Jayden Quaintance’s NBA Draft stock has taken a big hit at ESPN; Malachi Moreno is rising
Jayden Quaintance’s health is a big question mark, while Malachi Moreno could be in range of being drafted.
In the newest edition of Woo’s draft projections, the Cleveland (OH) native has dropped down to 20th overall on the draft board after widely being projected in the top 10 before the season began.
There’s obvious concern about Quaintance, who played his freshman season at Arizona State and his sophomore year under Pope, that his knee did not heal within a normal timeframe, given that the injury sidelined him for over a full year.
Although the 6-1o big man has not actually declared for the draft, it’s expected soon as the Wildcats are already in the process of building their roster for next season. If Quaintance can prove he’s 100% healthy, then he’ll very likely go inside the first round, which may be enough to keep him from playing another season in college.
Elsewhere in the ranking, Malachi Moreno moved all the way up to 60th overall after being unranked, meaning he could be within range of being a second-round pick if he remains in the draft. Moreno is currently testing the draft waters but is expected to return to Kentucky.
Moreno could really use another season of development, and next year’s draft looks much weaker, so he’d have a great chance of going much higher if he waits until next year to go pro.
Finally, Otega Oweh is barely inside the ranking at 93rd overall. For now, it looks unlikely that he’d hear his name called in the draft and would begin his pro career as an undrafted free agent.
Might that lead to Oweh seeking a fifth season of eligibility? The NCAA is considering a rule that would allow players to play five seasons over five years, though that may not take effect until next season.
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