Both Michigan forwards, Caleb Houstan and Moussa Daibate, chose to stay in the 2022 draft. This was a bit of a surprise. There are rumors floating about that Houstan has a first round promise, while Daibate projects as an early to mid second round pick. I think both could have benefited a lot from another year in school but sometimes you gotta strike while the iron is hot.
The biggest surprise out of all the players who took their name out of the draft was NC State combo guard Terquavion Smith. Smith was widely considered a likely late first round pick but instead he’ll be back with the Wolfpack for a second season where he’ll have a chance to be one of the top scorers in college basketball next season and could work his way up into the lottery conversation in a loaded 2023 draft. I love this move. Smith has a massive opportunity ahead of him and the payoff could be huge.
Both Michigan forwards, Caleb Houstan and Moussa Daibate, chose to stay in the 2022 draft. This was a bit of a surprise. There are rumors floating about that Houstan has a first round promise, while Daibate projects as an early to mid second round pick. I think both could have benefitted a lot from another year in school but sometimes you gotta strike while the iron is hot.
Another mild surprise was John Butler keeping his name in the draft. I like Butler a lot and believe in his upside but think it would have been hugely beneficial for him to play another your at Florida State. As it stands he could slide into the late first round but more than likely will end up in the second round. Another year in school could have catapulted him into the top half of round one next year.
One of the biggest risers on this big board is Arizona guard Dalen Terry who waited until the last minute to announce his decision to stay in the draft.
J.D. Davison has fallen outside the top 70. With Jaden Bradley coming in to the Alabama program next year it might have forced J.D.’s hand. Still, another year in school might have been a good move.
Gonzaga prospects Julian Strawther and Drew Timme have both withdrawn from the draft. Strawther was listed on my previous big boards, while Timme was not in my top 70. Both will have a chance to improve their stock for next year.
Top 70 Big Board
1. Jabari Smith Jr. – PF – Auburn
2. Jaden Ivey – SG – Purdue
3. Chet Holmgren – PF/C – Gonzaga
4. Dyson Daniels – SG/SF – G League Ignite (Australia)
5. Paolo Banchero – PF – Duke
Read the full Big Board on Patreon
