Zeev Buium

November 2023 – With all the hype in the NCAA regarding Celebrini and Levshunov, it’s easy to forget Zeev Buium is playing there as well. A shame, because he’s been fantastic since arriving. His trademark mobility is as present as ever and is now employing multiple layers of deception at multiple levels. Whether it’s his evasiveness in transition or his speed on the rush, very little can keep Buium from where he wants to go on the ice. His passing game is remarkable, as he is able to identify soft ice regularly even at this intermediate level. However, a lot of this was already well-documented, what isn’t is how well he’s evolved defensively as well. He has become much better at anticipating play, and become a rather proficient stick-checker as well. When he is being beaten, it’s usually a matter of pure athleticism as he is playing exclusively against older, bigger men, a task hard enough before his relatively slim 5’11, 165lb frame is considered. He has plenty of time to get there, and he looks plenty impressive as is. If he continues on this path, he can make his placement on draft day a very difficult conversation. David Saad (November Rankings: 21st Overall)