The 2024 NBA Draft saw four mid-major players get selected with DaRon Holmes II being the only one taken in the first round.
The Dayton product was selected 22nd overall by the Denver Nuggets and was expected to be a big contributor during his rookie campaign. Unfortunately, Holmes suffered a torn Achilles during his first Summer League game, which is expected to shelve him for the entire season.
This year’s draft will have a handful of excellent mid-major prospects including one or two who could be taken in the first round. Here’s a look at a few.
Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph’s
As the NBA has evolved into what it is now, players like Fleming are probably the most sought-after. The 6-foot-9, 240-pound junior is an ideal three-and-D guy who is a reliable shooter and a versatile defender. Fleming’s shot has continued to get better and he’s shooting 41.7% from the arc, which is 9.3% better than last season. He is averaging 1.6 blocks and 1.5 steals per game and has five games where he has at least two steals and two blocks. He has all the tools and talent to be successful at the next level, his feel for the game just needs to take that next step.
Nique Clifford, Colorado State
Donovan Dent seems to be on a short-list for Mountain West Player of the Year by himself, but the gap between Clifford’s campaign and Dent’s campaign is a lot smaller than most realize. Not only has Clifford’s offensive game gone up a notch, but his ability to rally and lead the Rams has been impressive. The 6-foot-6, 200-pound senior is averaging a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds per game. His increase in free-throw attempts from last year and his four assists per game both prove what we’ve seen and that is he’s had no problem embracing the role as the Rams’ primary option.
Yaxel Lendeborg, UAB
The 2024 AAC Defensive Player of the Year is making his case on why he should be the league’s POY this season. Lendeborg’s game has developed in every aspect. Defensively, he’s still able to protect the rim and does an excellent job of blocking shots without fouling while his awareness and help defense are better than what they were a year ago. The 6-foot-9, 230-pound senior has the athleticism and footwork to guard multiple positions. His length and quickness also allow him to take up an insane amount of space on defense and to get back and challenge a shot if he’s been beaten off the dribble. On offense, Lendeborg’s shot continues to develop and he knows how to get to his spots and score. He is averaging 17.8 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.7 BPG, and 1.5 SPG.
Miles Byrd, San Diego State
There are some guys you just look at and know they’re a basketball player. Byrd is one of them. The lengthy, 6-foot-7 redshirt sophomore wing has gotten on the radar because of his size and his ability to shoot from the outside. The lefty excels as a spot-up shooter but can also create his own shot, pull-up, or get to the rim if he needs to. He’s shooting a modest 34% from 3, a number that has been skewed by a rough shooting stretch. He’s averaging 13.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, one block, and two steals. Byrd’s long arms and anticipation allow him to effectively get out in passing lanes and create turnovers and deflections.
John Poulakidas, Yale
Poulakidas just knows how to score. The 6-foot-6 senior made himself known when he scored 28 points and helped the Bulldogs beat Auburn in the first round of the NCAA tournament last March. That included shooting 6-for-9 from outside. Poulakidas thrives at creating space through a variety of moves but can also shoot on the catch and does an excellent job of getting open without the ball. He has a killer instinct and wants the ball when the game is on the line. Poulakidas will need to put some muscle on and get a little better defensively but could be a late-round sleeper. He’s averaging 20 PPG and shooting 46% from the field, 45% from 3, and 90% from the free-throw line.
