As usual, the talents of the NBA Draft’s top prospects weren’t on display during the year’s invite-only combine. Instead, second round gems and late first round hopefuls were allowed to showcase their skills without being overshadowed by the likes of Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram. Yesterday, I gave my list of who impressed during day one of the workouts that were open to the media. Some guys, like Cheick Diallo, Kay Felder and DeAndre Bembry turned heads both days. Here’s a list of guys who caught my attention Friday.
Joel Bolomboy:
Unless you’re a fan of the Big Sky conference, you may not be familiar with Weber State’s Joel Bolomboy, but the 6’9” power forward worked his hardest to change that in Chicago on Thursday and Friday. In addition to recording the combine’s best lane agility time at 10.26, his 37.5” vertical jump was second best and he was among the best in the shuttle drill (2.86 seconds) and 3/4 court sprint (3.17 seconds). One the court his athletic ability shined as he scored 10 points on 4 of 5 shooting and grabbed 9 rebounds. You probably won’t see him picked in the first round, but someone may have a nice sleeper on their hands in the second.
Michael Gbinije:
Former Syracuse shooting guard/small forward Michael Gbinije was one of the more notable names participating in the year’s NBA combine and the 23 year old didn’t disappoint. Although he’s not a point guard, during scrimmages he showed his leadership ability on the court and was skilled at penetrating the lane and finishing or finding open teammates. He ended the day with 17 points on 7 of 12 shooting, including 2 of 4 from 3. He also added 4 assists, 4 steals and 0 turnovers to his stat line. In addition to impressing on the court, the also recorded the fastest three-quarter sprint time at 3.12 seconds.
Isaiah Miles:
St Joe’s star Isaiak Miles scored a game high 21 points on 6 of 10 shooting during the first of Friday’s scrimmages. He finished well at the rim and showed good range. He also added 6 rebounds and 0 turnovers to his total. He’s on the fringe, but with his impressive play during 5 on 5 play, a team could very well give him a shot in the late 2nd round.
Notes:
Marcus Paige, who despite an impressive career at UNC is not a lock to get drafted, didn’t do much to help his stock at the combine. His shot wasn’t consistent, although he did get into a little rhythm in the 2nd half of Friday’s scrimmage, and his strength and agility numbers weren’t much to write home about. After up and down junior and senior years, GM’s and coaches have to wonder if Paige will ever return the the killer Tar Heel fans grew to love his sophomore year. Even if his name isn’t called on June 23rd, I’m sure a team will give him a shot in training camp.
After impressing at the NBA Combine, Providence sophomore Ben Bentil has a big decision on his hands. Return to school for his junior year in hopes of improving his draft stock and guaranteed money OR head for the pros now. But after an a great season at Providence and impressive showing at this year’s combine, I think Bentil should try his hand at the NBA. I do think a team will draft him at least mid second round and I’m not sure if another season in college would help him. Got to get while the getting is good. Plus I think he’s a 2nd round gem.