Jonathan Givony

Analyzing the NBA Draft since 2003. Founder of @DraftExpress (also on IG/Tiktok)

[Jonathan Givony @DraftExpress]

New Zealand wing Aubrey Chunga showing off his bounce at the NBA Academy Games.

Fantastic two days in Atlanta watching 83 players from 27 countries alongside a heavy contingent of NBA scouts and college coaches.

Great event, running strong annually since 2019.

[Jonathan Givony @DraftExpress]

Also possible that Southern California D2 coach made the short drive to Vegas for other reasons. Networking with high school, AAU and college coaches, agents, a personal relationship with an EYBL player, etc.

Can't knock the hustle. More EYBL players probably should go D2.

[Jonathan Givony @DraftExpress]

Some data (I was curious):

168 of the 4,407 players on D2 rosters this season (3.8%) played 17U EYBL.

Another 70 played 15U or 16U.

But of those 238, only 16 played EYBL as recently as 2024, and zero in 2025. EYBL talent does trickle down to D2, just rarely directly.

[Dinos Trigonis @trigonis30]

Most mind-boggling thing I saw in Vegas this past week was seeing a SoCal NCAA D2 assistant evaluating & recruiting at the Nike EYBL. ????? Not saying there wasn't D2 talent there BUT what EYBL players are thinking D2 prior to their HS senior seasons?

[Jonathan Givony @DraftExpress]

@LNBofficiel Credit to the LNB for being proactive, convening stakeholders for a nuanced dialogue on issues affecting international athletes, and backing it up by hiring a dedicated NCAA liaison to help French players and clubs navigate the college landscape. Important first step.

[Jonathan Givony @DraftExpress]

Productive panel in Las Vegas organized by France's LNB with key NCAA stakeholders, college basketball coaches and agents, covering collaboration opportunities, the strain NIL has put on European clubs, and what sustainable international migration to the NCAA might look like.

[Jonathan Givony @DraftExpress]

NEWS: Ratiopharm Ulm's Diego Garavaglia has committed to Rutgers, Excel Sports and Sigma Sports tell DraftExpress.

The 6'7, 19-year-old has been a standout for Italy at FIBA junior events. Major pickup for Steve Pikiell, bringing high-level toughness, feel and pro experience.

[Jonathan Givony @DraftExpress]

Gold for USA at the FIBA U17 World Cup.

Wonderful week in Istanbul at what was the best FIBA event I've ever attended. Incredible talent and organization.

USA was far and away the most skilled, connected and best coached team. Unselfish and super competitive. A joy to watch.

[Jonathan Givony @DraftExpress]

NEWS: Illinois transfer Mihailo Petrovic has committed to Seton Hall, Misko Raznatovic tells DraftExpress.

The 23-year-old Serbian point guard averaged 14.2 points and 7.3 assists in the Adriatic League before enrolling at Illinois. Has two seasons of eligibility remaining.

[Jonathan Givony @DraftExpress]

The stars came out for the quarterfinals of the FIBA U17 World Cup, led by Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje's 31-point, 16-rebound demolition job for USA.

Ömer Kutluay delivered at home with 30 points and 11 assists.

Two huge semifinals in Istanbul: Türkiye-Serbia and USA-Australia.

[Jonathan Givony @DraftExpress]

@boomersfandom Don't see any reason why they can't make it a game.

[Jonathan Givony @DraftExpress]

Day three for me at the FIBA U17 World Cup. Phenomenal setup in Istanbul.

Australia dismantled Canada on both ends in the first of four quarterfinals. Really rough look for the Canadians.

Luke Paul every bit as good as advertised, with a great supporting cast around him.

[Jonathan Givony @DraftExpress]

NEWS: Baylor transfer James Nnaji has committed to George Mason, his agency Gersh tells DraftExpress.

The 7-foot, 21-year-old Nigerian center has three years of NCAA eligibility remaining after arriving stateside mid-season.

[Jonathan Givony @DraftExpress]

NEWS: Žalgiris forward Maksim Brnović has committed to Arizona in the class of 2026, agent Tadas Bulotas of The Team tells DraftExpress.

The 6'10, 18-year-old Montenegrin brings multi-positional versatility to the Wildcats' frontcourt with his ability to handle, pass and shoot.

[Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA]

All the major draft takes/intel/analysis w/ @DraftExpress -- Loving DP to Utah, OKC going big, minor Morez surprise, trade talks that fizzled, all the guards from 5-10, Charlotte's take, much more. New ZL Show -->

[Jonathan Givony @DraftExpress]

Here's the rule change that went into effect in April: https://t.co/mJMeqWr8w7
In short: a player like Jack Kayil (2006-born) is NOT eligible to be drafted and stashed in college. But 2004-born auto-eligible internationals like Malique Lewis or Ngoy ARE.

[Jonathan Givony @DraftExpress]

To clarify how recent NCAA rule changes affect the draft:

Auto-eligible prospects, those 22 or turning 22, like Narcisse Ngoy CAN (and will) be drafted and stashed in college.

Early-entry players, by contrast, forfeit their NCAA eligibility if they keep their name in the draft

[Jonathan Givony @DraftExpress]

Went on @TheHerd to preview what to expect at the top of tonight’s 2026 NBA Draft, including why this class is so unusual: with three players in AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cam Boozer all having very strong cases to be the No. 1 pick.

[Jonathan Givony @DraftExpress]

Paint touches, pace, passing vision, and elite intangibles make the case for Kingston Flemings in the top 10. Are the size, shooting range, and defense good enough to start at the next level?

@NateDuncanNBA and I debate on Dunc'd On.

[Jonathan Givony @DraftExpress]

Mikel Brown is a pure talent. Shifty handle, off-the-dribble shot-making, and pick and roll passing at 6'5. Did scouts see enough in college, and where does he end up?

Went on Dunc'd On with @NateDuncanNBA to discuss

[Jonathan Givony @DraftExpress]

6'11 with a handle, shot-making, and flashes as a passer and defender. Who takes a swing on Nate Ament on draft night, and how high? And how concerned should teams be about the frame, athleticism, and timeline?

My take on Dunc'd On with @NateDuncanNBA