There's no collegiate tournament with more NBA draft intrigue than the 2018 Maui Invitational.
While it usually isn't difficult to drag executives out to sunny Hawaii in mid-November, the 2,400-seat Lahaina Civic Center is expected to be lined with most NBA general managers and high-level decision-makers this season thanks to a star-studded field that features Duke, Gonzaga, Arizona, San Diego State, Iowa State, Xavier, Auburn and Illinois.
Seeing three consecutive games in an intimate setting will allow scouts to get an excellent feel for a variety of NBA draft prospects, ranging from known stars to potential breakouts.
What exactly will NBA scouts be looking for? Whom in particular should they get eyes on? Here's a look at what to expect from Duke's big three, along with one player from every other team.
All times EST
1. Zion Williamson | Duke | 6-6 | PF/C
First game: Monday, 4:30 p.m. | vs. San Diego State | ESPN2
It hasn't taken long for Williamson to become the face of college basketball, posting historic efficiency numbers while nearly breaking the internet with his otherworldly slams. In just 24.6 MPG, he's averaging 25.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 3.0 blocks with a remarkable 81.0 true shooting percentage. No prospect in our extensive database has ever posted a player efficiency rating over 50 through the first three games while playing more than 20 MPG. Zion is at 58.6. He has missed only three shots at the rim in the half court and been a terror in transition, all while taking care of the ball, facilitating and rebounding. His potential matchup with Rui Hachimura and a loaded Gonzaga team would be must-see TV.
Scouts will keep a close eye on Zion's shooting touch (1-for-3 from 3 and 11-for-18 from the free throw line so far), as that will clearly be a point of emphasis all season long. How will he react to a well-coached team like Gonzaga trying to take away his powerful jump stops and dynamic drives by packing the paint? Will he be able to break free for as many uncontested transition dunks? How Williamson adjusts to certain schemes will certainly be worth watching, though it might not matter given his physical dominance.
If Williamson continues his record-breaking efficiency and breathtaking feats of athleticism in such an intimate environment, it will be difficult for the GMs on hand to leave Maui without slotting him as the favorite to go No. 1 come June.
2. RJ Barrett | Duke | 6-7 | Shot creator
For all of Williamson's eye-popping plays and statistical success, Barrett has been quietly productive, averaging 25.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists in just 30 MPG. An ultra-aggressive scorer, Barrett should continue to produce here, though his efficiency is something to watch. He's shooting only 30 percent from 3 and 58.8 percent from the free throw line.
Without many lockdown wing defenders or elite rim protectors in the field, Barrett could certainly use this as an opportunity to remind NBA scouts why he was considered the top pick in the 2019 draft prior to the collegiate season. Getting his numbers without pounding the ball or looking off teammates will be key, as he has had some volume-scorer moments already.
3. Cam Reddish | Duke | 6-9 | Wing
It didn't take long for Reddish to turn in his first dud of the season, as he finished with only three points on five shots in 12 minutes of a blowout win over Eastern Michigan, sitting out the second half due to injury. As we've said before, Reddish is the most naturally gifted of Duke's three freshmen -- he brings Paul George-like tools -- but he, too, often goes through the motions and is willing to fade into the background.
Reddish has had some tremendous moments this season and is shooting an impressive 44 percent from 3 on a healthy 25 attempts. He's far and away Duke's best perimeter shooter, clearly a valuable skill when coupled with his size and ability to handle the ball. But he has been too willing to settle, attempting only 15 2-pointers (converting 33 percent) and seven free throws in 67 minutes. Scouts will want to see Reddish show more assertiveness, physicality and consistency over the course of the tournament, while tapping into his playmaking chops as a facilitator when given the opportunity.
4. Rui Hachimura | Gonzaga | 6-9 | Forward
First game: Monday, 11:30 p.m. | vs. Illinois | ESPN2
No non-Duke player will be under the microscope more than Hachimura, especially with Gonzaga big man Killian Tillie out until January. The 20-year-old projected lottery pick has always had the physical profile for the NBA at 234 pounds with monster hands, natural strength and a 7-foot-1½ wingspan, but scouts will want to see how his 3-point shooting and feel for the game have improved.
Scouts will be rooting for Duke and Gonzaga to advance to the finals, which would set up a Hachimura vs. Williamson matchup. Hachimura, who can check up to four positions in a pinch, is one of the few players in the tournament with the sheer strength, length and quickness to at least try his hand at slowing Williamson. The junior has been extremely productive through three games (35.6 PER), but teams will still be watching closely to figure out how his shooting mechanics will translate to the NBA line (career 28.8 percent 3-point shooter) and whether or not he has the on-court feel to maximize his potential.
Also, be sure to keep an eye on Gonzaga sophomore guard Zach Norvell, an ultra-confident, lefty shot-maker who could lead the Zags in scoring and should earn some fans in front offices with his size, shooting and improved playmaking.
5. Jalen McDaniels | SDSU | 6-10 | Forward
First game: Monday, 4:30 p.m. | vs. Duke | ESPN2
The wiry 6-10 forward will be put to the test on Day 1 as he runs into the human wrecking ball that is Williamson, who outweighs McDaniels by almost 80 pounds. McDaniels has committed seven fouls in just 50 minutes so far this season, so it's safe to assume SDSU will try to minimize possessions on which McDaniels is on an island against Williamson. But this is a tremendous chance for the 20-year-old to prove he can guard on the perimeter and hold up physically against NBA-caliber talent.
I wouldn't expect McDaniels to back down from the challenge, as he's a fearless competitor with a nose for the ball despite his skinny frame. He figures to test Duke with his motor, and scouts will be watching all tournament long to see how his perimeter game has evolved as a shooter, ball handler and facilitator. McDaniels is 2-4 so far from 3, and if his skill level looks improved, he could leave Maui with real draft momentum.
Your 2018 @OfficialMauiJim @MauiInv matchups. Is it November yet? #MauiHoops ���� pic.twitter.com/4paMAPlRXL
- Maui Invitational (@MauiInv) July 24, 2018
6. Ayo Dosunmu | Illinois | 6-4 | Scorer
First game: Monday, 11:30 p.m. | vs. Gonzaga | ESPN2
Widely viewed as a fringe one-and-done prospect, Dosunmu has made it his show at Illinois. The 6-4 guard has an opportunity to make a splash right away when the Illini take on Final Four favorite Gonzaga. He has shown us what he can do with offensive freedom at the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League level, where he exploded as a scoring machine, rising from a relative unknown to a top-30 prospect in his high school class.
At 6-4, 181 pounds with a 6-8 wingspan and a physical profile similar to Malik Beasley at the same age, Dosunmu is an aggressive scoring guard who can change speeds, get downhill and defend his position with intensity. Scouts will be watching his perimeter shooting, as he reworked his jumper over the summer and is reaping the benefits so far (5-for-7 from 3). Still not the most polished decision-maker, Dosunmu has a chance to win over scouts with his scoring instincts and overall intensity.
7. Talen Horton-Tucker | Iowa State | 6-4 | Point forward
First game: Monday, 9:00 p.m.| vs. Arizona | ESPNU
With bucket-getting guard Lindell Wigginton out due to foot injury, 17-year-old freshman Horton-Tucker has the platform to introduce himself to NBA scouts as the most unique prospect in Maui outside of Williamson. Weighing in at 230 pounds with the wingspan of a big man (7-1) yet the height of a guard (6-4), he is a hefty playmaker who can shift anywhere from floor general to power forward. He's competitive and powerful with an excellent feel for the game, polished handle and developing 3-point stroke.
Despite standing 3½ inches shorter, Horton-Tucker compares favorably by other measurables to Draymond Green, and his ability to slide up to the 4 on defense yet operate as a point guard on offense could make him appealing to outside-the-box front offices if he turns in a strong tournament. Should the Cyclones squeak past Arizona, Horton-Tucker would clash with Hachimura in a highly anticipated bout.
8. Brandon Randolph | Arizona | 6-5 | Scorer
First game: Monday, 9:00 p.m. | vs. Iowa State | ESPNU
The 6-5 Randolph is a wiry, Jamal Crawford-style bucket-getter who packs the scoring punch to bolster his draft stock in a hurry if he gets hot from the perimeter against a big-name opponent. After a disappointing freshman season on a loaded Arizona roster, he is off to an excellent start this season, averaging 18.7 points in just 27.3 minutes with a 70.1 true shooting percentage.
Although he lacks a degree of toughness on both ends, Randolph is far and away the most talented player on an Arizona team that's lacking its usual talent. Head coach Sean Miller figures to lean heavily on the streaky shot-maker to generate offense, which could result in a monster scoring night or two with high-level NBA decision-makers on hand.
9. Naji Marshall | Xavier | 6-8 | Forward
First game: Monday, 2:30 p.m. | vs. Auburn | ESPN2
With tools similar to Andre Roberson's, the 20-year-old combo forward is one of the most physically intriguing prospects in the tournament. His NBA value lies on the defensive end of the floor. Should Xavier defeat Auburn and Duke knock off San Diego State, a signature defensive performance against any of the Blue Devils' stars might thrust Marshall onto the NBA radar given the league's emphasis on versatile defenders.
He is still a work in progress as a shooter (career 29.2 percent from 3), ball handler and decision-maker, but his defensive potential and activity on the glass are noteworthy, and he's fresh off a 24-point, 13-rebound showing against Wisconsin that featured a pair of made triples.
In addition to Marshall, 20-year-old sophomore guard Paul Scruggs is one to keep an eye on. His skill level is still a work in progress, but with tools similar to Josh Okogie he figures to stand out physically to NBA scouts.
10. Chuma Okeke | Auburn | 6-7 | Stretch big
First game: Monday, 2:30 p.m. | vs. Xavier | ESPN2
Auburn's 20-year-old stretch big emerged as a long-term prospect worth tracking thanks to a productive freshman season coming off the bench. Okeke -- who stands 6-7, 235 pounds with a 7-0 wingspan -- is in better shape now and off to a fantastic start, averaging 26.9 points, 13.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 3.4 blocks per 40 minutes while shooting 6-8 from 3.
While he still has room to polish his offensive game and improve his individual defense, Okeke is an active offensive rebounder who can step out and stroke 3s with smooth mechanics while protecting the rim in a pinch, even operating as a small-ball 5. Center Austin Wiley, who participated in the NBA pre-draft combine last year, is Auburn's biggest name, but Okeke is a much more modern big who could surprise NBA scouts in Maui.