospects having terrific college seasons.
26 MARK WILLIAMS
Duke
Sophomore
Center
7’0” | 243 | Wingspan: 7’7”
Age on draft night: 20.5
2022 Draft Projection: 20-40
Scouts keep hoping to see Williams break out, but for the most part, he’s the same player he’s been all season.
Williams has a huge wingspan, is a solid athlete, provides elite shot blocking and rebounding and has some rudimentary offensive tools. Drafting Williams will be a bet that, given his age and physical profile, he will become a defensive force in the league.
In 21 games, Williams is averaging 16.3 points, 11.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 5.2 blocks and 0.9 steals per 36 minutes and shooting 68.9% from the field.
27 CALEB HOUSTAN
Michigan
Freshman
W
6’8” | 205 |
Age on draft night: 19.5
2022 Draft Projection: 20-40
As with several prospects covered Thursday, Houstan is another elite freshman who is barely hanging on to a first-round grade. He’s been shooting the ball better from 3 (he’s up to 35.6% from beyond the arc), which is helping his draft position.
We haven’t really gotten to see what he has to offer as a playmaker, which creates hope that there’s more to his game than we’ve seen at Michigan this season.
In 19 games, Houstan is averaging 12 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.3 blocks and 0.8 steals per 36 minutes and shooting 40.5% from the field and 35.6% from 3.