Stanford's Kanaan Carlyle Generating First-Round NBA Draft Buzz

The Stanford star freshman has emerged as one of the best-kept secrets in college basketball and may hear his name called in the first round of the NBA Draft

The Stanford Cardinal are currently sitting in fourth place in the Pac-12 standings, just one game back of the top spot.

While they haven't gotten off to the best start through the first 18 games, blowing multiple double-digit leads, they have found momentum in conference play. One of the biggest reasons that they have been able to do so is the stellar play of freshman guard Kanaan Carlyle, who debuted back on December 17.

In his 10 games at the college level, he is averaging a team-high 15.7 points, has grabbed 3.5 rebounds per game, and has also dished out nearly three assists per game. He has had multiple scoring outbursts, one against No. 4 Arizona in Stanford's upset win that saw him score 28 points and hit six threes, while also dropped 31 against Washington State. His scoring prowess and effectiveness have led to some NBA Draft buzz, as On3's Jamie Shaw tabbed him as one of the five late-blooming freshmen that may be a first-round pick. 

Dec 31, 2023; Stanford, California, USA; Stanford Cardinal guard Kanaan Carlyle (3) reacts during the first half against the Arizona Wildcats at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports / Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Shaw raved about Carlyle's ability to score from all three levels, and also praised his tenacious effort on defense:

Kanaan Carlyle is an electric basketball player. He plays with aggression and pop at the point of attack, on both ends of the floor. Carlyle is capable of creating an offensive advantage off the bounce and is comfortable scoring at all three levels in the half-court. He also is a competitive on-ball defender. He has quick hands and feet and defends at the point of attack with a purpose. Decision-making and shot selection are both question marks moving forward, but he has averaged 15.7 points on 44.7 percent shooting from three since becoming eligible for Stanford. 

While Carlyle did hit the ground running almost immediately for Stanford, he did miss the first chunk of the season due to Stanford academic reasons. However, with his presence in the lineup now, this team has found a new gear and may need him to continue to take over the offensive load to help open up the game for other players like big man Maxime Raynaud or sixth-year sharpshooter Spencer Jones.

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He and the Cardinal return to the floor on Friday as they will be heading across the Bay to take on Cal.