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Three Mid-Major Gems Emerge in NBA Draft Data
Standout freshmen from smaller programs could be hidden gems for NBA teams.
Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:00am
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Emerging mid-major stars are challenging the traditional scouting landscape, as data-driven analysis uncovers hidden gems beyond the major conferences.Pullman TodayAs the NBA Draft approaches, a new wave of mid-major players are generating buzz, including Murray State's Roman Domon, New Mexico's Jake Hall, and Texas State's DJ Hall. These young stars put up impressive numbers as freshmen, with advanced stats and efficiency metrics suggesting they could be sleeper picks for NBA teams looking to uncover talent outside the major conferences.
Why it matters
In the modern era of data-driven scouting and the new NIL landscape, mid-major players are gaining more attention from NBA teams and high-major college programs. These three freshmen showcase the kind of talent that can be found by digging deeper into the analytics, potentially giving smaller programs a chance to develop future NBA draft picks.
The details
Roman Domon of Murray State had a standout freshman campaign, averaging 14.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting an efficient 64% at the rim, 44.1% on non-rim twos, and 36.8% from three. He also got to the free throw line frequently, recording a high .812 free-throw rate. Domon's numbers met the 'Efficient Tall Freshman' query, a metric that has historically identified future NBA talent. New Mexico's Jake Hall averaged 16.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game as a freshman, shooting 43.8% from three on high volume. He also showed impressive efficiency finishing at the rim and in the mid-range. Texas State's DJ Hall put up 15.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game as a freshman, with strong shooting percentages and advanced metrics like a 9.4 offensive rebound percentage and 16.2 assist percentage.
- Roman Domon will return to Murray State for his sophomore season.
- Jake Hall has entered the transfer portal with a 'Do Not Contact' tag.
- DJ Hall will remain at Texas State as they join the newly-formed Pac-12 Conference.
The players
Roman Domon
A 6-foot-9 freshman guard who had a standout season at Murray State, averaging 14.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting efficiently from the field and free throw line.
Jake Hall
A 6-foot-4, 200-pound freshman guard who averaged 16.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game for New Mexico, shooting 43.8% from three on high volume and showing strong efficiency in other areas.
DJ Hall
A 6-foot-7 freshman forward at Texas State who put up 15.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, with impressive shooting percentages and advanced metrics.
What’s next
NBA teams will closely evaluate these mid-major standouts as they prepare for the upcoming draft, looking to uncover potential hidden gems that could make an impact at the professional level.
The takeaway
The emergence of these three mid-major freshmen highlights the growing importance of data-driven scouting and the potential for smaller programs to develop NBA-caliber talent. As the landscape of college basketball continues to evolve, savvy teams and organizations will be on the lookout for the next wave of under-the-radar stars.
