Welcome to Week 4 of The Long Forecast on NetsDaily.
With the New Year right around the corner and the college basketball season in full swing, the focus continues to sharpen on the NBA draft.
Each week brings new names and a clearer picture of which prospects are starting to separate themselves ahead of June.
Where do the Nets’ picks sit?
Since last week’s column, the Nets have gone 1-1 and still hold the league’s sixth-worst record at 8-19.
Currently, Brooklyn’s own second-round pick sits at No. 36 overall, while their additional
night-two selection projects at No. 45, rising two spots since last week’s update. Here’s the latest mock draft from Tankathon and Ben Pfiefer.
Risers
Listed as a sleeper two weeks ago, Wagler has firmly established himself in riser territory as his draft stock has been soaring as of late.
Over the past three games, Wagler has been on a tear, averaging 21.3 points per game while shooting 54.2% from the field and knocking down a whopping 63% of his 3-point attempts, while adding 6.3 assists and 3.7 rebounds.
The 18-year-old also possesses great floor vision along with a high basketball IQ.
If Wagler continues to play at this rate, come draft time, he could firmly be in the conversation as a top 10 selection.
My biggest concern about opening the season was Yessoufou’s offensive inconsistency.
That concern is starting to fade. and his draft status brightening. Yessoufou has shown real, tangible growth on that end of the floor, a promising sign for NBA evaluators as he continues to tap into an offensive ceiling that still feels far from fully realized.
Over his past five games, Yessoufou is averaging 20.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 51.2% from the field, highlighted by a 28-point performance against Southern.
If this level of production holds, the conversation around Yessoufou will begin to shift drastically.
Fallers
Placed in this category two weeks ago, Amnet finds himself trending downward once again.
Consistency has been the biggest issue on both ends of the floor this season. Over his past five games, Amnet is averaging 12.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting a grim 32.8% from the field, production that continues to raise questions as the season moves forward.
It is still early in his freshman year, and there is plenty of time for things to turn around. But if this is still the conversation a month from now, concern will be warranted. For now, it is certainly not a promising start to his college career.
Spotlight of the week
Caleb Wilson has looked the part from day one in Chapel Hill.
Through the season’s opening stretch, the UNC freshman has been one of the most productive players in the country, averaging 19.5 points and 10.4 rebounds while shooting 54.6% from the field.
The 6’10” forward plays with great pace, finishes through contact, and consistently wins on the glass. Most of his damage comes inside, but he’s comfortable facing up and attacking slower defenders, which gives scouts an idea of his offensive capabilities at the NBA level.
Wilson is playing with an identity most freshmen haven’t found yet.
Sleepers
Through the season’s early stretch, Cain has been one of the most quietly productive players for Georgia.
The junior guard is averaging about 16 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while shooting just over 50% from the field this year, showing not just scoring but a well-rounded impact on both ends.
He’s been ultra-efficient, posting a 64% true shooting rate, a 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio, and a 4% steal rate. Cain processes the game quickly and is a competent decision-maker.
His 3-point shot needs work, shooting the 3-ball at just over a 30% clip, but the touch is there — he’s converting 88% of his free throws, a strong indicator of shooting upside.
Cain is a fun prospect to watch as the NCAA season progresses.
This week’s watch guide
Here is a list of games fans should tune into this week:
- Illinois vs. Southern: December 29, 3 p.m. tip-off. Look out for Illinois’ Keaton Wagler.
- Georgia vs. Long Island: December 28, 7 p.m. tip-off. Look out for Georgia’s Blue Cain.
- Arkansas vs. James Madison: December 28, 8 p.m. tip-off. Look out for Arkansas’ Meleek Thomas.
- Arizona vs. South Dakota State: December 28, 9 p.m. tip-off. Look out for Arizona’s Koa Peat.
- Tennessee vs. South Carolina State: December 30, 8 p.m. tip-off. Look out for Tennessee’s Nate Amnet.
