2024 Draft Questions to Consider: Dayton Flyers Edition
In what was an injury-filled season that derailed a talented 2022-2023 Dayton squad, the Flyers still finished 22-12 (14-2 at home) and had their 39th ever NBA draft selection in Toumani Camara (No. 52 overall to Phoenix).
The 2023-2024 Dayton Flyers potentially features the program’s 40th draft selection and several other prospects to watch. What Dayton centric draft questions should we consider?
Does DaRon Holmes II deserve first-round consideration?
Holmes II is one of the most productive and impactful two way bigs in the country so it’s no surprise that he’s widely regarded as a top 60 draft prospect and Dayton’s best player. His sophomore year saw him up his scoring (12.8 to 18.4), total rebounding (6.1 to 8.1), and offensive rebounding (1.5 to 2.9) alongside 2.6 stocks per game (1.9 blocks plus 0.7 steals).
There’s a clean NBA role as a rim protecting, rim finishing big that’s able to provide vertical spacing and defend in space. Considering his role fit and most projectable tools/skills being similar to the likes of first rounders Mark Williams and Walker Kessler along with a projected 2024 lottery pick in UConn’s Donovan Clingan, it’s worth asking why Holmes II isn’t perceived to at least have first round upside despite not having their ideal archetypical size (6-foot-9 and 220lbs) and being a tier below as rim protector.
Maybe that gap is simply too large for Holmes II to become a first rounder, leaving the attention on his ball skills and 3-point shooting to potentially raise his draft stock into first round consideration. Evaluators will be monitoring if he can be a threat off the bounce with direct line drives, build off of his short roll playmaking glimpses and progress as floor spacer (31% from three on 19 attempts).
Can Malachi Smith regenerate the draft buzz from his freshman season?
Two seasons ago, Smith emerged on the collegiate and draft scene as a defensive menace, reliable floor general and fearless competitor. The 6-foot lead guard averaged 9.7 points, 5.3 assists, and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 40% from three on 50 attempts. His 175 assists was the seventh most in a single season in program history (second amongst freshman) and his 59 steals set the program’s record for a freshman (fifth most in Flyers history).
Smith’s eye-catching freshman campaign came to an abrupt conclusion after suffering a left ankle injury in the Atlantic 10 semifinals against Richmond, foreshadowing unfortunate injury luck with his ankles.
He injured his ankle in a practice just before the start of last season, sprained it in the Battle for Atlantis and then again versus St. Bonaventure. His constant battle with ankle injuries limited him to 19 games and being unable to consistently show the same type of mobility and quickness from his freshman season. Smith persevered through the season to produce a line of 7.7 points, 5.6 assists, 1.2 steals and a 38% 3-point mark (47 attempts).
Smith ultimately underwent successful surgery on both ankles during the offseason. It’s unknown if he’ll be ready to start the season, but if his health cooperates, he’ll draw interest as a backup 3-and-D lead guard that can pressure at the point of attack and generate defensive events.
Will the Kobe(y)s break out as NBA prospects?
Koby Brea and Kobe Elvis were two prospects many thought could breakout as NBA prospects last season, but largely due to injuries, it didn't come to fruition.
Brea, a 6-foot-6 wing with NBA positional size and a projectable shooting stroke (career 39% 3-point mark), experienced a drop in production and health after a redshirt freshman season that earned him Atlantic 10 Sixth Man of the Year. Just like teammate Malachi Smith, Brea fought through injuries all last season, specifically Grade 3 stress fractures in both tibias, to play 28 games before having surgery on both legs this offseason that required him to re-learn how to walk.
Brea is on track to play this season and it might take some time to get going, but he’s someone that projects to fill a 3-and-D role at the NBA level and probably will start to generate buzz in conference play.
Kobe Elvis missed 15 games due a knee injury, but in exciting news, was fully cleared for all basketball activities this past July. His NBA appeal is rooted in his skilled shot creation and tough shotmaking ability off the bounce.
As a 6-foot-2 guard, he’ll need to further his development as a facilitator and defender and should have every opportunity to do so as one of Dayton’s lead ball handlers this season.
Want to join the discussion? Like Draft Digest on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest NBA Draft news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.