Overview
Out of F.L. Schlagle High School in Kansas City, Kansas, Grant-Foster joined Indian Hills Community College. He played there for two seasons, notably securing Honorable Mention All-American JUCO honors in 2019-20. For his 2021-21 sophomore campaign, he transferred to Kansas, where he came off the bench for all 22 of his appearances. He then transferred to DePaul, but his season ended in a redshirt because he collapsed at halftime of the Blue Demons’ first game. Following numerous tests, Grant-Foster was cleared to resume basketball 16 months later. He missed the entirety of the 2022-23 season and transferred to Grand Canyon for his 2023-24 junior year. Despite bumps in the road, Grant-Foster had an accolade-filled season with his new team. He became a full-time starter and averaged 20.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.5 blocks in 33.4 minutes. His honors included WAC Player of the Year and the WAC Tournament Most Valuable Player.
Analysis
Grant-Foster is a lanky wing without being too skinny. He put up strong steal and block numbers, though he’s a better one-on-one defender against other wings. His team defense needs to improve, but that could develop with more high-level reps – remembering how recently he became a prominent player and how much time he missed due to medical concerns. Offensively, his standout skill is his ability to draw fouls. Grant-Foster took 8.3 free-throw attempts per game, making them at an acceptable 75% clip. His 3-ball is a work in progress, as he shot 50-for-151 (33%). Running the pick-and-roll was a significant part of Grant-Foster’s game, but it often led to him driving to draw a foul or shooting a long jumper rather than setting his teammates up. He may be asked to be more of a spot-up threat at the NBA level – one who can certainly pump fake and drive. Cutting is one of his strengths as well, and it will continue to be crucial if he isn’t immediately an NBA marksman.
Projection
Grant-Foster will hope to be drafted in the second round. It’s possible he’ll need a little time in the G League considering his relatively recent step into top-level collegiate basketball. Regardless, he may step into a microwave scorer and potentially playmaking defender role off the bench sooner than later. He has NBA size and can do a little bit of everything. Grant-Foster may fit an NBA mold of someone like Jerami Grant – someone who can score when needed, but is also comfortable taking on a secondary role.