2025 draft comparisons: The NBA players prospects look up to (in their own words)

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I would say my athleticism is underrated. I showed it at the combine with a good vertical and shuttle drill, and I’m going to continue to prove to everyone that I’m pretty athletic. I’m also proud of my competitiveness, intensity, and heart – I don’t think a lot of guys have that same level.

Who is your pro comparison if you had to choose?

The one I’ve been using recently is Gordon Hayward pre-injury, but even post-injury he was great, I mean, just his ability to score the ball and be very versatile, that’s what I’m trying to do.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

I watch a lot of film of myself to see where I mess up and how I can get better, as well as Luka Doncic, Dirk Nowitzki, Gordon Hayward, and Keegan Murray. I focus on how versatile they are and their ability to score in different ways.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

Probably my shooting. That’s the main thing scouts were questioning, so it was a goal for me to shoot well and show that I’m a capable shooter. A lot of people who work in front offices understand I can shoot, and it’s just about the details and time for me to prove it at the next level.

Who is your pro comparison if you had to choose?

If I had to give myself a pro comparison, most people would probably say Luka, just because of the big guard, passing style. But I’m not trying to be exactly like anyone. Luka is Luka, and I’m just building my own game from different influences.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

I try to take pieces from as many players as I can, but right now I’m studying a lot of Cade Cunningham, Franz Wagner, and Deni Avdija. I watch them to find the most efficient things that fit my style of play.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I’d say shooting, just because of my percentages. It’s mostly a confidence thing for me. If I hit a couple threes and then miss one, I tend to stop shooting for the rest of the game. So, building up my confidence to keep shooting is what I’m working on.

Who is your pro comparison if you had to choose?

Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot of people compare me to a young Al Horford, so I’ve been watching his old YouTube clips and trying to get my three-point shot up like his.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

I try to watch a little bit of everybody, especially during the playoffs. Recently, I’ve been watching Jokic and also Trayce Jackson-Davis for the way he plays with intensity. I try to learn from those bigs and see what I can take from their games.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I think I tested pretty well for my size during combine testing, but I didn’t get to play as much as I wanted. I didn’t shoot as well as I would have liked, so that’s something I’m excited to show teams in the next few weeks.

Who is your pro comparison if you had to choose?

I’d say my pro comp is a mix of a lot of European big guys who make the game look effortless – Jokic, Sengun, and Sabonis.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

I try to take bits and pieces from all of them and emulate as much as I can from their games.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I’d say my guard skills are definitely underrated. Most people overlook that part of my game. I played point guard my whole life, then I grew a little bit and moved to forward my sophomore and junior years. But I want people to know I’ve always been a guard at heart. Right now, I’m working on getting comfortable being a guard again. I haven’t lost any confidence over the years. I just play whatever my team needs to help us win.

Who is your pro comparison if you had to choose?

Honestly, I don’t really model my game after any one player. I watch games and, if I see a move I like, I’ll add it to my bag, but I wouldn’t say I try to play like anyone in particular. I’ve been told my game is similar to Jimmy Butler or OG Anunoby, and I can agree with that, but I don’t base my game on theirs.

Who are you trying to watch on film and take from them?

I watch a lot of Kyrie, KD, and Jayson Tatum. Growing up, I was always watching Derrick Rose and Kevin Durant highlights on YouTube. If I see something from those guys I like, I’ll try to add it to my game.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I think my ability to screen, pop, and make plays as a big wing is something that goes underrated. I try to find ways to create for my teammates, not just score myself.

Who is your pro comparison if you had to choose?

I’d say Bojan Bogdanovic, with the way he plays as a big wing, and maybe a little bit of Josh Giddey. I’m not a point guard, but I try to bring some of that big playmaker mentality to my game, especially in transition.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

I watch a lot of Bojan Bogdanovic for how he screens, pops, and creates. I also watch Josh Giddey for his playmaking in transition and ability to find teammates. And I watch Luka for his footwork in the paint, his floater, and mid-range game.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I think my ability to play through contact and my agility are underrated skills. Growing up playing footy in Australia really helped me get used to physicality, changing directions, and jumping off one foot. That toughness and agility definitely translate to basketball, and I’m always trying to improve on those.

Who is your pro comparison if you had to choose?

If I had to pick a pro comp, I’d say Tyler Herro. I try to bring that same scoring versatility and ability to operate out of ball screens.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

I watch a lot of SGA and Tyler Herro. I focus on how they use ball screens, score at all three levels, and especially how SGA changes pace in the mid-range and gets to the rim. Those are things I want to learn from and add to my game.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I think my competitiveness is definitely underrated. People might not see it in my body language or demeanor, but I’m super competitive. I’m also trying to prove that I can defend at a high level and be a true competitor. As far as improvement, I’d say I’m working on my reaction time and lateral quickness. I’m also focusing on being more consistent and locked in on defense, as well as watching more film to break down the game better.

Who is your pro comps if you had to choose?

On the high end, I’d say Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. Really, I try to model myself after players who can play both ways, knock down shots, and be a secondary ball handler.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

Growing up, I watched a lot of Kevin Durant, LeBron, Paul George, and Brandon Ingram – he’s actually my favorite player right now. Those are the guys I took the most from when watching YouTube and trying to add to my game.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I think my playmaking is underrated. I haven’t been able to show it as much as I want at the college level, but it’s a skill I feel is still overlooked.

Who is your pro comparison if you had to choose?

I get asked that a lot, but I honestly don’t know. Hopefully, I can model my game after somebody who’s had a good career.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

I like watching LeBron, obviously, but I really watch Jalen Williams because he affects winning without always having the ball or scoring all the time. Those are the types of players I try to learn from.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I think my offensive game and my overall two-way presence are underrated. I didn’t get to fully showcase that at UNC, but it’s something I want people to notice about my game.

Who is your pro comparison if you had to choose?

I wouldn’t say I have a direct pro comp. I just try to take bits and pieces from the players I watch, like Jrue Holiday and Devin Booker, and add my own style to it.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

I watch a collection of guys, but mainly Jrue Holiday and Devin Booker. I like Jrue’s overall approach – both defensively and offensively – and with Devin Booker, I pay attention to how he manipulates defenses and gets to his spots, even though he’s not the fastest guy.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I think my toughness, my motor, and my overall defensive and effort mindset are underrated. I’m looking to show teams I can bring that to the next level, pick up the pieces, and just help my team win.

Who is your pro comparison if you had to choose?

My pro comps would be Alperen Sengun and Isaiah Hartenstein. They both have really good touch, know how to pass and distribute the ball, and that’s something I try to model my game after.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

I watch Alperen Sengun and Isaiah Hartenstein a lot. I pay attention to how they pass, use their touch, and make plays for their teammates, and I try to bring those things into my own game.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I’m just trying to show that I know how to play basketball the right way and do whatever it takes to help a team win. I want to be a player of value by rebounding, pushing the ball, setting screens, and doing all the little things. I’d say being consistent, crashing the glass every time, and defending every position are areas I’m working on. My three-point shooting also needs some work.

Who is your pro comparison if you had to choose?

I’ve been told Lauri Markkanen, but I only see parts of it. He’s a better shooter and a great player, so it’s tough to really compare with anyone. Growing up, I watched a lot of Russell Westbrook, especially how he attacks the rim and tries to dunk on people.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

I also watched all kinds of Ballislife mixtapes and just tried to take little things from everyone I saw. I didn’t really have a basketball trainer until Alabama, so I kind of taught myself by watching everything.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I think my defense is really underrated. I’m long and athletic, and I feel like that’s where I’ll make my mark at the next level. I also think I can knock down shots and just play with a lot of energy and motive.

Who is your pro comparison if you had to choose?

I’d say Tim Hardaway Jr., Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Donte DiVincenzo. There are flashes of each of those guys in my game, especially how Alexander-Walker defends. I don’t think I play exactly like any one person, but I definitely take little pieces from all of them.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

I watch a lot of SGA, especially for how he creates space and gets to his shot. I also watch Alexander-Walker from Minnesota and Andrew Nembhard for the way he controls the game and plays at his own pace. I try to pick different pieces from each of those guys.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I’d say my playmaking is probably underrated. I think I can make plays for myself or others, and that’s something people might not always notice. I’ve also grown a lot as a shooter. I have more confidence, better form, and a better release now.

Who is your pro comparison if you had to choose?

Maybe Al Horford, especially when he was younger. I can see some similarities in our games.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

I watch a lot of Jokic, mostly for his passing and his passion for the game. I also like watching Brandon Davies from Partizan – how he shoots and everything he does on the floor. I try to take a little bit from both of them.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I think my shooting is definitely underrated. A lot of people don’t always see me as a shooter, but I’ve had two seasons shooting well from three. I’m also working on tightening my handle – just getting a better, tighter handle on the ball.

Who is your pro comparison if you had to choose?
I’d say PJ Washington and Jonathan Kuminga. Guys who can space the floor, get out in transition, and impact the game in a lot of different ways.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

Growing up, I watched a lot of Kobe, LeBron, Paul George, and when I was younger, a lot of Kyrie. I try to take things from all those guys’ games.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I think my perimeter shooting is underrated. I’ve worked on adding an outside shot and showing more of my athleticism. I also want to prove that I’m a good person and a good locker room guy, not just a player.

Who is your pro comparison if you had to choose?

I’d probably say someone like Naz Reid or Julius Randle. I see myself getting to that level, being a league player with a similar game.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

I watch a lot of different players. I study Jokic, Embiid, and Karl-Anthony Towns for how they shoot the basketball. I also watch Julius Randle for how he uses his body, and Naz Reid for how he’s changed and fit into the NBA as one of the best six men.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I’d say my passing is underrated. I’m able to make quick decisions and get a lot of guys involved, even though I’m not the primary ball-handler. I see myself as a good secondary playmaker.

Who is your pro comparison if you had to choose?

I’ve been compared a lot to Caris LeVert. I think I bring a little more on the defensive end since I’m taller and have more length, but that’s the comp I hear most.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

Defensively, I like to watch Jrue Holiday and Jaden McDaniels. Offensively, I watch Caris LeVert and a lot of 3-and-D role guys to pick up things from both ends.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I’d say my on-ball defense is probably the most underrated thing about me. I’m really good at playing in the gaps and keeping the ball in front of me. I’m also working to improve my finishing around the rim, especially acrobatic finishes, and tightening up my ball handling.

Who is your pro comparison if you had to choose?

Davion Mitchell and Darius Garland. I’ve also heard Cason Wallace and Tyrese Maxey as comps for my game. My favorite player is Kyrie Irving, so I watch him a lot.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

I watch Fred VanVleet, Darius Garland, Tyrese Maxey, and Davion Mitchell – guys like that to try to pick up things for my game.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

My most underrated skill is probably my passing and vision – being able to find guys at a high level. I’m also working to keep improving my skill level overall and just be a great teammate.

Who is your pro comps if you had to choose?

Definitely Jrue Holiday. He’s my favorite. I’d also say someone who’s really quick, can play defense, and do it at all levels.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

I watch a lot of Jrue Holiday, Andrew Nembhard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Tyrese Haliburton – really good point guards. I don’t just watch one guy, I watch a lot of NBA players to pick up different things.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I take pride in my guard skills and I’m working on stretching the court more, aiming to become a versatile stretch big or small ball five. I feel like I move better than people expect and can contribute as a vocal, on-court leader.

Who is your pro comps if you had to choose?

I’m really liking Alperen Sengun at the moment from the Rockets. I think we’re similar in how we dribble, use our body to create advantages, and finish around the rim.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

I put on full games instead of just highlights, so I can analyze every possession and be realistic about what’s happening on the floor. I try to learn from how guys like Sengun play, using their body and skills to create advantages.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I think my competitiveness and my rebounding – especially on the offensive glass – are underrated. I also play for the team, and I’m aggressive about finding my teammates and helping the team win.

Who is your pro comparison if you had to choose?

I’d say Zubac, going the Croatian route. I’ve also been a big fan of Dario Saric for a lot of years, and I’d mention Mario Hezonja as well.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

I like watching Naz Reid from the Timberwolves and Lauri Markkanen. Naz Reid is a versatile player who can space the floor, attack off the perimeter, and defend multiple positions. Lauri Markkanen is flashier, a great shooter, and an excellent ISO player with really good moves and athleticism.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I think my defense is definitely underrated. People probably don’t expect me to be a good defender, but I feel like I’m a smart, physical defender. I’m also working to improve my shooting consistency – mechanics, shooting off different actions, off the dribble, and from long range.

Who is your pro comparison if you had to choose?

I’d say AJ Mitchell from the Oklahoma City Thunder. I feel like we play a similar role – bringing energy, playing hard, being able to play both on and off the ball.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

Growing up, I watched a lot of Kobe. I also watched James Harden for how he manipulates defenses and controls the paint, and I studied D-Wade, LeBron, and really just about everyone in the NBA. I try to take a little bit from everybody’s game.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I want to show people that I’m a good shooter and a confident shooter, even though my efficiency dropped later in the season. An underrated skill people should notice is my passing ability. I think I’m a really good playmaker, especially when I keep it simple. Today I had four assists and zero turnovers, so I was glad to show that.

Who is your pro comparison if you had to choose?
Right now, I’d say Dyson Daniels. I think I can turn into a secondary playmaker with development, but I’m a very good defender who gets a lot of deflections and brings good activity.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

I’ve been watching a lot of Dyson Daniels and Jalen Williams. Both are secondary playmakers who defend the ball well and get a lot of deflections, which is the kind of role I think I can have in the league.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I would probably say my shooting ability is underrated. I shot the ball pretty well this year, and that’s something people need to take notice of.

Who is your pro comparison if you had to choose?
A lot of people would say Andrew Nembhard. He’s good on and off the ball, can shoot, and makes the right reads – those are things I try to bring to my game.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

I watch a lot of point guards. Nembhard is a big one, and I also watch Damian Lillard and John Wall. I like to watch good point guards and take pieces from their games to apply to mine.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I think my passing is definitely underrated. I can pass the ball very well, find my teammates, and make them better. I’m also always looking to keep improving in every area and just do whatever the team needs.

Who are you trying to watch on film and take from them?

I watch a lot of Luka Doncic. I pay attention to his pace, how he controls the game, and his passing. I try to take those things and apply them to my own game. I think him. Maybe some years before.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I feel like my playmaking is sometimes overlooked. I grew up as a point guard, so I’ve always had a good feel for the game and a high IQ. My versatility and ability to impact the game in different ways are things I want people to notice.

Who is your pro comparison if you had to choose?

Kobe Bryant is my idol, but for comps I’d say Jalen Williams, Aaron Wiggins, and I’ve heard Mikal Bridges too. I’m my own unique player, but I see aspects of those guys in my game.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

I watch a lot of Kobe, and right now I like watching Jalen Williams and Josh Hart – guys who can do a little bit of everything. I also watch NBA film to learn little things about the pro game, like how players guard actions, draw fouls, and pick up on the pace and spacing differences from college.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I think my communication is definitely underrated. Especially in these settings, just being vocal and making sure people know you’re out there is huge. I also bring high energy, do the things a lot of guys might not want to do, and I focus on being the best two-way player every time I step on the court.

Who is your pro comparison if you had to choose?
I’d say Jimmy Butler. I like Jimmy a lot and try to model my game after him.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

I watch a lot of Dwyane Wade, Jimmy Butler, Luguentz Dort, and Josh Okogie. I focus on their intensity, two-way play, and how they guard the best player while still putting points on the board.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I think people overlook my ability to put the ball on the floor. I haven’t shown it a lot during my college career, but it’s something I can do and something I’m continuing to work on.

Who is your pro comps if you had to choose?

I’d say OG Anunoby and Jaden McDaniels. I’ve also heard Jerami Grant from my coach. Just do-it-all guys who can impact the game in a lot of ways.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

I watch a little bit of Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, and OG Anunoby. I see a lot of similarities in what they can do on the court and the type of position I see myself in.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I think my passing ability is the most underrated thing about me. I’ve also been working to improve my three-point shooting – just being more consistent, working on my mechanics, and shooting the ball with confidence.

Who is your pro comps if you had to choose?

I don’t know yet. I’m still waiting for some new ones to come out.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

Growing up, I watched a lot of LeBron, Dwyane Wade, and Kevin Durant – just a lot of versatile guys.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I think my offensive game, especially my ability to shoot the three and stretch the floor, is something I want to keep improving and showing more of. I take pride in bringing defensive energy and rim protection, but I want to show I can be more than just a defensive player.

Who is your pro comparison if you had to choose?

If I had to give myself a comp, I’d say Rudy Gobert. I bring that same defensive energy and rim protection, but I also want to show more on offense, being able to shoot the three, stretch the floor, and play a bigger role offensively.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

During this pre-draft process, I’ve been watching a lot of Kristaps Porzingis for his offensive game, especially out of the short pick and roll and getting his shot. I also study Myles Turner for both offense and defense, Evan Mobley for his defense, and Rudy Gobert for his rim protection and defensive presence.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

The obvious one is rim protection. That’s going to translate right away. But I think my feel for the game, after five years of college basketball, is a real strength. I can pick up on offenses and defensive schemes quickly, and that’s something that’ll help me at the next level.

Who is your pro comparison if you had to choose?
I always tell people I just try to be myself. I don’t want to be anyone else or model my game after anyone else. I just want to be me.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

I don’t watch one specific person for film. I just take in basketball film in general to learn how offenses and defenses work.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I’ve been focusing on my playmaking skills, being able to play both guard positions and run the point – making the right plays, passing on time and on target, not turning the ball over, and rebounding from the two guard spot. I’d also say my ball handling and passing are underrated. People might try to get into my dribble, but I can create my own shot, and my passing is definitely something I can do even if I had a different role at Missouri

Who is your pro comps if you had to choose?

I’d point to a few guys: Matisse Thybulle, both of the wings in OKC (Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins), Norman Powell, Malik Beasley, and Devin Vassell. They’re all two-way guys who can shoot and defend, and I think I fit the way they play in the NBA. Growing up, I wore number seven because of Lamar Odom.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

I’m left-handed, and me and my brother watched the Lakers and old highlights on YouTube – he thought he was Kobe, I was Lamar Odom. I also watch old-school guys like Richard Hamilton and Cuttino Mobley – players whose games were ahead of their time. I try to take bits from all of them.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I don’t really think about it that way. I just say, watch me and see what happens.

Who is your pro comps if you had to choose?

I’d probably say Jrue Holiday is the closest comp. It’s not a perfect one-to-one comparison, but that’s probably the closest.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

I don’t watch one specific guy – I watch teams and the way they play. But with the playoffs going on, I like to watch Jrue Holiday and how he impacts the game on both ends from different spots on the floor, along with other wings who make an impact everywhere.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I think the way that I defend the ball. I take a lot of pride in guarding and playing defense, and I’d say that’s the main thing that’s underrated about me. I’m always working to keep getting better on that end.

Who is your pro comps if you had to choose?

I’m not too sure – just trying to be as unique as I can and play my game at a high level. I’m really focused on being myself.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

I watched a lot of Allen Iverson, Jamal Crawford, Jamal Murray, and CP3 growing up. I just pick up things from all those guys and try to add them to my game.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

Most underrated, I’d probably say playmaking. I think I’m a pretty good playmaker, I make passes and things like that. I think it’ll go to another level with the NBA space.

Who is your pro comps if you had to choose?

I don’t got no specific player. I ain’t gonna lie.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

For sure, you got Brunson with his footwork and patience in the paint. You got Donovan Mitchell with his different moves to get to a floater. And you got Holiday with just his instincts on defense. Good guys to be watching.

What is your underrated skill you are trying to improve?

I would say my rim protection and defense. That’s something I’m always working on to get even better, and it’s still underrated for people who haven’t really seen me.

Who is your pro comps if you had to choose?

I’ll tell myself Jarrett Allen.

Which players do you watch on film and try to learn from?

I really like to watch Jarrett Allen. I like the way he blocks the ball and plays above the rim. I also like watching Anthony Davis – he’s a big blocker too.