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[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

Tyran Stokes’ talent popped throughout the first half, helping Kansas build a 10-point lead over Kentucky here in Chicago.

Really weaponizes his playmaking in transition, grabbing-and-going off the defensive glass.

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

On deck for yet another State Farm Champions Classic here in Chicago — always one of the premier scouting events of the early college hoops season.

Strong contingent of NBA scouts and executives on hand to get eyes on a deep pool of prospects across four blue blood programs.

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

Kentucky sophomore Malachi Moreno flirted with a triple-double in the Wildcats' overtime exhibition win over UCF, posting 16 PTS, 14 REB, 8 AST, and 2 BLK.

The 7-foot, 250-pound big man, who recently turned 20, continues to demonstrate impressive processing speed, passing instincts, and budding offensive skill that give him long-term NBA upside despite some athletic limitations.

Four sequences that illustrate Moreno's two-way impact: a well-timed backdoor bounce pass, a recovery block out of short drop coverage, directing traffic before cutting for a dunk, and wedging his defender under the rim for an offensive rebound and putback.

With Kentucky leaning on him as both an offensive hub and interior anchor, Moreno will have ample opportunity to strengthen his first-round case and potentially climb into the top-20 conversation in the 2027 NBA Draft.

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

18-year-old Cheickh Niang told @DraftExpress in Treviso this summer that he sees himself playing in the NBA within five years.

The 6'6" Senegalese-Italian wing is off to a promising start with Trento, recently posting 12 PTS, 4 AST, and 2 STL in just 17 minutes in a EuroCup win over Budućnost.

Niang shot a perfect 5-of-5 from the field, including 2-of-2 from three, showcasing his explosive athleticism, perimeter shot-making, and flashes of off-the-dribble creation.

The younger brother of LSU's Saliou Niang, a 2025 NBA Draft pick, Cheickh possesses intriguing physical tools and offensive upside, with continued growth as a shooter and decision-maker key to reaching his NBA ambitions.

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

17-year-old Stefan Joksimović delivered an impressive performance against EuroLeague powerhouse Panathinaikos in Athens, posting 13 PTS, 3 AST, and 1 STL in just 19 minutes as Baskonia pushed the hosts to the wire.

The 6'8" Slovenian guard shot 5-of-9 from the field, committed zero turnovers, and finished +10 in the narrow 85-79 defeat.

Joksimović played with confidence and decisiveness, knocking down catch-and-shoot threes, attacking gaps off the catch, powering through Kendrick Nunn for a transition and-one, and using his quick hands to generate a pick-six dunk.

His passing instincts were equally evident, reading help defenders to find open shooters and making quick decisions within the flow of Baskonia's offense.

Fresh off an MVP-winning run to the FIBA U18 EuroBasket title, Joksimović is earning increased responsibility in Baskonia's rotation. His rare combination of positional size, creation ability, and feel makes him a top-five candidate in the 2027 NBA Draft.

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

UCLA freshman Nikola Kusturica stuffed the stat sheet in the Bruins' exhibition rout of Cal Baptist:

10 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST, 5 STL, 2 BLK, and no turnovers in just 24 minutes.

The 6'9" Serbian wing went 0-of-6 from three but still influenced virtually every facet of the game, showcasing his relentless motor, toughness, and fiercely competitive mentality.

Kusturica's positional size, ball-handling ability, and feel allow him to create opportunities for teammates, while his activity and instincts stand out as he mashes the offensive glass, generates deflections, and turns defensive stops into transition opportunities.

Still six months shy of turning 18, Kusturica has the talent, physical upside, and competitive makeup to emerge as a legitimate No. 1 pick contender in the 2028 NBA Draft following two seasons in Westwood.

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

Louisville freshman Obinna Ekezie Jr. delivered one of the standout performances of the college basketball exhibition slate, posting 16 PTS, 8 REB, and 5 BLK in just 19 minutes off the bench in the Cardinals’ 89-83 road win over Kansas.

The 7’2” Nigerian big man knocked down 4-of-6 attempts from beyond the arc and blocked projected 2027 No. 1 pick contender Tyran Stokes three times.

Ekezie’s combination of perimeter shooting touch and physical tools was on full display. His massive 9’4” standing reach allows him to cover ground, challenge shots, and protect the rim.

After reclassifying to join Pat Kelsey’s Cardinals a year early, the 18-year-old is now eligible for the 2027 NBA Draft and has firmly entered the first-round conversation, with legitimate lottery upside.

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

Braylon Mullins didn't play in UConn's exhibition at Michigan State last night, but I got a good look at the projected lottery pick's pregame shooting regimen.

Such a pure stroke. Beautiful mechanics, an effortless release, and incredibly soft touch. His frame looks to be coming along nicely, too, as he works his way back to full health and continues to develop physically.

With his positional size, balance, footwork, and ability to make shots off the catch, on the move, and off the dribble, Mullins has the makings of a potentially elite NBA shooter as his game continues to mature.

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

Projected 2027 top pick Tyran Stokes showcased his immense upside in Kansas’ exhibition win over Pittsburg State.

14 PTS, 4 REB, 2 AST in 17 MIN.

A force of nature athletically, but his passing instincts and body control set him apart.

Bigger test tonight vs. Louisville.

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

Made the trip to East Lansing for tonight’s Michigan State-UConn exhibition.

Looking forward to getting a live look at UConn’s Na’jai Hines, who was among the nation’s top shot-blockers as a freshman at Seton Hall last season.

Poised for a sophomore leap with the Huskies.

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

Spent some time watching St. John’s big man, Zuby Ejiofor, working out during combine week.

Repping out his three-point stroke, which has shown signs of improvement.

The Big East Player of the Year should draw serious interest from good teams in the back end of the first round.

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

Spent some time watching Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz training in Chicago for the upcoming NBA Draft Combine.

Clearly in great shape and shoots the cover off the ball.

The 6’4” point guard’s smarts, skills, instincts, and steadiness should appeal to NBA teams drafting in the teens.

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

NEWS: Maxim Klitschko has committed to East Carolina, sources tell DraftExpress.

The 7’2” big man is averaging 14.9 points and 7.9 rebounds in a breakout French Espoirs season.

Has earned Betclic Élite minutes with AS Monaco and plays for the Ukrainian Senior National Team.

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

NEWS: Drexel transfer, Shane Blakeney, has committed to South Carolina, his agents Kevin Martin and Oshwand Scott of JCK Sports Group tell DraftExpress.

14.2 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.5 APG en route to 2nd Team All-CAA honors.

Chose his home state Gamecocks over a bevy of HM suitors.

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

NEWS: Charlotte transfer, Anton Bonke, will test the 2026 NBA Draft waters, his agent Scott Nichols of @Rize_Management tells DraftExpress.

The 7’2” Dutch-Ni-Van center is fresh off a monstrous breakout season.

Late to the game with intriguing tools and upside to tap into.

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

NEWS: Cleveland State transfer, Dayan Nessah, has committed to Loyola Chicago, he tells DraftExpress.

The Swiss swingman had a breakout season in the Horizon League following a strong U19 World Cup.

Forms a dynamic European duo for the Ramblers alongside Guillaume Grotzinger.

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

Agency 🔮’s and 📝’s have been added and mock updates have been logged over the past week.

Intel continues to pour in as the prospect field takes shape.

Continue to follow along here ⤵️

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

NEWS: Kentucky’s Malachi Moreno will test the NBA Draft waters, his agent George S. Langberg of @GSLSportsGroup tells DraftExpress.

If he withdraws and returns to college, he will be a Kentucky Wildcat next season.

The 19-year-old 7-footer averaged 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.5 blocks for the Wildcats en route to SEC All-Freshman Team honors.

Clear NBA appeal with exceptional two-way feel, IQ, and instincts for his size and age.

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

NEWS: Arkansas’ DJ Wagner intends to enter the transfer portal, sources tell DraftExpress.

The former top-10 recruit was a key piece to the Razorbacks’ first SEC title run since 2000.

Change of scenery on the horizon for the New Jersey native, who spent 3 years under Coach Cal.

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

The PIT mock is back!

Teamed up with @HoopLikeDrazen to project the 64-prospect field.

The 2026 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament takes place April 15-18. https://t.co/G2Gwpc5XS6