As SEC, Big Ten squabble, the College Football Playoff wins
College Sports Inc. isn't your typical family unit, where it's better if parents get along.
When the SEC and Big Ten - the joint heads of college sports' household - squabble, like they are now over the College Football Playoff's future format, it offers a runway for a compromise solution to emerge. And compromise could result in a sensible playoff.
The SEC is the only conference powerful enough to check the Big Ten's playoff-bending power, and vice versa.
Conference commissioners exited a Wednesday summit in North Carolina without aligning on a playoff format for 2026 and beyond. The Big Ten and SEC are not united behind the same format, with each exercising its checks-and-balance powers.
A few potential formats have surfaced, without consensus. That's well enough, for now.
That we have no playoff format for 2026 yet means the two conference power brokers didn't sync up and stampede their way to a rigged playoff that explicitly preassigns rewards to the "Super Two" conferences - though not for the Big Ten's lack of trying.
The Big Ten favors a rigged 16-team playoff format that would preassign four automatic playoff bids to the Big Ten, four more to the SEC, two apiece to the ACC and Big 12, and one more auto bid remaining up for grabs for another conference champion, along with three at-large bids. This plan also could include play-in games to determine the automatic bids.
The ACC and Big 12 disavow this format that preemptively stacks the deck against them, but they carry water pistols. Only the SEC possesses the bazooka to fend off this format that would reward a conference's preseason clout and prestige as much as in-season merit.
The SEC, at first, expressed openness to the Big Ten's auto-bid idea, but support for the plan faded after the SEC's coaches and athletic directors gathered in May for conference meetings, where they gained more information about formats under consideration.
By the time those SEC meetings ended, the mood within the conference seemed to shift in favor of a 5+11 playoff format that would more explicitly weight strength of schedule. This model would preserve auto bids for the top five conference champions and leave open 11 at-large bids.
The ACC and Big 12 also favor a 5+11 format.
So, what's the issue?
Well, the Big Ten won't submit to this plan - not just because it prefers a different postseason format, but because it reportedly would like the SEC to tweak its regular-season schedule.
The Big Ten and Big 12 play nine conference games. The SEC and ACC play eight.
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey wants a ninth conference game, but his membership feels squeamish about adding another conference game that would guarantee another loss for half its members. The conference insists its teams already endure an unparalleled gauntlet, and yet no conference plays more cupcake opponents than the SEC.
To that end, Illinois coach Bret Bielema cried foul and conveyed the Big Ten's mood when he spoke to reporters this week at an event in Chicago.
"I don't think there's any way we could do a 16-team playoff if (the SEC) is not at nine (conference) games," Bielema said.
If the Big Ten and SEC don't align behind a playoff expansion format, the playoff could remain at 12 teams in 2026 and beyond, CFP executive director Rich Clark told reporters Wednesday.
Would that be so bad? The four-team playoff lasted for 10 years. I wouldn't mind getting a second look at the 12-team playoff before ramrodding through another format.
Anyway, we haven't even seen the 12-team playoff yet since commissioners tweaked the seeding rules earlier this year.
If playoff expansion occurs, I retain hope the conference infighting and checks-and-balances underway between the SEC and Big Ten will uncork a compromise that expands the playoff without rigging it, and also incentivizes teams to play tougher regular-season schedules, with fewer cupcake opponents.
What could a compromise look like?
? The SEC stands its ground on a 5+11 format that more explicitly weights schedule strength when determining at-large bids. The Big Ten accepts this format, if ...
? The SEC agrees to add a ninth conference game, or otherwise requires members to play a minimum of 10 games against Power Four opponents. Currently, most SEC teams play nine games against Power Four competition, while most teams from the Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC play at least 10 opponents from that tier.
A Dec. 1 deadline looms to determine a 2026 format. If the Big Ten and SEC remain entrenched in their preferences, compromise could be the only path forward to a 16-team playoff.
A compromise that would expand and improve the postseason, while bolstering the regular-season schedule, would be well worth this offseason bickering between Mom and Pop.
Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network's national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on X @btoppmeyer.
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The Guardian
3 days ago
- The Guardian
Cooper Flagg will go No 1 in the NBA draft. He also broke the Duke supervillain stereotype
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Flagg dominated college basketball and has been universally praised all season, even by those who have historically hated everything Duke. The question is why? Why is Cooper Flagg embraced by all and not hated like most white Duke superstars? First, it's worth looking at WNBA phenom Caitlin Clark. There has been speculation that racial animosity and jealousy is at play due to the fact that Clark is excelling in the traditionally Black space of the WNBA. But there seems to be no accusations of backlash, jealousy or animosity against other elite white WNBA players such as Breanna Stewart, Sue Bird, Kelsey Plum, Diana Taurasi, Sabrina Ionescu and Paige Bueckers. So what makes Clark different? One could argue it's less about her race and more about her demeanor. Take, for example, her recent game against the Connecticut Sun. 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He slapped the floor on defense, barked at refs, and carried the swagger of a country club brat. Think Topper or Rafe from Outer Banks – golf shirts tucked in, collar popped, dripping with entitlement. Flagg? A humble kid from Maine, couldn't be further from that Laettner: The Ultimate Villain Laettner was so hated that ESPN even made a documentary on the subject. I met Laettner when we became NBA teammates, and the first thing I said to him was that I grew up hating him. He laughed and said, 'Yeah, all the brothas hate me.' I said, 'No, all jokes aside, I always said if I ever met you, I was going to punch you in the face on sight.' In a flash, he replied: 'Well, if you still feel that way after two months, I'll give you a free shot.' Turns out, Laettner was one of the coolest cats on the team. Later, when we were traded to the Washington Wizards together, his locker was right next to mine and we talked all the time. He was the nicest guy. Got along with everyone in the locker room. 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He doesn't whine, throw tantrums when he doesn't get his way, he doesn't flop, doesn't bark at refs or exude white privilege. He just hoops. And he respects the game. And when his name is called with the first pick for the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, there will be no hate, no eye rolls, no animosity, no boos, no: 'Oh I can't stand that white boy' there will be nothing but respect, and admiration for the player and the person he is. And that's not just about stats, that has just as much to do with his personality, his demeanor and how he carries himself. Etan Thomas played in the NBA from 2000 through 2011. He is a published poet, activist and motivational speaker
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
NBA mock draft: Final projection for every pick in first round
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Flagg, who added more muscle since the start of the year, is a physical player who initiates contact, is confident and plays with force when necessary. He led Duke to an impressive season, which includes the ACC regular-season title, ACC tournament title and Final Four appearance. He had 30 points, seven assists and six rebounds in a regional semifinal victory against Arizona and 16 points and nine rebounds in a regional final against Alabama. Flagg had 27 points, seven rebounds, three blocks and two steals in a Final Four loss to Houston. 2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, Rutgers Freshman, guard, 6-4 1/2 , 213, 19 2024-25 stats: 19.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.4 spg, 48.4% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 75% FT The lefty stroke will remind some of Jalen Brunson, but Harper has far more size at 6-6 and tremendous length with a wingspan of 6-foot-10. Harper's best asset at the next level might be his versatility to run point and play off the ball. In Rutgers' lone Big Ten tournament game, Harper had 27 points (9-for-21 shooting), eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks in a double-overtime loss to Southern California. 3. Philadelphia 76ers: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor Freshman, guard, 6-4, 193, 19 2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.2 apg, 2.1 spg, 43.6% FG, 34% 3PT, 78.2% FT The Bahamian native has displayed his athleticism, has shown he can be explosive and has an elite knack for steals. He will be able to contribute at the NBA level and can be aggressive at the point of attack. The freshman is a high-level off-ball scorer but can improve when it comes to on-ball scoring. Edgecombe logged significant minutes at the end of the season. He had 16 points, six rebounds and one steal in a NCAA Tournament second-round loss to Duke. 4. Charlotte Hornets: Ace Bailey, Rutgers Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7 1/2 , 202, 18 2024-25 stats: 17.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.3 bpg, 46% FG, 34.6% 3PT, 69.2% FT Bailey is a hyper-athletic wing with length and size coming into a league that prioritizes players built exactly the way he is with exactly the skill set he has: an effortless and reliable shot and an attack-first mentality with an ability to finish at the rim. Needs to improve as a playmaker on the pass and free throws. But even when offense isn't easy, he remains active on defense. He had 17 points, seven rebounds, three steals and one block in season-ending loss to USC. He is the only U.S. player who has not worked out for any teams, and his approach to the draft could impact where he is drafted. 5. Utah Jazz: Tre Johnson, Texas Freshman, guard, 6-4 3/4 , 190, 19 2024-25 stats: 19.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.7 apg, 42.7% FG, 39.7% 3PT, 87.1% FT Johnson is a natural shooter and scorer. He does well when scoring on the move and is a decent playmaker for his size. He still needs to work on his ability to make plays for others. He must also work on his strength and his explosiveness in order to assert himself as a finisher at the rim. He had three 30-point games in the past two months, including 39 against Arkansas on Feb. 26. He had 23 points and six rebounds in an NCAA Tournament loss to Xavier. 6. Washington Wizards: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma Freshman, guard, 6-2 1/2 , 180, 18 2024-25 stats: 17.1 ppg, 4.1 apg, 4.1 rpg, 1.6 spg, 43.4% FG, 28.4% 3PT, 85.1% FT Solid start to his freshman season; quick on the dribble; has strength going to the rim and can finish; operates well in the pick-and-roll as a scorer and passer; needs to improve his 3-point shot but potential is there. Fears scored a season-high 31 points and added five assists and four rebounds in a win against ranked Missouri. Fears had a strong SEC tournament, producing 29 points, six rebounds and five steals plus five turnovers in a victory against Georgia and 28 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals (just one turnover) in a loss to Kentucky. He generated 20 points, five rebounds and four assists in a NCAA Tournament first-round loss to UConn. 7. New Orleans Pelicans: Kon Knueppel, Duke Freshman, guard-forward, 6-5, 219, 19 2024-25 stats: 14.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.7 apg, 47.9% FG, 40.6% 3PT, 91.4% FT He can ignite an offense with his 3-point shot, thanks to an efficient motion, seemingly always ready to receive the ball in his shooting pocket. He can also lace shots from midrange, take care of the ball and is money on free throws. In the ACC tournament, Knueppel averaged 21 points (28 against Georgia Tech) and shot 48.6% from the field, stepping up with Flagg injured. He averaged 20.5 points and shot 11-for-22 from the field (4-for-6 on 3s) in two regional games. He had 21 points, five rebounds and five assists in an Elite Eight victory against Alabama, and 16 points and seven rebounds in a Final Four loss to Houston. 8. Brooklyn Nets: Khaman Maluach, Duke Freshman, center, 7-0 1/2 , 253, 18 2024-25 stats: 8.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.3 bpg, 71.2% FG, 76.6% FT Playing about 20 minutes per game, Maluach is a mobile big who excels in pick-and-rolls and has the hands to catch lobs for easy dunks; soft touch at the rim; shot-blocker/rim protector; active on the offensive glass; will get stronger and has a great aptitude for the game, learning concepts quickly. In four NCAA Tournament games, Maluach, who played for South Sudan at the 2024 Paris Olympics, averages 11.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and shoots 86.9% from the field (20-for-23) and had 14 points and nine rebounds in Elite Eight victory against Alabama. He struggled to make an impact in the Final Four loss to Houston with just six points and no rebounds. 9. Toronto Raptors: Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois Freshman, guard, 6-4 3/4 , 205, 19 2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 4.7 apg, 44% FG, 31.8% 3PT, 84.5% FT Jakucionis is a playmaker - a scorer and passer. He has range with a nice 3-ball, can shoot off the dribble from deep, including on step-back 3s, and looks for an open teammate when he draws multiple defenders. Jakucionis sees the court well with savvy passes and likes to get to the rim for layups. But he can be turnover-prone. He struggled offensively at the end of the season, shooting 32.5% from the field and committing 24 turnovers in the final four games. He had 16 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds in a first-round NCAA Tournament victory against Xavier. 10. Houston Rockets (traded to Suns for Kevin Durant): Derik Queen, Maryland Freshman, center, 6-9 1/4 , 248, 20 2024-25 stats: 16.5 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.1 spg, 1.1 bpg, 52.6% FG, 76.6% FT An active, physical big man, Queen has a soft touch around the rim with either hand but has a power game, too. He can run the court and handle the basketball well for a power forward-center. He is another potential first-round pick with good hands and footwork and has the mechanics to become a shooter who can stretch the floor. Queen had 27 points, five rebounds and two steals in a Sweet 16 loss to eventual champion Florida. 11. Portland Trail Blazers: Carter Bryant, Arizona Freshman, forward, 6-6 1/2 , 215, 19 2024-25 stats: 6.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.0 bpg, 46% FG, 37.1% 3PT, 69.5% FT The athletic forward provides a solid combination of strength and fluidity. He has lateral quickness to stay in front of the ball and the ability to block shots. He can still improve on his technique as a finisher and in scoring efficiency. He will get an increased opportunity to impress scouts and executives at the draft combine if he enters the draft. Bryant scored 12 points and collected five rebounds and three blocks in 20 minutes in a victory against Akron in the NCAA Tournament. 12. Chicago Bulls: Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) Forward, 6-10, 198, 18 2024-25 stats: 10.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.1 apg, 51.6% FG, 27% 3PT, 70.5% FT The next forward with elite finishing ability to come out of France, Essengue figures to be more of a developmental prospect, but his size, instincts at the rim and plus-defensive ability could make him a star if he bulks up. 13. Atlanta Hawks: Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina Sophomore, forward, 6-6 1/2 , 239, 20 2024-25 stats: 16.8 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.4 agp, 1.5 spg, 1.3 bpg, 58.6% FG, 26.5% 3PT, 70.7% FT Although he's a bit undersized for a power forward, Murray-Boyles plays with intense effort and determination, which will very quickly please his NBA coaches. He also has plenty of strength to finish at the rim and was the SEC's No. 3 rebounder. Murray-Boyles had 35 points and seven rebounds against Arkansas late in the regular season and had 20 points and 12 rebounds in a loss to Arkansas in the SEC tournament. 14. San Antonio Spurs: Egor Demin, BYU Freshman, forward, 6-8 1/4 , 199, 19 2024-25 stats: 10.3 ppg, 5.4 apg, 3.8 rpg, 1.2 spg, 41% FG, 27.1% 3PT, 67.5% FT The Russian is a playmaker who can make quick decisions and facilitate for others. Demin is the size of a wing player but has guard-like skills. On defense, he uses his length to his advantage while forcing turnovers and being active in passing lanes. His shooting efficiency is a concern. Demin had difficulty with his offense as the season progressed. He had just three points with four turnovers, three assists and three rebounds in a Big 12 conference tournament victory against Iowa State and six points on 2-for-9 shooting (1-for-7 on 3s) with four assists and five turnovers in a conference tournament loss to Houston. In three NCAA tournament games, he averaged 13.7 points, 5.7 assists and 4.7 rebounds and was 15-for-35 from the field. 15. Oklahoma City Thunder: Asa Newell Freshman, forward, 6-9, 224, 19 2024-25 stats: 15.4 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.0 spg, 1.0 bpg, 54.3% FG, 29.2% 3PT, 74.8% FT Based off of his size, Newell wouldn't appear to be as quick and fluid as he is, which should make him an instant threat in pick-and-roll situations. He was one of the lone bright spots for the Bulldogs in a loss against No. 1 Auburn with a team-high 20 points. His scoring dipped at the end of the regular season, however, he had 20 points and eight rebounds in a first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Gonzaga. 16. Memphis Grizzlies (from Orlando): Joan Beringer, KK Cedevita (Adriatic League) Forward-center, 6-10, 230, 18 2024-25 stats: 5.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 61.5% FG, 58.4% FT Beringer has gained traction among NBA scouts and executives as a mobile big man who can run the pick-and-roll as a screener on offense and guard the pick-and-roll. He doesn't have a lot of experience but his potential, especially as a rim protector, has made him a first-round prospect. Another player who has improved throughout the season. 17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jase Richardson, Michigan State Freshman, guard, 6-0 1/2 , 178, 19 2024-25 stats: 12.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.9 apg, 49.3% FG, 41.2% 3PT, 83.6% FT Richardson improved as the season progressed and turned into the Spartans' steady hand with the basketball as a shooter (inside and out) and facilitator. He is an active defender with surprising bouts of athleticism. He also has a knack for collecting rebounds, big plays and poise under pressure. He had an up-and-down NCAA Tournament in four games - 5-for-11 shooting and 15 points against Bryant, 1-for-10 shooting against New Mexico, 20 points on 6-for-8 shooting against Ole Miss, and 4-for-13 shooting against Auburn. 18. Washington Wizards: Thomas Sorber, Georgetown Freshman, forward-center, 6-9 1/4 , 263, 19 2024-25 stats: 14.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.0 spg, 53.2% FG, 72.4% FT The standout freshman required surgery to repair a foot injury suffered Feb. 15 and missed the rest of the season. That could alter his plans for the draft, but Sorber is a stellar inside threat who's just as comfortable cutting to the basket on pick-and-rolls as he is backing down opponents. His rebounding and rim protection will make him an asset, as he continues to grow into his frame. 19. Brooklyn Nets: Liam McNeeley, UConn Freshman, forward, 6-6 3/4 , 215, 19 2024-25 stats: 14.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.3 apg, 38.1% FG, 31.7% 3PT, 86.6% FT What McNeeley may lack in fluid athleticism, he more than makes up for with a smooth, natural shot and knack for drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line. He also has a quick release and plenty of range to suggest that he should get early minutes. He bounced back since suffering an ankle injury New Year's Day that had sidelined him for a few weeks. McNeeley struggled with his shot at times down the stretch. In a Big East tournament loss to Creighton, McNeeley had 13 points on 6-for-20 shooting (0-for-5 on 3-pointers), and in his final eight games before the NCAA Tournament, he shot 34.1% from the field and 28.2% on 3s. In two NCAA Tournament games, he was 8-for-29 from the field, including 3-of-16 on 3s. 20. Miami Heat: Nolan Traore, Saint-Quentin (France) Guard, 6-4, 175, 19 2024-25 stats: 12 ppg, 4.8 apg, 1.9 rpg, 40.9% FG, 31.4% 3PT, 72.8% FT Traore is a point guard who can score and pass and has court awareness but also a propensity for bad turnovers. He's quick, can get to the rim and is comfortable taking his defender off the dribble. Needs to work on his shooting efficiency, especially on 3s. His brother, Armel, was on a two-way contract with the Los Angeles and South Bay Lakers before being waived in February. 21. Utah Jazz: Nique Clifford, Colorado State Fifth-year graduate season, guard, 6-5 1/4 , 202, 23 2024-25 stats: 18.9 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.2 spg, 49.6% FG, 37.7% 3PT, 77.7% FT Clifford is a versatile wing who does a lot of things - scoring, rebounding, passing and defending. He has a quick burst on drives to the basket and can finish with force or finesse. He logged big minutes for Colorado State and was excellent in the Rams' final six games before the NCAA tournament, posting 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.5 steals and shooting 60% from the field, including 54.8% on 3s. He had 36 points against Boise State at the end of the regular season and recorded two double-doubles in the Mountain West tournament. Clifford had 21 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two blocks in an NCAA tournament second-round loss to Maryland. 22. Atlanta Hawks: Cedric Coward, Washington State Senior, guard, 6-5 1/4 , 213, 21 2024-25 stats: 17.7 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 3.7 apg, 55.7% FG, 40% 3PT, 83.9% FT Coward started his college career at Division III Willamette University, then transferred to Eastern Washington and then switched to Washington State. He played in just six games in 2024-25 with a shoulder injury ending his senior season in November. Coward has great size for a guard, is solid on catch-and-shoot 3s and has the ability to get to the rim. 23. New Orleans (from Indiana): Danny Wolf, Michigan Junior, forward-center, 6-10 1/2 , 252, 21 2024-25 stats: 13.2 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.4 bpg, 49.7% FG, 33.6% 3PT, 59.4% FT The Yale transfer turned into a first-round selection thanks to his fluid scoring and play-making portfolio in the package of a 7-foot stretch big. Wolf played point guard at times this season for the Wolverines just like he played center. His handles make him a threat as the initiator in pick-and-roll actions and his range should translate to the NBA. Wolf had 21 points and 14 rebounds against Maryland in the Big Ten tournament semifinals and shot 52.9% from the field as the Wolverines won the conference tourney. He had 20 points and six rebounds in a NCAA regional semifinals loss to Auburn. 24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Will Riley, Illinois Freshman, forward, 6-8 1/4 , 186, 19 2024-25 stats: 12.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.2 apg, 43.2% FG, 32.6% 3PT, 72.4% FT Great size for a shooting guard who can make 3s and find open teammates. Like many, looks for offensive rebounds. His shot is a work in progress but the mechanics are there and he improved as a shooter and scorer as the season progressed. He shot 37-for-72 (51.4%) from the field and averaged 16.3 points in the Illini's final six games. 25. Orlando Magic: Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph's Junior, forward, 6-8 1/4 , 232, 20 2024-25 stats: 14.75 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 1.4 spg, 1.3 apg, 53.1% FG, 39% 3PT, 74.3% FT Fleming is a mobile forward who plays a physical game and has strong footwork to finesse his way around defenders. He likes to get easy buckets in transition, his 3-point percentage in nearly five attempts per game is encouraging and he is valuable in pick-and-rolls as the screener. Defensively, he deflects passes and can protect the rim. Fleming averaged 18.8 points and 7.7 rebounds and shot 58.9% in the last six regular-season Atlantic 10 Conference contests. 26. Brooklyn Nets: Maxime Raynaud, Stanford Senior, center, 7-0 1/4 , 237, 22 2024-25 stats: 20.2 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.4 bpg, 46.7% FG, 34.7% 3PT, 77% FT Born in Paris, Raynaud spent four seasons at Stanford and was first-team All-ACC his senior season. He can make 3s, rebound, protect the rim - the easy comparison is Oklahoma City's Chet Holmgren. Raynaud works well in the pick-and-roll, runs the floor well, sees the court and can play in the low post. 27. Brooklyn Nets: Walter Clayton Jr., Florida Senior, guard, 6-2, 199, 22 2024-25 stats: 18.3 ppg, 4.2 apg, 3.7 rpg, 1.2 spg, 44.8% FG, 38.6% 3PT, 85.7% FT Named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, Clayton had 34 points in the national semifinals against Auburn and 11 points, seven assists and five rebounds in the championship victory against Houston. He also scored 30 points in a regional final against Texas Tech and was 21-for-42 from the field in the Gators' final three games. Has range on 3-point shots and can shoot off the dribble or pass but needs to improve as a playmaker and defender. 28. Boston Celtics: Hugo Gonzalez, Real Madrid (Spain) Guard-forward, 6-7, 207, 19 2024-25 stats: 3.2 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 41% FG, 28.1% 3PT, 73.9% FT One of Europe's top young NBA prospects, Gonzalez is a versatile wing with the ability to score inside and out. He can handle the basketball, pass and is a surprising shot-blocker. He's still raw. 29. Phoenix Suns: Drake Powell, North Carolina Freshman, guard-forward, 6-5 1/4 , 200, 19 2024-25 stats: 7.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.1 apg, 48.3% FG, 37.9% 3PT, 64.8% FT Active on both ends of the court as a shot-blocker and physical and versatile defender, and as a player who likes to run the court, launch catch-and-shoot 3s and go one-on-one in the halfcourt. Playing on a deep team, especially on the perimeter, Powell doesn't possess eye-popping offensive stats but his shooting stats reveal his potential. Was an efficient scorer in limited opportunities and can be a solid rebounder from the perimeter. 30. Los Angeles Clippers: Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) Guard, 6-6, 200, 19 2024-25 stats: 12.2 ppg, 4.3 apg, 2.6 rpg, 1.2 spg, 45.5% FG, 28.6% 3PT, 72.7% FT He's just as comfortable knocking down a step-back jumper, finding creases in the paint and dishing the ball with excellent vision. He may need some time to develop as he adjusts to NBA athletes, but his length and size at point guard will make him an intriguing prospect.
NBC News
5 days ago
- NBC News
He's either an NBA star or the draft's biggest bust. Teams are trying to decide which it is.
Rutgers men's basketball coach Steve Pikiell remembers the first time he saw Ace Bailey. As a freshman at McEachern High School in Georgia, Bailey had a long, athletic frame and showed energy — but he 'was learning how to be a basketball player.' One year later, Pikiell and assistant coach Brandin Knight returned to see Bailey. They were both blown away by his development (and the extra 3 inches in height). 'I remember seeing him at the end of his sophomore year, and I just said to Brandin, 'He could be off-the-charts good.' And that's what he's become: off-the-charts good.' Bailey, a five-star recruit, signed with Rutgers and had what many consider a very good freshman season. He was productive individually, earning All-Big Ten honors and averaging 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. But the Scarlet Knights finished 15-17, 11th in the conference and, despite having two NBA likely lottery picks in Bailey and Dylan Harper, failed to make the NCAA tournament. Now, three months later and days away from the 2025 draft, the 18-year-old, 6-foot-8 small forward is once again trying to prove he belongs with the elite basketball players in the world. Some view him as a can't-miss NBA player, a scorer with size and skills capable of being a perennial All-Star. After former Duke star Cooper Flagg and Harper — the consensus top two selections — many say Bailey should be that next pick at No. 3. Others, however, see him as a raw prospect with maturity issues not worth the risk at the top of the draft. He's also reportedly fallen down teams' rankings after questionable offseason decisions. The biggest? Not working out for any NBA team in the pre-draft process, a move rarely seen before. This includes canceling scheduled time with the Philadelphia 76ers, who hold the third selection. All of this adds up to the most polarizing prospect in the 2025 class: You either love Bailey or want nothing to do with him. 'I think teams are overthinking it,' a Western Conference scout told NBC News. 'I've heard his interviews have been 'bad,' but he's a confident kid. Hard worker, believes in himself. Worst-case scenario he's a Michael Porter Jr. type, and best case is a Paul George.' Another college evaluator isn't so sure. (The scouts spoke on the condition of anonymity because they're not authorized to speak publicly.) 'He's obviously a top talent in the draft if everything maxed out. He scores a lot but doesn't impact the game a ton outside of scoring,' they said. 'Now you add in the off-the-court stuff where there are some teams scared about how he interviews and the people around him.' Few know what Bailey brings — and could bring — better than his college coach. A former UConn point guard who played and coached under the legendary Jim Calhoun, Pikiell has been around many NBA stars over his decades on the court and on the sidelines. He said the decision is a no-brainer for NBA franchises. 'Ace Bailey's upside is higher than anybody's in the entire draft,' Pikiell said. He added that included Rutgers' stud guard Harper, whom many prognosticators view as the second-best prospect in the draft behind Flagg. 'What he does at 18 years old is ridiculous,' Pikiell said about Bailey, who turns 19 in August. 'He's got a special work ethic, he's coachable, he's got all the intangibles, his body matures. He's got as quick a release as any player I've been around, including Ray Allen. He can get it off from deep and can create his own. He will get in the lane and get a shot off against all kinds of defenders.' However, there's a difference in getting a shot off and making a shot, a major criticism of Bailey. He'll occasionally make a highlight-reel play but follow it up with an ill-timed or contested one. The Athletic's John Hollinger, a former vice president of basketball operations for the Memphis Grizzlies, wrote that Bailey had 'arguably the worst shot selection in college basketball.' He had Bailey as his 12th-best prospect. ESPN college basketball and draft analyst Fran Fraschilla called that assessment of Bailey 'garbage.' 'His strength is his ability to take tough and make tough shots. Getting your own shot off in the NBA is a skill in and of itself,' Fraschilla told NBC News. 'When you have a 24-second clock and you're playing against a playoff-level team, you're not getting an easy shot on the first pass or two in the offense. And oftentimes, with the shot clock running down, you need somebody that can rise up and take a shot and make a shot. And he certainly has shown that capability.' Pikiell was even more blunt. 'I did not want him to make passes. I wanted those other guys to rebound, and I wanted him to take shots. So his job for me was to score points,' he said. 'When I watch these really good NBA guys, whether I'm watching the Celtics play or whether I'm watching OKC (Oklahoma City), those really good players make really difficult shots, and that's what makes them superstars. I think he's got a knack for making shots that other people would consider tough, and he practices them, too.' That was the other criticism that made the Rutgers coach laugh — the idea Bailey wasn't yet mature on or off the court. This was a player, he said, that teammates loved to play with, was coachable in both practice and games and constantly watched film. 'And he takes responsibility. When he doesn't play well, he takes responsibility for it. He tries to make changes when needed,' he said. 'For a kid who won't be 19 until the end of August, and he'll be drafted as an 18-year-old, he is very mature in accepting responsibility for his basketball. That's truly a strength.' If this is all true, it seems valid to wonder why Rutgers did not make the NCAA tournament, especially with two star players like Harper and Bailey. Pikiell says some of it comes down to the strength of the Big Ten, arguably the best conference in the country. Harper and Bailey also did not play together much, he said, as both were injured at different times over the season and sill had to shoulder a major part of the offense. It led to both taking on a much bigger role than anticipated, especially considering they were by far the biggest threats for opposing teams. If only one was on the court, defenses would often double and sometimes triple team to take them out of the game. A counter example would be Flagg, who played at Duke with two other expected lottery picks and a host of former All-American recruits. 'There's players in our country here that can't be triple teamed because the other five players are getting drafted, too,' Pikiell said. 'That wasn't what these guys faced every day, and every game they faced different looks by different teams and older players.' Adds Fraschilla: 'People criticize Rutgers for not going to the NCAA Tournament, but essentially, he and Dylan Harper were the only two high-major players on the team. Everybody else was a mid-major player.' In the end, it's up to NBA scouting departments and front offices to determine whether Bailey is worth the risk. Executives could easily chalk up Pikiell's comments simply as a coach defending his player … or they could use it to push past the recent wave of negativity toward the young prospect. They also must decide whether Bailey skipping workouts before the draft is concerning or just a tactic by his agent to get him to a team they view as more favorable for his game. How teams answer these questions could be the difference in whether they become a winner or remain at the bottom of the NBA hierarchy. Is Bailey worth that risk? If you ask his former coach, the upside is worth betting on. 'He's 18 years old,' Pikiell said. 'I don't even know if he shaves yet.'
