2024 NBA Draft scouting report for Marquette G Tyler Kolek

As the 2024 NBA Draft kicks off on Wednesday, June 26, Marquette Golden Eagles guard Tyler Kolek will be waiting in the wings to hear his name called. Kolek is projected to be a late first rounder this season following four years of collegiate ball — one at George Mason and three at Marquette.

Tyler Kolek Draft Profile

Kolek led the NCAA in assists in 2023-24, averaging 7.7 per game — up from 7.5 in 2022-23. He was named the Big East Player of the Year in 2023 and earned consensus second-team All-American honors in 2024. He is somewhat undersized for the NBA at 6-2, but makes up for his stature in pure hustle.

Strengths

Kolek is a clear leader anytime he is on the court. He creates scoring opportunities for his teammates with a keen vision and awareness on the court. He has a proven ability to control the pace of play, either leading his team up the court to push the pace or slowing things down when the situation demands it. He averaged 15.3 points per game in his senior season and shot over 38% from the three-point line in each of his final two seasons at Marquette. What stands out the most about Kolek is that he is an incredibly hard worker and a scrappy and passionate player. He is a playmaker who dictates the energy of the court when he’s out there.

Weaknesses

As mentioned, Kolek is somewhat undersized. Traits like speed and athleticism don’t exactly jump out either, which has the tendency to place him at a disadvantage on defense. He’s a talented player, but is he talented enough to match the speed, size, and pace of play in the NBA? He also doesn’t attempt as many threes as someone in his role would be asked to at the next level.

Player comparison: Goran Dragic

The Ringer compares Kolek to Dragic. Like Dragic, Kolek is able to control the pace of play and isn’t afraid to drive to the basket when an opposing defense is caught on their heels. Kolek is slightly smaller than Dragic, which will make a difference when facing NBA defenses.