Jon Chepkevich

Director of Scouting for a private scouting and analytics service utilized by NBA, NCAA and International teams | @NDAlumni

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

The Rookie Scale 2026 NBA Draft Undrafted Free Agent Tracker is live!

The draft is behind us, but there are plenty of dominoes still to fall with this rookie class.

Two-Ways, Exhibit-10’s, Summer League deals, and more.

Bookmark and follow along. https://t.co/wF32ojd15K

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

Checking in from the Illinois vs. Baylor exhibition tonight.

Stefan Vaaks is absolutely automatic from the corners during his pregame shooting routine, burying three after three with a fluid release and remarkably consistent mechanics.

[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]

Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje is making a strong introduction to the college basketball world, scoring 19 points against Belmont before another promising showing in Duke's exhibition rout of Tennessee.

Still seven months shy of his 18th birthday, the 7-footer displays skill and feel beyond his years, showcasing a smooth perimeter stroke, unselfish passing instincts, and comfort handling the ball in the open floor.

At 250 pounds with a 9'5" standing reach, Boumtje-Boumtje also brings imposing physical dimensions and a developing interior presence as a rebounder and shot-blocker.

It's easy to see why NBA scouts are so enamored with his long-term upside, with two seasons under John Scheyer at Duke still ahead of him before a potential run at the No. 1 pick in the 2028 NBA Draft.

[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]

Impressive college exhibition debut for Illinois freshman Quentin Coleman.

14 PTS, 7 REB, 8 AST vs. Cincinnati, including 10 straight points down the stretch.

The 6’4” guard played at his own pace, showed promising pick-and-roll feel and took over when it mattered most.

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

@TDJERRYD1972 Turned 20 two weeks ago

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

Michael Ružić has come a long way since testing the 2025 NBA Draft waters.

Now at LSU after three ACB/EuroCup seasons, the skilled, high-IQ 7-footer is a walking double-double in exhibitions.

15 PTS, 13 REB, 4 BLK against UCF.

Sharp two-way instincts and athletic bloodlines.

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

Momo Faye made his presence felt on both ends in EuroLeague action against Virtus Bologna.

10 PTS (5/6 FG), 7 REB, 3 BLK, 3 AST, putting his motor, mobility and 7'5" wingspan on full display.

After an NCAA flirtation, the Senegalese big is auto-eligible for the 2027 NBA Draft.

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

18-year-old Frenchman Hugo Yimga-Moukouri dropped 13 points and 6 boards in Nanterre’s 28-point dismantling of defending BCL champs Rytas Vilnius.

The 6’8” forward flashed scoring instincts, physicality, and defensive engagement against grown pros.

Potential 1st-round pick.

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

NEWS: Jorge Diaz-Graham has agreed to an Exhibit-10 contract with the Dallas Mavericks, sources tell DraftExpress.

The skillful 6’10” Canary Islander was the first pick of the G League International Draft and finished NBA Summer League on a high note with two double-doubles.

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

@MattHayesCFB

[Notre Dame Football @NDFootball]

Can’t contain Jonaz.

#GoIrish☘️ | @JonazWalton

[Jonathan Götting @j_goetting]

Just completed the annual update of the European Basketball Leagues Streaming Database. Some unfortunate changes, but the majority of games remain available for everyone. Feel free to share it with anyone who might be interested! https://t.co/nmUQSA9dMO

[Jon Chepkevich @JonChep]

“A person should never forget where he comes from.” — Mike Ditka

Pittsburgh roots. Chicago legend.

RIP to Iron Mike.