The Big 12 Conference — new and old — should be very well represented on June 26-27 in the 2024 NBA Draft.
The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie projects five players from Big 12 schools as first-round picks in the draft, led by 6-foot-7 Colorado small forward Cody Williams, who is projected to the Portland Trail Blazers at the No. 7 overall pick.
Williams is the younger brother of Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Jalen Williams, the No. 12 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
“Cody profiles as the kind of prized high-end prospect who can pressure the rim, pass, make plays and potentially defend multiple positions,” Vecenie wrote. “Standing 6-7 with a 7-1 wingspan, Williams showed the ability to play some point guard this past season in addition to attacking in transition and slashing from the wing in a straight line.”
Colorado forward Tristan da Silva is projected at No. 17 to the Los Angeles Lakers, followed by Kansas forward Johnny Furphy at No. 18 to the Orlando Magic, Baylor shooting guard Ja’Kobe Walker at No. 19 to the Toronto Raptors and Baylor center Yves Missi at No. 21 to the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Athletic has the Atlanta Hawks taking UConn center Donovan Clingan with the No. 1 overall pick.