NBA Draft Scouting Report: NC State's MJ Rice

Scouting Report: MJ Rice

Contents

1. Prospect Profile
2. Highlights
3. Draft Projection
4. 2024 Big Board

MJ Rice

Guard | NC State

Height: 6'5” | Weight: 215 lbs

2024 Draft Age: 21.54

Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Prospect Profile

Marquise Jacari Rice — also known as MJ Rice — is on the radar as a potential breakout sophomore this season. After spending his freshman season at Kansas, he’s headed back closer to home and will play for NC State this season. He has a very strong build, with the skillset of an off-ball guard or wing.

The next step for Rice will be improving as a playmaker and self creator. If he’s able to do more with the ball in his hands and initiate offense, his entire offensive game will open up and his ceiling will rise.

As of today, the NC State prospect is a good perimeter shooter both in rhythm and on the move. While he only shot 20% from deep last season on 15 attempts, the expectation is that he shoots it much better on higher volume in year two. While the jumper projects to be reliable, the ball does come across his face slightly during his shot which could be cleaned up to improve consistency.

Given how strong and physical he is, Rice is actually an effective rebounder for his position. This also allows him to bully defenders on drives and dondamage in the paint against smaller players. He’s truly a powerful player but has good touch and solid body control at the rim.

Defensively, Rice often finds himself in the right spot. He has good instincts and a nose for the ball that should be beneficial moving forward. He has a body ready for the NBA and shouldn’t have a problem transitioning to the league on that front.

The former four-star recruit will be 22 years old during part of his rookie season if he leaves college for the 2024 NBA Draft, which is older for a player of his experience. Even then, he’s worth a pick given his pedigree and background. He played at a very high level in high school and the spotlight never seemed too bright. Rice’s father played professional basketball overseas and oldest brother, Quentin, played basketball in college as well.

In a new system at NC State, the opportunity to break out will be there. Rice will have the chance to take on part of the role that Terquavion Smith played the last few years.

Highlights

Draft Projection

Second-Round Pick in 2024 NBA Draft.

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2024 Big Board

Want to know more about other potential 2024 NBA Draft prospects and where they might get selected? Check out our Draft Digest Big Board.

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