Charlotte Hornets 2020 NBA Draft Monthly Big Board: A shakeup at the top

#31-40

*Stats provided as of 1/14/20

One of the best players in college basketball is Michigan State’s Cassius Winston. He’s going to have a long career, and projects to be a pretty safe pick in the second round. You know you’ll be getting a steady lead guard that can hit shots and run an offense. Every team needs a guy like that.

Here we have another lengthy guard (6’6″ tall, 7’2″ wingspan) with an incredible amount of potential. N’Doye has improved as a shooter over the years and has turned himself into a legit prospect. He’s a tremendous defender and is still just 21 years old. N’Doye is averaging 11.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists.

Patrick Williams has had a solid freshman campaign at Florida State, and should be able to make some noise in draft discussion with his potential. He’s averaging just 8.4 points, but has been efficient, shooting 55 percent from two-point range and 86 percent from the free-throw line. His physical attributes are apparent.

I felt like I was waiting for Nick Richards to blow up during his first two seasons at Kentucky, but it’s finally coming together for him now as a junior. Richards has had flashes of promise, but looks really good this season, averaging 13.1 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.4 blocks for the Wildcats. He’s a riser, for the moment.

Daniel Oturu has had a dominating season for Minnesota thus far, and his play hasn’t gotten recognized enough. The sophomore big man is averaging 20.3 points, 12.1 rebounds and 2.8 blocks while shooting 62 percent from the floor and 36 percent from deep.

Mamadi Diakite made a name for himself during Virginia’s championship run last season, and he continues to leave a strong impression with his play this season. Diakite is averaging 13.1 points and 6.8 rebounds while becoming a legit three-point threat. He’s got a future in the NBA as a backup big.

TCU senior Desmond Bane has been a consistent, steady shooter during his college career, and that’s something that can carry over to the NBA. Bane is averaging 16.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 44 percent from deep on 6.3 attempts. There’s a lot to like about Bane, but his shooting prowess tops the list.

Florida State sophomore Devin Vassell has been soaring up draft boards with his play this season. He’s averaging 12.6 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 38 percent from the three-point line. He gets after it defensively as well. Vassell has great size for his position and will be a two-way threat. Expect him to keep rising.

Jared Butler is the best player on arguably the best team in the nation right now. Butler showed a ton of promise as a freshman, but has put himself firmly on draft radar with his monster start to his sophomore campaign. He does so many things well, and if he remains healthy, I think we’re looking at a first round talent.

Ashton Hagans has made a name for himself as one of the best on-ball defenders at his position in all of college basketball. The Kentucky sophomore has improved his shooting, and while he still as a long way to go in that department, it’s a positive sign. He’ll be a project, but his potential will intrigue teams late in the first round.