The Weekend Slate: Assessing the Most Intriguing Games to Scout NBA Prospects

A look at No. 18 Xavier versus Villanova, Cal Baptist against New Mexico State and SMU battling UCF.

The weekend is here so it’s time to examine three of the most intriguing games to scout. This weekend’s game features: a potential top-five pick battling a potential first rounder, an elite passer with size, a versatile tall guard that’s poised to rise, a shotmaker looking to get back on track and the biggest pre-season riser.

#18 Xavier vs Villanova (Saturday, 4:30 p.m.)

Xavier Top Prospect(s): Colby Jones (Wing, Junior)

Others of Note: Souley Boum (Guard, Grad Student), Kam Craft (Wing, Freshman), Zach Freemantle (Big, Senior), Jack Nunge (Big, Graduate Student)

Villanova Top Prospect(s): Cam Whitmore (Guard, Freshman), Justin Moore (Senior, Guard, Out with injury)

Others of Note: Mark Armstrong (Guard, Freshman), Caleb Daniels (Guard, Grad Student), Brandon Slater (Big Wing, Senior)

This game will showcase a potential top five pick in Cam Whitmore and a potential first rounder in Colby Jones. I’m hoping the two future NBA players are matched up from the jump, but we should at least have stretches or moments when they’re matched up.

Jones is furthering his case as a potential late first round pick and reliable NBA rotation player, mostly because of his improvement as a 3-point shooter and value playing on and off the ball. He’s upped his percentage from 29% to 45% on more volume (2.1 to 2.9 attempts per game), which is always an encouraging sign. Jones should be able to slide into a NBA rotation with his capable 3-point shooting, positional size (6-foot-6), functional playmaking (5.6 assists), defensive versatility and disruption (2.2 stocks).

Whitmore remains firmly in the top-five mix despite 26% mark from deep. His physical tools (6-foot-7, 232 pounds) and explosive athleticism still allow him to impact games as a slasher, defender and rebounder that produces second chances and grab and go opportunities. Combined with Whitmore’s continued flashes of skilled shotmaking from pullups and stepbacks offer a glimpse of his two way upside.

Quick look at Cam Whitmore’s mechanics. Skilled shotmaker, but his 3pt shooting is a swing skill. 28% from three so far (8-28 3PA).

Reasonable to believe his recovery from thumb surgery on his shooting hand is affecting his percentage pic.twitter.com/NfY3st0Enl

— Jam Hines (@jamontheboards) January 5, 2023

California Baptist vs New Mexico State (Saturday, 9 p.m.)

California Baptist Top Prospect(s): Taran Armstrong (Guard, Sophomore)

New Mexico State Top Prospect(s): Deshawndre Washington (Guard, Junior)

Others of Note: Xavier Pinson (Guard, Senior, NMSU)

Armstrong’s lovely blend of size (6-foot-6), basketball IQ, passing and vision put him on the NBA radar last season. That blend remains his NBA appeal, but he’s lost a little bit of his momentum due to concerns about his gravity as a scorer and shooter (career 30% 3-point shooter on 117 attempts). Armstrong enters the NMSU matchup coming off a season high tying 7 assists versus Utah Tech. He’ll be amongst the elite passers in any class that he’s in.

As a below the rim finisher, these signature floaters/push shots from Taran Armstrong are critical to his success. Terrific at utilizing pace & changes of direction to get to it. Encouraging to see him create & finish them against the NBA size, length, & athleticism of Arizona pic.twitter.com/tU3nurZihV

— Jam Hines (@jamontheboards) December 22, 2021

Washington is one of the most fascinating collegiate prospects. Listed at 6-foot-7, he’s an athletic, shifty and versatile guard that can help fill the point guard role and defend multiple perimeter positions. In his first division one season, the JUCO transfer from Northwest Florida, is averaging: 12.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 41% from 3 (2.6 attempts per game). He’s one to watch for as a draft riser as we get through conference play.

Deshawndre Washington is legit. S/o to @happypistonfan with this one, not hard to see why he advocates for his game

6'7 with a super silky game. I love some of the stuff in isolation & PnR as a scorer. The defense & playmaking are underrated. Just want to see him finish better pic.twitter.com/RXUkjHs30y

— ⏰ x 🏀 (@OnThe_ClockBB) December 16, 2022

SMU vs UCF 2pm (Sunday, 2 p.m.)

SMU Top Prospect(s): Zhuric Phelps (Guard, Sophomore)

UCF Top Prospect(s): Taylor Hendricks (Big Wing, Freshman)

Phelps, SMU’s leading scorer at 17.5 point per game, was limited to just six points on 2-of-11 shooting in a blowout loss against Houston, one of the top defensive and overall teams in the nation. He was making his return to the lineup after logging only eight minutes versus Tulsa in the prior game due to a back injury.

Credit to Phelps for returning quickly to play in SMU’s biggest game of the season to date-back injuries are nothing to mess around with him. I’m expecting the long, 6-foot-5 shot creator and tough shot maker to regain his form soon and it could be in this one.

The 6-foot-9 Hendricks has risen from a prospect that wasn't on the majority pre-season mock drafts to a near consensus top 20 prospect. His mix of size, fluidity, athleticism and convincing shooting (39% from 3 on 4.2 attempts per game) have been on display all year alongside projectable multi-positional defense and shot blocking (1.7 blocks per game).

Similar to Phelps and many other prospects, the Houston matchup is an opportunity for a resume game. Last weekend against Houston, Hendricks couldn't find his touch from deep (1-of-7), but was still productive on both ends with a line of 14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block in 37 minutes. Hendricks’ recent mini shooting slump is worth watching. He’s shooting 3-of-19 (15%) from beyond the arc over his last four games. 

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