2024 NBA Draft: Who Are the Top Ten NBA Prospects in the Big Ten?

There's a multitude of talented NBA prospects in the Big Ten. Who are the top ten players to watch for this upcoming season?

The 2024 NBA Draft is as wide open as any draft class has been in recent history. However, that shouldn't be mistaken for meaning that there's a lack of talent. Surely, there are multiple players in this class that will likely become All-Stars, starters, and other valuable role players. 

Let's take a look at some of the top prospects in the Big Ten for the upcoming season. 

List Sorted Alphabetically

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Xavier Booker, Michigan State (#34)

Booker is 6-foot-11 freshman and the No. 11 overall recruit in the 2023 high school class. He is not quite your traditional big man, as he can push the ball in transition and even has a developing jump shot. Booker could project as a play-finisher in the NBA and has a 7-foot-5 wingspan as well. Additionally, being a fluid mover at 6-foot-11 could result in being a very valuable defender as well.

Coen Carr, Michigan State (#55)

Carr, another Michigan State freshman, has gone viral for both an emphatic dunk and block in their most recent scrimmage against Tennessee. He's one of the most explosive leapers in the class, is listed at 6-foot-5, and is the No. 46 overall recruit in the 2023 high school class.

Connor Essegian, Wisconsin (#3)

Essegian is a player that should be on everyone's watch list for this upcoming season. 45% of all freshmen who hit certain criteria last season were either selected in the 2023 NBA Draft or are widely considered projected first-round picks in the 2024 NBA Draft (Proctor and Filipowski). The 6-foot-4 sophomore hit this same threshold, as did his 6-foot-7 teammate AJ Storr who we can consider an honorable mention for this list. Essegian also averaged 11 points per game last season on 36% from deep (5.5 attempts per game) and 88% from the line (2.5 attempts per game).

DeShawn Harris-Smith, Maryland (#5)

Harris-Smith is a 6-foot-5 freshman guard who can operate out of the pick-and-roll and is capable of shooting off the dribble. He was the No. 27 overall recruit in the 2023 class and won the Gatorade Player of the Year in Virginia by averaging 17.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 2.6 steals per game at Paul VI Catholic. He will likely need to adjust his game to the college level at the beginning of the season, but he could be in draft conversations by the time March comes around. Lastly, he led his high school team to the GEICO High School National Quarterfinals.

Coleman Hawkins, Illinois (#3)

The first non-freshman on this list, Hawkins will be a senior at Illinois this upcoming season. The 6-foot-10, 225 pound forward is known for his playmaking ability and team defense. After declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft, he ultimately decided to return to Illinois for his senior season. Hawkins also valuable in the short roll area both as a passer and as someone who can put the ball on the floor and hit a floater as he finished an outstanding 77% of his attempts at the rim this past season.

Scotty Middleton, Ohio State (#0)

The Ohio State freshman was on a talented Sunrise Christian team this past season, playing alongside Matas Buzelis, Miro Little, Layden Blocker, and John Bol. He's a 6-foot-7 wing who has the ability to hit catch-and-shoot threes, provide value off-ball defensively, and potentially be an elite on-ball defender as well. He'll have a real opportunity to be a standout player this upcoming season.

Mackenzie Mgbako, Indiana (#21)

The 5-star prospect and No. 10 overall recruit in the 2023 high school class is 6-foot-8 and averaged 16 points and nine rebounds for Roselle Catholic this past season. He's a capable shooter and has the tools to be valuable defensively as well. 

READ MORE: Mackenzie Mgbako Full Scouting Report

Payton Sandfort, Iowa (#20)

Sandfort is another player that's not getting enough national recognition. The junior at Iowa is a 6-foot-7 sharpshooter who converted 34% of his attempts from three (5.2 attempts per game) this past season while shooting an impressive 86% (59 total attempts) from the free throw line. Sandfort thrives at shooting off of handoffs, has a quick release, and is a capable team defender as well. Lastly, Payton Sandfort has a brother, Pryce, who is a freshman this upcoming season and is also known for his shooting abilities.

Terrence Shannon Jr., Illinois (#0)

Shannon Jr. is 6-foot-6 fifth year guard who has declared for the draft twice, once in 2021 and this past 2023 NBA Draft. However, he ultimately decided to return to Illinois even after averaging 17 points, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game this past season. He's a high-volume shooter at Illinois, averaging five 3-point attempts per game, but proving he can be relied upon to hit catch-and-shoot threes with an improved and consistent form is key for Shannon Jr this upcoming season.

Kel'el Ware, Indiana (#1)

The former No. 7 overall recruit in the 2022 high school class transferred from Oregon to play at Indiana this upcoming season. The 7-foot big man has potential as both a roller and as a shooter in pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop situations, respectively, and also offers potential defensively due to his mobility and tools. Ware could play himself into lottery conversations if the stars align.

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