Early Risers: Under-the-Radar NBA Prospects Off to Hot Starts
Quiet Now, Loud Later: Why These Underrated Players Could Make Noise in the Draft
The start of this college basketball season has been a source of excitement and solace for me during what has been a challenging year. My wife’s cancer diagnosis turned life upside down, but diving into film and studying prospects has been a therapeutic escape and a reminder of how much I love the game. Basketball has always been my sanctuary, and this season has given me a renewed sense of purpose. With the season already underway, a handful of players have already caught my eye with their standout performances.
Outside of Stanford’s Maxime Raynaud, most of these names aren’t currently appearing on consensus draft boards—but that could all change very soon. I know it’s early, and statistics can sometimes be inflated against weaker competition, but these players have shown enough to warrant closer attention as the season progresses.
Here are a few prospects I believe are worth monitoring closely.
Elijah Mahi: A Sleeper Prospect Making Waves at Santa Clara
Santa Clara
Junior
Forward
6’7” | 220
Elijah Mahi, a 6'7", 220-pound forward from Canada, has quietly emerged as an intriguing prospect in his first season at Santa Clara. Mahi has hit the ground running, averaging 16.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. What truly grabs attention is his efficiency—shooting an incredible 64% from the floor and an eye-popping 66% from beyond the arc. Though the three-point attempts are limited (6-of-9 on the season), it’s hard to ignore those numbers. Mahi’s production builds on a stellar junior college career at West Valley College in California, where he led his team to a perfect 33-0 record and a state championship while being named California Player of the Year. During that campaign, he averaged 17.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and shot 54% from the floor and 47% from three.