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The 2024 NBA draft is about one week away and here at College Sports Wire we are evaluating the college basketball stars who are hoping to hear their name called in late June.
Today we discuss Washington State forward Jaylen Wells, a riser thanks to his smooth outside shot and activity on the defensive end of the floor. Wells began his college career with two seasons at Division II Sonoma State before transferring to join Kyle Smith and the Cougars last year. He was immediately impactful with his new club, averaging 12.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while shooting a tidy 41.7% from beyond the arc on 4.9 attempts per game.
Wells entered the transfer portal but ultimately opted to keep his name in the NBA draft process, and is considered a likely second round pick who could develop into a three-and-D wing or even a small ball four at the NBA level.
Below is a look at Wells’ 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:
James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
From: Sacramento, CA
Played: Sonoma State (2021-2023) Washington State (2023-24)
2023-24 Stats: 12.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 41.97% from three, 81.4% from the free throw line
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Height: 6’6.5
Weight: 206.2 pounds
Wingspan: 6’7.25
Standing Reach: 8’7.5
Max Vertical Leap: 36 inches
Mark Smith-USA TODAY Sports
- Looks like an NBA caliber long range shooter, has a quick release and was efficient from beyond the arc last season. Solid free throw shooting helps back up outside shot
- Attacks closeouts well, giving him more versatility than just catch-and-shoot on the perimeter. Has also showed an ability to finish around the rim, and again shoots well from the line
- Plays extremely well off the ball
- Active, highly communicative defender who excels off the ball
James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
- Offensive package is limited mostly to catch and shoot and occasional attacking a closeout, but isn’t a great ball handler or passer
- Needs to improve as a finisher around the rim, especially moving to the NBA against stronger defenders
- Decent athlete but not an explosive one, which limits his impact on either end of the floor
- Struggles to defend on ball and navigate screens, will need to work on point of attack defense to be playable for large stretches at the next level
Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
Draft Range: 45-undrafted
CSW Mock: Undrafted
Team Fits: Anyone who has room for a developmental wing who can space the floor, or who wants to fill a two-way contract. Portland, Sacramento, Detroit, San Antonio, Atlanta all make some sense.
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Courtesy : https://collegesportswire.usatoday.com/lists/2024-nba-draft-profile-washington-state-cougars-jaylen-wells/