The 2024 NBA draft is less than two weeks 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 Jaylon Tyson, who spent three years in college at three different schools, culminating in a monster junior campaign with the California Golden Bears in the Pac-12’s final season. Tyson averaged 19.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in about 35 minutes per game with Cal, shooting about 51% on two pointers and 36% from beyond the arc.
Tyson was productive the previous season at Texas Tech, averaging about 10 points on 40% shooting from three, and his size and athletic ability showed out well at the NBA draft combine.
The big question with Tyson is whether his high volume scoring will translate into a different role at the NBA level, and if his athleticism will help him defend well. Teams in need of a plug-and-play wing will certainly look at Tyson, potentially as soon as the end of the first round.
Below is a look at Tyson’s 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:
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
From: Plano, TX
Played: Texas (2021-22) Texas Tech (2022-23) Cal (2023-24)
2023-24 Stats: 19.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 steals, 36% from three
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Height: 6’5.5
Weight: 218.2 pounds
Wingspan: 6’8
Standing Reach: 8’6.5
Max Vertical Leap: 36.5 inches
Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
- Has ideal size and length to play both shooting guard and small forward in the NBA, and is powerful enough to potentially play small ball four in certain lineups
- Great spot up shooter with a quick release, can score from nearly everywhere
- Moves well without the ball, lateral and vertical athleticism should play on both ends of the floor
- Crafty passer who can make highlight reel passes. High basketball IQ and good facilitation skills as well
- Versatility allows him to fit in almost any offense
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
- Can get too flashy and reckless with the basketball, and commits unnecessary turnovers
- Has the size and range to be a quality defender, but hasn’t always looked the part
- Doesn’t have a quick first step, might not translate into ability to drive to the hoop at next level
- Volume shooter in college, not sure if that will translate to the pros
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Draft Range: 25-45
CSW Mock: No. 28 to Denver Nuggets
Team Fit: A team needing a plug-and-play wing who can contribute right away. Denver, Boston, Milwaukee, Minnesota, Indiana, New York all make sense.
