Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, questions, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.
Khalif Battle
Position: Guard
School: Gonzaga
Class: Senior
Height/Weight: 6'5", 185 lbs
Birthdate: June 24, 2000
Previous Schools: Arkansas, Temple, Butler
High School: Trenton Catholic (NJ)
Player Overview
Khalif Battle is an athletic and versatile guard who impacts both ends of the floor with his scoring ability and defensive tools. Known for his quick bursts of speed and impressive vertical athleticism, Battle can finish at the rim with power or finesse. His off-ball movement and instincts allow him to find open spaces for scoring opportunities, while his defensive activity disrupts opposing offenses.
Throughout his collegiate career, Battle has demonstrated adaptability by playing different roles. His outside shooting has shown potential but remains inconsistent, as streakiness has hindered his efficiency from deep. Offensively, he can be dynamic but often plays out of control, leading to turnovers or forced shots. As a defender, his combination of speed and physicality makes him a switchable asset capable of guarding multiple positions, though he needs to refine his discipline to avoid fouls.
At 6'5", Battle’s physical profile and scoring tools make him an intriguing two-way prospect. However, his advanced age for a draft prospect and streaky shooting are concerns on some level.
"While Battle is streaky, his toughness, edginess, and assertive offensive approach consistently put pressure on opposing defenses. When he gets it going, he can really fill it up—he’s a good player."— Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst
Strengths
Athleticism: Impressive vertical and lateral quickness, making him a strong finisher and disruptive defender.
Off-Ball Movement: Great instincts for finding open looks through cuts and relocations.
Shooting Upside: Flashes of outside shooting potential when in rhythm.
Transition Play: Effective as a ball-handler and runner in the open court.
Defensive Tools: Switchable defender who uses quick hands and speed to disrupt opponents.
Concerns
Shooting Consistency: Streaky from deep, making him unreliable as a primary floor spacer.
Decision-Making: Often plays out of control, forcing shots or losing his dribble.
Age as a Prospect: At 24, Battle is older than most draft-eligible players, which may limit his developmental upside.
Playmaking Limitations: Lacks advanced vision and struggles to create consistently for teammates.
Questions
Can Battle develop into a consistent three-point shooter on a night-to-night basis?
Will he refine his decision-making and avoid playing out of control?
Can he leverage his physical tools to defend effectively without fouling?
Bottom Line
Khalif Battle is an athletic, two-way guard with the potential to contribute as a scoring and defensive piece at the next level. His ability to adapt to different roles and make plays in transition or as a cutter adds versatility to his game. However, concerns about his shooting consistency, decision-making, and age as a prospect limit his upside.
Stay ahead of the game! Check out the Babcock Hoops 2025 NBA Draft Big Board to discover the top-ranked prospects and their potential draft positions.