Taking a closer look at Jarrett Culver, who just might be the best NBA Draft prospect that no one knows about
In the midst of the 2019 NCAA Tournament, there are plenty of names that will jump off the screen in terms of NBA Draft prospects. Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, Cam Reddish, Ja Morant and Coby White are a few that are almost second nature for most basketball fans.
However, there’s one name that really isn’t mainstream that should be. None other than the heart and soul of the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Jarrett Culver. He has helped lead the Red Raiders to the Sweet Sixteen, and they could just be getting started.
Though, for the most part, Culver is still very much of an unknown to most casual college basketball fans. With that said, as he continues to impress into the Tournament, there’s a chance that he could play himself into being a top 5 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
According to ESPN, Culver is currently ranked as the No. 6 overall draft prospect and the second-best shooting guard in this draft class. And his stats back that up. The big question, of course, is whether or not he could rise high enough to upend one of the three Duke trio or Ja Morant, who quickly climbed up to the No. 2 spot after a tremendous season with Murray State.
In his sophomore season with the Red Raiders, Culver is averaging 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists on 48 percent shooting from the field and 38 percent from 3-point range.
Through two games in the NCAA Tournament, Culver is averaging 23 points, nine rebounds and six assists on 47 percent shooting from the field and 44 percent from 3-point range. Should he continue to impress his all-around game, there’s no question that he will continue to rise up draft boards.
At 6-foot-5, Culver will have the ability to guard multiple positions at the next level, and play either guard position if he can improve his on-ball skills. He’s an interesting prospect that has all the ability in the world to make the jump into a really good pro.
Soon enough, he’ll become a household name in NBA Draft circles.