Cade Cunningham, the potential number one pick of the 2021 NBA Draft, has kept an eye on two prolific superstars: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic.

Cunningham is currently playing for the Oklahoma State Cowboys of the Big 12 Conference and is averaging an impressive 20.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. 

The Athletic's Sam Vecenie, who spoke to Cunningham himself, observed a couple of elite skills that the 19-year-old already possesses: the ability to make his teammates better no matter the situation, his unselfishness, and jumper. It’s no coincidence that these skills, amongst other things, are also what makes James and Doncic so great for their respective NBA teams on the court.

“I just kind of picked little things from each guy and see how they do it so effectively and then try to add it to my game and see how it translates to my body. I think it’s helped me a lot. Then after making a couple, your confidence is through the roof, so now I kind of feel like anytime I shoot the ball, it’s going to go in,” Cunningham said on watching James and Doncic's game in the NBA.

Cunningham, who came out of Montverde Academy, is arguably the most intriguing prospect in college basketball for the past couple of years aside from New Orleans Pelicans All-Star Zion Williamson. According to The Washington Post’s Ben Golliver, the 6-foot-8, 220-pound Cunningham has the potential to be a franchise player similar to James and Doncic but still has to work on his decision-making and setup skills. 

While the potential NBA top pick still has some development to do, there's no doubt Cunningham has the potential to maximize better spacing around him in the NBA. The 19-year-old’s jump shot is already good enough to attract the opposing defense’s attention, which is a huge plus in the pros. 

As for now though, Cade Cunningham is focused on leading his team this coming March Madness. The Oklahoma State is currently the number fourth seed in the midwest region