Six Prospects Who Improved Their Stock at the NBA Draft Combine

• Donte DiVincenzo, Guard (Villanova)

Having put up solid numbers during the regular season, en route to winning Big East Sixth Man of the Year, DiVincenzo played as well as any starter during the NCAA Tournament. He entered the combine with as much momentum of any prospect in attendance, having earned the Final Four Most Outstanding Player after scoring 31 points off the bench in the National Championship against Michigan. 

Still unsure of his draft status, the officially measured 6'3.5 off-guard entered his name into the NBA Draft not hiring an agent. Leaving the option open for him to return to school. His performance at the combine put whatever hesitancy about him remaining in the draft to rest, as he registered a 34.5 inch no step vert and a 42" max vertical leap, ranking at the top of both categories, respectively, of the near 70 players at the event. 

DiVincenzo really opened eyes with his play in the scrimmages, as he confidently drilled two three's in his first game, from well-beyond the NBA three point line — with a hand in is face. Playing with his usual Villanova-like toughness and physicality, the two-time NCAA Champion tallied a total of 13 rebounds in the two games. Though his shot was off in the last of his two scrimmages, he did contribute three assists and four steals, showing his ability to be an effective role player, even when not knocking down looks with the efficiency he did in the first scrimmage. Following the event he decided to move forward and hire an agent with the optimism of him being a first round pick. 

• Gary Trent Jr., Guard/Forward (Duke)

Although freshman forwards Marvin Bagley III and Wendell Carter Jr. commanded a lot of attention and produced with proficiency, Trent Jr. was a more than capable performer for the Blue Devils in his lone season. Sharing shots on the wing with senior Grayson Allen — who also performed at the NBA Draft Combine — Trent made the most of his opportunities. 

Shooting a solid 40% from beyond the arc, the 6'6 guard (6'4.25 w/o shoes), broke JJ Redick's previous record for the most three's by a Duke freshman with 97. The strong build shooter showed the same sound shooting ability during one scrimmage totaling 22 points on 11 shots. Including 3-5 on 3's and going a perfect 5-5 from the free throw line.

Some talent evaluators questioned Trent's athleticism translating to the league, but he put some of those concerns to rest with the the third highest standing vertical leap (34.5") of all participants in attendance . Having hired an agent already, Trent solidified himself as a likely first round selection, having teetered on the borderline of a first/second round pick prior to the NBA Draft Combine. 

• Josh Okogie, Guard (Georgia Tech)

Okogie didn't play for one of the powers of the ACC, though that didn't prevent him from being one of it's best players over the last two years in a conference filled with talent. Improving his scoring from 16.1 to 18.2 point per game in his sophomore season, the all-around guard also put up averages of 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.0 blocks. 

He exhibited the elite athleticism which allowed him to be a multifaceted force for Georgia Tech at the NBA Draft Combine, ranking first in the max vertical leap (42") and 3/4 court sprint (3.04 seconds). Additionally, Okogie measured 6'3 (6'4.5 w/o shoes) with an immense seven foot wingspan, which is surely to entice a multitude of organizations around the league that emphasizes length and agility on the perimeter defensively. 

In the two scrimmages Okogie played with an obvious energy accumulating 12 points and 14 points, respectively. Carrying his instinctive, versatile play over from the season he accumulated seven rebounds, six assists, and three steals over the couple of contests. Having entered the event without the representation of an agent, the athletic combo-guard will remain in the draft following his positive performance. 

• Melvin Frazier, Guard/Forward (Tulane)

The 2018 American Athletic Conference Most Improved Player showcased some of the aspects of his total package as a a player performing at the NBA Draft Combine. Similar to Okogie, Frazier's length and athleticism were on full display as he posted the fifth fastest 3/4 court sprint time (3.08) and showed off more than respectable leaping ability (40"). He measured officially at 6'4.5 (6'6 in shoes), with a 7'1.25" wingspan and 8'9" standing reach that was second largest amongst all guard prospects in attendance. 

Frazier played in only one of the scrimmages, putting up 14 points, including a three and a windmill dunk, also adding four assists. With tools that translate well to the defensive end he led the game with four steals, including one that led to a breakaway windmill dunk. The lanky junior wing player, who during the season averaged 15.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.2 steals, set himself in a position to be a potential steal in the second round for a team. Quite possibly showing well enough to garner consideration towards the end of the first round. 

• Kevin Hervey, Forward (Texas-Arlington)

Despite not being the most athletic prospect in attendance, few players performed better in the game scrimmages than Hervey. With a smooth shooting stroke that he showed in drills —both spotting up and off the dribble — it transitioned smoothly to the game setting. 

Going 6-10 from the three over the two contests, the 6'7 forward showcased skills that are coveted at the "4" spot in the landscape of today's NBA. His 21 point effort led the Gray team in its victory in their second scrimmage, while also showing solid awareness as a whole, finding his teammates in rhythm and getting his hands in the passing lanes. 

Some questions surrounding his athleticism had scouts wondering just how viable a defender and rebounder he can be at the next level. But with a wingspan of 7'3.5" and a solid basketball IQ, Hervey put to rest some of the doubts about his overall ability through his positive performance at NBA Draft Combine. 

• Jevon Carter, Guard (West Virginia)

Not many prospects entered the NBA Draft Combine as known as a commodity than Carter, who experienced an illustrious four-year career in the Mountaineer State. The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year looked the part of a veteran NBA point guard at the NBA Draft Combine. Weighing in at 196 pounds, the 6'1 (6'0.25" officially w/o shoes) floor general came to the event in excellent shape, registering a body fat percentage of less than 5% (4.15). 

In good condition, Carter was able to make plays all over the court in the scrimmage portion of the combine. During the first contest he shot 2-9 from the field, totaling four points, but registered four rebounds and nine assists on a three-to-one assist to turnover ratio. The four-time leader in steals in the Big 12 Conference displayed his active hands and relentless effort on defense as well, managing three takeaways. In the latter of the two scrimmages, Carter proved his ability to be a scorer. Finishing with 17 points on 8/17 from the field, including a three.