The dreams of 58 basketball prospects came true over the course of the first-ever two-day NBA Draft this week as franchises made their selections of players they hope will become mainstays on their rosters in the years ahead.
However, the path to professional basketball glory remains elusive for several players who harbored legitimate aspirations of being selected. These hopefuls will now be left to scrap for free-agent deals that come with slim odds of leading to coveted roster spots.
Notable Snubs and Shocking Exclusions
Among the notable snubs were Kentucky wing Justin Edwards, Creighton guard Trey Alexander, and Clemson big man PJ Hall, all of whom played key roles on high-caliber college teams in the 2023-24 season.
Justin Edwards, in particular, became the first player ranked in the top three of the Top247 Composite as a recruit to go undrafted. Edwards' exclusion from the draft pool was a shock to many scouts and analysts who couldn't fathom why a player of his caliber was overlooked.
Opportunities Amid Adversity
While these players might feel the sting of being undrafted, opportunities still remain. Shortly after the draft concluded, reports surfaced that a handful of this year's snubs secured two-way contracts. These contracts typically allow a player to spend up to 45 days with the NBA team, while dedicating the rest of their time to developing in the G League.
Two-way contracts, while not guaranteeing a permanent spot on an NBA roster, present a valuable chance for these players to demonstrate their potential and perhaps secure a more permanent position down the line.
In addition to two-way contracts, the NBA Summer League represents another crucial opportunity for undrafted players to showcase their abilities. The Summer League has historically been a proving ground for many overlooked players to make a name for themselves and earn a place in the NBA.
Prospects to Watch in the Summer League
Creighton’s Trey Alexander and Clemson’s PJ Hall stand out as talents likely to draw considerable attention during the Summer League. Alexander offers versatility as a guard with adept ball-handling and scoring prowess, while Hall brings a commanding presence in the paint, coupled with the ability to stretch defenses with his mid-range shooting.
Both players were integral to their teams’ successes last season. Alexander's versatility and scoring ability were central to Creighton's strong performances, and Hall’s dual-threat in the paint and from mid-range made him a cornerstone of Clemson's game strategy.
The basketball community will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on these undrafted talents to see how they navigate the challenges ahead. While their journey to the NBA may have hit an unexpected bump, their stories are far from over. The Summer League provides an open stage on which they can prove their worth, not just to the teams that passed on them during the draft, but to an entire league looking for the next great talent.
In the world of professional sports, the draft is just the beginning. For Justin Edwards, Trey Alexander, PJ Hall, and others who went undrafted, the real test of their grit and determination starts now. As history has shown, many stars have risen from the ranks of the undrafted, fueled by the chip on their shoulder. This year's crop of undrafted players will be resilient, ready to prove that their omission was a misjudgment and that they belong on the NBA stage.
As the NBA Summer League tips off, the race for redemption begins. Scouts, coaches, and fans alike will watch closely, knowing that somewhere among these players could be the next breakout star. For Edwards, Alexander, and Hall, this is the moment to shine.