2022 NBA draft: Breaking down the best prospects who aren't playing college basketball

More and more, we’re learning the path to the NBA does not have to go through college, which means scouting is busier now than ever before.

The league’s reigning MVP (Nikola Jokic), NBA Finals MVP (Giannis Antetokounmpo), Defensive Player of the Year (Rudy Gobert) and even Rookie of the Year (LaMelo Ball) all came to the league without ever spending a day within the NCAA system.

Beyond the increased interest in basketball around the globe, which has allowed for great talent to find its way to the United States from all over the world, there are also alternative paths for developing domestic talent.

After the inaugural season for the G League’s Ignite program, Jalen Green was selected at No. 2 overall in the 2021 NBA draft. This season, Overtime’s new team (Elite) will tip-off with some fascinating talent taking the floor in preparation for the pros as well.

Considering that both Ignite and Elite are now set to begin their seasons, now is a great time to learn more about the best basketball prospects that you will not find on a college court next season.

Even though this list will only highlight the biggest names to know, we have also included a “watch list” for other potential breakout candidates (organized by region) who are worth learning more about as well.