Numerous star players have been delivering exceptional performances throughout the college basketball seasons. Some of them have already heard their names in the NBA drafts, while others are already on the radar. Get to know more about these star players and discover why you should keep an eye out for them.

How does the NBA draft work?

Every year, NBA teams compile a list of potential stars to add to their lineup. An NBA draft lottery is used to determine the order of the selection for the teams. Many of the players drafted come from college basketball and have shown dominance in their respective leagues.

However, it is important to note that drafted players may or may not immediately join their respective NBA teams right away as potential changes may occur up until the last minute. Apart from the NBA, rising basketball stars may still play in other top leagues, including FIBA West Asia Super League to showcase their talents and skills on the international stage. Here are a few noteworthy up and rising players in the sport:

Rob Dillingham, Kentucky

Rob Dillingham is a college basketball player for the Kentucky Wildcats in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). In 2021, he was already the MVP of the FIBA Americas Under-16 Championship. This year, he received the SEC Sixth Man of the Year award. His skills at such a young age have contributed to his team's success, placing him on the radar for the 2024 NBA Draft.

The Wildcats have benefited from his shooting, accounting for 49% of the team's average scoring points and has capitalised on 44% of his three-point attempts. He is known for his skills in jump shots and catch-and-shoot situations. Currently, Dillingham is averaging 26.1 points per 40 minutes, solidifying his status as a player to watch.

Zach Edey, Purdue

Zachry Cheyney Edey is a Canadian player currently playing for the Purdue Boilermakers in the Big Ten Conference. He possesses a natural talent for sports, excelling not only in basketball but also in baseball and ice hockey. Edey has consistently shown his skills on the court, earning the prestigious title of Big Ten Player of the Year in both 2023 and 2024.

He was also recognized as the consensus National Player of the Year in 2023, showing his prowess in the basketball scene at a young age. Since then, Edey has expressed his intention to enter the NBA draft, and this season, it appears more likely than ever. In the NBA Mock Draft by Bleacher Report, Edey was projected as the 25th pick, selected by the Milwaukee Bucks.

Cody Williams, Colorado

Cody Williams is projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, according to the recent NBA mock draft. This comes as no surprise considering Williams' exceptional qualities evident in his early yet flourishing career.

He currently plays for the Colorado Buffaloes in the Pac-12 Conference and is already a consensus five-star recruit, placing him among the top players in the 2023 class. As a freshman forward, Williams is currently averaging 13.7 points per game for his team. He shows excellent versatility and efficient scoring ability, making him a compelling prospect for the NBA draft.

Keep up with NBA draft news

Whether these players are set to play in the NBA or the FIBA West Asia Super League, it is evident that at such a young age, they have shown their dominance on the court. It is worth keeping an eye on these players in the upcoming NBA draft and NBA seasons alike, as well as the international basketball stages.