Size: 6’6″, 215 lbs

Age: 19

Nationality: USA

Pro Comparisons: Coby White, De’Aaron Fox, Jalen Brunson

A 27-point, eight-rebound, eight-assist line from Dylan Harper against USC wasn’t enough to extend Rutgers’ season. He’ll now enter the draft process as the consensus No. 1 guard option, with teams such as the Wizards, Utah Jazz, Charlotte Hornets and Brooklyn Nets likely in the market for another ball-handler.

His downhill game, elite finishing package, shotmaking production and defensive playmaking have widened the gap between him and the next-best prospect.

Teams won’t nitpick the 3.9 assists per game, given Harper’s effectiveness creating, his team’s need for scoring and the NBA’s appeal to ball-handlers who can take over stretches of a game.

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3. Charlotte Hornets: VJ Edgecombe (Baylor, SG/SF)

• Previous Mock Position: No. 3
• Size: 6’5″, 180 lbs
• Age: 19
• Nationality: Bahamas
• Pro Comparisons: Andrew Wiggins, Victor Oladipo, Iman Shumpert

VJ Edgecombe made a number of on-brand plays in the postseason with his explosion, shotmaking, unselfish nature and defensive activity. He applied pressure with his open-floor speed, first step in the half court, hang time around the basket, spot-up shooting and quickness/motor for getting deflections and steals.

He’s not as a versatile shotmaker as fellow freshman Ace Bailey, but Edgecombe’s more made threes, nearly three times as many assists, far better free-throw numbers (rate and percentage) and a greater defensive impact could sway teams to deem him the safer, more well-rounded prospect.

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4. New Orleans Pelicans: Ace Bailey (Rutgers, SG/SF)

• Previous Mock Position: No. 4
• Size: 6’10”, 200 lbs
• Age: 18
• Nationality: USA
• Pro Comparisons: Brandon Miller, Michael Porter Jr., Rashard Lewis

USC ended Ace Bailey’s season early, but it was a productive one (17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 blocks) for one of the draft’s youngest prospects whose 6’10” size, shotmaking and defensive playmaking remain highly enticing.

He’s still become somewhat polarizing due to some wacky shot selection, tunnel vision, poor assist-to-turnover ratio, low free-throw rate and disappointing 69.2 free-throw percentage.

But the bar was ultra high for Bailey coming in, and teams aren’t likely to over nitpick an 18-year-old who possesses his unique mix of 6’10” size and perimeter scoring skill.

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5. Philadelphia 76ers: Derik Queen (Maryland, PF/C)

• Philadelphia 76ers record: 23-56
• Previous Mock Position: No. 5
• Size: 6’10”, 246 lbs
• Age: 20
• Nationality: USA
• Pro Comparison: Alperen Sengun

Scouts that thought highly of Derik Queen before the NCAA tournament should only feel more confident after Maryland’s Sweet 16 exit. His three three-point makes and 27-point game against No. 1 seed Florida could have only helped turn some of the skeptics.

Queen’s skill level, scoring versatility and passing IQ have been strong enough indicators of offensive success that certain teams will be willing to look past his defensive limitations.

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6. Brooklyn Nets: Jeremiah Fears (Oklahoma, PG/SG)

• Brooklyn Nets record: 25-53
• Previous Mock Position: No. 6
• Size: 6’4″, 182 lbs
• Age: 18
• Nationality: American
• Pro Comparisons: Jaden Ivey, Scoot Henderson

Despite an early NCAA tournament exit for Oklahoma, Jeremiah Fears had 20 points against Connecticut while adding more highlights of mesmerizing speed, change of direction, improvisation and playmaking to the predraft reel.

Extraordinary quickness and shiftiness to create, three-level shotmaking flashes and beautiful ball-screen passes are going to sway teams to remain patient with the three-point consistency and turnovers.

The main questions ask whether he’ll improve his shooting and decision-making, but for an 18-year-old with a heavy workload and elusiveness that aces the NBA eye test, he’s made enough pull-ups and setup passes for teams to bet on his development.

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7. Toronto Raptors: Tre Johnson (Texas, SG)

• Toronto Raptors record: 29-50
• Previous Mock Position: No. 8
• Size: 6’6″, 190 lbs
• Age: 19
• Nationality: USA
• Pro Comparisons: Tyler Herro

Tre Johnson’s final performance in the NCAA tournament painted a fairly accurate picture of the scouting report.

He wowed with perimeter creation, footwork for separation and rhythm, balance on his jumpers and high-level shotmaking skill from on and off the ball. He also settled at times and struggled to get himself easy baskets at the rim or free throws.

He’s still too skilled, productive and competitive for a 6’6″ 19-year-old for teams to nitpick the weaknesses.

Johnson will look like an easy fit and sure-fire scorer/shooter to plug in right away. He’ll likely start to draw serious consideration closer to No. 4 or No. 5, based on the idea that it’s difficult to reach a certain level of stardom relying so heavily on tough pull-ups or step-backs without offering another layer of playmaking or impact defense.

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8. San Antonio Spurs: Kon Knueppel (Duke, SG/SF)

• Previous Mock Position: No. 10
• Size: 6’6″, 217 lbs
• Age: 19
• Nationality: USA
• Pro Comparisons: Cameron Johnson, Kevin Huerter, Corey Kispert, Saddiq Bey

In Duke’s final three games against Houston, Alabama and Arizona, Kon Knueppel scored 57 points on a total of 31 shots. Aside from his convincing and coveted shooting, teams will be drawn to his efficiency and ability to score within the flow from off the ball.

In ball-screen situations, he impressed with his feel, pacing and passing. And his competitiveness and IQ on defense should help alleviate some concerns about his athletic limitations.

Knueppel should look like the ultimate plug-and-play wing for teams that miss out on some of the higher-level creators.

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9. Portland Trail Blazers: Jade Richardson (Michigan State, SG)

• Previous Mock Position: No. 8
• Size: 6’3″, 185 lbs
• Age: 19
• Nationality: USA
• Pro comparison: Reed Sheppard

Jase Richardson scored 20 points on just eight shots against Ole Miss, stepping into spot-up threes and picking the right spots to use his dribble and drive. His shots just wouldn’t fall against Auburn, but nothing alarming was exposed in the loss.

Part of the reason he’d become so well-regarded was because of his consistency. Even without a high-usage role, he had been a reliable source for shotmaking, finishing and high-energy plays.

It’s also become clear that he offers more creativity than the early numbers suggest. While he’s been incredibly efficient off the ball, he’s also been one of the nation’s most efficient ball-screen scorers thanks to his feel on drives, elite finishing and 49.1 percent pull-up shooting.

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10. Houston Rockets (via Suns): Khaman Maluach (Duke, C)

• Previous Mock Position: No. 10
• Size: 7’2″, 250 lbs
• Age: 18
• Nationality: South Sudan
• Pro Comparison: Mark Williams

Khaman Maluach was having a strong NCAA tournament before running into Houston. In 21 minutes, he converted one basket, grabbed zero rebounds and picked up four fouls.

It wasn’t the type of performance that’s going to help convince NBA teams that he’s going to be ready for regular minutes next season.

Rebuilding or patient teams won’t likely be bothered. There is still plenty of optimism out there in the long-term potential tied to his 7’2″ size and mobility for finishing, rim protection and shot-contesting.

And given the pre-Duke flashes of shooting range and this year’s 76.6 percent mark from the free-throw line, Maluach may be able to strengthen his case further during workouts.

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11. Miami Heat: Kasparas Jakucionis (Illinois, PG/SG)

• Previous Mock Position: No. 12
• Size: 6’6″, 200 lbs
• Age: 18
• Nationality: Lithuania
• Pro comparison: Chauncey Billups

Kasparas Jakucionis struggled to make shots in the Big Ten and NCAA tournaments, though shotmaking isn’t a major concern. There is currently both optimism and debate about how much his positional size, clever maneuvering, shooting skill and passing IQ can offset his lack of explosiveness and quickness.

In some games, he looks in complete control with his pacing and ability to hit tough step-backs and body-controlled finishes. And then there are contests in which he struggles to get himself quality looks, and ball pressure can lead to turnovers.

Regardless, for a 6’6″ 18-year-old, his production, lead-guard creativity, off-ball versatility and late-game execution have scouts agreeing on a top-10 projection.

Too much recent evidence suggests skill and IQ can outweigh athletic limitations for a ball-handler, particularly for a plus shooter. And despite a recent slump from behind the arc, there are years of promising shotmaking data/tape for scouts to go back to from Jakucionis’ time with Barcelona and Lithuania.

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12. Chicago Bulls: Collin Murray-Boyles (South Carolina, PF)

• Previous Mock Position: No. 11
• Size: 6’7″, 245 lbs
• Age: 19
• Nationality: USA
• Pro Comparisons: Julius Randle, Anthony Mason

Even without a jump shot, Collin Murray-Boyles was one of the toughest one-on-one covers in the SEC this year. The big question asks how well it will translate to the next level, given the questions about the fit of a 6’7″, 245-pound, non-shooting “big.”

But aside from scoring with strength, footwork and instincts from the post, he did more this year facing up, using his dribble and both hands to attack and finish. The ability to initiate offense and drive from the perimeter has helped create extra, needed scoring versatility for the next level.

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13. Dallas Mavericks: Noa Essengue (Ratiopharm Ulm, PF)

• Previous Mock Position: 15
• Size: 6’10”, 198 lbs
• Age: 18
• Nationality: France
• Pro Comparisons: Jabari Walker, Precious Achiuwa

Potentially the youngest prospect in the draft, Noa Essengue averaged 14.0 points in March and enters April with seven three-point makes over Ulm’s last three games.

At 18 years old, totally raw without too much functional ball-handling for creation or reliable perimeter shotmaking, he has still found a way to contribute 10.8 points and 4.9 boards against pros.

There may be teams more interested in a prospect who brings a sure thing right away, like playmaking, shooting or shot-blocking. But given his 6’9″ size, age, production and room to improve his 23.6 percent three-point percentage, there will also be teams that see a good high-floor, high-ceiling bet.

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14. Atlanta Hawks (via Kings): Asa Newell (Georgia, C)

• Previous Mock Position: No. 13
• Size: 6’11”, 220 lbs
• Age: 19
• Nationality: USA
• Pro Comparisons: Jalen Smith, Brandon Clarke, Jonathan Isaac

Asa Newell had a typical game for himself against Gonzaga in the NCAA tournament, finishing with 20 points and eight boards off a mix of one-handers and timely athletic finishes.

He just doesn’t have the skill set to carry an offense for stretches, and the shooting has been unreliable.

Newell ultimately gives off safe-pick vibes with his 6’11” size and movement, consistent production, defensive tools and reliable touch whenever he gets it in the paint. He will make plays from off the ball within a set. And it still seems worth betting on the 29 made threes and 74.4 free-throw percentage signaling useful spot-up shooting.

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15. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Egor Demin (BYU, PG)

• Previous Mock Position: No. 25
• Size: 6’9″, weight unlisted
• Age: 19
• Nationality: Russia
• Pro Comparison: Josh Giddey

Egor Demin could have only helped himself in the NCAA tournament. He showed how advantageous his size and ball-handling can be for slashing against Alabama. Against VCU, he hit three threes and a pair of fallaways, shots he made sporadically throughout the season that create some degree of hope/optimism in his potential to become a more reliable outside threat.

Regardless, teams’ main draw to Demin will be his playmaking, which projects to translate first and easiest.

Bad turnovers, poor shooting and limited off-ball value just suggest Demin may be tough for NBA playoff teams to trust for minutes next year.

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16. Orlando Magic: Carter Bryant (Arizona, SF)

• Previous mock position: No. 16
• Size: 6’8″, 220 lbs
• Age: 19
• Nationality: USA
• Pro Comparison: Marcus Morris

Arizona’s three NCAA tournament games served as a reminder that Carter Bryant’s game and role make him highly dependent on making spot-up threes and getting transition opportunities.

But he also made enough jumpers with convincing mechanics for scouts to buy his shooting long-term. And that his physical tools and athleticism, the play-finishing and defensive playmaking also appear translatable.

A 6’8″, 220-pound, 19-year-old three-and-D wing figures to start drawing serious consideration in the mid-first round.

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17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Pistons): Ben Saraf (Ratiopharm Ulm, PG/SG)

• Previous Mock Position: No. 17
• Size: 6’5″, 201 lbs
• Age: 18
• Nationality: Israel
• Pro Comparison: Manu Ginobili

Ben Saraf went for a season-high 22 points and eight assists against Fraport, generating offense off his signature slashing and ball-screen passing. He also hit two threes in a game for the first time in over two months, and shooting range and mechanics will certainly be a talking point for NBA front offices.

But he has also made 50 pull-ups, shot 40.0 percent in the mid-range on over 100 attempts and has a very functional floater game.

Regardless, you draft Saraf primarily for the likelihood of his creativity, rim pressure and setup passing IQ translating.

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18. Brooklyn Nets (via Bucks): Liam McNeeley (Connecticut, SF/PF)

• Previous Mock Position: No. 14
• Size: 6’7″, 210 lbs
• Age: 19
• Nationality: USA
• Pro Comparison: Keegan Murray

Regardless of Liam McNeeley’s NCAA tournament performance, NBA teams have a clear picture of what he offers, and what he doesn’t.

His spot-up shooting, off-screen scoring and transition finishing should translate first and get the most use. He should eventually provide some ball-screen handling with the ability to attack downhill and make passing reads.

The athletic and defensive limitations just make it difficult to envision star-caliber upside, and he’ll need to grow his pull-up game to pose more of a threat offensively. A 43.9 two-point percentage is relatively concerning if we’re talking about a lottery pick.

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19. Washington Wizards (via Grizzlies): Nolan Traore (Saint-Quentin, PG)

• Previous Mock Position: No. 20
• Size: 6’4″, 184 lbs
• Age: 18
• Nationality: France

There will be teams that have no room or interest in a ball-dominant point guard who doesn’t shoot or finish well. And there will be teams intrigued by an advanced playmaker and starting point guard at 18 years old in LNB Pro A.

Teams will bank on Nolan Traore’s ability to run offense and pick-and-rolls and bring speed, passing and some pressure. It’s too early to write off the shotmaking, but buying him will ultimately mean valuing his ability to attack and get teammates open shots.

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20. Miami Heat (via Warriors): Nique Clifford (Colorado State, SF/PF)

• Previous Mock Position: No. 19
• Size: 6’6″, 200 lbs
• Age: 23
• Nationality: USA
• Pro Comparison: Cody Martin

Nique Clifford’s 21 points, seven boards and six assists weren’t enough to hold off Maryland. But his overall production and development from a year ago definitely won more NBA scouts.

He had come off as a prospect to watch this season based on his ability to play a Swiss Army knife role by finishing plays, passing, defending different spots and making enough open threes. But he quickly turned into a top-option skill player who can get his own shot or serve as the offense’s playmaker.

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21. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Danny Wolf (Michigan, PF/C)

• Previous Mock Position: No. 27
• Size: 7’0″, 250 lbs
• Age: 20
• Nationality: USA/Israel
• Pro comparison: Kyle Anderson, Hedo Turkoglu

Danny Wolf made a strong, final pitch to scouts against Auburn, finishing with 20 points and a number of eye-opening highlights that showcased his creation and shotmaking.

Though his three-point numbers might not indicate shooting improvement, he added a pull-up and step-back to his repertoire this year. A 7-footer who made 21 dribble jumpers, served as Michigan’s lead playmaker and still averaged 9.7 boards and 1.4 blocks is bound to entice a number of teams.

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22. Utah Jazz (via Timberwolves): Thomas Sorber (Georgetown, C)

• Previous Mock Position: No. 24
• Size: 6’10”, 255 lbs
• Age: 19
• Nationality: USA
• Pro Comparison: Onyeka Okongwu

A foot injury on a big guy will draw extra attention during predraft and medical reviews. Teams will be hopeful to watch Thomas Sorber work out, since he hasn’t played since February 15 and was often kept in check against ranked or NCAA tournament teams.

His finishing tools, post skill and passing were noticeably advanced throughout the season. He was disruptive defensively (2.0 blocks, 1.5 steals) and despite poor jump-shooting percentages, the confidence/comfort he showed to keep taking mid-range shots and threes was still encouraging.

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23. Orlando Magic (via Nuggets): Will Riley (Illinois, SF)

• Previous Mock Position: No. 21
• Size: 6’8″, 180 lbs
• Age: 19
• Nationality: Canada
• Pro Comparison: Kyshawn George

Scouts saw the best and worst of Will Riley in the NCAA tournament, which he opened by scoring 22 points on 12 shots against Xavier. He put on a shotmaking clinic late while also mixing in some strong drives earlier.

However, he was mostly silent in Illinois’ following loss to Kentucky, struggling to create separation inside the arc. Weak explosion and a negative wingspan are concerning from a translatability standpoint, and he doesn’t offer much versatility for games when his jump shot isn’t falling.

But over the last month, Riley has still looked more confident and decisive in terms of shooting and using his dribble to make plays for himself and teammates.

Some teams will see upside in a 6-foot-8 scoring wing. Others may see a lengthy NBA-ready timetable and bust potential.

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24. Indiana Pacers: Noah Penda (Le Mans, SF/PF)

• Previous Mock Position: No. 18
• Size: 6’8″, 225 lbs
• Age: 20
• Nationality: France
• Pro Comparison: Nicolas Batum

Even if Noah Penda’s production seems pedestrian, it’s helped illuminate specific versatility the NBA often covets.