BYU Guard Barcello Leads Jazz Pre-Draft Workout
Jun 6, 2022, 7:40 PM
Brigham Young Cougars guard Alex Barcello (13) shoots during the second round of the 2022 West Coast Conference men's basketball tournament against the Loyola Marymount Lions at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Friday, March 4, 2022. (Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)
(Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – BYU guard Alex Barcello will work out for the Utah Jazz on Tuesday as part of the team’s pre-draft preparation.
Barcello is one of six former college players that are in Utah to work out for the Jazz along with Weber State’s Kobe McEwen.
The draft is set for June 23rd, though the Jazz don’t currently have any selections in either the first or second round.
Your latest list of @utahjazz pre draft auditions including locals Alex Barcello and Koby McEwen.#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/ITD4xho9TR
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) June 7, 2022
Alex Barcello: Guard – BYU
Alex Barcello helped lead BYU over the last three seasons averaging 14.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 rebounds to finish his career.
Barcello first committed to Arizona out of high school, but transferred to the Cougars after two seasons with the Wildcats where he was relegated as a little-used bench player.
ESPN’s Jay Bilas on College GameDay called #BYU guard Alex Barcello the best shooter in the country.#BYUHoops
pic.twitter.com/oA9TtnriJk— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) January 15, 2022
The guard is a high-efficiency scorer knocking down an impressive 48 percent of his field goals including 45 percent of his 4.6 three-point attempts per game, and 86 percent of his free throws.
Barcello is unlikely to get drafted, but his ability to score in bunches and operate as a complementary ball handler will earn him an invite to an NBA Summer League roster.
Koby McEwen: Guard – Weber State
Koby McEwen made two stops in Utah during his nomadic college career, playing his freshman and sophomore seasons at Utah State before transferring to Marquette for two seasons, then finishing his amateur playing days at Weber State.
With the #NBADraft rapidly approaching, the @utahjazz are loading up on draft workouts.
Here's a running tracker of every prospect who has worked out for the Jazz, and where they are projected to get drafted. #TakeNote https://t.co/qsoW44C3Cz
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) June 2, 2022
McEwen’s final season with the Wildcats saw him average an impressive 18.2 points to with 4.2 rebounds, a dramatic spike from his production at Marquette.
The Weber State product has solid size for a guard at 6-4, 200 lbs but will need to improve his consistency as a shooter (career 34 percent three-point shooter) if he wants to find a home in the NBA.
McEwen is likely to go undrafted on draft night.
Kofi Cockburn: Center – Illinois
Kofi Cockburn was one of the most productive players in college over the last three seasons, including averaging a 20 point, 10 rebound double-double as a junior.
Cockburn is a throwback center who does most of his damage in the paint using his bruising 7-0, 285 lbs frame to punish smaller college players near the basket.
Footage of Illinois' Kofi Cockburn from the Life Sports Pro Day. The 7-foot Jamaican big man showed his power, infectious energy, 7'4 wingspan and skill-level in an impressive, highly entertaining workout. pic.twitter.com/5eLXn3Biuh
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 26, 2022
Conditioning will be a key for Cockburn as he hopes to prove he belongs in the NBA, though he made notable strides during his time at Illinois. Fit is also a concern due to the NBA’s rapidly evolving game three-point heavy game.
However, Cockburn’s production and high floor as a reserve center could push him into the second round of the draft.
Noah Kirkwood: Guard – Harvard
Noah Kirkwood offers an intriguing combination of size and skill for an NBA prospect,
The 6-7 guard was twice named a member to the All-Ivy League team and was the Ivy League Rookie of the Year.
Kirkwood left Harvard early to pursue the NBA which indicates he’s confident that his 17.7 point, 5.7 rebound production can translate at the next level even if he goes undrafted.
Au’Diese Toney: Guard – Arkansas
Au’Diese Toney made a name for himself at Arkansas with his hustle and defensive energy but struggled to produce offensively.
At 6-6, 210 lbs Toney has good size for a disruptor on the wing, but will have to solidify his shooting if he hopes to catch on with a team after the draft.
Amadou Sow: Forward – UC-Santa Barbara
Amadou Sow was a productive forward at USCB averaging 13.8 points and 7.4 rebounds during his four-year career.
The forward needs to improve his shooting, but his 6-9, 235 lbs frame is intriguing despite likely going undrafted.
