ACC-SEC Challenge Top Prospects to Watch: Virginia Tech Versus Auburn
This year’s ACC-SEC challenge is headlined by Duke at Arkansas, but has a number of games that present excellent scouting opportunities, including Virginia Tech traveling to Auburn at 9:15 p.m. EST on ESPN2.
Who are some of the top prospects to watch in the Virginia Tech-Auburn matchup?
Johni Broome I Big I Auburn I Junior I 6’10 I 240 pounds
The Morehead State transfer’s first season as a Tiger was a successful one, showing little to no signs of struggling to adjust to the jump up in competition with averages of 14.2 points (first on team), 8.4 rebounds (third in the SEC) and 2.4 blocks (second in SEC, No. 11 in the country). Broome’s SEC debut season led to invitations to the NBA G League Elite Camp and NBA Draft Combine to be further evaluated by NBA decision makers before his decision to return to Auburn.
Broome thrives as a post scorer, play finisher and shot blocker, but isn't projected to be elite in either of those aspects on the NBA level. His draft stock is tied to the modernization of his game, specifically functional perimeter handling and 3-point shooting (29% mark last season on a career high 31 attempts). Expect another productive season from Broome as one of the best bigs in the SEC while he continues to expand his game.
Hunter Cattoor I Ancillary Guard I Virginia Tech I 6’3 I 200 pounds
Cattoor’s blend of elite shooting (career 41% 3-point shooter on 600 attempts) with shotmaking versatility and confidence give him NBA appeal despite lacking the ideal positional size. Coming off a year where he led the ACC in 3-point shooting at 42% (6.1 attempts per game), Cattoor should warrant Portsmouth Invitational Tournament and G League interest.
Aden Holloway I Lead Guard I Auburn I Freshman I 6’1 I 178 pounds
Holloway is poised to be day one contributor for Auburn and a sneaky one-and-done candidate because of his lethal combination of quickness, creative handle, elite 3-point shooting, diverse shotmaking and playmaking ability.
Coach Bruce Pearl has a history of allowing smaller guards of Holloway’s elk to play freely through their mistakes, grow and excel from Sharife Cooper to Wendell Green and Jared Harper. This is a tremendous sign for the opportunity Holloway could showcase his dynamic game early and often.
Sean Pedulla I Ancillary Guard I Virginia Tech I Junior I 6’1 I 195 pounds
Entering the season as Virginia Tech’s top returning scorer (15 points per game) and playmaker (3.8 assists), Pedulla will be relied upon to be an engine of the Hokies attack alongside Hunter Cattoor and Rodney Rice. His limited NBA physical tools might ultimately derail his NBA interest, but continued growth as a floor general and more established 3-point shooter after his drop from 44% to 34% on 3.6 more attempts, will keep scouts intrigued.
Rodney Rice I Ancillary Guard I Virginia Tech I Sophomore I 6’4 I 205 pounds
Rice showed glimpses of the impact player that he could be during an injury plagued eight game freshman season, putting up 7.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.1 stocks while shooting 33% from deep (39 attempts).
His ability to stretch the floor and knock down tough shots on the ball on top of a projectable frame will continue to build NBA buzz throughout the season with this game potentially being a signature one. A healthy Rodney Rice is a legit NBA prospect and Virginia Tech’s X-factor.
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