Top NBA prospects Kyle Filipowski from Duke and Tyler Kolek from Marquette were standout college players named AP second-team All-Americans. While they were expected to be first-round picks in the NBA Draft, they are now waiting to hear their names called in the second round.
The NBA Draft, with a new two-day format, continues with the second round on Thursday. Toronto holds the No. 31 overall pick, and there are still many talented prospects available.
Kyle Filipowski, a 6-foot-11, 230-pound forward, showcased his skills with Duke, averaging 15.8 points and 8.6 rebounds over two seasons. Despite not being an elite athlete, he has improved his 3-point shooting and shot-blocking abilities. Filipowski’s footwork and mobility have also gotten better, making him a solid option for teams in need of frontcourt help.
Tyler Kolek, a 6-foot-1, 197-pound guard, has been a playmaker for Marquette, averaging 7.6 assists and 1.7 steals while shooting 39.3% from beyond the arc. He led Division I with 7.7 assists last season, helping Marquette reach the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
Johnny Furphy, a 6-foot-8 freshman wing from Kansas, showed promise by averaging 11.8 points and 6.8 rebounds in the latter part of the season. While his defense may be a concern, his shooting and size offer floor-spacing potential for NBA teams.
Bobi Klintman, a 6-foot-9 forward from Australia, displayed his potential at Wake Forest, shooting 40.9% from 3-point range in his last 11 games. With a 6-11 wingspan, Klintman could excel as a catch-and-shoot shooter in the NBA.
Tyler Smith, a 6-foot-9 forward from the G League Ignite, is known for his athleticism and shooting ability. With a 7-1 wingspan, Smith can be a versatile threat on both ends of the floor.
In addition to these prospects, players like Cam Christie, Kevin McCullar Jr., Adem Bona, Harrison Ingram, Jamal Shead, Ajay Mitchell, KJ Simpson, and Nikola Djurisic are also on the radar for NBA teams.
As the NBA Draft second round unfolds, teams will have the opportunity to add talented players like Filipowski, Kolek, and others to their rosters. Stay tuned for more updates on the draft and the future of these promising prospects.