Every Big Ten Athlete to Watch in the 2021 NBA Draft
The 2021 NBA Draft will take place Thursday at 8 p.m. ET at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. Round 1 will be broadcasted on both ABC and ESPN, while Round 2 will be aired on ESPN solely, as well as streamed on the ESPN app.
While some projections and mock drafts have slight differences, here’s how the Draft is stacking up for players from the Big Ten conference.
Franz Wagner (SF), Michigan
About: Sophomore, 6’9”, 220 lbs
Projected teams: Golden State Warriors/Orlando Magic (via Chicago Bulls)/Sacramento Kings/Memphis Grizzlies
Projected picks: Round 1, Pick 7, 8, 9 or 10. Any way you slice it, Wagner is most likely to represent the Big Ten as a one of the top-ten picks in this year’s Draft.
Stats and notes:
- Averaged 12.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3 APG, 34.3 3P%
- Quality mix of size, shooting and defense, even at a young age of 19
- Does have professional experience (despite youth), having played 59 pro games in Europe.
- Can defend all over the floor, which is hard to find in a player his size; also possesses a strong passing ability and feel for the game.
Ayo Dosunmu (SG), Illinois
About: Junior, 6’5”, 194 lbs
Projected teams: Denver Nuggets/Brooklyn Nets/Milwaukee Bucks/New York Knicks (from Detroit Pistons)
Projected picks: Round 1, Pick 26 or 27; Round 2, Pick 31 or 32
Stats and notes:
- Averaged 20.1 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 5.3 APG, 38.6 3P%
- Drastically improved his shooting %, rebound and passing game in the last year… “does a lot of things really well but not a lot at an elite level”
- Consensus first team All-American; won Bob Cousy Award (given to nation’s top point guard)
- Efficient pick-and-roll scorer, good pace/timing/IQ
- From The Ringer: “Dosunmu is one of those prospects whose draft stock is all over the place, with projections varying from 15 to 40. Dosunmu is just one of the many examples of a draft that has no consensus and is all about individual team preferences"
Joe Wieskamp (SG), Iowa
About: Junior, 6’7”, 205 lbs
Projected teams: Utah Jazz/Toronto Raptors/Brooklyn Nets (from Atlanta Hawks)
Projected picks: Round 1, Pick 30; Round 2, Pick 46 or 49 (another one that is all over the place). Some predictions are even suggesting that Wieskamp could be selected as early as Pick 18 (OKC Thunder).
Stats and notes:
- Averaged 14.8 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.7 APG, 46.2 3P%
- Showed good athleticism at the NBA Combine; undeniable shooting capability (one of the best shooters in the Draft)
- Great cutter and good passer, as well as a competitive defender...but definitely most prized for his marksmanship
Aaron Henry (SG), Michigan State
About: Junior, 6’6”, 210 lbs
Projected teams: New Orleans Pelicans/Toronto Raptors (from Memphis Grizzlies)/Philadelphia 76ers (from New York Knicks)
Projected picks: Round 2, Pick 43, 46 or 50
Stats and notes:
- Averaged 15.4 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.6 APG, 29.6 3P%
- Elite defender with shooting potential; notable 76 FT%
- Capable ball handler and creative midrange shooter
Isaiah Livers (PF), Michigan
About: Senior, 6’7”, 232 lbs
Projected teams: New Orleans Pelicans (from Memphis Grizzlies, via Portland Trail Blazers)/Indiana Pacers/OKC Thunder (from Denver Nuggets)
Projected picks: Round 2, Pick 51, 54 or 55
- Averaged 13.1 PPG, 6 RPG, 2 APG, 43.1 3P%
- Does have a history of injury throughout his college career, but good defense and 3P shooting ability
- Knockout catch-and-shoot option from beyond the arc, but needs to improve on his ability to finish in the paint
Aaron Wiggins (SF), Maryland
About: Junior, 6’5”, 190 lbs
Projected teams: Toronto Raptors/Detroit Pistons/Charlotte Hornets (from Brooklyn Nets)
Projected picks: Round 2, Pick 47, 52 or 57
Stats and notes:
- Averaged 14.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.5 APG, 35.6 3P%
- Good showing at the NBA Combine; unique mix of size, scoring and shot creation.
- Projects primarily as a beyond-the-arc shooter, but definitely has the potential to become more than just a specialist.
- Plays hard, so his hustle can make up for some lacking areas of his game.
Luka Garza (C), Iowa
About: Senior, 6’11”, 265 lbs
Projected teams: New Orleans Pelicans/Indiana Pacers (from Milwaukee Bucks)
Projected picks: Round 2, Pick 51 or 54
Stats and notes:
- Averaged 24.1 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.6 BPG, 44.0 3P%
- Great finisher around the rim as a big man with notable footwork capabilities and the potential to escape defenders; also a reliable 3-point shooter
- Somewhat limited athleticism, but undeniable work ethic and grit
Other Big Ten athletes to look out for:
Chaundee Brown (SF), Michigan
- Senior, 6’6”, 215 lbs
- Averaged 8.0 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 41.9 3P%
Dalano Banton (PG), Nebraska
- Sophomore, 6’9”, 204 lbs
- Averaged 9.6 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 3.9 APG, 24.7 3P%
Duane Washington Jr. (PG), Ohio State
- Senior, 6’3”, 210 lbs
- Averaged 16.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 37.4 3P%
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