31. Ty Jerome, G, Virginia
Another late-round point guard option, Ty Jerome is a lot different than Edwards. Jerome is less star-studded, but also a lot more efficient and selfless than Edwards. Jerome’s shooting ability is comparable to that of Edwards, yet he is much more passive and efficient. As a passer, Jerome is one of the best in the class, which is something the Bulls must consider that Carsen Edwards lacks. Jerome will likely be off of the board by Chicago’s second selection, but if he is still on the board, the team may go with Jerome over Edwards if they wish to play it safe.
32. Admiral Schofield, G/F, Tennessee
The second fiddle to Grant Williams in Knoxville, Admiral Schofield is another very solid all-around basketball player. He really does not have many holes in his game, and after three years of college basketball at Tennessee, he certainly is a leader any team would like to have on their team. Schofield’s largest downfall is that he does not have a true position, and although he plays best at forward, his 6’6″ frame may be a bit undersized at the position. He is not exactly the modern basketball player, nonetheless, he can play the game.
33. Louis King, F, Oregon
Oregon’s Louis King could be a phenomenal value pick for a team in the early second round. A five-star recruit in the high school class of 2019, the small forward possesses freakish size at 6’9″ and has shown the ability to shoot the basketball from range. King is a very overlooked prospect who is a very real possibility for Chicago, especially if the team opts to select a guard in round one. King could turn out to be a real home run.
34. Talen Horton-Tucker, G/F, Iowa State
Another product of Simeon High School in Chicago, Talen Horton-Tucker hopes to follow in the footsteps of other Simeon greats and find success in the NBA. As a top-sixty high school recruit just a year ago, Horton-Tucker had a decent freshman season at Iowa State and is considered by some to be a late first round talent. Unfortunately, his small size at 6’4″ and lack of ability to shoot jumpers cause me to believe that he is not a first-round talent. However, if he slips to 38, Chicago should certainly consider taking his high ceiling.
35. Shamorie Ponds, G, St. John’s
Shamorie Ponds has had a great career playing at the small St. John’s, but has decided after his junior season it is time to make the NBA jump. Ponds’ offensive skill set is very nice, and he has shown the ability to score and pass in high volume, however, his size is a major concern. This height issue may not be as big of an issue as it may have been a few years ago with the way the NBA is moving, but it is surely something to be taken into account. We’ve seen other 6’1″ guards find success, but it’s never easy.
36. Jaylen Hands, G, UCLA
One of the forgotten prospects of the 2017 high school class, Jaylen Hands has seen his draft stock plummet since his high school days, and for no legitimate reason. Despite a lackluster freshman season, Hands played a great year in his sophomore season, posting nice scoring and assist totals. Although he shot the basketball from the field poorly, his three-point percentage was not bad at all. Hands may be worth taking a chance on in the second round in hopes that he will turn into the five-star product he was expected to become.
37. Eric Paschall, F, Villanova
After four seasons at Villanova, Eric Paschall has seen plenty of winning in his college career, something that may prove valuable to a rebuilding team such as Chicago. A very under the radar prospect in high school, Paschall played his freshman season at Fordham before transferring to Villanova. Although he posted nice numbers this season, the fact that it took him until his senior year to break through and that he was not a high-profile guy at any point in his basketball career could cause for concern in the talent-demanding NBA.
38. Jalen McDaniels, F, San Diego State
As the final player on the big board, Jalen McDaniels could check off the box at the power forward position for the Bulls. More of an old-school four, McDaniels will likely never be a floor spacer, but he can get buckets nonetheless. His rebounding totals are also very good for a power forward, as Chicago could use an elite rebounder.