Arizona State freshman forward Jayden Quaintance underwent knee surgery on March 19 for a tear in his right ACL, writes Jonathan Givony of ESPN. Quaintance, who is seen as a potential top-five prospect in the 2026 draft, is also entering the NCAA transfer portal to seek out his next collegiate opportunity, according to Givony.
“He’s already ahead of schedule, the doctor says, and should be cleared for contact in September,” his father Haminn Quaintance said.
With the 2025/26 season slated to tip off in November, that recovery timeline sounds optimal.
“I’m planning on coming back better than last year,” the younger Quaintance told ESPN. “I’m already attacking my rehab aggressively.”
A Big 12 All-Freshman and All-Defensive teamer, Quaintance logged averages of 9.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game in his debut college season. Quaintance, born in 2007, graduated high school a year early, so he is not eligible to declare for the NBA until next year’s draft. He was the youngest player in college basketball this season, Givony notes.
There’s more from the upcoming draft:
- Northwestern swingman Nick Martinelli, the leading scorer in the Big Ten this season, is testing the draft waters while retaining his college eligibility, per Givony (Twitter link). The 6’7″ forward, who averaged 20.5 PPG in 2024/25 for the Wildcats, would remain at Northwestern – rather than transferring – were he to return to the NCAA. Martinelli was not among the top 100 prospects on Givony’s latest 2025 pre-draft big board.
- Two-time All-SEC Mississippi State guard Josh Hubbard will declare for the 2025 draft, but plans to preserve his collegiate eligibility, the 5’10” NBA hopeful informed Joe Tipton of On3 Sports (via Twitter). Hubbard is also not among Givony’s top 100. In 34 contests this season, the sophomore registered averages of 18.9 PPG, 3.1 APG and 2.1 RPG. He posted shooting splits of .402/.345/.878.
- In his latest 2025 mock draft, Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report highlights the upside of three intriguing prospects out of Florida and speculates about the appeal of two potential picks out of Auburn, big man Johni Broome and guard Tahaad Pettiford.
“But Broome returned with a slight limp and immediately buried his second three of the game. While NBA teams will love his toughness, it’s the interior skill, passing and developing floor-spacing shooting that have swayed scouts to take Broome seriously in his fifth college season.”
Jonathan Wasserman has posted his picks for NBA.com. Frankly don’t really know much about him. And he isn’t the only one. But even after the Final4 are set. He doesn’t have Johni Broome in first round. Has him at 32 in second rd. I see Johni as a lottery pick. I can’t believe no one has him in first round, today. At best he is mentioned as a potential late first rd pick. In articles I have read about draft. Am I really this good???? Amazing.
Knicks should be doing all they can to secure a late 1st rd pick. Buy one to draft Johni. He can start next year. And move Hart to bench. Any team who needs, wants a big 2way 4. That can start or be part of rotation next year. Should be scouting Johni Broome. As a late 1st rd pick. I pray Knicks buy a pick and take him.
I watched him last year. I thought he was going to declare for the draft but he didn’t and transferred. He has improved his 3pt shot from last year. At 6’10 I think he would thrive as a PF in the NBA. I only see him in the 2nd rd in some mock drafts or undrafted. I’m glad you agree he should be a 4. He can do a little bit of everything. Definitely can be something
This draft is deep with talent. Even the 5 year seniors can contribute
I have been watching Jayden Quaintance this year as a great shot blocking PF and young. I didn’t know he was that young so thanks. That’s why he was on no top 100 list. Hope he can improve his shooting next season. Definitely someone to watch
Never heard of Tahaad
Come on Tyon Grant-Foster get those scoring numbers up