Overview
Donovan Atwell was a three-star recruit from Huntersville, North Carolina, and enrolled at UNC Greensboro. He averaged 3.5 points per game as a freshman before growing into a consistent contributor, culminating in a junior season where he averaged 13.3 points per game and shot 39.8% from three. He transferred to Texas Tech for his senior year and proved his shooting was no fluke. Despite a limited offensive role, Atwell led the Red Raiders in three-point makes (130-for-284), shooting 45.8% while averaging 13.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game.
Analysis
Atwell’s case for the NBA rides entirely on his smooth three-point stroke. His size and ability to create separation with step-back moves give him more versatility than a pure spot-up shooter, but he’s more efficient when his teammates create space for him. He’s a willing defender, with the frame to defend wings and instincts to match up against guards, but isn’t expected to be elite on that side of the ball at the next level.
Projection
Given his age and lack of all-around production, Atwell is unlikely to draw enough attention to warrant a second-round selection, but his elite shooting will put him on two-way and G League radars. Atwell’s path to NBA playing time could resemble Anthony Morrow’s, who went from undrafted to a journeyman sharpshooter capable of guarding multiple positions.
— Profile by RotoWire.com