NBA Comparison: Brandon Knight

Strengths: Dynamic and explosive scoring wing with elite-level athleticism … One of the most gifted shot creators in the freshman class — has natural scoring instincts and confidence to take over games … Electric in transition with top-tier open-floor speed and leaping ability … Extremely comfortable creating his own shot off the bounce — has a deep bag of pull-ups, step-backs, and hesitation moves that keep defenders off balance … Shows three-level scoring potential, especially when locked in from mid-range and beyond the arc … Has the tools to be a tough shot-maker at the next level … Smooth shooting mechanics with solid elevation on his jumper … Great body control attacking the rim — can finish through contact or adjust mid-air … Flashes defensive upside thanks to quick feet and length — can jump passing lanes and turn defense into offense … Energetic and fearless, plays with a scorer’s mindset and doesn’t shy away from the big moment …

Weaknesses: Still developing as a decision-maker — not a natural point guard or facilitator … Tends to hunt his own shot, which can lead to forced attempts and tunnel vision … Limited playmaking instincts (subpar assist numbers for a player with high usage) … Needs to improve shot selection and learn when to defer or reset the offense … Can get streaky as a shooter — when the jumper isn’t falling, he can struggle to impact the game in other ways … Defensive effort and discipline can be inconsistent — relies too much on athleticism instead of positioning … Has room to mature in terms of understanding team concepts on both ends of the floor … Will need to prove he can thrive without the ball in his hands and learn to play off stronger lead guards …

Outlook: A high-ceiling prospect whose elite athleticism and natural scoring gifts make him one of the most exciting guards in the 2025 class … He projects more as a pure bucket-getter than a lead guard at the NBA level, but his explosiveness and tough-shot-making give him clear star potential if he lands in the right developmental system … Needs to refine his decision-making and grow as an off-ball threat to maximize his impact … Could rise into the lottery with strong pre-draft showings and improved consistency.

Aran Smith 4/6/25

Strengths: 6’5 two-way athletic guard … Good length … High-level athlete with good speed and translatable run and jump ability. Excels getting downhill and in the open floor. Quick first step … Effective crossover. Changes speed well with the ball, penetrating well off the dribble, and gets into the paint at a good rate. Knows how to beat his man to draw the help defender to make the right play. Scores at the rim with either hand … Averaged 9.3 points per game on 50% FG% at the U16 Americas Championship in 2021 and 11.9 points per game on 54.5% FG% at the U17 World Cup in 2022 … Improved 3PT shooting throughout high school. Steps into his shot with rhythm off the dribble. Shot 45% 3PT% on 2.9 3PT attempts per game at the U17 World Cup in 2022 and 50% 3PT% on 2 3PT attempts per game at the U19 World Cup in 2023 … Sees the floor, making solid reads and passes with either hand. Can lead and finish in transition … Committed defender and sticks to the ball-handler well. Comes away with a solid number of steals to turn defense into offense. Averaged 1.4 steals per game at the U17 World Cup … Confident and competitive …

Weaknesses: Strong frame but will need to continue to fill out … Can work on getting to the free throw line and didn’t connect well when getting to the line. Only shot 10 free throws over his 20 games playing for Team USA (2021-23), connecting on 60% (6-10) of those attempts … While he has improved and can get to the rim in the half-court, he can be reliant on his superior athleticism and still has room to expand his offense … Can move more off the ball … Older for his class, will turn 19 in February of his senior year of high school …

Outlook: North Carolina Commit … Transferred to Our Saviour Lutheran for his senior year … Won Gold at the U16 Americas Championship in 2021 and U17 World Cup in 2022 … Played in the 2022 and 2023 UA Next Elite 24, scoring 8 points in 2022 …

Evan Tomes 11/7/23