2018 NBA Draft Preview: Top Prospects and One Gator Looking to Go Pro

The 2018 NBA Draft will begin on Thursday night. Former Florida Gators guard Chris Chiozza is eligible to go pro. Chiozza is projecting to be a second-round selection.

The former Gator averaged 11.1 points-per-game as the team’s starting point guard. He averaged just over six assists a game as well. Chiozza would also average over two steals per-game. He is mostly being looked at for his ability as a defensive player, and proved in his time at Florida he is an elite on-ball defender.

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1009783204935544832

The Front of the Pack

Firstly, the lottery portion of the draft is coming into focus with less than 12 hours remaining before the 7 p.m. start time. Former Arizona Wildcat Deandre Ayton is considered to be the projected first overall pick, according to ESPN mock drafts. The seven-foot center would bring a strong post-game to the Phoenix Suns, who hold the top pick, as well as elite rebounding ability.

Another note worthy player is international sensation Luka Doncic. Likely going to the Sacramento Kings with the second pick, Doncic is a highlight reel point guard with his passing ability. The 19-year-old from Spain would join the young core of De’Aaron Fox and Justin Jackson if picked by the Kings.

First time in NYC.@luka7doncic x @NBA Draft pic.twitter.com/j4F36kwmII

— NBA Draft (@NBADraft) June 21, 2018

Other players that are possibly projecting to the top of the draft are Marvin Bagley III, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Mohamed Bamba. Also, players such as Michael Porter Jr. and Wendell Carter Jr. could sneak into the Top-Five as well.

Middle Tier

Secondly, the middle portion of the draft contains some standout names as well. Freshman sensations Trae Young and Collin Sexton are projected to go around the No. 10-pick. Both guards offer high-level scoring ability, and will add solid guard depth to whoever selects them.

https://twitter.com/TheTraeYoung/status/1009776074908143616

Also, Kentucky Wildcats guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is gaining attention, and is projecting to go late in the Top-10. Gilgeous-Alexander is entering as one of the top point guards in the draft due to his court vision and scoring skillset.

Finally, the 2018 NBA Draft will take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The official start time for the draft is set at 7 p.m.