The gems of the G-League Elite Camp
Every year, gems find a way to shine from the G-League Elite Camp. This year's crop has more than a few of those gems.
The G-League Elite Camp is the first and last step of the NBA Draft cycle. Collegiate and international seasons have come to a close, and now the prospects have been handpicked for the most exclusive stage. The G-League Elite Camp is the final slimming-down process before the draft.
Every year, players at the Elite Camp are invited to showcase their talents next to the biggest names in their class, playing in front of a bevy of scouts to secure their spot on the stage come draft night. In previous years, names like Andrew Nembhard, Max Strus, Jose Alvarado, and Terance Mann have been among those names.
Here are five players of the 44 chosen with a chance to prove themselves as gems:
Yanic Konan Niederhauser, Penn State
Measurements
Height: 7’0”
Weight: 250 lbs
Born: March 14, 2002
2024-25 Stats
12.9 points
6.3 rebounds
2.3 blocks
63.1% true shooting
Starting at Northern Illinois in 2022-23, Konan Niederhauser was one of the most negatively impactful players in the Mid-American Conference. He made strides in his sophomore year, which allowed his immense physical tools to shine, earning him the opportunity to transfer to Penn State and start at the high major level, where he became one of the Big Ten’s best big men.
As previously stated, Konan Niederhauser’s physical tools are his foot in the door to the NBA. He’s impressively long, even next to other seven-footers (of which there are many in the Big Ten). This season, he was the only high major player — one of just three regardless of competition — with at least 50 dunks and a 10+ block percentage in the country.
Additionally, he’s flashed ball skills, taking other bigs off the dribble or throwing a fleet-footed post move for a bucket under the basket. He’s not much of a passer, but his two-way improvement on top of his incredible set of tools makes Konan Niederhauser one of the clear bets to come out of the combine.
Jacksen Moni, North Dakota State
Measurements
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 235 lbs
Born: Feb. 20, 2003
2024-25 Stats
20.6 points
5.6 rebounds
3.7 assists
63.6% true shooting
If you keep your ear to the ground, Moni’s been a name on many scouts’ radars since the start of the year. The 6-foot-10 big man transferred up to Division I this time last year after a dominant three-season run at Division II Northern State where he was selected to the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference First Team twice.
Moni is undeniably one of the most versatile players at his position in this year’s class. Starting outside and moving in, his shot is well-balanced and fluid from the ground up, explaining his 40 percent clip from beyond the arc. He has a clean pump fake as well, which he uses to get his hips by defenders and find his way close to the baskets for post-ups. Moni’s footwork is excellent. Even when he’s forced into picking up his dribble, he’s constantly pivoting, maintaining his threat to score.
His best trait might be his passing, which he blends with his athletic fluidity and post-up prowess to threaten defenses on the move from any spot on the floor. While he’s not the most explosive athlete, limiting his defensive ceiling and keeping him below the rim as a finisher, his offensive skill should be enough to draw eyes throughout this last stretch of the draft process.
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Brooks Barnhizer, Northwestern
Measurements
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 230 lbs
Born: March 2, 2002
2024-25 Stats
17.1 points
8.8 rebounds
4.2 assists
3.4 stocks
There’s one glaring weakness to Barnhizer’s game, showcased in his half-season cut shot to injury: shooting. That one skill is the skeleton key to basketball success, and Barnhizer lacks it. However, it might be the only thing Barnhizer doesn’t do well.
Defensively, Barnhizer’s one of the best wings in the class. His broad build moves remarkably quickly with great feet and is constantly creating events with even greater hands. His lack of teeth exemplifies the hustle he plays with, fighting for loose balls on the floor or in the air.
Offensively, he was a crafty, athletic hub for the Wildcats, scoring in creases and finding his teammates when those creases were ironed out. The funky perimeter shot limited efficiency, but the ability to get downhill and create never lacked.
Will Richard, Florida
Measurements
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 206 lbs
Born: Dec. 24, 2002
2024-25 Stats
13.3 points
4.6 rebounds
1.9 assists
62.4% true shooting
In Florida’s 2024-25 NCAA Championship campaign, Richard operated as the perfect gap filler. He shoots, defends, attacks closeouts, and never lets the ball stick. He was far from the star of that Gators team on either end but was always making winning plays.
Offensively, what Richard does best is find open space. He’s always moving off the ball to find a crease to cut into and finish under the rim or fire for an open three. Percentage-wise, he’s never been an elite shooter, but the volume with which he shoots makes his sub-36 percentage much better than the surface number.
Defensively, Richard — along with Alijah Martin — took on many high-caliber offensive players in the Southeastern Conference, holding his own, and gathering nearly two steals per game. He’s not a star, but, Richard can fill gaps for a team in a way many of the elite role players can.
SIGNAL CALLING
Dylan Cardwell, Auburn
Measurements
Height: 6’11”
Weight: 250 lbs
Born: Dec. 16, 2001
2024-25 Stats
5.0 points
5.4 rebounds
1.6 assists
1.4 blocks
Cardwell’s numbers aren’t going to blow minds. He spent his last season of eligibility as the fifth starter on a team that spent much of its time in the top spot of the AP Poll, and, despite the statistical slashes he took because of it, it’s a big reason why he made the list of 44 for the Elite Camp.
Cardwell is tough and burly. It’s a bit of a cliche, but it’s a truth in his regard — he just does all the dirty work. Whether it’s on the boards, setting screens, walling off the paint on defense, or making ancillary reads, he was paramount to Auburn’s defensive success and an essential cog in its offense despite just an 11.2% usage.
He’s not an elite athlete by any means. While the vast majority of his attempts around the rim were dunks and his eleven blocks in the SEC tournament were the most in Auburn history, Cardwell’s not an explosive leaper or dynamic mover. However, his strength and mind made him abundantly effective in his limited role, as he should continue to be at the next level.