AJ Dybantsa’s tantalizing skill has long made him the favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick in the .
The BYU standout met all expectations in becoming a . He’s the headliner among a forward group that features fellow freshmen Cameron Boozer of Duke and North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson. That trio, along with , form the top tier of overall prospects.
Here鈥檚 a look at top forwards entering first round of the draft Tuesday night:
A.J. Dybantsa, BYU
STRENGTHS: Dybantsa averaged a national-best 25.5 points with his ability to create his own shot and get to the foul line. He also averaged 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists and shot 51%, packaged in a sturdy 6-foot-9, 217-pound frame.
He scored and broke Kevin Durant’s freshman Big 12 Tournament record with . He also led the country in free throws (229) and attempts (296), getting to the line at least 10 times in 15 games.
Synergy rated him as 鈥淓xcellent鈥� as the ball handler in pick-and-roll scenarios (87th percentile, 27% of total possessions) and post-ups (94th, 10.9%). He also popped against top-10 foes by averaging 26.9 points in seven games, including and a near triple-double (29 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists) .
CONCERNS: His 3-point shot needs refinement. He hit 33.1%, including a final-month slide of 18 for 66 (27.3%) in 12 games. He also must cut down mistakes after averaging 3.1 turnovers.
Cameron Boozer, Duke
STRENGTHS: The 6-8, 253-pound son of former Duke and NBA player Carlos Boozer was a steady interior presence
He averaged 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds, routinely finishing through contact (55.6% field goals, 78.9% free throws) that sometimes left him and . He shot 39.1% on 3s, with Synergy rating him as 鈥淓xcellent鈥� against man defense (94th percentile), on post-ups (86th) and spot-up shots (95th).
He鈥檚 a strong passer (4.1 assists) out of double teams and could initiate Duke鈥檚 offense up top, notably .
CONCERNS: Boozer isn’t an explosive athlete, relying more on strength and positioning than playing above the rim.
in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament title game (season-low 13 points, 3-for-17 shooting, four shots blocked) illustrated challenges that could await when he has to finish over bigger and longer defenders. The athleticism question could also show in handling defensive switches onto quicker players.
Caleb Wilson, UNC
STRENGTHS: He has explosive athleticism, a go-go-go motor, a 7-foot wingspan and a spotlight-embracing personality. The 6-foot-9, 211-pound freshman averaged 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds while thriving at the rim and in transition, becoming a second-team AP All-American.
Notably, with 24 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals while showing a soft touch on multiple fading turnarounds. He also stepped up against rival Duke and fellow top pro prospect Cameron Boozer, scoring 17 of his 23 points before halftime to keep the Tar Heels close before they won .
Wilson was leading the country in dunks (66) when he , then he broke his right thumb in practice .
CONCERNS: He’ll have to add strength to handle physical play and extend his range (25.9% on 3s). He also could improve his consistency when it comes to defensive focus, even after averaging 1.4 blocks and 1.5 steals.
Nate Ament, Tennessee
STRENGTHS: The 6-10, 211-pound freshman offers an intriguing blend of versatility and fluid athleticism as a lottery prospect. He was the No. 2 scorer (16.7) and a quality passer for a team that reached the NCAA Elite Eight.
A strong monthlong run in the Southeastern Conference (22.8 points on 45.2% shooting with 39.1% on 3s from Jan. 10 to Feb. 20) illustrated his long-term potential. He also had 17 of his 27 points after halftime .
CONCERNS: He’ll need to get stronger. He leans heavily on his jumper 鈥� spot-up shots accounting for nearly 19% of his possessions, according to Synergy 鈥� and must fill in his game.
Others of note:
鈥� YAXEL LENDEBORG: The first-team AP All-American . He has a strong frame (6-9, 241) and a better than 7-3 wingspan. He shot 37.2% from 3-point range at career-high volume after hitting at 34.9% through two seasons at UAB. He showed tough competitiveness . He’s older (23) but the potential lottery pick could be an immediate contributor.
鈥� MOREZ JOHNSON JR.: Another member of Michigan’s title run, the 6-9, 251-pound sophomore could go in the late lottery after averaging 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks. His versatility could have him work at forward or as a small-ball 5-man with his better than 7-3 wingspan (ninth among 75 players measured at the combine). He has particularly thrived as a cutter, in post-ups and in finishing at the rim.
鈥� KARIM LOPEZ: The 6-8, 222-pound native of Mexico has spent two seasons in Australia’s National Basketball League鈥檚 鈥淣ext Stars鈥� developmental program that produced lottery picks LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey and Alex Sarr in recent years. He averaged 11.9 points and 6.1 rebounds last year with versatility, athleticism and a nearly 7-foot wingspan.
鈥� ALLEN GRAVES: The 6-8, 226-pound Graves was the West Coast Conference鈥檚 freshman of the year for Santa Clara’s NCAA Tournament team. He averaged 11.8 points and 6.5 rebounds while playing just 22.6 minutes, showing range (41.3% on 3s) and defensive potential (0.9 blocks. 1.9 steals).
鈥� KOA PEAT: The 6-7, 245-pound Arizona freshman scored primarily in transition, on postups or as the roller in pick-and-rolls. He tied for fifth at the combine in standing vertical leap (34.5 inches) but has didn’t show much range (seven made 3s) while his jumper rated as 鈥淏elow Average鈥� (27th percentile) by Synergy.
鈥� JOSHUA JEFFERSON: The second-team AP All-American from Iowa State has a strong frame (6-8, 246). The senior averaged 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists with the ability initiate offense and facilitate open looks.
鈥� ALEX KARABAN: The 6-7, 225-pound redshirt senior from UConn could be a late first-rounder with range (career 37.4% on 3s) and plus length (6-11 wingspan). He鈥檚 also a winner; as a full-time starter.
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