Emoni Bates (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
21. Jordan Walsh (Arkansas, SF/PF, Freshman)
As a 6’7-inch combo forward, Walsh is likely to get a lot of accolades for his low-down, highly competitive defense. His threes are not yet fully accomplished, but Walsh still serves as his scorer face-up with driving. Ability, midrange shot, passing skill.
22. Gradey Dick (Kansas, SG/SF, freshman)
By June of next year, Dick may have a case as the draft’s best shooter. Show your potential as a player.
23. Arthur Kaluma (Clayton, SF/PF, 2nd grade)
After finishing his first season with 24 points, 12 boards and 3 assists against Kansas in the NCAA Tournament, Karma earned a total of 45 points for Uganda in the Africa World Cup Qualifier. He seems poised to make a serious breakthrough as a creator and shooter, and given his 6’7-inch size, athleticism and defensive tools, he should be the focus of the NBA’s attention.
24. Sidi Sissoko (G League Ignite, SG/SF, 2004)
Sissoko’s raw offensive game was unveiled at the Nike Hoop Summit, but his 6-foot-7 size, passing, and defensive tools create unique potential to buy him time with scouts. Off the ball as interchangeable guards and wings.
25. JJ Sterling (Notre Dame, SG, freshman)
Expected to slip into the role of Blake Wesley in Notre Dame, Sterling combines exciting open-floor athleticism with shot-making versatility that drills jumpers in a variety of ways.
26. Judah Mintz (Syracuse, SG, Freshman)
With quick jerks and cunning off the dribble, Mintz should have a chance to showcase his creativity after the departure of the Boheim brothers and Cole Sweider. He will win over fans for his low ball handling, shot making, and energy/activity.
27. Chris Livingston (San Francisco, Kentucky, freshman)
At 6’6″, Livingston combines an impressive physical profile with the ability to attack from the flanks, hit threes and defend both forward spots. Proper efficiency in his shots and shots in his selection should be key in the first round of 2023.
28. Chris Murray (Iowa, PF, Jr.)
Seeing flashes of shooting improvement, defensive activity and scoring versatility, Murray feels like he’s on the verge of a breakout. There should be a high-usage role to continue to develop and enhance shot-making and half-court face-up skills.
29. Emoni Bates (East Michigan, SG/SF, sophomore)
East Michigan provides a bright green light for Bates, but the scout’s hurdles are high (given the weaker intensity of the schedule) and the defense builds a game plan around his scoring. He has a chance to regain lost support by displaying more mature decision-making in both shot selection and finishing attempts, despite concerns over his athleticism, physique and intangibles. He’s still a high-level shotmaker with his 6’9″ wing.
30. Harrison Ingram (Stanford, San Francisco, sophomore)
Ingram’s invitation to the 2022 Combine proved that scouts were interested in his versatility. But he showed promising touch and pass IQ, strengths for the NBA connector role.
