Kansas basketball: Evaluating Jalen Wilson as an NBA Draft prospect

Strengths

Rebounding

It might not be the most important part of the game, but all NBA teams could use someone as good at rebounding as Wilson is. He averaged 7.4 or more every single season at Kansas despite serving as more of a wing. Wilson tracks the ball well and is quick enough to chase after rebounds against bigger opponents.

Craftiness around the rim

Perhaps no player in 2022-23 was as good as Wilson at getting to the basket. His dribble drives were the most important parts of his game. He can get to the rim swiftly off the dribble and does well as a cutter. Scoring at the rack is Wilson’s forte — his efficiency inside the paint could make or break his NBA career.

Leadership

After Kansas lost several players to the NBA Draft or graduation last year, Wilson stepped in to become KU’s leader. Unlike some other draft prospects, he already knows what it takes to be “the guy” on a team. It didn’t take long for other Jayhawks to look up to Wilson as their leader, a trait that should bode well for him at the next level.