The new era of college basketball allows players to make an impact after struggling to earn playing time. This could earn a player NBA draft hype, just like Wake Forest guard Hunter Sallis. After beginning his career at Gonzaga, Sallis thrived for the Demon Deacons, but what makes Sallis an NBA prospect? Is there any hope of being drafted?
Hunter Sallis 2025 NBA Draft Profile
College Career
Sallis began his career at Gonzaga, where he came off the bench both seasons. He averaged between 13 and 17 minutes per game, failing to reach five points per game in either season. Hoping to receive some NBA draft attention and playing time, Hunter Sallis transferred to Wake Forest and changed his entire outlook.
In his first season, in just over 35 minutes per game, Sallis jumped up to 18.0 points per game to go along with 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists. He shot 40.5% from three and put Wake Forest in contention for an NCAA Tournament bid before a late-season collapse. This led to extreme expectations both for Sallis and the Demon Deacons in 2024-25. However, the results were similar.
Sallis once again averaged 18.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. However, he only shot 27.7% from three, which could be a return to the mean (he shot with similar efficiency at Gonzaga) or because of increased attention. Wake Forest failed to make the NCAA Tournament in a dreadful ACC, ending Sallis’s career in underwhelming fashion.
Strengths
Sallis is a true scorer. He does well to get to the rim with his good athleticism. While he won’t be an athletically dominating player like V.J. Edgecombe, he has enough quickness to get to the paint and score. He hits tough shots both in the paint and on the perimeter. While his three-point shot struggled this season, he showed that he can shoot at an elite level. Regardless, Hunter Sallis, if he is selected in the draft, will be an NBA player who thrives in the paint more than outside.
Sallis isn’t an elite passer, but he racks up good assist numbers despite his score-first mentality. If the paint is clogged, he can find shooters on the outside to hit easier shots. He is a scrappy player who hits the boards and dives to the floor to get loose balls. This helped him average over one steal per game in each of his two seasons as a starter, something that would likely translate to the next level if he receives playing time.
Weaknesses
Hunter Sallis’ inconsistency on outside shots reduced his NBA draft stock. After this past season, he may have been better off entering the draft following a 40.5% three-point showing. He hit tough shots in college, but those shots will only get tougher at the next level. While his finishing is great for his size and stature, it’s hard to envision him having as much success against NBA-level centers.
Defensively, he plays with a scrappy mindset, but often struggles on routine assignments. He got caught watching the ball a lot, leading him to be out of position on screens. He wasn’t strong enough to contain bigger guards in college, giving them easier looks. Wake Forest left him on the floor because of his heart, but the NBA inflates each negative quality. A liability in college likely means virtually unplayable in the NBA. With proper coaching, Sallis could resolve these on- and off-ball issues, but for now, he doesn’t have a great defensive mindset.
NBA Comparison
Sallis will likely never become a star in the NBA. His game resembles 76ers guard Ricky Council IV the most. Council shot a low percentage from three and relied on getting to the basket to get points. He fought hard for rebounds and got some nice assists. However, his overall impact was average at best on a team that picks third in this year’s NBA Draft.
2025 NBA Draft Prediction
A team may pick Sallis late in the second round, but he has a decent chance to go undrafted.
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