We live in an age where it’s never too soon to evaluate and place a ranking on a basketball player. Hell, a quick google search will tell you who the best 8th graders in the country are. The college ranks are no different, where outlets specializing in forecasting the upcoming NBA Draft have been analyzing NCAA players and placing them on Top 100 lists and mock drafts since before the season started.
As it stands, some combination of Kansas freshman Andrew Wiggins, Kentucky’s Julius Randle and Duke’s Jabari Parker are almost universally topping the leaderboards. When last we checked in during the preseason, UConn’s three prospective stars — Shabazz Napier, DeAndre Daniels and Ryan Boatright — were flying decidedly under the radar. Daniels topped out at #29 on NBADraft.net, while Napier was ranked 44th by ESPN’s Chad Ford.
Today, Daniels has virtually vanished from all Draft rankings. Neither NBADraft.net nor DraftExpress.com even mention Daniels, while ESPN lists him, Napier and Boatright in the dubious “Second Round/Undrafted” category.
Ryan Boatright is also missing from most mock drafts. The undersized guard hasn’t been a world-beater this year and, as such, hasn’t seen much movement in his stock from last season, when he was forced to return to UConn despite hoping for an early shot at the NBA.
Napier has taken the biggest step forward in the NBADraft.net rankings. He now sits at #29, the exact spot Daniels occupied in July — Napier was listed #46 at that time. DraftExpress has him 50th overall, the 20th pick of the second round.
As we discussed ad nauseam last season, the NCAA Tournament is historically where UConn players have boosted their national profile. With that card back in the deck this year, the Husky stars (and senior Niels Giffey) will have their chance to make their marks on a big stage. Still, the mock drafts give you an interesting perspective of how UConn’s players are looked at nationally — or overlooked, nationally.
I don’t think that Boatright or Daniels are good bets to make the first round this year, and neither should declare. It’s an incredibly deep draft, and they’re going to be fighting for a roster spot. Next year would be better for both, and especially for Boatright.
Strong agree
Daniels is no where near talented enough to play in the NBA. No handle, soft, etc. Napier is easily a first rounder and Giffey should go 2nd.