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Top Pac-12 2018 NBA Draft prospects: DeAndre Ayton could go number one

The best Pac-12 prospects for the 2018 NBA Draft.

2017 McDonald's All American Game Photo by David Banks/Getty Images
  1. DeAndre Ayton Fr. C Arizona - An NBA-ready seven footer...this guy could go number one in 2018. He is the kind of big man who just rarely seems to play in the Pac-12. I would be surprised if he doesn’t go in the Top 5 in 2018.
  2. Chimezie Metu So. PF USC

NBA power forward size with raw skills, Metu seems like he is ready for a season where he puts it all together and becomes a lottery pick. He could be a great defensive presence right away at the next level.

3. Troy Brown Fr. SG Oregon

A 6’6 shooting guard who is nearly 220 with strength, wingspan and offensive skills, Brown seems like the kind of talented freshman who would play for Kentucky. He is likely a one-and-done and a lottery pick.

4. Rawle Alkins So. SG Arizona

Alkins tested the NBA waters, but is coming back. A 6’5 220 athlete who can defend and score, he seems a perfect fit for an NBA backcourt. He should get into the first round.

5. Allonzo Trier Jr. SG Arizona

Another strong 6’5 guard with more than 200 pounds of weight. He can already score like an NBA guard and should be ready to make the jump after another year of Pac-12 seasoning.

6. Aaron Holiday Jr. PG UCLA

Holiday isn’t the physical freak the guys ahead of him are, but he is a great pure player with a nice wingspan. He can score and pass and could work his way into the first round.

7. Thomas Welsh Sr. C UCLA

Welsh isn’t going to be a banger in the NBA, but he’s seven foot-plus with offensive skills. He could make his way to the first round with a big enough 2017-18.

8. Bennie Boatwright Jr. SF USC

6’10 230 with nice offensive skills, Boatwright is a guaranteed draft pick whenever he goes. I think he is a first rounder when he goes.

9. De’Anthony Melton So. SG USC

The 6’4 guard can do anything - score, rebound, defender, shoot. Sound like a skill set NBA teams are looking for?

10. Derryck Thornton So. PG USC

The Duke transfer should transition to life in the Pac-12 pretty quickly. He can score and has a nice game which should get him drafted

11. Elijah Stewart Sr. SG USC

He doesn’t quite have the strength of the higher shooting guards, but he can score at 6’5 and should put up enough numbers as a senior as USC has a great season and get himself drafted.

12. Jordan McLaughlin Sr. PG USC

A guy who can flat out play, but doesn’t have NBA size. McLaughlin is a great scorer and passer who will get a shot as a point guard in the NBA.