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2018 NBA Draft Props: It’s Villanova’s Time to Shine

Ryan Murphy

by Ryan Murphy in NBA Basketball

Updated Jan 4, 2023 · 2:49 AM PST

Big East Player of the Year favorite Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson could be one of four Villanova players selected in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft. (TonyTheTiger (Wikipedia) [CC License])
  • Oddsmakers are offering a bevy of new props for the 2018 NBA Draft
  • How many members of Villanova’s national championship team will be selected in the first round?
  • Will LiAngelo Ball hear his name called on Draft night? 

The 2018 Draft is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 21st, and oddsmakers are getting in on the fun by offering a series of enticing new props.

The online sportsbook is allowing fans to wager on everything from the number of Villanova players who will be selected in the first round to the likihood that LiAngelo Ball will join his brother Lonzo in the NBA.

We’ve included all props and odds below, but if you want the real skinny on how the Draft will unfold we recommend checking out our 2018 NBA Draft Rankings Tracker.

We’ve been following the movement of the world’s top 14 prospects across five popular NBA draft sites, and have come up with a single number for each player that represents their average ranking.

 


Our graphs remove the guesswork from Thursday night’s festivities by taking into account four months of data from the industry’s most trusted experts. Onto the props!

First Round Draft Position Odds

Player Draft Position Odds
Donte DiVincenzo 18.5 -180o/+150u
Jaren Jackson Jr. 3.5 -155o/+145u
Michael Porter Jr. 6.5 +150o/-130u
Mikal Bridges 9.5 -205o/+165u
Miles Bridges 11.5 -210o/+160u
Mo Bamba 5.5 +180o/-220u
Trae Young 7.5 -115o/-115u
Wendell Carter Jr. 7.5 -120o/-110u

No player has enjoyed a wilder ride than Donte DiVincenzo, who went from overlooked sixth man to can’t-miss prospect after scoring a career-high 31 points in Villanova’s national championship game. He has since turned heads at the Draft combine with his athleticism and competitive drive, and has been wined and dined by league executives like Danny Ainge.

The Newark native’s average draft ranking is currently 22.0, but don’t be shocked if the Spurs swoop in and select him with the 18th pick in an attempt to inject a little youth into their ageing roster.

1st Overall Draft Pick

Player Odds
Deandre Ayton -2000
Luka Doncic +700
Any Other Player +1000
Jaren Jackson +4000

Deandre Ayton is as close to a sure thing as you’ll find in this year’s draft. The Arizona center’s average draft ranking currently sits at 1.0, and hasn’t risen above 1.4 since March 10th. The Suns desperately need a multidimensional center and Ayton is, without question, the best pivot available in this year’s draft class.

Will LiAngelo Ball Get Drafted?

No Yes
-2500 +1000

LiAngelo Ball will likely get called many things on draft night, but he won’t get called to the stage by commissioner Adam Silver.

YouTube video

Ball’s best shot at sneaking into the NBA will be this July when he auditions for scouts at the Association’s annual Summer League.

Total Villanova Players Selected in the 1st Round

Number Odds
Two +100
Three +110
Four or More +750
One +1000
Zero +5000

Villanova is positioned to be the real winner on draft night as the defending champs could have up to four players selected in the first round.

YouTube video

Big East Tournament MVP Mikal Bridges and Final Four Most Outstanding Player Donte DiVincenzo appear to be locks, while Big East Rookie of the Year Omari Spellman and junior point guard Jalen Brunson could also be selected prior to the 31st pick, depending on team needs.

Will Jalen Brunson be a 1st Round Pick?

No Yes
-145 +115

Brunson may have been the consensus National College Player of the Year, but his age and limited athleticism make him a less than appealing target for many NBA teams. Most reputable draft sites have him slotted near the top of the second round where he’s considered a safe pick for teams looking for reliable backcourt depth.

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