No. 4
Previous ranking: No. 5
In the past, I’ve been skeptical of Texas center Mohamed Bamba, but his play has slowly won me over. This isn’t to say that he still doesn’t have the potential to be a huge bust, however it’s less likely it will happen. Bamba has averaged 12.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 3.7 blocks and 0.8 steals, while converting 54.1 percent of his field goals and 28.0 percent of his 3-pointers.
No. 3
Previous ranking: No. 3
The only reason why Luka Doncic isn’t ranked higher on this big board is because it would be easier to build a team around the players ahead of him. Doncic continues to prove why he’s a star in Europe and a top young prospect.
| Season | League(s) | G | GS | MP | FG% | 3P% | 2P% | FT% | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | Liga ACB | 3 | 2.7 | .333 | .500 | .000 | .750 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 2.0 | |
| 2015-16 | Liga ACB, EuroLeague | 43 | 13.3 | .500 | .397 | .591 | .767 | 2.7 | 2.0 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 4.5 | |
| 2016-17 | Liga ACB, EuroLeague | 67 | 19.9 | .446 | .347 | .547 | .819 | 4.4 | 3.7 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 1.9 | 1.3 | 7.8 | |
| 2017-18 | EuroLeague, Liga ACB | 44 | 24.6 | .467 | .311 | .601 | .811 | 5.3 | 4.5 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 2.0 | 1.4 | 15.4 | |
| 157 | 19.1 | .463 | .338 | .578 | .807 | 4.1 | 3.4 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 8.9 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 3/13/2018.
Doncic has clearly separated himself from the rest of the point guards in this draft as the best. Sadly, Suns fans won’t see Doncic in the NCAA tournament for obvious reasons, but he’s still a prospect that should be followed closely. Whether or not his European success will immediately translate to the NBA is yet to be seen, but if the Suns draft him, then the club should have a franchise point guard down the road.
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No. 2
Previous ranking: No. 2
Marvin Bagley III better show a new facade to his game during NCAA tournament or Doncic may over take him in the next big board. However, at the moment Bagley still holds the edge over Doncic. Bagley averaged 21.1 points, 11.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.0 block and 0.9 steals per game, while shooting 60.5 percent from the floor and 37.0 percent on 3-point shots. Bagley’s 3-point shot is making it appear as if he will be a power forward in the NBA instead of center.
No. 1
Previous ranking: No. 1
Deandre Ayton is the best center in the country and first on this big board for a third time in a row. He’s a franchise player that any NBA can build a winner with and his stats prove it. He averaged 20.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.9 blocks and 0.6 steals, while shooting 61.6 percent on field goal attempts and 36.4 percent from downtown. Ayton should be an easy choice if he’s available when it’s Suns’ turn to take draft pick.
Next: Don’t Forget About Big Sauce
Besides Doncic, it will be interesting to see these players in the NCAA tournament and how their play affects their draft stocks. Phoenix Suns’ fans should try to catch some tournament games whenever the Suns aren’t playing.