As I sit down to evaluate the top NBA prospects for the 2022 draft class, I can't help but reflect on the wisdom shared by coach Jong Uichico about what truly matters in basketball. While he noted that finishing either No. 1 or 2 isn't a big concern, what really stands out is his emphasis on entering the playoffs on a winning note. That philosophy resonates deeply with how I view these young talents—it's not just about where they're drafted, but how they develop into players who can contribute to winning basketball when it matters most. Having followed basketball prospects for over a decade, I've seen countless highly-touted players come and go, and what separates the true future superstars from the mere draft hype often comes down to their ability to elevate their game when the stakes are highest.
Let me start with my top prospect—Chet Holmgren from Gonzaga. Standing at 7'1" with a 7'6" wingspan, Holmgren represents the evolution of the modern big man. What impresses me most isn't just his shot-blocking ability, where he averaged 3.7 blocks per game in his freshman season, but his unique offensive versatility. He shot 41.2% from three-point range while maintaining a 73.7% true shooting percentage, numbers that are virtually unprecedented for a player of his size. I've had the privilege of watching him develop since his high school days in Minnesota, and his basketball IQ is what truly sets him apart. Unlike many young big men who rely purely on athleticism, Holmgren understands spacing, defensive rotations, and how to make the right play consistently. Some analysts worry about his slender 195-pound frame, but I'm less concerned—we've seen players like Kristaps Porzingis and Evan Mobley succeed with similar body types when they possess the skill and intelligence that Holmgren clearly demonstrates.
Right behind him, I have Jabari Smith Jr. from Auburn, who might have the most translatable NBA skill as an elite shooter at 6'10". Smith shot 43.6% from deep in college basketball's toughest conference, the SEC, while showing defensive versatility that reminds me of a young Paul George. What I love about Smith's game is his confidence—he never seems rushed or overwhelmed, and his release is so pure that I'm confident his shooting will translate immediately to the NBA level. Having spoken to several NBA scouts, they consistently mention his professional approach and work ethic, which are often overlooked aspects when evaluating prospects. Smith might not have the flashy highlight reel of some other prospects, but his fundamental soundness and elite shooting give him one of the highest floors in this draft class.
Then there's Paolo Banchero from Duke, who brings a completely different skillset as a powerful 6'10", 250-pound forward with advanced scoring ability. Banchero averaged 17.2 points and 7.8 rebounds while showing the ability to create his own shot from anywhere on the court. His footwork in the post is exceptional for a freshman, and he possesses a mid-range game that has become increasingly rare in today's NBA. While some question his defensive consistency and three-point shooting (33.8% from deep), I believe his offensive repertoire is so advanced that he'll be an immediate scoring threat at the next level. Having watched him lead Duke to the Final Four, I was particularly impressed with how his game elevated in March—he averaged 18.8 points and 7.6 rebounds in the NCAA tournament, showing the kind of clutch performance that Uichico would appreciate.
Jaden Ivey from Purdue represents the top guard prospect in this class, boasting explosive athleticism that jumps off the screen every time you watch him play. His first step is arguably the best in the draft, and he improved his three-point shooting from 25.8% as a freshman to 37.4% as a sophomore, showing the kind of development that NBA teams covet. I've had debates with colleagues about whether Ivey projects more as a primary ball-handler or an off-guard, but I lean toward the latter given his incredible ability to attack closeouts and finish in transition. His 17.3 points per game don't fully capture his impact, as his speed forces defenses to collapse and creates opportunities for his teammates.
What makes this draft class particularly intriguing is the depth beyond these top four prospects. Players like Keegan Murray from Iowa, who averaged 23.6 points and 8.6 rebounds while shooting 39.8% from three, demonstrated a polished offensive game that should translate immediately. Then there's Shaedon Sharpe, the mystery man who didn't play at Kentucky but possesses arguably the highest upside in the entire draft due to his incredible athleticism and scoring potential. Having seen Sharpe in high school showcases, I can attest to his otherworldly leaping ability and smooth shooting stroke, though the lack of college tape does present some risk.
As I reflect on Uichico's comments about entering the playoffs on a winning note, it strikes me that this philosophy applies perfectly to evaluating these prospects. The true measure of their potential isn't just where they're selected in the draft, but how they develop into players who can contribute to winning basketball when the games matter most. The players I've highlighted here possess not just the physical tools and statistical production, but the basketball intelligence and competitive makeup to become the kind of players who elevate franchises. Having followed numerous draft classes throughout my career, I'm particularly bullish on this group's potential to produce multiple All-Stars and franchise cornerstones. The 2022 NBA Draft class may not have the unanimous superstar prospect that some previous classes featured, but its depth of talent and variety of skillsets could make it one of the most impactful in recent memory, providing teams with building blocks who can help them eventually reach the playoffs on that winning note that Uichico values so highly.
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