NBA Starting Five: 5 College Basketball Players Casual Fans Should Keep An Eye On

Jaylen Brown, SF,  California – Freshman

Height: 6-7

Weight: 225

2015-16 Stats: 15.7 PPG, 6.0 RPG,44 FG%, 24.7 MPG

Draft Projection: Top 5 pick

What he’s good at: Finishing, defending. Just like Ben Simmons, Jaylen Brown is an elite athlete and one of the most highly touted recruits coming out of college. He can start a fast break and go coast-to-coast with his 225 pound frame.

Speaking of Simmons, he’s partly the reason why Brown is on this list. Brown is nearly as talented as Simmons but doesn’t nearly get the same amount of attention. Brown’s size, IQ and athleticism alone make him a great NBA prospect. If he can develop his jumper and become more consistent – which seems to be the story for a handful of high profile college recruits – I’m sure he’ll spark some “Brown or Simmons?” debates later on in his professional career.

He also has all the physical tools needed to be an elite wing in the NBA. If he continues to develop during his freshman year at California, there’s no doubt that Brown should end up being a top 10 pick in next year’s NBA Draft.

Quick Clip:

Next: Buddy Hield