Ryan Conwell went into the 2026 NBA Draft with a good chance of being selected in the first round.
Instead, the Louisville guard watched all 30 first-round selections come and go without being picked, making him one of the biggest surprises still available entering Day 2.
The slide was unexpected because Conwell has many of the skills NBA teams look for. He averaged 18.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game at Louisville and showed he could create his own shot. He also earned a reputation as one of the best 3-point shooters in this draft class.
Yet when teams weighed his strengths against some lingering concerns, many decided to look elsewhere in the opening round. Conwell's scoring ability was never in doubt.
The main question for NBA teams was how well his game would translate to the professional level.
At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, Conwell has a strong build and plays with toughness. He handles contact well and competes hard on both offense and defense. However, some scouts worry about his ability to defend quicker NBA guards and keep up with elite athletes.
Teams also looked closely at his offensive role. Conwell showed he can score, but he was not known for creating many opportunities for teammates.
As a result, he is viewed more as a scoring guard than a true point guard. Because of that, some teams may have been unsure about how he would fit into an NBA rotation.
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Despite falling out of the first round, Conwell remains one of the top prospects available in the second round. His 3-point percentage dropped to 34.5% last season, which likely concerned some NBA teams.
However, that number does not tell the full story. Conwell often took difficult shots, stretched defenses with his range, and showed confidence as a shooter. His smooth shooting form and strong free-throw percentage suggest he can become a reliable NBA shooter.
Moreover, Conwell also contributes to other areas. He attacks defenders off the dribble, makes smart decisions with the ball, and avoids forcing plays.
On defense, his strength helps him compete against bigger opponents, even if he is not the quickest player.
Teams that look for shooting, toughness, and depth may see him as a strong option. If his shooting carries over to the NBA, he could end up being one of the best value picks in the 2026 draft.
