Last year’s NBA Draft saw five players from mid-major programs get selected. That included one first-round selection in Colorado State’s Nique Clifford, who was drafted 24th overall. Saint Joseph’s Rasheer Fleming was chosen with the 31st overall pick, just outside of the first round.
It looks a lot less likely there will be any mid-major players taken in this year’s Draft, let alone in the first round. There has been a mid-major player selected in every NBA Draft since at least 2000. If there isn’t one taken this year, could that be a sign of what’s to come in this new era of college hoops?
Whatever happens doesn’t diminish the quality of players who aren’t playing in the Big 10 or ACC. However, no mid-majors advancing to this year’s Sweet 16 could impact exposure. Regardless, there are still plenty of guys coming from mid-majors who could make an NBA roster, and here are a few guys who I think can do so.
Miles Byrd, San Diego State
Byrd landed on this list last year before it was announced in May that he would be returning to the Aztecs. He likely got smarter and stronger with that extra year, and I think he improved his draft stock. The 6-foot-6, 190-pound combo guard can play off the ball or can be the main facilitator for an offense.
Byrd’s biggest draw, though, is his defense. His length allows him to be an excellent defender, where he can shut down the ball, get in passing lanes, or switch onto bigger players. He averaged 3.1 stocks (steals + blocks) this year.
His outside shot can improve (30.8% from 3), but he can finish around the rim and get to the free-throw line. He averaged 10.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game this year.
Zach Cleveland, Liberty
Cleveland’s playmaking was on display last year, but it really took a step up this season. At 6-foot-7, 220 pounds, he’s an excellent distributor, especially in the middle of the floor where he can put his footwork, ball skills, and fluidity to use.
His vision and anticipation are next-level.
It also helped that Liberty had sharpshooters surrounding him.
Cleveland averaged 11.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 6.8 APG this year. He’s not a great shooter and only attempted four 3-pointers on the season. He also only shot 53.1% from the free-throw line. Developing a jumper would be huge because his athleticism, size, and overall feel for the game give him a foundation to build on at the next level.
His footwork, base, and anticipation also make him a good defender.
Allen Graves, Santa Clara
The West Coast Conference’s Sixth Man and Freshman of the Year almost had one of the biggest shots of the NCAA Tournament when he gave Santa Clara the late lead over Kentucky in the Round of 64. He was only (unfortunately) to be outdone by Kentucky’s Otega Oweh seconds later.
Still, that 3-pointer from Graves was what basketball fans got used to seeing all year — the 6-foot-9, 225-pounder doesn’t play like a freshman.
Graves plays under control offensively and hardly makes the wrong decision. He’s a solid passer and can score from the block, the high post, or from the outside. The Ponchatoula, Louisiana, product is also a great rebounder and uses his frame well, both offensively and defensively.
He could have been a starter for SCU, but he embraced coming off the bench, which leads me to believe he’s a team-first guy. He averaged 11.8 points and 6.8 RPG this year.
Kashie Natt, Sam Houston
One of the most explosive and entertaining players in all of college basketball played in Conference USA. It’s unfortunate Natt wasn’t introduced to the world during the NCAA Tournament, because I’m sure he would have made a ton of noise and quickly become a fan favorite.
It’s hard to find a player who has the motor that Natt has. He never takes a play off, and I think that’s his biggest strength. He’s relentless when attacking the rim or on the glass. At 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, he averaged 8.2 RPG and 10.8 PPG.
Natt’s persistence also makes him a great defender and one opposing guards hate to see. He had multiple highlight-reel blocks this season and averaged two steals per game. If his offense evolves, there’s no doubt he could bring juice to an NBA roster.
