Potential Detroit Pistons Draft Picks: Missouri Valley Conference

Yesterday, we published an article about the 2020-21 All-Horizon League team and what their draft value to the Detroit Pistons could be. We also explore if these players have a future in the NBA at all.

Personally, I think the mid-majors are the most exciting aspect of college basketball. Players like Damian Lillard and Ja Morant who come out of nowhere and become immediate stars are the best stories the NBA has to offer.

Even as teams, the 2018 Loyola run was one for the ages, and Butler’s repeat Finals appearances won’t be forgotten. Cinderella stories are never forgotten, but the individual players on those teams are not talked about very much.

There’s an infinite amount of draft coverage surrounding the Power Five and Big East and for good reason. Those conferences are where most of the stars come from. The Big 12 is home to the consensus first overall pick, and the Big 10 is loaded with star power. But maybe by looking at the rough we can find a diamond.

This is the second article in the series surrounding All-Conference players from mid-major conferences, and what their draft stock might be. This time, we move on to the Missouri Valley Conference, whose All-Conference team includes players from Loyola Chicago, Drake, Indiana State, and Missouri State.

None of these schools have players in the NBA right now, and the only player ever of note is Larry Bird. Not exactly a pedigree for success, but that may change.