Early predictions for the Top 5 of the 2022 NBA Draft Class ahead of March Madness

#3 Jabari Smith Jr., Auburn

Auburn freshman Jabari Smith Jr. has a chance to go first overall

Auburn Tigers freshman Jabari Smith Jr. continues to be the talk of the college basketball world. The 6'10" forward is also getting the attention of numerous NBA personnel, as many think the 18-year-old has a serious chance of becoming the first overall selection in the upcoming NBA Draft. When Smith announced that he would play at Auburn, many believed he had the potential to be a top ten selection.

After being one of the top players in college basketball, the Auburn Tigers freshman is now being seriously considered to be selected first overall. Smith continues to be sensational for the Tigers this year, currently averaging 15.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 43.8% from the field and 40.4% from downtown.

#2 Paolo Banchero, Duke

Duke freshman Paolo Banchero continues to impress with his play this year

Heading into the 2021-22 college basketball season, many NBA personnel and college basketball analysts were expecting Duke Blue Devils freshman Paolo Banchero to be the second overall selection in the upcoming NBA Draft. After a strong start to the year, that conversation began to heat up as many now believe that Banchero could end up being the first player selected on draft night.

Banchero is a physical force on the floor and stands out with his ability to be a dangerous weapon on offense. Listed at 6'10", 250 pounds, the Blue Devils freshman has the ability to overpower opponents with his size but also has the quickness to make defenders look silly on a nightly basis. So far this year, Banchero is averaging 17.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 51.0% from the field and 33.9% from downtown.

#1 Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga

Gonzaga freshman Chet Holmgren remains a favorite for the first overall pick

The runaway favorite to become the first pick in the 2022 NBA Draft has been Gonzaga Bulldogs big man Chet Holmgren. Although Holmgren struggled with his outside shot to start the year, he has been finding his groove of late. The debate about the top three prospects in the 2022 NBA Draft class will only intensify as time goes on. Each player offers their own unique ability to make an impact at the next level.

While teams could be intrigued by the upside of Jabari Smith Jr. or the offensive firepower of Paolo Banchero, Gonzaga freshman Chet Holmgren possesses the ability to be a game-changing presence on the defensive end. Listed at 7'0", 195 pounds, Holmgren has plenty of skeptics because of his thin-frame. The lengthy big man makes up for it with elite defensive instincts and awareness on the floor. So far this year, Holmgren is averaging 13.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 3.4 blocks per game while shooting 61.8% from the field and 39.6% from downtown.