The 2024 NBA Draft is less than two weeks away and we here at College Sports Wire are taking stock of the college basketball stars waiting to hear their name called at the end of June.
Today we’re talking about Marquette point guard Tyler Kolek, who led college basketball with 7.7 assists per game last season. Kolek is a veteran point guard who looks the part after an incredibly productive three-year career with the Golden Eagles, and has begun to generate buzz as a potential first-round pick.
The Phoenix Suns, who pick 22nd overall, are considering him to help facilitate an offense with superstar talent like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, and plenty of other teams in the late first or early second could use a point guard. substitute who is ready to contribute on day 1.
Kolek has athletic limitations and his age and size limit his potential at the NBA level, but he is a cerebral passer and developing outside shooter who should have a long career in the association.
Below is a look at Kolek’s draft profile, including his measurements at the combine, strengths and weaknesses as a player, and current projected draft range and team fits in the NBA:
Joseph Maiorana-KeynoteUSA Sports
Of: Cumberland, Rhode Island, USA
Juice: George Mason (2020-21) Marquette (2021-2024)
Statistics 2023-24: 15.3 points, 7.7 assists, 4.9 rebounds, 1.6 steals, 55.2% from two, 38.8% from three
Kevin Jairaj-KeynoteUSA Sports
Height: 6’1.25
Weight: 196.6 pounds
Wingspan: 6’2.75
Standing reach: 7’11
Maximum vertical jump: 34 inches
Distribution: Journal Sentinel
- A true floor general, Kolek led the NCAA in assists per game and is widely considered an on-court leader and cerebral player who gets the ball to his teammates in scoring positions.
- Crafty guard with a high basketball IQ who makes the right read on the ball and doesn’t get nervous under pressure.
- He operates fluidly in ball blocking actions, whether passing or driving to the rim, where he is a quality finisher and adept at getting to the line.
- A great catch-and-shoot specialist who showed promise as a three-point shooter in his final season at Marquette, and should be able to space the floor at the next level.
Jeff Hanisch-KeynoteUSA Sports
- Limited by a lack of athletic ability, as well as limited vertical athleticism and lateral movement.
- Defense is unlikely to be a strength thanks to his size and lateral mobility; will be pushed by bigger and faster bases.
- Scoring in traffic won’t be as easy in the NBA, especially with his 6’1 height and small frame.
- He doesn’t have much of a mid-range game, which limits him to shooting from three or trying to get to the rim. The lack of midrange will hinder driveability and dishing.
Alex Martin/Journal and Courier/KeynoteUSA NETWORK
Draft range: 22-35
CSW Drill: No. 27 to the Minnesota Timberwolves
The equipment fits: Teams competing now need an NBA-ready backup point guard. Minnesota, Phoenix, Oklahoma City, Sacramento and Milwaukee make sense.
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