2024 NBA Draft: Top Mid-Major Prospects In The NCAA Tournament
The NCAA Tournament is right around the corner and we are set up to have one of the most exciting events in recent memory. This year, the mid-major talent is extremely deep, with many prospects who have a chance at raising their stock in the tournament.
Let’s dive into five notable mid-major prospects to keep an eye on.
Tucker DeVries | Drake
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DeVries is a 6-foot-7 wing who is sixth in the nation in points per game as he averages just under 22. The junior is known for his elite shooting ability but he’s much more than just an elite shooter. DeVries is a tough shot-maker who can make a variety of different shots off the dribble whether it’s a pull-up three from deep, a simple one-dribble pull-up jumper, a spin jumper or even a step-back jumper.
The Drake product possesses a ton of shot versatility and has a ton of tricks in his bag that allows him to score at a high level. He has enough passing and defensive ability to pair with his elite shooting ability. After a rough tournament performance in 2023, he’s looking to bounce back and raise his stock in this year’s tournament.
Tyon Grant-Foster | Grand Canyon
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Grant-Foster has one of the most unique and inspiring stories in all of college basketball. The 6-foot-7 wing started off at a Junior College and was named an All-American at the JuCo level. He committed to Kansas where he appeared in just 22 games but played less than ten minutes per game.
After playing a limited role at with the Jayhawks, he transferred to DePaul where he only played one half of basketball before he collapsed in the locker room and had to have his heart shocked back three times. He ended up having two heart surgeries and is finally back on the court after missing two seasons. Grant-Foster has a good handle, impressive scoring instincts and is a creative slasher. He could really rise on draft boards.
Riley Minix | Morehead State
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Minix is another Junior College product who is playing his very first year of Division I basketball. In his first year for Morehead State he’s averaging 20.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. Minix is a 6-foot-7 forward that has high level shot-making ability. He can really shoot it from deep as he has a smooth shooting stroke with a feathery soft touch.
Minix utilizes his strength and 230 pounds in the low post as he loves to post up smaller defenders and take advantage of his size. Outside of scoring he showcases solid passing ability and plays with toughness. His stats help showcase how tough he plays as he nearly averages a double-double with rebounds while also averaging one block and 1.3 steals per game. Minix is a big tournament game away from being on many draft boards.
Zeke Mayo | South Dakota State
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Mayo was the player of the year in the Summit League as he averaged 18.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. The 6-foot-4 combo guard has a great handle and plays with a great change of pace which often allows him to get to his spots. Mayo can consistently create space off the dribble and has really good scoring instincts.
The junior can make tough pull-up jumpers from all over the floor as he’s comfortable in the mid-range area but also from behind the arc. South Dakota State is a 15-seed matched up against Iowa State who won the Big 12 championship. If Mayo wants any hope in pulling off a first round upset then he would have to have an electric scoring game.
Achor Achor | Samford
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Achor was a pivotal piece in Samford’s success in the SoCon Tournament. The 6-foot-9 forward shot 60% from the field, 44% from behind the arc and 72% from the free-throw line while averaging 16 points per game. The skilled forward is very athletic which allows him to be an efficient finisher around the rim. He can explode for dunks or utilize his soft touch around the rim. He only attempts about two 3-pointers a game but the athletic forward consistently knocks them down.
Achor’s ability to play inside or outside makes him an enticing offensive prospect. Achor is very much a two-way player. Defensively he nearly averages two blocks per game as he showcases great secondary rim protection. If Achor can show some nice flashes and be productive during his appearance in the NCAA Tournament then other scouts can see what makes him so enticing as a prospect.
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