Mountain West Basketball NBA Draft Prospects: A Postseason Evaluation

As the Mountain West Tournament approaches, the conference’s NBA draft prospects are coming under increased scrutiny. While the league lacks a consensus top-tier prospect this year, several players are attracting attention from scouts. This evaluation assesses the potential of Mountain West players entering the postseason, categorized by their likelihood of being drafted.

Tier V: Youngsters Who Need More Time

This group consists of players who aren’t currently considered strong draft prospects but possess intriguing potential for future development.

• Colby Garland, Junior, San Jose State: Averaging 20.1 points per game with efficient shooting splits (49.7/39.0/83.7) and a strong assist-to-turnover ratio, Garland is a player worth monitoring.
• Kyle Jorgensen, Sophomore, Colorado State: A strong start to the season was derailed by a leg injury. At 6-foot-9 and shooting 42.1 percent from three-point range, he could develop into a stretch four prospect.
• Elijah Price, Sophomore, Nevada: Price is a versatile defender with a strong motor and above-average rebounding skills. Improving his finishing ability and jump shot will be key to his development.
• Elzie Harrington, Freshman, San Diego State: A former four-star recruit, Harrington showed promise early in the season but has cooled off recently. He remains a prospect to watch as a massive point guard.
• Tomislav Buljan, Freshman, New Mexico: At 23 years old, Buljan’s age may limit his NBA appeal. But, his size and rebounding ability (10.1 rebounds per game, a Mountain West best) are noteworthy.
• Carey Booth, Junior, Colorado State: Booth, a former top-100 prep prospect, possesses elite athleticism and is showing increased production.
• Gavin Gores, Freshman, Wyoming: Gores is a super athlete with upside, but his outside shooting (2-of-16 outside the paint) needs significant improvement.
• Jake Hall, Freshman, New Mexico: Hall has been a dynamic freshman, averaging 15.9 points while making 89 three-pointers at a 44.5 percent clip. His size and athleticism are concerns, but his shooting ability could earn him looks.
• Tyrin Jones, Freshman, UNLV: Jones is an exceptional athlete with unmatched effort and a 6-9 frame. Skill development is needed, but his physical attributes are highly intriguing.

Tier IV: “So You’re Telling Me There’s a Chance”

These players face an uphill battle to get drafted but have shown enough potential to warrant consideration.

• MJ Collins, Senior, Utah State: Collins is having a breakout season, averaging 17.3 points while shooting 49.4/37.1/80.3. However, his playmaking, defense, and size are areas for improvement.
• Reese Dixon-Waters, Senior, San Diego State: Dixon-Waters offers size and defense but lacks the athleticism of some other prospects.
• Mason Falslev, Junior, Utah State: Falslev is a tweener, a shooting guard in a point guard’s body. He excels in multiple areas, leading the Mountain West in steals for the second consecutive season, shooting a career-best 41.2 percent from three, and contributing in rebounding and playmaking. However, his age (24) limits his future projection.
• Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, Junior, UNLV: Gibbs-Lawhorn has exploded this season, leading the Mountain West with 20.6 points per game while shooting 50.9/42.4/84.1. His size (6-1, 185 pounds) and lack of true point guard skills are drawbacks, but his scoring ability has garnered attention.

Tier III: Could Get to the NBA with a Break

These players have NBA-caliber skills but need certain breaks to go their way.

• Jaden Henley, Senior, Grand Canyon: Henley has improved each season, averaging 17.9 points. He possesses Cody Martin-like abilities that could translate to the NBA with the right opportunity.
• Corey Camper Jr., Senior, Nevada: A fifth-year senior, Camper is averaging a career-best 17.1 points on 46.2 percent shooting, including 42.7 percent from three. His three-and-D potential is intriguing.

Tier II: Likely NBA Players

These players are considered strong NBA prospects.

• Magoon Gwath, Sophomore, San Diego State: Gwath is an athletic 7-footer who can shoot threes (46.9 percent) and protect the rim (3.9 blocks per 40 minutes). He is a project but possesses a unique NBA skillset.
• Miles Byrd, Junior, San Diego State: Byrd tested the NBA draft waters last offseason but returned to SDSU. He is a long wing with great defensive instincts and above-average athleticism, shooting a career-best 33.1 percent from beyond the arc. His defense could get him drafted, but his offensive consistency is a question mark.

Tier I: Slam-Dunk NBA Players

Currently, there are no players in the Mountain West projected as certain NBA draft picks.