Dyson Daniels considered moving to Australia for college basketball to improve his perimeter skills and to eventually play in the NBA.
He is instead the headliner this year among the increasing number of non-traditional routes to the NBA, which include avoiding college altogether.
G League Ignite is a team that develops elite prospects. Daniels is currently playing with them. Ignite was able to draft three draft picks last year — which included top-10 selections in JalenGreen and Jonathan Kuminga — so they had as many choices as any college team.
Jonathan Givony, an ESPN draft analyst, said that the G League route was “very legitimate.” They’re up against elite college players or NBA players every time they step onto the court. The competition is fierce. They can’t be hidden on the court.
Daniels is the top-ranked G League Ignite player on ESPN’s list of draft prospects ahead of shooting guard Jaden Harty and wing MarJon Beauchamp. Jean Montero is also on the list, and she plays for Overtime Elite. Givony describes Jean Montero as “compelling”
Daniels found the G League Ignite route to be the most appealing.
Daniels stated in an ESPN interview that “just the development on court, with coaching staff and players we’re up against, playing NBA style… everything about this is heading in the right direction to where I want it to go.”
Here’s how Daniels compares:
SIZE: 6-foot-6, 185 pounds.
STATS: 11.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.9 steals, 0.8 blocks.
STRENGTHS Daniels ranks 12th on ESPN’s prospect list for his size (6-10 wingspan), and ability to defend multiple positions. Givony stated that Daniels can play all positions on the floor and has been a point guard.
Givony stated that he is a versatile, selfless player that fits the De’Anthony Melton mold. Tyrese Hailburton was a similar player. He’s not your best scorer, but he does everything to help a team win.
WEAKNESSES: Daniels shot only 25.5% (13 out 51) from the NBA-distance 3-point range with Ignite in just 14 games. Givony pointed out that Daniels, who turns 19 in March 2017, is still a late bloomer and growing into his body.
Givony stated that it’s a transition, and he’s doing it now rather than in his NBA rookie season.
DRAFT PROJECTION – First round, possible late in the lottery.
Here are some other NBA prospects that bypassed college ranks
BEAUCHAMP: Beauchamp, who is a 6-7-inch, 185-pounder, is ranked No. ESPN ranked Beauchamp No. 15 with the potential to play a role as a defender and rebounder, as well as a transition scorer. Givony stated that his ability to make an impact on the game and not have to play is going to grant him a role.
HARDY: Hardy, who is 6-4 and 190 lbs, is ranked 21st on ESPN for his shot-making abilities and shooting range. In 12 games with Ignite, he shot just 40.2% from 2-point range and 26.9% from 3 in his attempts at 3-point shooting. He also had more turnovers (42) that assists (38).
MONTERO: Montero, a 6-2, 172-pound player, is ranked 20th on ESPN. He averaged 16.4 points and 7.0 rebounds, as well as 5.0 assists, in the Overtime Elite program. Givony praised Montero for being a “really creative” ballhandler and his ability to handle ballscreens.
