I look at Derkack as early-days McConnell. McConnell had a lot of growth at Rutgers, especially learning how to be elite on the defensive side of the ball.
But look at McConnell's sophomore/junior years compared to what we're seeing from Derkack so far this year:
JD (Jr) - 21.9 min, 6.8 pts (.358 FG%, .214 3P%, .746 FT%), 3.9 rb, 2.3 ast, 0.9 stl, 1.5 tov, 2.4 pf
CM (So) - 21.4 min, 6.7 pts, (.411 FG%, .280 3P%, .800 FT%), 3.7 rb, 1.5 ast, 0.8 stl, 1.4 tov, 1.6 pf
CM (Jr) - 22.9 min, 5.7 pts (.317 FG%, .204 3P%, .800 FT%), 4.3 rb, 1.6 ast, 1.5 stl, 0.9 tov, 2.4 pf
That's... not too dissimilar. If Derkack can continue to improve defensively and really internalize Pike's defensive schemes, he could be a real asset next year.