NBA Draft pool full of prospects with Tennessee ties
The NBA Draft will be loaded with prospects with ties to the South, especially from Tennessee.
Here's a look at those players who hope to hear their name called Thursday (6 p.m. CT, ESPN) as well as where notable media sites such as USA Today, ESPN, SI.com and others project them getting drafted.
Darius Garland, Vanderbilt
USA Today projection: No. 6 overall to Suns
The lowdown:Darius Garland’s meniscus injury five games into his freshman season at Vanderbilt has not stopped NBA teams from drooling over the speedster from Brentwood Academy, where he was a three-time Tennessee Mr. Basketball. A likely lottery pick, Garland’s quickness, ball-handling and 3-point shooting make him an appealing prospect. He made 47.8% of his 3-pointers in a small sample size at Vanderbilt. Any fears over his rehabilitation appear to have been dwarfed by the hype over the player he could be in the NBA.
Grant Williams, Tennessee
Consensusdraft projection: Late first round, early second round
The lowdown: There is no bigger testament to a coaching staff’s developmental chops than Grant Williams’ transformation at Tennessee under Rick Barnes. An undersized power forward, Williams entered the UT program as an unheralded prospect and is leaving as a two-time SEC Player of the Year. Williams, who led the Vols last season in scoring (18.8 ppg) and rebounds (7.5 rpg), graduated in three years and decided to forgo his last college season to enter the draft. There are questions about how Williams’ bruising style will translate to the NBA. But his career arc suggests he can continue developing into a solid NBA role player. He participated in pre-draft workouts for the Hornets, Warriors, Magic and Suns.
Admiral Schofield, Tennessee
Consensusdraft projection: Late first round, late second round
The lowdown: Like Williams, Admiral Schofield arrived at Tennessee with little fanfare and sound work ethic. Although he was recruited by Barnes’ predecessor, Donnie Tyndall, Schofield provided the heart and soul of the UT basketball renaissance. He transformed from an undersized power forward into a clutch wing shooter capable of guarding multiple positions on defense. Schofield’s versatility and commanding personality make him a seeming lock to be drafted. He worked out for the Hornets, Celtics, 76ers, Jazz, Heat and Pacers.
Jordan Bone, Tennessee
Consensus draft projection: Late second round, undrafted
The lowdown:Jordan Bone wowed scouts with his speed and vertical jump at the NBA Combine after a junior season in which he planted himself firmly on the radar of NBA teams. Given the keys to Tennessee’s offense, Bone scored 13.5 points per game, dished out 5.8 assists and hit 52.5% of his two-point tries this past season. The former Ensworth star has worked out for the Celtics, Magic, Hornets and Kings.
Dedric Lawson, Kansas
Consensus draft projection: Late second round, undrafted
The lowdown: Listed as ESPN’s 18th-best power forward in the 2019 draft class, Dedric Lawson has a shot at going in the second round after averaging a double-double for Kansas as a junior. The former University of Memphis and Hamilton High star is not regarded as an explosive athlete or great shooter. But he improved his 3-point percentage dramatically last season – shooting 39.3% – and could make an NBA roster because of his rebounding and potential for offensive productivity. He worked out for the Bulls, Magic, Hornets, Kings and Pelicans.
Dylan Windler, Belmont
USA Today projection: No. 29 to San Antonio Spurs
The lowdown: With an absurd 42.9% 3-point shooting percentage on 7.1 attempts per game, Dylan Windler could be the first player drafted out Belmont since 1972. Windler helped his case with a 35-point outburst against Maryland in a Round of 64 NCAA Tournament loss and is listed as ESPN’s 10th-best small forward in the draft. There will be questions about his athleticism, but Windler’s potential to be a deadly NBA shooter could help him sneak in to the first round. He worked out for the Celtics, Pacers, 76ers, Bulls and Trail Blazers.
Simi Shittu, Vanderbilt
Consensusdraft projection: Undrafted
The lowdown: A consensus top-20 prospect from the 2018 recruiting class, Shittu has an outside shot at hearing his name called late in the second round after one season at Vanderbilt. He averaged 10.9 points and 6.7 rebounds as a freshman. His potential was clouded partially by Vanderbilt’s disastrous 2018-19 season, but Shittu opted not to return to play for new coach Jerry Stackhouse even though Stackhouse has an extensive NBA background. Shittu’s lack of 3-point shooting ability and his shaky defensive reputation could mean he is headed for a lengthy G-League stint. He worked out for the Hornets and Pistons.
Jeremiah Martin, Memphis
Consensusdraft projection: Undrafted
The lowdown: He was an unheralded throw-in for Memphis’ highly regarded 2015 recruiting class. But the 6-foot-2 left-handed guard morphed into a local legend. The former Mitchell High star ended his career as the last man standing from his recruiting class and carried the Tigers to an NIT appearance in Penny Hardaway’s first season as coach. You won’t find Jeremiah Martin’s name on many NBA big boards, but the strong-willed guard could find himself on a summer league or training camp roster.
Kyle Alexander, Tennessee
Consensusdraft projection: Undrafted
The lowdown: Kyle Alexander’s professional basketball career could take him overseas, but you can’t teach 6-foot-11. After picking up the game late in his youth, he blossomed into a solidifying defensive presence and full-time starter for stocked Tennessee teams the past two seasons. His statistics (7.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.7 blocks) as a senior won’t turn many heads. But with enough development, Alexander could peak as a backup NBA center if he adds the 3-point shot to his arsenal.
Garrison Mathews, Lipscomb
Consensusdraft projection: Undrafted
The lowdown: The former Franklin High star capped his standout collegiate career at Lipscomb by leading the Bison to the NIT championship game. Matthews won the Atlantic Sun’s Player of the Year award after averaging 20.8 points on 40.3% 3-point shooting as a senior. It was his third straight season averaging 20 or more points per game. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard probably will go undrafted, but he might get a shot to prove himself in the NBA summer league.
LaGerald Vick, Kansas
Consensus draft projection: Undrafted
The lowdown: Vick’s senior season at Kansas was off to a prolific start before he took a leave of absence in early February to return home to Memphis for personal reasons. Now, it’s anybody’s guess how NBA teams are viewing the 6-foot-5 guard who played for Douglass High. What is clear, though, is that Vick’s potential as a shooter is appealing. He made 45.5% percent of his 3-pointers while attempting 6.3 per game through 23 contests before leaving the Jayhawks this season. Vick’s college career ended with a 40.5% 3-point shooting mark. Although it’s unlikely he’ll be drafted, Vick probably earned himself a shot to make an NBA roster as an undrafted player.