NBA Draft

A Scout's Take: Favorite Withdrawal Deadline Returners (Part Two)

Big names withdrew late from the 2023 NBA Draft, electing to return to collegiate game with the intentions of entering the 2024 draft. Who are some of my favorite late returnees and what should we evaluators from them?
Jam Hines|
A Scout's Take: Favorite Withdrawal Deadline Returners (Part Two)
A Scout's Take: Favorite Withdrawal Deadline Returners (Part Two)

In this story:

Illinois Fighting IlliniCreighton BluejaysVirginia CavaliersWeber State Wildcats

With the withdrawal deadline passing, we have our final list of draft eligible players set. As the deadline loomed, there were several prospects that still had a life altering decision to make for themselves and their families. Will they return to school or officially pursue their NBA dreams? Let's check out part two of my favorite returnees and what we can expect to see from them next season.

Part One can be found here

Terrence Shannon Jr. I Illinois I Wing I Senior

Illinois may have been the biggest winners at the deadline with the returns of Coleman Hawkins and Terrence Shannon Jr. for one last run. TSJ will have momentum entering next season after producing career highs in points (17.2), rebounds (4.6), assists (2.8), steals (1.3) and minutes (32.1).

At 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, he’s a fearless slasher and capable multi level shotmaker that excels in transition thanks to his burst, powerful athleticism and tough making ability. He combines his strength, length (6-foot-8 wingspan),footwork, quick hands and instincts to create plays defensively (1.8 stocks).

Shannon Jr. is a 3-and-D Plus prospect, meaning that he’s capable of filling the traditional 3-and-D role and either has the current ability or upside to contribute in other aspects and roles. His traits as a secondary playmaker, paint toucher and grab and go threat will all be valuable from day one in the NBA.

It’s fair to still be in prove it mode with the 3 half of the role. He shot 32% from deep on a career high five attempts per game (156 attempts), but I’m already sold that he’ll have enough shooting gravity. Shooting at a 35% on 361 career attempts alongside his shotmaking ability is enough for me.

If he can replicate a similar season and prove his drop in 3-point percentage was just a blip (38% on 86 attempts the prior season), he’ll be a first round lock in 2024.

Dillon Jones I Weber State I Wing/Big I Senior

I absolutely love the draft cycle year that Jones is having. Excellent season at Weber State (16.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists), stood out in the Nike Hoops Summit scrimmaged with the Portland Generals and earned an NBA combine invite from the G-League Elite Camp. The ability to be seen by NBA evaluators in different settings within the same cycle and receive feedback will be invaluable for Jones.

Like many prospects, eyes will be on if Jones can take the next step as a 3-point shooter. Shooting at a career 31% clip on 217 attempts offers a substantial sample size of where he’s at. He’ll be out to prove that he’s closer to the 35% clip shooter that he was the prior season (82 attempts).

At the NBA level, Jones will be operating as an undersized playmaking 4 man (6-foot-6ish) without the ideal compensating vertical pop, naturally putting more pressure on his shooting development. His ability to compensate with a combination of strength, length (6-foot-11 wingspan) ball skills and feel to be a versatile force is what intrigues evaluators. He’s easily a top 50 prospect in 2024.

Trey Alexander I Creighton I Guard/Small Wing I Junior

Alexander took the leap as a sophomore in a full time starter role and was a valuable piece to a Creighton squad that rebounded from a rocky start amidst high expectations to reach the Elite Eight. After averaging 13.6 points and knocking down 41% of his 161 attempted threes, he will help lead the Blue Jays into another season with lofty expectations.

The hope is that Alexander continues to solidify himself as a shooter with another season while continuing his growth as playmaker (2.6 assists) and pick-and-roll ball handler (81st percentile). Development in those aspects will further his appeal as a 3-and-D Plus prospect alongside his shooting, shotmaking and defensive playmaking (1.6 stocks). Alexander will be a firm first rounder when the 2024 cycle officially begins.

Reece Beekman I Guard I Virginia I Senior

The reigning ACC Defensive Player of the Year and two-time All Defensive Team selection is back on Grounds. It should be no surprise that Beekman’s defense is his most bankable NBA skill. No matter what class Beekman ends up entering, he’ll be one of the best point of attack defenders and disruptive guards (2.3 stocks) because of his length (6-foot-7 wingspan), lateral quickness, swift hands, instincts and tenacity.

Beekman’s defense and capable playmaking (5.3 assist) can help a NBA rotation right now. Although he posted career-highs in 3-point percentage (35%) and attempts (77), he owns a 32% mark for his career. Teams will want to see another strong sample size of effective shooting to fully buy-in to a Patrick Beverley, Jose Alvarado type role (32% career). 

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.

Published
Jam Hines
JAM HINES

Jam is a scout with nearly a decade of evaluation experience through his time with former NBA scouting and consulting services, EV Hoops and BPA Hoops. From the high school to NBA level, he brings a wealth of knowledge on prospects.

Share on XFollow jamontheboards
Home/Newsfeed