Tonight’s highly anticipated matchup between between No. 1 Gonzaga and No. 5 Duke features the top two prospects on most 2022 draft boards — freshmen Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren.
Sam Vecenie of The Athletic recently shared his third mock draft for 2022, with Banchero, a 6’10” forward for Duke, at No. 1, and Holmgren, a 7’0″ center for Gonzaga, at No. 2. Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report currently has the two players flipped, with Holmgren’s elite shot-blocking and offensive versatility slightly outranking Banchero’s physical tools and high skill-level.
Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated thinks that Holmgren has more at stake in Friday’s marquee matchup, because it might be his only opportunity to prove he can physically compete against two strong, NBA-bodied big men in Banchero and Mark Williams (No. 31 on Vecenie’s board). Holmgren has a huge 7’6″ wingspan, but weighs just 195 pounds.
The game will also feature three other projected draft picks, per Vecenie’s board: No. 12 A.J. Griffin (Duke), No. 17 Trevor Keels (Duke) and No. 44 Drew Timme (Gonzaga).
The two 6-0 teams face off at 9:30 PM CT on ESPN in what is likely to be the most heavily-scouted game of the men’s college basketball season.
Here are some more 2022 draft-related notes:
- Some scouts viewed Banchero and Holmgren in a tier of their own for 2022. However, freshman Jabari Smith of Auburn has been turning heads with his strong play, and Wasserman writes that he could be a future star as well. Vecenie has Smith third on his board, while Jeremy Woo has him second in his initial mock draft, ahead of Holmgren. Smith, who’s six months younger than Banchero and a year younger than Holmgren, is a 6’10” forward with an intriguing mix of skills, and is viewed as the best shooter of the projected top three picks.
- John Hollinger of The Athletic breaks down 10 potential draft picks — two sophomores and eight upperclassmen. The players range from projected high lottery picks (Jaden Ivey of Purdue, number five on Vecenie’s board) to fringe second-rounders (Scotty Pippen Jr. of Vanderbilt, not currently on Vecenie’s board).
- Jake Fisher of Bleacher Report wonders whether the NCAA is still the best path to the NBA for top prospects. He explores the pros and cons of the NCAA and alternatives such as G League Ignite, Overtime Elite, and playing internationally.
Must see TV !!
Holmgren and Banchero are both can’t miss prospects. Holmgren’s lack of weight isn’t nearly the issue it would have been a decade or more ago when bugs had to bang in the box and fight for positioning only operating down low.
With that said his height and size will only be a positive for him moving forward, injuries aside. Now, he will need to add some weight and strength, but his effectiveness doesn’t depend on him adding a ton of muscle. Skinny bigs can be just as effective nowadays as bugger thicker bigs. Actually, not having to carry all that extra weight is an advantage in today’s NBA. It allows them to play faster, guard multiple positions around the perimeter, and they don’t have to clog the lanes. Not to mention playing lighter for someone over seven feet puts less pressure on their body, which could help with preventing injuries..
Name one.
2K God Bol Bol
Evan Mobley
Kevin Garnett is the OG in this category
Holmgrem is thinner than KD right now. Not ready for NBA. He should stay another yr and gain weight. Cause he will experience culture shock if he comes out. Jabari and Banchero are solid picks. Both big 4s, I mean real PFs. Duke and Gonzaga play tonight. Check it out for yourselves. Banchero is for real. A 2way player fundamentally sound.
Imo, never stay another year if your a top 10 pick. Especially top 2, that’s 8 to 10 million a year. Besides now you hit Early Extention eligible and or RFA a year early and make 30+ a year earlier.
They gave Markelle Fultz 50M more and gets a scrub that has no heart to play. Always enter the draft if you’re a consensus Top 1 or 2 pick. You can get a degree if you want, and you can still party. Nothing is preventing you from going back to hang w your boys at college after tou get drafted. Just check IDs make sure shes 18, don’t do it if shes too gone, and always put 2 on – the great philosopher of our time Asher Roth.
Also means possible Bust….
KG 6’ 11” and 240 LBs. Athletic for a center and also played the 4. Was a scorer mostly. But also a solid D player.
Mobley???? What’s he done
Listed at 7’ 220 LBs. He’ll never last at that. His dad and brother both have girth. He will put on the weight. But he is a good choice.
Bol can’t even get mins. Stick to 2K
Holmgrem hoy pushed around by Banchero. He’s not a center.
Holmgrem listed at 7’ 195lbs. Green at 6’6” will break him like a stick. If Zion runs him over. It could be manslaughter. He will never play in NBA at 195 LBs. Atleast KP can shoot. But even he at 7’3” 235 LBs. Wants no part of paint. I never take Holmgrem. You can have him
Seth Curry is 6’ 2” , 185 LBs
Steph Curry is 6’ 2”, 185 LBs. Both would dunk on Holmgrem and retire his aaaaa