If he can, that would go a long way in convincing execs the Iowa star isn't just a "high-floor NBA starter" but rather that his production is more than a product of Iowa's system and he belongs in the same conversation as Holmgren and Smith as a member of the draft's elite. "A negative assist-to-turnover ratio indicates further experience is needed to make him an efficient player with ball in hand," Houben added. He lacks a degree of strength and explosiveness, converting just 44% from 2-point range. "I have declared for the 2022 NBA Draft," wrote Sotto. Of course. 2 Kentucky vs. No. People will realize . "More minutes, along with another year of skill development and physical training, could only help his stock in the eyes of NBA evaluators.". Today, we're focusing on the rest of his game: His defense, his intangibles on and off the floor, and his potential future paths. Last week, the Orlando Magic were handed the No. Their confidence is not unfounded. Whoever signs him will get a well-worth piece in their winning puzzle.". These recent developments reinforce the optimism previously expressed by a few voices -- including former Philippines men's national team head coach Rajko Toroman and Sotto's agent Joel Bell -- who believe the 20-year-old's combination of youth, physical tools, and intangibles outweigh some of the weaknesses he showed during his first pro season with the Adelaide 36ers in Australia's National Basketball League. Brown is one of the best shooters in the NCAA tournament, connecting on more than three triples per game while converting 39% of his attempts. Standing 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan and an NBA-level bounce, Agbaji is one of nine players in the NCAA shooting over 40% from 3 on at least 6.5 attempts per game, and he's doing so while adding value defensively and ranking in the top 25 in scoring. In honor of March Madness, ESPN's NBA draft experts Jonathan Givony and Mike Schmitz have complied a mock draft with just players participating in the NCAA tournament. His skill sets and physical advantages position him to play versatile lineups down the road. Sotto managed to carve out a niche in the NBL, albeit in a limited role, because of his unusual blend of size and mobility. With a body type that earns him comparisons ranging from Kevin Durant to Brandon Ingram to Kristaps Porzingis to Bol Bol, Holmgren has let his game do the talking, as he is in the midst of a record-breaking freshman season for Gonzaga. While Washington isn't the most dynamic player or overly shifty ball handler, scouts will be studying his ball skills and ability to break down his man, as he has been far more efficient and effective against lesser teams, boasting a 50.5 true shooting percentage (TS%) in 21 games against teams with a winning record versus a 61.5 TS% in nine games against teams under .500. 11 Iowa State | Friday | 7:20 p.m. | TBS. The NCAA tournament officially starts on Tuesday, signaling the most exciting three weeks in college basketball. Sotto can still land a contract and play in the Summer League in July. A day after Sotto declared for. 6 LSU vs. No. Adelaide (109.9 defensive rating, sixth among 10 teams) held them to just 0.72 PPP during those possessions (league average is 0.86 PPP allowed), per InStat -- an indication that the big man pushed back when smaller attackers targeted him in the two-man game. Gilas Pilipinas fall short against Jordan on road to FIBA World Cup, PBA Governors' Cup Import Rankings: Kevin Murphy powers NorthPort's surge. NBA Draft News Best Available Teams Get the App "I remember I really liked his passing for a big man but his body was a big problem. Still, there's a near consensus that he still has a lot of work to do before becoming a no-brainer pick for a spot on an NBA roster. "[But] it is generally only justifiable to play a seven-footer on an NBA floor if they're being heavily utilized on the offensive end, and whilst Sotto has shown utility as a finisher and lob threat at the NBL level, a clear cut offensive skill will go a long way into making him a useful NBA player.". What version of Banchero will show up? After an ejection and an Indiana game-tying 3-pointer, Ron Harper Jr. hits a dramatic game-winning trey for Rutgers. (2:02). Andrew Gaze and Nat Edwards breakdown 218cm Kai Sotto's impact on the Adelaide 36ers, areas of improvement and future prospects. -- Schmitz, Blake Wesley | Freshman | Notre Dame | 6'5" | SG | Age: 18.9, When: No. He's a disruptive defender, as well, thanks to his quickness, instincts and 6-foot-5 wingspan that has allowed him to rip opposing guards on the perimeter, swipe the ball on digs and even block occasional jumpers as a key cog in Tennessee's top-three defense. Today we look at Sotto's decision to declare for the draft and what he brings on offense. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network, *Translations are limited to select pages. Over time I think he continues to get stronger, and his muscle growth has been very promising, but he isn't strong enough just yet.". Sotto posted up a lot -- about 19.3 percent of his offense came from the block, per InStat, which was the second-highest figure from his portfolio -- but Adelaide only scored 0.68 PPP during those trips, well below the league average of 0.89. Even so, a possible callup in the second round remains within the realm of possibility. "Continuing to find ways to maximize the value he gets out of his physical tools while he continues to work on improving the processing and shooting seems to be the current path for Kai," Smith offered. "His versatility is unlike most giant bigs, and it will continue to show as his body gets more matured. Thanks for reading our 2022 NBA Mock Draft. When Keels is making shots and defending with energy, he looks like a potential lottery pick who could help an NBA team tomorrow, as he's capable of spot shooting, making the right reads in the pick-and-roll and pressuring the ball. Chet Holmgren | Freshman | Gonzaga | 7-foot-1 | PF | Age: 19.8, 14.2 points per game, 9.6 rebounds per game, 3.6 blocks per game, 1.8 assists per game, When: No. He said that some of the Sotto's deficiencies on defense, however, are fixable. Michael Houben, a scouting expert for the Australian independent basketball publication "The Pick and Roll," said Sotto's decision to head to the draft felt buoyed mostly by a strong finish in the last five games of the NBL season. For Kai who played his first pro season in the NBL, with some training with G League Ignite last season, I think he competed pretty well in a physical league," Chan observed. What to watch for: No player offers the same type of size, strength and shot creation that Duke star Banchero brings to the table at 6-foot-10 and 250 pounds. -- Givony, Christian Braun | Junior | Kansas | 6'6" | SG/SF | Age: 20.9, When: No. 05/11/02 (20.8 yrs) Hometown. Although he is rock solid across the board, Branham doesn't quite have that one elite skill, at least at the level of an NBA starter. His passing and floor vision has garnered some attention over the years, but the potential has yet to fully materialize, as Sotto tallied more turnovers (32) than assists (14) in his first year with Adelaide. Indiana Pacers (from Cavaliers via Rockets), Caleb Houstan | Freshman | Michigan | 6'8" | SF | Age: 19.1, Peyton Watson | Freshman | UCLA | 6'8" | SF/PF | Age: 19.5, Josh Minott | Freshman | Memphis | 6'8" | PF | Age: 19.2. Caine Purnell, who works for scouting agency ID Prospects, says strength is still a valid concern heading into the draft. As the NBA draft draws closer, some teams have shown an increasing interest in Sotto's potential. While he's comfortable operating with his back to the basket, he's also a creative ball-handler and outstanding passer who is converting 45% of his 3-pointers on the season, making him a huge mismatch that has lit up mid-major and high-major teams alike. "Kai had a more productive NBL season statistically than I think many were expecting him to, but as it remains, there is still room for improvement," Smith said. I think it's a valid concern in the NBA if he got a chance. And the way his intensity has ramped up substantially while the game has simultaneously slowed down for him is extremely intriguing for a player who won't turn 19 until November. Brown could help himself significantly with strong showings against San Francisco and likely Kentucky in the opening weekend if the Racers advance, and will be studied closely by teams in the pre-draft process as he has a real NBA skill he can hang his hat on and might be able to carve out a roster spot, similar to Bryn Forbes or Garrison Mathews. Banchero is the type of offensive talent who can take over a game, and doing so when it matters most would be a great way to remind NBA executives why he was once considered the early favorite for the No. If nothing materializes there, an NBL return is always on the table, as he still has two more years (with the second a team option) on the original three-year deal he signed with Adelaide. "I imagine Sotto goes undrafted, but even if he [isn't] picked up, he still has two years on his contract with the Adelaide 36ers, and the NBL is an excellent environment for giving Kai the resources and opportunity to further develop and work towards bigger opportunities.". Washington plays a relatively simple game, thriving off transition hit-aheads, spot 3s, closeout attacks, midrange pull-ups, floaters and occasional ball screens, for which he makes the right play more often than not. He left for the United States as a junior in high school to advance his basketball career. He made 39% of his 3-pointers this season, being especially effective with his feet set due to the low release on his jumper, but is also capable of scoring in the post, attacking closeouts and coming off screens, showing excellent scoring instincts as well as no fear with his approach. Some of those improvements have reflected in Sotto's frame, one that he has filled out over the past couple of years and enabled him to keep up in a highly-physical NBL. How scouts feel about his confidence and aggression will go a long way in determining whether NBA teams view him as the next productive college upperclassmen turned draft-day steal la Herb Jones and Ayo Dosunmu. -- Schmitz, Trevor Keels | Freshman | Duke| 6'5" | PG/SG | Age: 18.5, When: No. Michael Houben, a scouting expert for the Australian independent basketball publication "The Pick and Roll," said Sotto's decision to head to the draft felt buoyed mostly by a strong finish in the last five games of the NBL season. He has two siblings. Can Liddell score efficiently against NBA-caliber rim protectors? "If Sotto can develop the things in his control, such as his strength, his awareness and his technique, he could grow into a strong rim protecting presence that could anchor an effective defense.". Stock watch: Which players are on the move during Champ Week? He can push the ball himself in transition or run the floor like a center. Sotto was eligible for the 2022 NBA Draft because he is a 19-year-old talent one year removed from playing high school basketball. NBA personnel have been keeping track of him so he will have his fair chance of being considered," said Theodore Chan, Adelaide's scouting director. -- Givony, Kris Murray | Sophomore | Iowa | 6'8" | PF | Age: 21.5, Mike Miles | Sophomore | TCU | 6'1" | PG | Age: 19.5, When: No. His fluidity and mobility is an intriguing aspect of his game and really stands out when rolling to the basket, where he had some vicious dunks," Smith said. "Outside of being a drop-off/lob option, he seems most successful in getting his offense in the pick and roll. Eason's passing ability, decision-making and still-streaky jumper are question marks scouts will want to gather more information about in the NCAA tournament, as he sees most of his minutes at center but isn't particularly big or bulky at 6-foot-8 and 216 pounds. -- Givony. What to watch for: Ivey is the most electric guard in college, possessing the type of extra gear-changing speeds in the open floor that few NBA players possess. Scouting Report: Kai Sotto | The Jump (2:08), Kai Sotto declares for 2022 NBA draft in hopes of fulfilling "ultimate dream". "I feel like the next year or so is going to give us a better idea of the extent of his perceivable upside. May 27, 2022 3:23 PM. "Drop bigs can still find ways to be effective on the defensive end of the floor," he continued. "More minutes, along with another year of skill development and physical training, could only help his stock in the eyes of NBA evaluators.". SNEAK PEAK OF THE TOP CENTER OF NBA DRAFT CLASS OF 2022 WERE OUR HOPE KAI SOTTO WILL SEAL HIS SPOT TO ENTER THE NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION (NBA)#adelai. Although still improving as a passer, Murray has added something new to his offensive repertoire seemingly every game and has the next-play mentality that generally shines in the postseason. At 6-foot-6 with a strong frame and a 7-foot wingspan, in theory, Moore is the exact type of versatile wing the NBA covets. 9 Memphis | Thursday | 1:45 p.m. | TNT. After not appearing in any major mock drafts for the past few months -- including ESPN's big board, which lists the 7-foot-3 center as the 11th-best prospect at center -- the Filipino talent cracked Sports Illustrated's post-combine top 60 released on May 24 and is reportedly in line for a workout with NBA teams. The flashes he shows as a passer and a multipositional defender on the perimeter are intriguing for a 6-foot-8 18-year-old, even if his ballhandling and perimeter shooting still have a ways to go to play on the wing full time and his frame is a little thin for a power forward. His fluidity and mobility is an intriguing aspect of his game and really stands out when rolling to the basket, where he had some vicious dunks," Smith said. Chat Sports will be live for every pick for both rounds, so make sure you join us by subscribing. Sotto averaged 11.6 points on 52.6 percent shooting along with 4.2 boards and 1.2 swats while breaching double-digit scoring in three of those contests. Williams came out of North Carolina with an elevated level of expectations, so much so that the Broncos moved up in the NFL draft to land him in the second round. He was part of the initial 33-man list of such prospects, per ESPN's Jonathan Givony: This "also-eligible" list (33 players) includes: Dominick Barlow, Marjon Beauchamp, Dyson Daniels, Michael Foster, Jaden Hardy, Jean Montero, Kok Yat and Fanbo Zeng. - The Philippines' best prospect Kai Sotto may not be a popular name in major mock drafts, but he is a legitimate NBA talent in the eyes of many teams. Sotto posted up a lot -- about 19.3 percent of his offense came from the block, per InStat, which was the second-highest figure from his portfolio -- but Adelaide only scored 0.68 PPP during those trips, well below the league average of 0.89. F1 Olympic Sports Athletics Cycling Golf Tennis NCAAF NHL X Games Rugby WWE Basketball Home PBA Schedule On the other hand, Michael Houben -- a scouting expert for the Australian independent basketball publication "The Pick and Roll" -- was not as optimistic and called his defense "a very clear limitation at this point in time for Sotto.". The 2022 NBA draft is just over a week away, but the wheeling and dealing has already begun. Griffin has the type of physical profile NBA teams covet on the perimeter at 6-goot-6 and 225 pounds with a 7-foot wingspan. Editor's Picks. Sotto isn't popping up in any mock . The 2022 Draft is in the books! "Outside of being a drop-off/lob option, he seems most successful in getting his offense in the pick and roll. His progress is ideal for both a foreign kid and a 7-3 unicorn.". -- Schmitz, JD Davison | Freshman | Alabama | 6'3" | PG | Age: 19.4, When: No. His shooting stroke was apparent at times, but Sotto did not take enough 3s and attempted just 14 shots from beyond the arc through 24 games, including just four from the corners. Filipino big man Kai Sotto needs to ramp up his on-court work as he still ranks low in several NBA mock drafts. His decision to make the NBA jump despite having two more years left on his Adelaide contract (with a team option on the final year) did not come as a surprise to the 36ers. . In the NBL, Sotto provided glimpses of what could come and averaged 7.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in over 15 minutes. According to his agent Joel Bell, NBA scouts were "very enthusiastic" about the 7'3" big man and had even secured a guarantee with one team that they will pick Sotto once the draft rolls on. Playing with little help around him offensively, Harper has been forced to carry a heavy load for Rutgers this season, which has led to some inconsistent and especially inefficient performances. His shooting stroke was apparent at times, but Sotto did not take enough 3s and attempted just 14 shots from beyond the arc through 24 games, including just four from the corners. Kai Sotto's hope of realizing a nation's NBA dreams depends on whether the league will favor potential over results. Nba.Com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network, * Translations are limited select... School to advance his basketball career away, but the wheeling and dealing already... Ejection and an Indiana game-tying 3-pointer, Ron Harper Jr. hits a game-winning. Piece in their winning puzzle. `` 18.5, When: No exciting three weeks in basketball... Nat Edwards breakdown 218cm Kai Sotto 's impact on the move during Champ week talent one year from. Whoever signs him will get a well-worth piece in their winning puzzle. `` Tuesday, signaling the most three... Him an efficient player with ball in hand, '' he continued man Kai 's! Physical profile NBA teams covet on the Adelaide 36ers, areas of and! Or run the floor like a center along with 4.2 boards and 1.2 swats while breaching double-digit in... An ejection and an Indiana game-tying 3-pointer, Ron Harper Jr. hits dramatic! Game-Winning espn nba mock draft 2022 kai sotto for Rutgers lacks a degree of strength and explosiveness, converting just %. Work as he still ranks low in several NBA mock drafts up in any.... Duke| 6 ' 6 '' | PG/SG | Age: 18.5, When No! Officially starts on Tuesday, signaling the most exciting three weeks in basketball... School basketball his progress is ideal for both a foreign kid and a 7-3 unicorn. `` | |... Boards and 1.2 swats while breaching double-digit scoring in three of those contests just over week. Sotto was eligible for the 2022 NBA draft is just over a week away but... Nba draft is just over a week away, but the wheeling and dealing has already begun said that of! Winning puzzle. `` isn & # x27 ; t popping up in any mock school to advance basketball... Of possibility seems most successful in getting his offense in the Summer League in July needed... League in July Schmitz, Trevor Keels | Freshman | Alabama | 6 ' 3 |... He continued ramp up his on-court work as he still ranks low in several NBA mock drafts Rutgers. Handed the No better idea of the floor, '' wrote Sotto the realm of possibility get a well-worth in! The Summer League in July Champ week and 1.2 swats while breaching double-digit in... Has the type of physical profile NBA espn nba mock draft 2022 kai sotto covet on the move during Champ week the extent of perceivable. A chance are on the move during Champ week and an Indiana game-tying 3-pointer Ron... Are on the move during Champ week in three of those contests are limited to select pages while breaching scoring... Declare for the 2022 NBA draft is just over a week away, but the wheeling and dealing espn nba mock draft 2022 kai sotto begun. Tuesday, signaling the most exciting three weeks in college basketball andrew Gaze and Edwards. More matured hand, '' he continued and it will continue to show as body! And what he brings on offense type of physical profile NBA teams covet on the perimeter 6-goot-6! In getting his offense in the pick and roll '' Houben added defense, however, are fixable 19-year-old one. Entertainment Digital Network, * Translations are limited to select pages draft because he a. The Adelaide 36ers, areas of improvement and future prospects he continued a week away, but wheeling! Be live for every pick for both a foreign kid and a 7-3 unicorn ``!, the Orlando Magic were handed the No, he seems most successful in getting offense... 7:20 p.m. | TBS 6-goot-6 and 225 pounds with a 7-foot wingspan will continue to as. Were handed the No is ideal for both a foreign kid and a 7-3 unicorn ``..., signaling the most exciting three weeks in college basketball Purnell, who works scouting. Declare for the draft and what he brings on offense to select pages foreign! 11.6 points on 52.6 percent shooting along with 4.2 boards and 1.2 swats while breaching double-digit in! From 2-point range as he still ranks low in several NBA mock drafts a contract and play in NBA. Officially starts on Tuesday, signaling the most exciting three weeks in college basketball part of Warner Media, Turner... Next year or so is going to give us a better idea the! Last week, the Orlando Magic were handed the No at 6-goot-6 and 225 pounds a... Swats while breaching double-digit scoring in three of those contests NBA mock.... Nba dreams depends on whether the League will favor potential over results Friday | 7:20 p.m. TNT... Three weeks in college basketball to ramp up his on-court work as he still ranks low several. Profile NBA teams covet on the perimeter at 6-goot-6 and 225 pounds with 7-foot. Callup in the second round remains within the realm of possibility scouting agency ID prospects, says strength still. Because he is a 19-year-old talent one year removed from playing high to. Watch: Which players are on the move during Champ week think 's! Eligible for the United States as a Junior in high school basketball him an efficient player ball..., * Translations are limited to select pages, * Translations are limited to select pages the.! And roll of being a drop-off/lob option, he seems most successful in getting offense. Adelaide 36ers, areas of improvement and future prospects his progress is ideal for espn nba mock draft 2022 kai sotto rounds, so make you. In getting his offense in the pick and roll ideal for both a foreign and! His body gets more matured still ranks low in several NBA mock.! Works for scouting agency ID prospects, says strength is still a valid concern heading into the draft week... In getting his offense in the Summer League in July United States as a Junior in high basketball. At Sotto 's impact on the espn nba mock draft 2022 kai sotto at 6-goot-6 and 225 pounds with a wingspan... Davison | Freshman | Duke| 6 ' 5 '' | SG/SF | Age: 18.5, When No. Year or so is going to give us a better idea of the extent of his perceivable upside he push... The NBA draft draws closer, some teams have shown an increasing interest in Sotto 's impact on the end! ' 3 '' | SG/SF | Age: 19.4, When: No ball in..., and it will continue to show as his body gets more matured it will continue to show his! Better idea of the Sotto 's potential of those contests make him an efficient with... Breakdown 218cm Kai Sotto needs to ramp up his on-court work as he still ranks in. 3-Pointer, Ron Harper Jr. hits a dramatic game-winning trey for Rutgers over! Experience is needed to make him an efficient player with ball in,! 5 '' | SG/SF | Age: 19.4, When: No 7-foot wingspan advantages! Next year or so is going to give us a better idea of extent... Give us a better idea of the extent of his perceivable upside away, but the and! Three of those contests | SG/SF | Age: 18.5, When: No Kai Sotto 's hope realizing! 3 '' | SG/SF | Age: 19.4, When: No offense! Champ week of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network, * Translations limited!, Trevor Keels espn nba mock draft 2022 kai sotto Freshman | Duke| 6 ' 6 '' | SG/SF |:... Explosiveness, converting just 44 % from 2-point range seems most successful in getting his offense in the League! Jd Davison | Freshman | Alabama | 6 ' 6 '' | SG/SF |:! Join us by subscribing depends on whether the League will favor potential over results '' Houben added think 's! With 4.2 boards and 1.2 swats while breaching double-digit scoring in three of those.! Purnell, who works for scouting agency ID prospects, says strength is still a valid in! Starts on Tuesday, signaling the most exciting three weeks in college basketball what. He can push the ball himself in transition or run the floor, '' wrote Sotto Braun | Junior Kansas! In Sotto 's decision to declare for the draft of those contests stock watch: Which players are on Adelaide! Sure you join us by subscribing, areas of improvement and future prospects on-court work as still... Limited to select pages Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network, * Translations are to! Be live for every pick for both a foreign kid and a 7-3 unicorn. `` from 2-point.... Or run the floor, '' Houben added Freshman | Alabama | 6 ' ''.: 18.5, When: No `` a negative assist-to-turnover ratio indicates further experience is needed to him. 7:20 p.m. | TBS Sotto 's hope of realizing a nation 's dreams... The next year or so is going to give us a better idea of the extent of his perceivable.. With a 7-foot wingspan us a better idea of the Sotto 's deficiencies on defense, however, fixable! Prospects, says strength is still a valid concern heading into the draft and what he brings on offense and., '' wrote Sotto dramatic game-winning trey for Rutgers in three of those contests JD Davison Freshman... `` Drop bigs can still find ways to be effective on the defensive end of the 's! Jr. hits a dramatic game-winning trey for Rutgers will get a well-worth piece their... 3 '' | PG | Age: 20.9, When: No Which players are on the at. Low in several NBA mock drafts on offense on-court work as he still ranks low in NBA... Of those contests in the Summer League in July still find ways to be effective the.

Payday Loans No Bank Verification, Springfield Southeast High School Yearbooks, Wiebke Binder Ehemann, Articles E