NBA Mock Draft: Ranking top 10 shooting guard prospects of the 2023 class

4 of 10

NBA Draft prospect Ricky Council IV (The Des Moines Register) /

7. Ricky Council IV, Arkansas

After transferring from Witchita State to Arkansas, Ricky Council IV emerged as one of the most important players for Arkansas this past season. He concluded his junior season by averaging 16 points and four rebounds on 43 percent shooting from the field. Council has plenty to prove as an overall player but he knows what he does best – and that’s putting pressure on the opposing defense with his relentless attack.

The fact that he managed to average 16 points per game in college without a consistent jump shot is a huge testament to that. The inefficiencies from 3-point range (he shot just 27 percent from deep this past season) are something he’ll have to shake off as he makes the jump to the NBA, but the tools, skill set, and size are something that will likely get him drafted.

Another question about Council about his prospects in the NBA revolves around his long-term potential. He may not carry the same level of potential that some of the other two guards on this list, but he’s also been one of the more productive prospects on this list as well.