King Joseus

Point Guards

Dennis Merrimac 6'6", 22, McNeese State, PG

Dennis Merrimac is a long, big point guard who only recently started playing basketball at a competitive level. His lack of experience and coaching is really probably all that's holding him back from being an all time great. Okay, yes, a little bit of exaggeration. Still, the guy is a natural talent and an exceptional athlete...if he had started playing the game earlier in life, he'd probably go in the top three this year. Instead, he's a solid defensive point guard with great potential to improve. His three needs work, but scoring inside the arc tends to be efficient as it comes at the rim. Merrimac will appeal to teams who like strong rebounders at every position, and his long arms will pick a pass or two from the other team each night. Solid now, but he's mostly the top point guard in scout's eyes because of what he can become.

Carlton James 6'0", 21, Air Force, PG

Leadership is a hard thing to quantify, but you know it when you see it. Carlton James is a leader on the court for Air Force, and his ability to make that translate will largely determine how successful of a KVBL career he has. Athletically unimpressive, James does most of his damage from behind the arc when teams fail to contest his shot. A smart passer, James doesn't turn it over too much for a point guard, but he's not going to pile up the assists that the more reckless PGs do either. Solid defensively with the potential for growth, James will ideally land in a scenario where he isn't asked to do too much other than making sure his team is playing its game - something like Owen Butler for the Grizzlies. At worst, James should make for a competent backup PG.

Marlon Hardaway 5’10", 22, USC, PG

As the point guard for USC's national championship team, Marlon Hardaway played smart and deferred quite a bit to his talented teammates. Opting to focus on running the offense over looking for his own shot, Hardaway was able to hone his decision making and stands now to be better prepared for what KVBL defenders throw at him. Hardaway possesses the ability to get to the rim using his quickness, but his small frame doesn't allow him to convert all that efficiently and he doesn't tend to get too many calls from the referees either. His main offensive weapon was on display in most USC wins - his three point shot. He doesn't take it to excess, but he hits at a good clip and is always a threat when teams leave him. His small frame rears its head just once more on the defensive side of the ball, where it keeps him from being as effective as he'd like...it's not for a lack of trying.

Twos and Threes

Phil Scates 6'8", 22, Georgia, SF
This draft is Phil Scates and then, a few tiers below, everyone else. The ultimate prize of the 2024 KVBL Draft boasts a diverse offensive repertoire, lockdown defense, unbelievably quick hands, and the vision of a point guard. The one man wrecking crew for Georgia broke team records for rebounds, assists, and steals while helping to carry the subpar defenders around him to being one of the better defensive teams in the nation. The three point shot is something Scates has only recently incorporated into his game, but if it improves just a little bit he will be more or less unstoppable. There will never be another Caramel Love, but this guy is that type of player. He will forever change the franchise that lands him.

Jude Parker 6'8", 22, North Carolina, SF

There was a time when the basketball world thought Jude Parker would be the #1 pick in 2024, but that time has passed. Still, you can't go wrong with a guy that would normally be going first overall in most drafts. Parker brings a strong drive game that sees him at the free throw line quite a bit each night, and he thrives at running the floor to collect easy points when his teammates nab a loose ball. Like consensus #1 Phil Scates, Jude Parker brings exceptional passing for a wing, something that should help the ball movement anywhere he lands. More impressively, Parker led his team in rebounding, and should be a huge plus at the three spot wherever he lands. As far as weaknesses go, you've really gotta nitpick to get anywhere. Parker turns it over a bit and he doesn't shoot the three, but that's not really all that bad considering the things he does bring to the table. This guy should be second off the board.

Leroy Michaels 6'9", 22, Clemson, SF

Leroy Michaels is not nearly as explosive as the wings rated above him, but his team first mentality and leadership were key parts of the Tigers' success this season. Along with explosion, Michael also lacks much of an offensive game outside of his jumper. Taking good shots has allowed Leroy to be a plus on the floor despite his average defense. Strong rebounding and decent playmaking ability were also factors in his team's playing better with him than without him. Michaels does have lotto level talent, but his lack of flash could see him slide down draft boards.

Willis Bulloch 6'5", 23, Akron, SG

It might not take more than his rookie season for KVBL fans to start thinking of Willis Bulloch (rather than Willis Joseph), whenever the name Willis comes to mind. Bulloch isn't (and shouldn't become) the strong man defender that Joseph is, but he can score and score and score (and fans tend to notice that a wee bit more often). Preferring to gamble on defense, Bulloch notches a number of steals each night, though his gambling nature also tends to lead to a turnover or two each night as well. While he isn't completely one dimensional, Bulloch is certainly going to most excel at scoring the ball. Teams looking for offensive punch in the middle of the first round will need to take a hard look at the man out of Akron.

Todd Collins 6’6", 20, Miami University, SG

The first viable KVBL player out of Oxford since Eric Rogers, Todd Collins made his name with solid defense and quick hands that produced an abundance of steals. Offensively, Collins really needs to work on his three point shot or he needs to cut down on the number he takes...but he's not out there launching five a game or anything of the sort. Smart with the ball and on defense, Collins is almost sure to find a home for years based purely on his ability to play the passing lanes. In a few years, Collins could be one of the better guard defenders in the KVBL.

Michael Borden 6'8", 21, USC, SF

The Trojans' first option on offense was Michael Borden, due largely to his ability to manufacture good shots from anywhere on the floor. An efficient scorer with a knack for getting to the line, Borden was only asked to put the ball in the hoop and not get terrorized by his man. Defense is not one of Borden's strong suits, but it's not an issue of catastrophic proportions. Although Borden does a few other things on the court, this gifted scorer might be best suited as a gunner type sixth man off the bench for a team that could use a bit of scoring punch.

Stan Smith 6'7", 22, Michigan, SG

Another offensively focused player in the 2024 KVBL Draft, Stan Smith brings a sweet touch on floaters and the ability to hit threes at a great percentage. Plus, he's good at getting to the line and hitting his free throws for easy points. Outside of his offense, Smith screams average with his lack of notable playmaking on defense or for others when his team has the ball. Defensively, Smith is below average and will have to improve if he wants to earn heavy KVBL minutes.

Joe Maltby 6'4", 20, Oregon, SG

Joe Maltby is a combo guard without much of an ability to create for others. His outside shot is pretty good, but Maltby sometimes suffers from trying too many creative shots around the hoop. At only 20, Maltby figures to be on the upswing for a while, something that will allow his role to steadily grow on whichever team he lands. If coaches can get him to stop taking silly shots, Maltby will be a nice spark for the second unit on his KVBL team.

Bigs

Roderick Phillips 6'7", 24, Ferris State, PF

Some personal issues prevented Roderick Phillips from making it to the top level of college basketball, but his talent was able to shine through despite (perhaps because of?) inferior competition. Phillips was a dominant player for the Bulldogs while being a complete nonfactor offensively. Rebounding numbers were absurd at Ferris State, with Phillips twice eclipsing the 30 rebound mark and averaging 20 a night. He should immediately be among the league leaders in rebounding in the KVBL, but he's not going to do a whole heck of a lot else for his team besides playing great defense. Personal issues and age could push teams to look elsewhere, but Phillips should be an elite level roleplayer from the start.

Linas Mulroney 7’2", 24, Oregon, C

Linas Mulroney didn't quite get the ball as often as he should have at Oregon due to the presence of Joe Maltby, but when he did he was able to score at a good clip and even hit his free throws regularly to add to his scoring totals. Rebounding was a strength for Mulroney as well at Oregon, where he showed the ability to box out and nearly always get good positioning on either side of the floor. A throwback to older days akin to someone like Javier Garcia, Mulroney is the type of bulky big man who controls the post on both ends of the court. He's even got a decent jumper which allows him to hit the occasional three. While scouts rave about Roderick Phillips' defense and rebounding, Mulroney is the guy who's most likely to make the biggest impact due to his two-way play.

Adam Little 6'11", 23, North Carolina, PF

A coach's son, Adam Little was the leader of this year's Tar Heels team as well as the reason for their demise in the tournament. Offensively, Little packs a big game and should be able to score in the high teens or even twenties for his KVBL team. Defensively, he's got some work to do at getting stronger in the post, but he'll hold his ground and should be a boon to his team's defense (even if he could stand to block a few more shots). Turnovers, though, will probably be his biggest weakness moving forward. If teams can look past his tendency to cough up the ball, they'll find themselves with a dependable big and building block.

Wallace Washington 6'10", 22, Duke, PF

It's a bit uncanny how much Wallace Washington plays like a mini Tony Lowell. Less likely to take the three, but a strong inside scorer who can hit the eighteen footer and collect a steal or block each game. Perhaps the comparison is colored by the somewhat similarity in appearance, as Washington's game is really more like Lowell's would've been if he developed a bit differently. Rebounding is not spectacular for Washington, but he should be a nice option as a third big for a team right away with a shot at being a useful starter down the line.

Grant Wilms 6’9", 22, UMass, PF

Grant Wilms lacks the athleticism of some of his counterparts, but he makes up for it with hustle, strength and toughness. A banger offensively, Wilms isn't too much of an offensive weapon, but should be able to get double digits if he lands a starting gig somewhere. A steady rebounder and a solid defender, Wilms reminds a lot of scouts of former Heat Udonis Haslem.

Bob West 7'0", 19, USC, C

Bob West is one of just two teenagers in this year's draft class, but his youth likely won't be anything that holds him back as he progresses to the next level and a KVBL career. His post moves are advanced for a kid his age, but he should be able to improve in that area as he matures. Free throw form is brutal, but for a big man he's not going to be all that worse than you'd honestly expect. A capable rebounder and shotblocker, West should immediately factor into his team's big rotation and could be a mainstay wherever he lands.

James Broadbent 7'1, 21, Fresno State, C

James Broadbent excelled at Fresno State where his main job was to establish post position and get easy buckets. Rebounding numbers were high at the NCAA level, but there are some worries about how his lack of fundamentals will hurt as he takes the next step up in competition. Hardly a dynamic defensive player, Broadbent still manages to hold his own in the post and block a shot or two each night. Ideally not a starter at the next level, Broadbent should still manage to stick around in the league as a backup level big man a la Alfredo Watkins or Delroy Behringer.

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Goulet

The "Scates Race" has now begun.

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Ender

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"Winning is the most important thing in my life,after breathing. Breathing first, winning next"-George Steinbrenner

Goulet

for some reason I feel like grades will come sooner than later this season.....

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scdn

I was going to call it "Fail for Phil", but Scates Race is good too.

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KVBL Owner, San Antonio Spurs

Tyler
Tate
Moore
Booker

King Joseus

They're done now, but I'm going to tackle the internationals preview before I get those uploaded.

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Interested in joining the KVBL? PM me for information.

Goulet

Figured this one was ready to go...

so weird how the College hoops season is over and we haven't even tipped off the KVBL regular season!

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King Joseus

There's some odd time flux stuff going on. It's all good.

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Interested in joining the KVBL? PM me for information.

Goulet

Scouting is on too right?

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Goulet

FWIW kind of a fun switchup if we ever opted for it...give teams an entire season to scout... lol.

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scdn

How prospects are viewed change during the season. Like Sullinger going from top 5 to in the 20's by draft time. I realize that is not feasible in a sim league though.

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KVBL Owner, San Antonio Spurs

Tyler
Tate
Moore
Booker

El Shaqtus

The tanking teams that don't get the top pick will be Scating on Thin Ice.

*rimshot*

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Mom, thanks for everything.

RIP Coach Rick Majerus 12/1/12. You were the one that said it was OK to think big at SLU. You were right.

KVBL Lexington Kings

Smath

Caramel Love 2? ~_~

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KVBL/FRSL - Miami Heat GM

Goulet

Thats okay, you can tank a 2nd straight year..inactivate LBJ this time with Tulker

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scdn

Where's David Caruso when you need him?

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KVBL Owner, San Antonio Spurs

Tyler
Tate
Moore
Booker