Tap here to get an in-depth look at the top prospects in this year's draft class leading up to the NBA draft, which takes place on June 25 in Brooklyn.
Looking strictly at the numbers, Jerian Grant could have been an example of the risk of returning for a fourth college season. If your numbers decline or your stock falls, the dreaded "low upside" tag that seniors get hit with can really limit your ability to recuperate.
But Grant doesn't quite fit that narrative, having returned to Notre Dame in part because he missed the second half of his junior year due to academic ineligibility. Instead of being on the first-round bubble with that off-court issue fresh in the mind of teams, he's now a mid-first-round pick with a strong NCAA tournament run as the lasting memory for scouts. Add in that he spent another year running an NBA-style offense, and he's the rare senior whose age and experience aren't necessarily negatives.
Relevant Background
| Position | DraftExpress Rank | ESPN Rank | Height w/ Shoes | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG | 15 | 17 | 6' 4.25" | 198 |
| Wingspan | Standing Reach | Max Vertical (in.) | Hand Length (in.) | Body Fat % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6' 7.5" | 8' 4" | N/A | 8.25 | 5.6% |
| NCAA Stats | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | 16.5 | 3.0 | 6.7 | 47.8% | 31.6% |
| 2013-14 | 19.0 | 2.5 | 6.2 | 51.8% | 40.8% |
| 2012-13 | 13.3 | 2.9 | 5.5 | 40.6% | 34.4% |
| 2011-12 | 12.3 | 2.9 | 5 | 38.0% | 35.4% |
Scouting Report
Strengths: Grant is big enough to be a shooting guard and quick enough to be a point guard, and he's good enough off the ball to be a two and a good enough facilitator to be a one. Wherever he plays - likely both positions - he should be able to contribute right away, one of the biggest positives teams picking outside of the lottery will surely note. The Notre Dame offense has given him plenty of experience operating a pick-and-roll attack, and Grant's both a terrific slasher who can draw fouls in abundance and a heady playmaker who sees angles and openings incredibly well.
Weaknesses: Grant loses a few points since he'll be 23 years old when the season starts. Outside of that knock, it's really just a question of if his 3-point shot, which looks better than the numbers would suggest, will develop into an asset or remain a slight liability. He also occasionally drew criticism for being too selfless on offense, playing alongside Demetrius Jackson, but that's a minor quibble.
Highlight Reel
What to Expect on Draft Day
How valuable is a player who can almost certainly be an NBA-caliber backup at both guards spot but may never be more than a backup at those positions? The early returns suggest that somewhat limited upside will keep Grant out of the top-10 but keep from sliding too far, with his possibilities firmly established in the middle of the first round. A handful of teams therein could use help at guard off the bench, and it seems unlikely the Dallas Mavericks would pass him up at No. 21.
