2024 NBA Draft: Virginia Questions to Consider
Tony Bennett’s Virginia squad has produced notable NBA talent over the course of his tenure with Trey Murphy III being the latest in the 2021 NBA Draft. This year’s team brings a mix of projected 2024 draft picks and long-term prospects for evaluators to track. As we prepare for the 2024 NBA Draft, what are some of the top Virginia draft questions to consider?
Will Reece Beekman take another step as a shooter to solidify first-round status?
Without a doubt, Beekman is one of the top perimeter defenders and disruptors in the projected 2024 draft class. The wiry guard has incredible instincts, quick hands, and the lateral quickness and fluidity to effectively mirror his matchups to get stops and generate defensive events. His defense is his most bankable and impactful skill, but furthering his progression as a shooter will ultimately dictate both his draft stock and staying power in the league.
Starting with his 24% 3-point mark on 37 total attempts as a freshman, Beekman has progressively raised his 3-point percentage, attempts per game and total attempts in each of his three seasons. Last season, he set a career-high in 3-point percentage (35%), attempts per game (2.4) and total attempts (77). Either maintaining or raising his percentage on a little more volume should solidify Beekman as a 2024 first rounder.
Does Ryan Dunn make the sophomore leap?
Although Dunn only averaged 2.6 points and 2.9 rebounds in 12.9 minutes, there was plenty of buzz last year about his upside, and rightfully so.
With a long and rangy 6-foot-8 frame plus a projectable shooting stroke - despite shooting 31% from deep on a small 16 attempt sample - Dunn is a big wing that NBA evaluators can easily envision sliding into a 3-and-D role as a multi-positional defender and defensive playmaker. In those 12.9 minutes, Dunn averaged an outstanding 1.5 stocks (1.1 blocks plus 0.4 steals). Per 40 minutes, that scales out to a staggering 4.6 stocks per game.
With an expected major role increase, Dunn will have the opportunity to showcase his offensive game and provide a larger shooting sample to evaluate as he forms one of the top defensive duos alongside Beekman. Don't be surprised if he’s someone that enters the first round conversation and at least tests the NBA waters at the end of the season.
What UVA newcomers should NBA teams instantly be tracking?
Dante Harris (redshirt junior), Andrew Rohde (sophomore), Blake Buchanan (freshman) and Elijah Gertrude (freshman) are all newcomers with different skill sets that NBA teams should be tracking immediately.
Harris, a Georgetown transfer that sat out last season, will provide UVA with a scoring and playmaking boost thanks to his blinding speed and shotmaking versatility. Rohde, a transfer from St. Thomas, is a big skilled guard that’s capable of filling up the stat sheet and will share lead guard responsibilities with Harris and Beekman.
It’s up in the air how much playing time Buchanan and Gertrude will receive this season. With the departures of bigs Kadin Shedrick, Jayden Gardner, Ben Vander Plas and Francisco Caffaro, there appears to be a legit path to significant minutes for the 6-foot-11, late blooming Buchanan. His combination of movement skills, shot blocking and rim finishing could provide value from day one.
There is more depth on the perimeter for Gertrude to compete with, but his explosive athleticism, shotmaking and two way upside shouldn't be ignored and could force his way into the lineup.
Can Isaac McNeely expand his game around his 3-point shooting?
The 6-foot-4 ancillary guard’s NBA interest is rooted in his 3-point shooting. During his freshman campaign. McNeely shot 39% from deep on 130 attempts (3.9 per game) with glimpses of shotmaking versatility. As he looks to take on a bigger role this season, keep an eye on how he leverages his 3-point shooting gravity to attack closeouts for scoring and playmaking opportunities.