Names to Know for the 2023 NBA Draft (and Beyond)
Updated: Nov 9, 2022
In the latest edition of ‘P.I. Pulse’, Pro Insight’s Tyler Glazier and Alex Brown spend time compiling musings on a group of the top prospects that they have come across, with a focus on those eligible for the 2023 NBA draft (and beyond).
With the 2022-23 college/G League/OTE seasons upon us, it’s time to analyze a group of prospects that project to hear their name called on draft night, whether next June or in future years.
Without further adieu, here are the names to know for the 2023 Draft and beyond (ordered alphabetically).
Terrance Arceneaux
6’6” Wing | Houston | Freshman | 18.9 years old
The first of two Houston freshmen on this list, Beaumont legend Terrance Arceneaux brings a winning pedigree, extremely versatile defense, and shooting prowess to the Cougars. Arceneaux can be best described as a havoc defender with immense ground coverage, and with the length that he has along with the motor and activity, he has monster defensive potential for the next level. While more of a 3&D currently, in some contexts (such as EYBL), Terrance acted more like a lead scorer and creator, which is an interesting historical datapoint to keep in mind considering he initially will be doing a lot of 3&D for Houston (and likely for an NBA team, down the line). Having such an intriguing blend of high level skills has already earned him some fans across NBA front offices, and it’s certainly possible that Arceneaux could go in the first round. Coach Kelvin Sampson even went on to say publicly that “in all my years of recruiting, I don't know if I have recruited a player that can impact winning in as many ways as he can.” While Arceneaux may be renowned for hitting a double buzzer beater to send it into OT and then to win it in the state championship game, he also was incredibly dominant at EYBL in 2021 (see below). All in all, Arceneaux could be just what teams are looking for in a seamless wing fit to upgrade their defense and perimeter shooting.
By the numbers: Terrance Arceneaux finished first overall in C-RAM for the entirety of the 2021 Nike EYBL, scoring a silver 9.9, while also placing in the top-15 for DSI, top-5 for PSP, and top-20 for 3PE.
Anthony Black
6’6.5” Guard | Arkansas | Freshman | 18.8
On a Hogs team loaded with talent such as Nick Smith Jr., Davonte Davis and fellow Texas native Jordan Walsh — Anthony Black is a name many evaluators could be pining over as the draft approaches. Standing at 6.6.5” with excellent lower body strength and somewhat surprising explosiveness, Black possesses the requisite tools to slide up and down positions at the guard/wing spots on both ends of the ball, but especially on defense. Offensively, Black is best suited as a “big guard” who acts as a high IQ secondary creator and playmaker while being able to put pressure on the rim, knock down catch-and-shoot threes and punish defenses as a slasher. A low maintenance and competitive person both on and off the court, Black efficiently tows the line between star and co-star as long as it leads to wins. And while Black is extremely versatile and effective on the floor, the primary swing skill that would take his game to the next level remains his shot consistency. A capable shooter mechanically, Black likely just needs additional game reps and the green light to further build his trust and confidence in his shot beyond the arc and off the bounce. In short, expect Black to be an x-factor for the Hogs this season as they look to challenge Kentucky for the SEC championship and justify their top-10 preseason ranking.
By the numbers: At the U18 2022 FIBA Americas, Black posted a bronze 8.2 C-RAM with an elite 106 DSI and a solid 74 FGS. He struggled as a scorer and shooter, however, only posting a 31 PSP and 35 3PE.
Adem Bona
6’10” Big | UCLA | Freshman | 19.6
A native of Nigeria, Bona wasn’t all that interested in playing basketball as a child since he primarily enjoyed playing soccer. After some convincing by a local coach, Bona opted to give it a try. A few short years later, Bona found himself as one of the more coveted international prospects and a consensus top-25 player in the country playing for Prolific Prep in Napa, California. While there’s a lot of talent in Africa, Nigeria especially, few players are able to accomplish what Bona did in such a short amount of time. Being the only notable athlete in the family, Bona is uniquely gifted with a chiseled 6’10” frame, large hands and long 7’4” wingspan, all of which he routinely puts to good use as a destructive defender. Now at UCLA, Bona will look to anchor Coach Cronin’s defense while also bringing open court speed as a rim runner, lateral quickness as a reactive defender, power finishing as a high flyer, productive rebounding as a glass cleaner and intensity as an energetic tone setter. While he’s still rounding out other areas of his game such as ball-handling, playmaking and interior scoring, Bona has shown signs of encouraging competency in said areas during recent play. And as someone who models his game after Ben Wallace, Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bona has both the tools and the drive to be a force of nature and productive cornerstone for the Bruins as they aim to make another deep run in March.
By the numbers: At 2021 Nike EYBL, Bona placed first in Big Man Skills/ATR scoring a 99, finished second overall in C-RAM with a silver 9.8, and placed in the top-15 for DSI and PSP.
Gradey Dick
6’7” Wing | Kansas | Freshman | 18.9
Entering Kansas as the their second ever National Gatorade Player of the Year behind Andrew Wiggins, Dick has both the pedigree and translatable skill-set to make an immediate impact for the Jayhawks his freshman season. At 6’7”, Dick is a polished knockdown shooter who understands his role as more of a complementary star who is comfortable launching from anywhere on the court. He brings the most instant value as a three-point sniper from NBA range, but also does a great job staying active and making defenses work as an off movement threat inside the arc. Dick also has a very