As professional basketball seasons draw to a close worldwide, the excitement of March Madness begins to grip the United States. With the culmination of seasons, March emerges as a pivotal month for prospects eyeing the 2024 NBA draft.
Once again, a duo of French players claims the top spots, with small forward Zaccharie Risacher of JL Bourg in France maintaining his hold at No. 1, while Perth center Alex Sarr secures the second spot. However, attention is also drawn to a pair of Kentucky Wildcats making waves and vying for top-five consideration.
Reed Sheppard, despite coming off the bench for a ranked Kentucky team, has quickly risen as one of the draft’s most intriguing prospects. His teammate Rob Dillingham has also climbed in the rankings, showcasing his skills and potential as a top pick candidate. Both players will have ample opportunity to solidify their positions during the upcoming tournament.
The rankings, curated by NBA draft expert Jonathan Givony with Jeremy Woo contributing analysis, remain dynamic throughout the draft cycle.
Stay tuned as we track the fluctuating fortunes of this draft class throughout the season.
Rankings and write-ups last updated: Tuesday, March 5.
Jump to: Jonathan Givony’s Top 100
- Zaccharie Risacher | SF | JL Bourg Height: 6-foot-10 | Age: 18.9 | Previous Rank: 1
Risacher’s February was relatively quiet due to national team commitments and injury, but his stellar performances this season continue to capture NBA attention. Despite his recent setback, Risacher’s consistent play and impressive statistics make him a standout prospect to watch.
- Alex Sarr | PF/C | Perth Height: 7-1 | Age: 18.8 | Previous Rank: 2
Sarr’s established presence as a top pick candidate is reinforced by his strong performances, particularly as he gears up for postseason play. His potential as a dominant defender with room for offensive growth makes him a coveted prospect for NBA lottery teams.
- Rob Dillingham | PG | Kentucky Height: 6-2 | Age: 19.1 | Previous Rank: 7
Dillingham’s dynamic offensive skills and scoring prowess make him a polarizing but compelling prospect. Despite concerns about his size and defensive abilities, his knack for making game-changing plays keeps him in contention for an early selection.
- Nikola Topic | PG | Red Star Height: 6-7 | Age: 18.5 | Previous Rank: 5
Topic’s return from injury is eagerly anticipated, as his size and playmaking abilities set him apart as a top prospect. While his absence has limited recent evaluation opportunities, his potential remains high, attracting interest from teams preparing for the draft.
- Reed Sheppard | PG/SG | Kentucky Height: 6-2 | Age: 19.5 | Previous Rank: 12
Sheppard’s remarkable performances in SEC play have solidified his status as a standout freshman prospect. Despite concerns about his physical attributes, his exceptional shooting and basketball instincts continue to impress scouts, making him a rising star in the draft conversation.