NBA Comparison: Jevon Carter / Miles McBride

Strengths: A tough, defensive-minded lead guard whose value is rooted in winning plays, effort, and consistency … A four-year starter at Iowa State, he brings elite experience, leadership, and reliability, starting all 137 games of his career … One of the most disruptive perimeter defenders in college basketball, averaging 2.3 steals per game as a senior and consistently ranking among national leaders … Displays elite anticipation, quick hands, and lateral quickness, allowing him to generate turnovers and apply constant ball pressure … Plays bigger than his size with physicality and toughness, embracing contact and setting the tone defensively … Highly competitive with a relentless, scrappy approach that wears on opposing guards … Strong decision-maker and steady floor general with a 5.1-to-1.5 assist-to-turnover ratio … Keeps the offense organized, limits mistakes, and consistently makes the right reads … Reliable ball handler who can initiate offense and operate effectively in pick-and-roll situations … Shows solid feel as a passer, hitting rollers and shooters while maintaining control … Rebounds well for his size (3.9 RPG), showing instincts and toughness … Durable, dependable, and battle-tested with a long track record of production and leadership … Has shown flashes as a perimeter shooter earlier in his career, including a 39.1% mark from three as a sophomore.

Weaknesses: Undersized at 6’1” with limited length, which presents clear matchup concerns against bigger guards at the NBA level … Lacks a dynamic first step and does not possess high-end burst or vertical explosiveness, making it difficult to consistently create separation … Limited scoring ceiling, as he is not a natural shot creator and struggles to generate offense outside of structure … Senior-year shooting regression is a major concern, posting 45.9% from the field, 31.6% from three, and 65.6% from the free throw line … Inconsistent mechanics and touch raise questions about long-term shooting reliability and spacing value … Finishing in traffic is a challenge due to size and lack of lift, often struggling to convert over length … Can become predictable offensively, relying on decision-making rather than scoring pressure … Turns 23 at the time of the draft, limiting perceived upside compared to younger prospects … Offensive role at the next level will be narrow unless the shooting becomes more consistent.

Outlook: Lipsey projects as a second-round pick or priority two-way candidate who can earn a role as a defensive-minded backup guard … His toughness, leadership, and point-of-attack defense give him a clear pathway to sticking, particularly for teams that value low-mistake guard play and defensive intensity … Brings a Jevon Carter-type impact with his ability to pressure the ball, disrupt rhythm, and change possessions through effort and anticipation … His ability to take care of the ball and stabilize an offense adds value in a complementary role … The swing skill is shooting, and if he can return closer to earlier-career levels and become more consistent, he has a realistic chance to develop into a reliable rotation piece … Profiles as an energy guard who can impact games defensively and help organize second units.

Notes: Born June 25, 2003 … Ames, Iowa native who stayed home to play for Iowa State … Started all 137 career games … One of the most decorated defensive guards in program history, breaking Monte Morris’ career steals record and finishing among Big 12 all-time leaders in steals … Academic All-America selection with a strong reputation for leadership and professionalism … Married during his senior year, reflecting maturity and stability off the court … Finished career with over 1,000 points, 400+ assists, and elite steal production.

Aran Smith 4/15/26