In this “G League Plus” blog, I will cover prospects in the GLeague, the NBL (Australian League), and the Overtime Elite.
Player of the Week
Alexandre Sarr, C, Perth Wildcats
Season Stats: 9.8 PTS, 4.7 REB, 0.8 AST, 50 FG%
Alexandre Sarr could very well end up being the first overall pick in this upcoming draft. The 7-foot-1-inch center is originally from France. After spending some time in Spain, Sarr came to the United States to play for Overtime Elite. In his second season with OTE, Sarr averaged 11.1 points per game and 6.4 rebounds. Most recently, Sarr has started to play in the NBL. Sarr is close to averaging 10 points and 5 rebounds per game. That being said, Sarr is picking it up as of late and has scored 15 and 13 in back-to-back games. Sarr’s future is very bright.
Who’s Hot?
Eli Ellis, G, Overtime Elite
Season Stats: 37.0 PTS, 5.0 REB, 2.0 AST, 51.0 FG%
Since the Overtime Elite season just started, Ellis has only played in two games so far. That being said, the 6-foot guard put up shocking numbers of 44 and 30 points in consecutive games. Ellis is leading all of Overtime Elite in scoring per game so far. In those two games, Ellis is shooting 40% from beyond the arc. Ellis is a great three-point shooter who is also an above-average attacker in the paint. A four-star in the 2025 class, Ellis committed to play basketball at South Carolina.
Somto Cyril, C, Overtime Elite
Season Stats: 11.5 PTS, 16.5 REB, 1.0 AST, 62.5%
Somto Cyril is a 6’ 10” center from Nigeria. Cyril is part of the Kentucky Wildcats 2024 class. The 18-year-old has put up incredible numbers in two games this season. Cyril put up a 17-point, 17-rebound game in his first game this season. The Nigerian is leading Overtime Elite in rebounds per game (16.5) and blocks per game (5.0). Cyril has shown immense talent in his young career and it is easy to see why he is a pivotal piece of Kentucky’s upcoming recruiting class.
Karter Knox, F, Overtime Elite
Season Stats: 22.3 PTS, 7.0 REB, 0.3 AST, 37.5 FG%
Knox has been one of the top performers in Overtime Elite this season. The 6’ 6” forward has taken the league by storm. Knox is the second-highest scorer in OTE with 22.3 points per game. In 3 games this season, Knox has scored 20 in all of them. The Florida native is a five-star in the class of 2024. It remains to see where he will land. Whoever gets Knox should be excited, he has been fantastic in Overtime Elite so far.
Who’s Not?
Babacar Sane, G League Ignite
Season Stats: 9.3 PTS, 5.8 REB, 1.5 AST, 37.8 FG%
Babacar Sane is a 20-year-old forward from Senegal. Sane has been seen by many as a potential first-round pick. Despite the hype, Sane has played in only four games this season and started two. In one of his games this season, Sane played 40 minutes and did not record a point. The forward clearly has talent but has not displayed it yet this season. Sane has not played since November 17.
Reynan dos Santos, G, Overtime Elite
Season Stats: 5.3 PTS, 2.3 REB, 1.3 AST, 40.0 FG%
Reynan Dos Santos is a 6-foot-5-inch guard from Brazil. The 19-year-old has been projected by some as a late first-round or second-round pick. Unfortunately, Dos Santos has not played well this season. Dos Santos has tallied games of 1, 7, and 8 points this season – not enough to be drafted. Additionally, Dos Santos is only playing 14 minutes per game. If both of these numbers go up, it is not unrealistic to think that Dos Santos could be drafted. But as of now, that does not seem that likely.
Top 5 NBA Prospects from G League Ignite
Season Stats: 11.3 PTS, 2.2 REB, 6.0 AST, 37.3 FG%
London Johnson is a 6-foot-3-inch guard from Georgia. Johnson, a four-star in the class of 2022, chose to go the Ignite route. Johnson passed on schools like Alabama, Georgetown, North Carolina, Virginia, VCU, and others. Johnson has played for two years with Ignite. Johnson was a star in Mexico in the 2021 FIBA CentroBasket U17 tournament. Johnson averaged 36 points per game with 9.0 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 4.0 steals. Johnson has only played in 6 games this season. When he has played, he has that he is a crafty passer who can score as well as anyone. Johnson could see his name called in the 2024 NBA Draft.
4. Izan Almansa
Season Stats: 7.7 PTS, 6.5 REB, 2.4 AST, 50.8 FG%
Izan Almansa is a 6’ 10” forward from Spain. The athletic big man first got recognized for his Overtime Elite performance. In Overtime Elite, Almansa averaged 12.5 points per game with 9.8 rebounds. The Spaniard decided to take his talents to Ignite. In 11 games, Almansa is averaging over 7 points and 6 rebounds per game. Almansa has been effective from the floor when he has gotten his opportunities. With an increase in minutes and shots, it is not unrealistic to think that Almansa could be averaging a double-double. If he puts up his Overtime Elite numbers in the G League, Almansa could be a 2024 first-round pick.
3. Tyler Smith
Season Stats: 15.6 PTS, 5.1 REB, 1.9 AST, 50.0 FG%
Tyler Smith, despite being only 19 years old, has been a successful player in the G League so far. The 6’ 11” power forward was offered by some of the top teams in college basketball – Houston, Baylor, Kansas, Memphis, Texas, LSU, and others offered the talented Texan. But, Smith decided to go the professional route instead of pursuing college basketball. In 11 games for Ignite, Smith has shown immense talent putting up over 15 points per game and securing over 5 rebounds per game. The athletic lefty has not only shown ability in the paint but also has the athleticism to play all over the floor. Smith’s best game this season was against the Ontario Clippers where he put up 22 points and 4 rebounds with 3 blocks. Smith has been incredibly consistent this season and has shot 50% or better from the floor in every game. Smith’s great play this season could see his name called earlier than anticipated in the first round.
Season Stats: 10.3 PTS, 4.3 REB, 1.3 AST, 41.9 FG%
Matas Buzelis is a 6-foot-9-inch stretch forward who had one of the most successful high school careers you will see. Buzelis won Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year in two different states – New Hampshire and Kansas. Buzelis was the seventh overall player in the class of 2023 according to 247 Sports. Like other players, Buzelis decided to go the professional route. In only three games this season (with one start), Buzelis has scored 11, 12 points, and 8 points. That being said, Buzelis has a high ceiling, and with improved play, could be a top 10 pick.
1. Ron Holland II
Season Stats: 19.3 PTS, 6.6 REB, 2.6 AST, 47.5 FG%
Ron Holland II, a 6-foot-8-inch power forward from Duncanville, TX was the number one high school player according to 247Sports. Despite, having committed to the Texas Longhorns, Holland II decommitted and decided to sign a professional contract with G League Ignite. One of the hardest things to do as a highly coveted prospect is to live up to the hype. Holland II has done just that. In 11 games this season, Holland II is scoring over 19 points per game and puts up a significant number of boards per game. The 18-year-old’s best game this season came against the Stockton Kings when he put up 32 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 6 steals, and 2 blocks. While increasing his field goal percentage in the long run, Holland II has been one of the best young players in the G League. Holland II projects as a top two-way player in the 2024 NBA Draft. Expect Holland II to be a first-round pick in the NBA Draft.