The Maui Invitational is one of the best chances for scouts to evaluate future NBA talent during the NCAA men’s basketball regular season.
This year, the teams competing are: Auburn, Colorado, Dayton, Iowa State, Memphis, Michigan State, North Carolina, and UConn.
This is a great opportunity to evaluate some potential one-and-done prospects including Ian Jackson, Tahaad Pettiford, and Jase Richardson. There are also some notable non-freshmen such as Alex Karaban, Johni Broome, and Elliot Cadeau.
Here is who fans and evaluators should pay extra close attention to during the tournament in Hawaii between November 25 and November 27.
1. Liam McNeeley
TEAM: UConn
Perhaps the most notable prospect participating in this tournament is Liam McNeeley, a former McDonald’s All-American who played alongside Cooper Flagg and several other notable NBA prospects at Montverde Academy last season. McNeeley is having an efficient freshman season thus far and projects as a potential lottery pick due to his abilities as a catch-and-shoot threat.
2. Drake Powell
TEAM: North Carolina
Another former McDonald’s All-American worth watching during this tournament is Drake Powell, who is coming off the bench for the Tar Heels and starting off his collegiate career as more of a role player thus far. Despite not playing a massive factor in North Carolina’s offense, he has already had some highlight plays on the defensive end of the floor where has shown tremendous flashes.
3. Ian Jackson
TEAM: North Carolina
Yet another former McDonald’s All-American worth watching in this tournament in Ian Jackson, who played for Overtime Elite last season. Much like Powell, the freshman is not in the first unit for UNC right now but he can continue to turn heads by playing hard and aggressive on defense.
4. Alex Karaban
TEAM: UConn
Already a two-time NCAA national champion playing for head coach Dan Hurley, this is looking like the best season yet for Alex Karaban. He looks ready to play in the NBA as a spot-up shooter who can also use off-ball screens to score against the pros.
5. Milan Momcilovic
TEAM: Iowa State
One of the more interesting players who decided to return for his sophomore season of collegiate basketball is Iowa State forward Milan Momcilovic. He made the Big-12 All-Freshman team last season and while he hasn’t taken the overall leap forward some may have expected quite yet, his 3-point percentage has gone up despite an increased shooting volume which is quite encouraging for a 6-foot-8 sophomore.
6. Johni Broome
TEAM: Auburn
One of the leading contenders for the NCAA collegiate player of the year is Auburn big man Johni Broome, per KenPom as well as EvanMiya, his statistical profile currently suggests he should win the award. He is averaging 20.0 points and is leading all players with 11.3 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game.
7. Elliot Cadeau
TEAM: North Carolina
Sweden’s Elliot Cadeau is currently enjoying a breakout sophomore campaign, currently averaging 16.0 points and a league-high 6.8 assists while adding 2.5 steals per game as well. He is playing very well both in the pick-and-roll and in transition, displaying confidence and quick hands in the process.
8. Tamin Lipsey
TEAM: Iowa State
There is arguably no better defensive point guard in college basketball than Tamin Lipsey for the Cyclones. For the second year in a row, he is leading the NCAA in steals, currently averaging 3.0 per game. He is also averaging 13.7 points per game, which is his personal-best in college thus far.
9. Jase Richardson
TEAM: Michigan State
Jase Richardson is the son of former two-time NBA slam dunk contest champion Jason Richardson, who won an NCAA title while in college. He is currently flying under the radar a bit despite playing big minutes off the bench for head coach Tom Izzo. Already difficult to stop when finishing in transition, he has remarkable athleticism and could standout in this environment.
10. Tahaad Pettiford
TEAM: Auburn
One final former McDonald’s All-American worth knowing is Tahaad Pettiford, who is a sleeper one-and-done candidate for Bruce Pearl. He had 21 points off the bench against Houston, and he shot 5-of-8 on 3-pointers in that game. The point guard has also recorded at least 3 or more assists in each performance as well.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: 10 NBA prospects at the Maui Invitational to watch, including Liam McNeeley
