NBA Draft Scouting Report: Santa Clara's Johnny O'Neil

Scouting Report: Johnny O'Neil

Contents

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

Johnny O'Neil

Forward | Santa Clara

Height: 6'10” | Weight: 205 lbs

2024 Draft Age:

Brad Penner / USA TODAY Sports

Prospect Profile

On a steady development track, O’Neil has the chance to break out this season at Santa Clara. Following three seasons at American University, he’ll have the chance to be the third consecutive player under Herb Sendek to make it to the NBA. Although he'll face an increased level of competition, his skillset should translate well.

At 6-foot-10, O'Neil is incredibly smooth for his size and has decent athleticism. He was a 5-foot-10 guard as a high school freshman, but has grown a foot since and maintained many of the skills he developed as a childhood guard. Modern forwards generally need to shoot at the pro level, which is a box O’Neil checks given he’s converted on nearly 39% of his 300+ career attempts. He has great lift on his shot and a high release point that allows him to knock down contested shots. If nothing else, he projects to be a jumbo floor spacer this season and beyond.

O’Neil has improved on the glass, especially defensively. He notched a 22.1% defensive rebound rate last season, which is incredibly impressive. If he can prove to be a reliable shooter with the ability to dominate the boards, he’ll have a spot in the NBA.

He will need need to show it more against higher level of competition this season, but the defensive upside feels real for O’Neil. He’s coming off of a Patriot League All-Defensive Team honor and has the size to defend upwards of three positions. While he doesn’t have elite athleticism, he does have good footwork which makes up for it. The 6-foot-10 prospect plays smart on that end of the floor.

Nearly every member of O’Neil’s family played sports at the college level, which speaks to his pedigree as an athlete. He’s a very smart kid with a good head on his shoulders and should have every opportunity to break out this season on a bigger stage. He'll look to follow Jalen Williams and Brandin Podziemski as the next Bronco to make it to the league.

Highlights

Draft Projection

Potential 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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