Eight Big Ten Players Make 10/4 DraftExpress Mock 2017 NBA Draft

Although the college basketball season has yet to even start, one of the topics that is constantly discussed is each team’s potential NBA Talent. Well, DraftExpress released its latest 2017 NBA mock draft recently, which stirred up plenty of intrigue.

The Big Ten found itself well represented with eight players making the cut, including a handful of First Round projections. Obviously, that speaks to just how exciting this season should be for Big Ten fans.

Here’s a full look at the Big Ten players listed below.

Big Ten In 10/4 DraftExpress 2017 NBA Mock Draft:

• #16 - OG Anunoby (Indiana)
• #20 - Thomas Bryant (Indiana)
• #26 - Miles Bridges (Michigan State)
• #36 - Nigel Hayes (Wisconsin)
• #47 - Keita Bates-Diop (Ohio State)
• #48 - Malcolm Hill (Illinois)
• #56 - Melo Trimble (Maryland)
• #57 - Vince Edwards (Purdue)

There certainly was nothing surprising about seeing players like Bryant and Hayes make the list as both were two of the Big Ten’s best last season. Additionally, both Hill and Trimble made the cut thanks to stellar careers.

However, perhaps no ranking was more interesting than Anunoby at No. 16. Although Anunoby showed some major flashes last season, he has yet to produce anywhere close to an All-Big Ten level and his projections are largely just on potential. If he’s going to live up to that hype, he will need a huge 2016-’17 season.

It was also interesting to see Bates-Diop land on the board after an up and down 2015-’16 season that featured no NCAA Tournament appearance. This should be an interesting season to see whether he can earn his Draft projection.

If interested, you can see the full list here.