Alabama’s Brandon Miller tops AP’s list of talented 1-and-done forwards in the NBA draft

FILE - Alabama forward Brandon Miller, left, drives into the lane during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Missouri in the semifinals of the Southeastern Conference Tournament, March 11, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. Miller is among the top forwards in the upcoming NBA draft. (AP Photo/John Amis, File) FILE - Alabama forward Brandon Miller, left, drives into the lane during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Missouri in the semifinals of the Southeastern Conference Tournament, March 11, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. Miller is among the top forwards in the upcoming NBA draft. (AP Photo/John Amis, File)

By AARON BEARD / AP Basketball Writer June 19, 2023 4 min read

Brandon Miller rapidly became an elite NBA draft prospect in his lone season at Alabama.

He headlines The Associated Press’ list of forwards and could go as high as second overall behind presumptive No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama. There are other one-and-done prospects such as Villanova’s Cam Whitmore, Houston’s Jarace Walker and Central Florida’s Taylor Hendricks as potential top-10 picks.

Here’s a look at the top forwards in the draft:

BRANDON MILLER, Alabama

STRENGTHS: Miller, 20, went from McDonald’s All-American to AP first-team All-American. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 18.8 points and 8.2 rebounds while shooting 38.4% from 3-point range and 85.9% from the foul line. He also showed the ability to play off the dribble or attack the rim, along with quality play on the defensive end behind the length to chase multiple positions. It adds up to a mix of shooting, athleticism and size suited for today’s NBA game that demands versatility on the wing.