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Throughout the 2024-25 ������Ƶ men’s basketball regular season, the top stat leaders have fluctuated, with some players maintaining a consistent spot. This prompted the question: Which NBA players do these standout college hoopers most resemble? From their physical builds to their playing styles and overall performances, a comparison to established NBA players highlights many fun parallels.

With a bow placed on their body of work, let's take a look at the statistical leaders and their NBA player comparisons.

Scoring (PPG): Eric Dixon | NBA player comparison: Zion Williamson

Eric Dixon, a fifth-year senior forward for the Villanova Wildcats, has developed into one of the top scorers in college basketball. On the NBA side, Zion Williamson, the former Duke standout and now a star for the New Orleans Pelicans, delivers power by owning the paint.

• Eric Dixon (24-25 Reg Season): 23.6 PPG 

• Zion Williamson (24-25 Mid-Season): 24.8 PPG 

Eric Dixon and Zion Williamson are lethal near the basket, but their approaches vary. 

. and 1💪

— Villanova MBB (@NovaMBB)

Eric Dixon, the 6'8, 265-pound traditional big man with a modern twist, is the nation’s leading scorer. Dixon uses his strength to bully defenders in the post.

While his primary game is inside, he has grown with a 42.9% 3-point shooting percentage, making him a dual threat on offense. 

On the other hand, Zion Williamson, at 6'6 and 284 pounds, is all about athleticism and explosiveness. With 24.8 PPG on 57.3% shooting, Zion thrives on overpowering defenders with his speed and power, getting to the rim in a hurry for highlight-reel finishes. 

ZION WILLIAMSON WOW WOW WOW 🤯🤯

Hits the Statue of Liberty poster slam with authority 💥💥

— NBA (@NBA)

What sets Dixon apart from Zion is his range. While Zion is more of an inside force, Dixon’s 3-point shooting ability adds an unpredictable dimension to his game.

Meanwhile, Zion’s 39.4% from 3-point range shows he can compete, but it's not where he does his best work. 

• Dixon: A strong inside presence with the bonus of a dangerous 3-point shot. 

• Zion: Relentless in the paint with quick finishes and elite athleticism. 

Both players excel in rebounding. Zion’s ability to soar above defenders and grab boards shows his athleticism, while Dixon’s focus on positioning and boxing out allows him to secure rebounds effectively. 

• Dixon: Uses positioning to own the paint and knock down outside shots. 

• Zion: Dominates the boards and playmaking with explosive energy. 

In summary, Dixon and Williamson share a similar scoring output, but their styles make each of them unique threats. 

Playmaking (APG): Ryan Nembhard | NBA player comparison: Trae Young

Ryan Nembhard, a junior point guard for the Gonzaga Bulldogs, leads all of men’s basketball in assists. Meanwhile, Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young, a two-time NBA All-Star and former Oklahoma Sooners sensation, runs the show at the pro level.

• Ryan Nembhard (Gonzaga) – 9.9 APG 

• Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks) – 11.4 APG 

Young does it in the NBA, where the pace is faster and the defense is tougher. Nembhard, on the other hand, is taking the ������Ƶ by storm with his passing vision, navigating a structured Gonzaga offense. 

light work 💪👊

— Gonzaga Basketball (@ZagMBB)

⚡ Build & play style: 

• Ryan Nembhard: 6’0, 180 pounds  

• Trae Young: 6’1, 164 pounds 

Though they’re both on the smaller side for basketball, their playmaking abilities make up for their size. Nembhard uses his strong, sturdy frame to operate in a more controlled, half-court offense. 

He doesn’t have the same deep-range shooting threat as Young, but his court awareness and patience make him a top-tier player.  

Young’s slight frame doesn't stop him from controlling the ball and passing in pick-and-roll situations. He’s a master at manipulating defenses in space, often finding open shooters or throwing lobs to his big men. His quickness and vision are his biggest weapons. ️ 

how am i just now seeing this truly nuts pass from trae young

— jeffonsports (@j_shao_)

Ryan Nembhard: He excels in the half-court, where his passing comes from precise ball movement and swift thinking. He’s less about improvisation and more about systematic playmaking, working within Gonzaga's offense to set up teammates. 

• Qualities: Methodical, reliable passer with the ability to break down defenses  

Trae Young: Known for his deep range, he thrives in up-tempo systems, pushing the pace and creating opportunities for easy passes. 

• Qualities: Speed, deep shooting, and quick decisions in a fast-paced offense. 

Both Young and Nembhard are incredibly patient when it comes to making plays. They read defenses like no one else, waiting for the perfect moment to dish out an assist. Their patience, combined with their elite court vision, makes them two of the best facilitators in the game. 🧠 

Three-Point Shooting: Abdi Bashir Jr. | NBA player comparison: LaMelo Ball

Abdi Bashir Jr., a sophomore guard for the Monmouth Hawks, has become one of the most dangerous three-point shooters in college hoops. In the NBA, Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball mirrors that mark in his 5th season.

• Abdi Bashir Jr. (Monmouth) - 3.9 3PM 

• LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets) - 3.9 3PM

Standing at 6'7 and possessing similar builds — LaMelo Ball at 180 pounds and Abdi Bashir Jr. at 160 pounds—both players use their height to create mismatches, especially on the perimeter.  

They're twinning with 3.9 three-point field goals made per game. Their size and length help them shine and make them capable of stretching the floor with ease. 

THE.

BEST.

SHOOTER.

IN.

THE.

NATION. 🎱

— Monmouth Basketball (@MonmouthBBall)

When it comes to shooting, they are known to rain down threes. LaMelo averages 26.2 PPG and shoots 40.8% from beyond the arc. Bashir, not far behind, averages 31 PPG and shoots 39.3% from three, showing a near-identical shooting ability.  

• 🎯 Elite range: LaMelo’s 40.8% and Bashir’s 39.3% from three showcase their deep shooting proficiency. 

• ⚔️ Stretching the defense: Both have the talent to hit shots from anywhere, forcing defenses to stretch and creating more space for their teammates. 

  deep 3 for | 📹

  — Charlotte Hornets (@hornets)

In terms of play style, LaMelo and Bashir share a fluid, creative approach to scoring.  Similarly, Bashir's style is marked by his off-the-ball movement and quick decisions, which allow him to get open for threes or create scoring chances in transition. 

• 🎨 Creativity: LaMelo uses flashy dribbles to open space for shots, while Bashir moves quickly to get open for threes. 

• �ع️‍♂️ Scoring threats: Both can create their own shot or knock down a contested three from deep. 

Whether it’s LaMelo’s smooth transition play or Bashir’s quick and agile movements, both are dynamic perimeter players who can score efficiently and contribute in multiple ways. 

Rebounding: Carson Towt | NBA player comparison: Domantas Sabonis

• Carson Towt (Northern Arizona) – 12.4 RPG 

• Domantas Sabonis (Sacramentoc Kings) - 14.1 RPG

Carson Towt, a junior forward for the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks, and Domantas Sabonis, an All-Star center for the Sacramento Kings, are two big men who stand out in rebounding. 

• 💪 Big bodies, big impact: Towt's 6'8, 235-pound frame and Sabonis' 6'10, 240-pound size make them tough to shake in the paint. 

Towt averages 12.4 RPG, and Sabonis pulls down 14.1 RPG, making them both rebounding machines. Towt's strength and positioning allow him to battle for every board, while Sabonis combines size with elite timing and awareness.  

• 🏀 Rebounding machines: Towt and Sabonis are both dominant on the boards, using a mix of strength, timing, and hustle to secure the basketball. 

4PT Stats: Northern Arizona 6’8” forward Carson Towt powered his team to a 69-64 win with 14 points, 17 boards, and 3 assists on 6-of-10 shooting.

Over 24 games this season, he’s averaging 13.4 points, 13.0 boards, and 3.4 assists on 56.4% shooting. Towt’s dominant rebounding…

— 4PT (@4PlayingTime)

In terms of scoring inside, Towt leans on his physicality, using his strength to finish through contact, while Sabonis relies on his refined footwork and basketball IQ.  

Towt’s game is built around brute force and aggressiveness, while Sabonis can score in a variety of ways, making him a more versatile option around the rim. Despite their differing styles, both are incredibly effective, and defenders know they have to be physical to slow them down. 

• 💥 Power vs. finesse: Towt's strength helps him power through defenders, while Sabonis' footwork and finesse give him more options around the basket. 

As for playmaking, Towt may not be known for his passing yet, but his ability to read the defense and find open teammates when necessary is improving.  

Towt’s passing is still developing, but his IQ and awareness on the court are a key part of his game. 

Every clutch shot from Domantas Sabonis so far this season

— Pitless (@pitlessball)

• 👀 Court vision: Sabonis is an elite playmaker, while Towt is developing his passing skills, showing high basketball IQ in the process. 

• 🔨 Powerhouse presence: Both Towt and Sabonis consistently bring muscle to the basket

Overall, Carson Towt and Domantas Sabonis share a similar style of play when it comes to rebounding, physicality, and scoring.  

Shot Blocking: Malcolm Wilson | NBA player comparison: Jaren Jackson Jr.

• Malcolm Wilson (Queens University Royals) – 3.4 BPG

• Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies) - 1.6 BPG

Malcolm Wilson is 7'0, 215-pound senior for the Queens University Royals. Known for his shot-blocking ability, Wilson uses his towering frame to shut down opponents around the rim. 

DENIED BY THE ASUN DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR ❌

📺 (ESPN+)
📊 | | |

— Queens (N.C.) Men’s Basketball (@queensMBB)

Jaren Jackson Jr., a 6'10, 242 lb star for the Memphis Grizzlies, has earned his reputation as one of the league's best defenders. Unfortunately, he has a week-to-week condition after being diagnosed with a Grade 2 left ankle sprain on Tuesday.

When he's healthy, he can protect the rim, switch onto guards, and even guard the perimeter. He sits at sixth in the league with 1.6 blocks per game (BPG). Jackson Jr. uses his athleticism, length, and timing to disrupt plays and keep shooters on their toes. 

Wilson’s frame allows him to make magic happen near the basket, where he is a traditional shot-blocker. His height and wingspan make him a formidable presence inside. Jackson Jr., although a couple of inches shorter, compensates with extra muscle at 242 pounds, making him a versatile defender who can guard inside and out. 

🔒 Swatting shots like a pro:

• Wilson’s 3.4 BPG highlights his ability to protect the rim and control the paint. 

• Jackson might not rack up as many blocks, but his 1.6 BPG are impactful—he excels at blocking shots from all areas, including three-pointers and in transition. 

Wilson is a classic shot-blocker, especially in low-post situations, using his size to contest shots directly at the rim. Jackson Jr., on the other hand, can guard multiple positions—his mobility allows him to contest shots in the paint and out on the perimeter. Jackson Jr's defensive range sets him apart, allowing him to switch, challenge, and protect from all angles. 

Jaren Jackson Jr. seals the Memphis W with a block 🚫

— NBA TV (@NBATV)

🚀 Guarding from every angle 

• Wilson is the spotlight when challenging post-ups and keeping defenders away from the basket. 

• Jackson Jr. uses his agility to move across the floor, defending both guards and forwards while blocking shots in multiple situations. 

While Wilson is a classic, paint-focused defender, Jackson Jr.’s all-around game gives him an edge on the competition. Wilson excels in one-on-one matchups near the basket, while Jackson Jr. uses his athleticism and length to affect plays across the entire court. 

Steals: Hayden Gray | NBA player comparison:  Dyson Daniels 

• Hayden Gray (UC San Diego) – 3.5 SPG 

• Dyson Daniels (Atlanta Hawks) - 3.0 SPG

At 6'4 and 190 pounds, Hayden Gray is a San Diego native and elite ball stealer with 3.4 steals per game (SPG). He's improved to become an asset for the UC San Diego Tritons.  

While his build is similar to Derrick White of the Boston Celtics (also standing at 6'4 and 190 pounds), his defensive impact on the court bears a closer resemblance to Dyson Daniels of the Atlanta Hawks, a young and talented guard known for his ability to create havoc on defense. 

Hayden Gray said NOPE 🚫

Our candidate for the Naismith Men’s College Defensive Player of the Year presented by put out an impressive 2️⃣ steals last night, helping to lead the Tritons to a conference win 🤝 | | ��…

— Naismith Awards (@NaismithTrophy)

Why Dyson Daniels is the most ideal match: 

While Derrick White shares Gray’s height and weight, White is more known for his style as a two-way guard, often contributing offensively as much as defensively. In comparison, Dyson Daniels (6'7, 199 pounds), a rising star in the NBA, is efficient in his defensive-first mentality. Daniels has made a name for himself with his quick hands, ability to lock down on-ball defenders, and prowess in stealing the ball. 

Gray’s playing style aligns more closely with Daniels' due to his knack for being in passing lanes, creating turnovers, and using his speed to pressure the ball in key moments.  

🛡️ Defensive disruption:
Gray is a defensive disruptor, just like Daniels. Both players have a talent for stealing the ball and forcing turnovers. Daniels' quick reaction time and anticipation on defense allow him to jump passing lanes, much like Gray does.  

Whether it’s denying entry passes or picking pockets, both players excel in causing chaos and making life difficult for opposing ball handlers. 

⚡ Quick and agile: 
Gray’s quickness and agility are key to his success on the defensive end. He’s fast enough to keep up with quicker guards but also has the strength to battle with bigger players. Daniels, similarly, uses his speed and agility to disrupt offensive flow, often catching opponents off guard. 

DYSON DANIELS STEAL TO A GAME WINNER.

Give him his DPOY now🔥🔥

— Akash (@YZR_Fantasy)

🏃‍♂️ Transition play: 
Another area where Gray and Daniels align is their ability to turn defense into offense. After each steal, both players are ready to push the ball in transition, setting up easy points. Between Gray leading the fast break for UC San Diego or Daniels doing the same for Atlanta, they know how to maximize the transition quickly. Their steals aren't just about stopping plays—they’re about creating chances on the other end. 

������Ƶ Player (Team)	������Ƶ Points	NBA Player (Team)	NBA Points
Eric Dixon (Villanova Wildcats)	23.6 PPG	Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans)	24.8 PPG
Ryan Nembhard (Gonzaga Bulldogs)	10.0 APG	Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks)	11.5 APG
Abdi Bashir Jr. (Monmouth Hawks)	3.9 3PM	LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets)	3.9 3PM
Carson Towt (Northern Arizona Lumberjacks)	12.4 RPG	Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings)	14.1 RPG
Malcolm Wilson (Queens University Royals)	3.4 BPG	Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies)	1.6 BPG
Hayden Gray (UC San Diego Tritons)	3.4 SPG	Dyson Daniels (Atlanta Hawks)	3.0 SPG