Unveiling the Hidden Gems: 2024 NBA Draft's Senior Standouts
Three Under-the-Radar Prospects Catching the Eyes of NBA Scouts
As March Madness approaches, I’ll shine a spotlight on three senior NBA prospects who have flown under the radar this season. From Jaedon LeDee's versatile skill set to Tyon Grant-Foster's remarkable journey and Nique Clifford's emergence as a promising 3&D prospect, these players have caught the attention of NBA scouts with their impressive play and potential impact at the next level.
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NBA Draft Scouting Report: Jaedon LeDee
Jaedon LeDee is one of the more unique prospects in the country, as he has a rare blend of size, skill, and versatility. Listed at 6'9" and a chiseled 240 pounds, LeDee has the frame of an old-school bruiser and the game of a modern-day toolsy forward who can handle the ball, make plays for teammates, and knock down open jumpers.
This season, LeDee has been a matchup nightmare for opposing coaches, averaging 20.9 points and 8.4 rebounds while shooting 56.9% from the field and 41.2% from long range.
When you dig deeper into his numbers, LeDee is having one of the best statistical seasons in college basketball, according to Synergy Sports Technology.
LeDee is rated as excellent in the following categories according to Synergy:
Transition scoring - 81.5 FG% - 1.412 Points per Possession
Half-court scoring - 56.2 FG% - 1.117 Points per Possession
Post Ups - 58.5 FG% - 1.146 Points per Possession
Isolation scoring - 52.7 FG% - 1.114 Points per Possession
P&R Roll Man scoring - 61.8 FG% - 1.425 Points per Possession
Guarded Catch & Shoot jumpers - 52% FG - 1.28 Points per Possession
Dribble jumpers - 53.1% FG - 1.06 Points per Possession
Finishing at the rim - 67.5% FG - 1.35 Points per Possession
LeDee's success this season can be attributed to his versatility. He has the strength to bully and overpower smaller defenders near the rim, but he also poses a scoring threat from the mid-post with his face-up game and pull-up shooting. Additionally, his ball-handling skills allow him to effectively attack from the perimeter, often drawing fouls and earning trips to the free-throw line.
An impressive statistic highlighting LeDee's impact is his 8.3 free throw attempts per game, which ranks him 7th in the nation. This ability to get to the charity stripe frequently underscores his aggressive playing style and offensive impact.
LeDee has recently displayed an unexpected proficiency from beyond the arc, shooting 41% on 34 attempts. This marked improvement in his three-point shooting has caught the attention of scouts, which is particularly noteworthy as he had not made a single three-pointer in his career prior to this season.
As LeDee's ball-handling and passing instincts have flourished in his expanded role, the foundation of his court vision can be traced back to his experience as a point guard before transitioning to the frontcourt due to a growth spurt.
LeDee's initial commitment our of high school to Ohio State over other prominent programs was based on the expectation of playing as a face-up four, with opportunities to showcase his three-point shooting and perimeter attacking skills. However, he never found his niche at Ohio State and TCU, and he ultimately found the stage to showcase his game at San Diego State, where he has blossomed into a legitimate NBA prospect.
His breakout season has elevated him to the top of the Mountain West conference in scoring, averaging 20.8 points per game. He also ranks as the conference's third-best rebounder, averaging 8.5 rebounds per game. On a national level, LeDee ranks in the top 20 in free throw attempts, free throws made, double-doubles, points per game, and offensive rebounds.
While LeDee's age may be held against him in terms of draft position, as he will be 25 at the start of the NBA season, his experience and maturity could benefit a team early on. Additionally, from a financial standpoint, teams would acquire a player nearing his prime years while on a rookie deal.
Says an NBA scout:
LeDee will be someone I pitch hard as a guaranteed contract/priority 2-way guy; I absolutely love his game.
NBA Draft Scouting Report: Tyon Grant-Foster
Tyon Grant-Foster's journey in basketball has been anything but conventional. After facing two near-death experiences, Grant-Foster has found himself in a starring role for 26-4 Grand Canyon University.
Grant-Foster has emerged as arguably the best two-way prospect in the 2024 NBA draft. Yes, you read that correctly.
Offensively, he's an uber-confident shotmaker who lights up defenses with his quick first step, explosive hops, and shifty ball handling. At 6'7", he moves with the fluidity and body control of a 5'11" point guard and reminds me of a mix of Caris LeVert with Jordan Crawford's offensive firepower.
Over his last five games, Grant-Foster averaged 22.2 points and 10 rebounds on 51/36/90 shooting splits.
For the season, he's averaging 19.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, but his defense has really caught my attention. Grant-Foster is collecting 1.4 blocks and 1.6 steals per contest, using his quickness and athleticism to relentlessly pressure ball-handlers and create turnovers with his active hands.
Grant-Foster's main draw lies in his versatility in playing multiple positions at the NBA level, as he could operate as an off-ball guard or a traditional wing.
One NBA scout believes Grant-Foster is the best player in the country that nobody is talking about:
His offensive game speaks for itself. He's unstoppable in transition, shoots it and has legit NBA positional size and skill.
He's a top-five two-way guard in this draft. I didn't know he was this good defensively until I went to the last four games. This is really just his first real year playing; he hasn't even scratched the surface.
It's truly a miracle that we're even having conversations about Grant-Foster's basketball career and his potential as an NBA player.
After being ranked as the No. 2 junior college transfer recruit from Indian Hills Community College, he played in 22 games for Kansas before transferring to DePaul.
In his first game with the Blue Demons, Grant-Foster nailed a crucial 3-pointer just before halftime. However, the excitement quickly turned to fear when he collapsed in the team's locker room and had to be resuscitated multiple times on the way to the hospital.
He was subsequently diagnosed with heart scarring, initially putting his basketball career in jeopardy. Despite this setback, and after undergoing two heart surgeries and gaining approval from the Mayo Clinic, Grant-Foster is back on the court playing the game he loves.
While age and medical history may hinder his draft position, Grant-Foster's ability to make shots and potential as a defensive playmaker are also key factors for NBA teams to take into account.
NBA Draft Scouting Report: Nique Clifford
Colorado State's Nique Clifford has garnered attention from NBA scouts with his stellar play during a breakout senior season. Following his transfer from the University of Colorado, Clifford has bloomed into a promising NBA prospect, averaging 12.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 53% from the field, 39% from beyond the arc, and 80% from the free-throw line.
In his three seasons at Colorado, Clifford's numbers were modest, averaging just 5.4 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. The change in Clifford's performance can be attributed to a new system and more importantly, opportunity.
At 6'6", Clifford has the NBA positional size, shooting, and versatility that teams covet in a complimentary player. In a league craving additional wing depth, Clifford's profile stands out in a draft class full of uncertainty. This season, he's showcased he can impact games in a variety of ways, from rebounding, finishing in transition, and passing. While his primary role would be as a 3&D wing, Clifford has shown glimpses of his potential to effectively attack closeouts with his agility, body control, and lengthy strides to the basket.
Adds an NBA Scout:
I like him a lot and believe he could rise around the draft. It's scary that a kid this talented couldn't get a real opportunity at Colorado. Dribble, shoot, and pass wings that defend are hard to find. Especially ones that rebound on a high level with a high IQ. It makes me wonder how many other NBA-level prospects aren't getting a chance to find a rhythm at their current schools.
Nique Clifford's strong season at Colorado State has propelled him into the conversation for the 2024 NBA Draft, a scenario that seemed unlikely just a year ago when he was a part-time starter for Colorado, a cross-state rival.
LeDee is flat out phenomenal.-.-. I grew up in southern southern Cal.- and everyone who follows hoop is talking about this kid in the state. He will shoot up boards.