Top 10 NBA Prospects In The NCAA Tournament

Finally spring has come and March Madness is here. Top players are preparing themselves to perform at the next level – not only in their efforts to win the Big Dance, but also to prove to the NBA teams watching that they are worthy of being selected in this year’s NBA Draft. The NCAA Tournament has done wonders for players’ draft stock in the past. Guys like Stephen Curry and Gordon Hayward have proven that a good performance in the tourney can take you a long way in June. With that, here are the Top 10 NBA prospects to look out for in the NCAA Tournament.

1. Derrick Williams, Arizona
As far as potential goes, Derrick Williams is the cream of the crop. Averaging 19.1 points and 8.1 rebounds on the season for Arizona, Williams is ready to contribute right now for any team on the next level. One of the strongest assets to his game is his efficiency, which most often translates to success in the pros. He uses his quickness and finesse to maneuver around defenders underneath the basket, but if he puts on a little weight, bangs more in the post and develops a consistent mid-range jumper, he’ll be relatively unguardable.

2. Jared Sullinger, Ohio State
Sullinger could be the most NBA ready prospect in college basketball. His frame suits his game perfectly. At 6-9 and 285 pounds, he can bang with just about any power forward in the League. His post moves are very advanced and polished, and he finishes with both hands underneath with ease. He accepts double-teams well, which has improved his ability to find shooters out of the post. Sullinger is a monster on both the defensive and offensive glass, as well as a skilled outlet passer. His lack of athletic ability is the only thing that could potentially hold him back at the next level.

3. Kyrie Irving, Duke
With the lack of true point guards in this year’s class, Irving will easily be the top point guard taken. His skill set at the point guard position is unmatched amongst other PGs in the nation. His compilation of dribble moves, speed, quickness and his ability to shoot off the dribble makes him an extremely tough cover one-on-one. He plays with a high basketball I.Q., which reflects on his ability to facilitate the rock. With the proper coaching at the next level, Irving has the tools to run the pick and roll at an elite level, almost like a Chris Paul or Deron Williams. His toughness and will to win is unmatched, down the stretch he will do whatever it takes to win a game. Any team looking for a new franchise point guard will be more than happy to have a chance at landing Irving in the Lottery.

4. Harrison Barnes, North Carolina
At 6-9 and 215 pounds, and great athleticism to complement his size, Barnes will be a very productive NBA player. He has adjusted well to playing on the wing, but has a lot to learn about the position – which leaves him with an extremely high ceiling of potential. His biggest disservice to himself is playing without confidence. Although he has now found it amongst collegiate competition, at the NBA level, he could go back to playing shy and intimidated. If he can zone out his environment and focus on playing his game, he can grow to be a dangerous threat in the NBA. His discipline and work ethic will propel his development at the next level. If his potential pans out, Barnes could end up being one of the gems of this Draft.

5. Terrence Jones, Kentucky
Terrence Jones is one of the most versatile players in the country. At 6-8 and 245 pounds, he can play multiple positions on the offensive and defensive end. He is also very comfortable handling the ball on the perimeter and setting up teammates. Running the floor is one of his strong points, and he finishes well in transition. He is a good pick and roll man, and often makes fellow freshman Brandon Knight more comfortable on the offensive end. His shot is unorthodox and will need improvement if he’s going to play small forward in the League. He could be a good contributor for a team that lacks size.

6. Jimmer Fredette, BYU
Jimmer is one of those players that comes along once every 10 years. He possesses what is raw basketball talent, and that has become a rarity in today’s game. He’s one of those guys that the game just comes easy to, and he is without a doubt the best scorer in all of college basketball. However, most NBA teams would have a difficult time accommodating a unique player like him. Although he is somewhat able to facilitate and get teammates involved, he isn’t your everyday point guard. Fredette thrives off of the green light, and the ability to shoot any shot or make any play without any repercussions. At the next level, he most likely won’t have that green light. How he adjusts to that change will be a reflection of his success in the League. If he can get drafted to a team that will trust him as their starting point guard, and give him an opportunity to contribute substantially in the scoring department, he has the potential to be one of the best scoring point guards the NBA has seen in years. What he must focus on more than anything is convincing scouts that he can hold his own defensively with the rest of the elite points.

7. Chris Singleton, Florida State
Chris Singleton’s game is one of the most well-rounded games in his class. At 6-9 and 225 pounds, he utilizes his size and strength perfectly. His athleticism is amongst the best in the Draft. He runs the floor with velocity and is a great above the rim finisher. His three-point shot has developed into a respectable threat and can only improve. He is great driving to the rim, using his body to fend off defenders and finish. What serves as his biggest advantage is his ability on the defensive end. He has proven that he is capable of locking down any position, being strong enough to bang with bigs in the post, and quick enough to stay with guards on the wing. Singleton will immediately be placed with the responsibility of guarding the other team’s best player once he enters the League, and his mental toughness will help him succeed in those battles. If he can accept a role as a defensive specialist and let his offensive game come to him – instead of forcing shots like we’ve seen him do from time to time – he will be very successful at the next level.

8. Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State
Kawhi Leonard is one of those players that thrives off of his motor. When he gets going, he’s scary. Leonard’s energy on the floor is often unmatched by any opponent. Along with his energy, speed and athleticism, his length allows him to cover an enormous amount of ground. He is one of those guys that seems to never get tired, as his game almost never shows signs of fatigue; that could go a long way at the next level. His jump shot is a bit streaky, however when he gets hot he can rally off a few in a row. Similar to a Landry Fields, he’s one of those utility players who seems to never really do anything wrong. He plays so efficiently that it’s often out of question to take him out of the game. He is capable of contributing in all aspects, sort of a do-it-all kind of player. He’s a horse on the glass, and his handle allows him to push it coast-to-coast after a rebound – which not many players in the NBA are capable of. If an NBA team is looking for someone to come in and do a little bit of the dirty work, Leonard would be the perfect man for the job.

9. Kemba Walker, UConn
The lack of point guards in the NBA Draft is going to help Kemba’s draft value immensely. Although he isn’t really a true point guard, there aren’t really any high caliber “true” point guards available. If he is able to play with the efficiency and consistency that he had at the beginning of the season, his draft stock will rapidly rise. He is an incredibly tough player and isn’t scared of any matchup, which could help him at the next level. His performance in the NCAA Tournament will also play a key role in where he gets drafted. Although he has proven that he can really score the basketball, he is often out of control on the offensive end and forces bad shots – but with proper coaching that can be fixed. Time and time again he has proven that his clutch factor is present and there is without a doubt ice water running through his veins. He could probably help a team more as a backup scoring point guard off of the bench (re: Ty Lawson) than a starting PG running the show, which is why he will probably go late in the Lottery.

10. John Henson, North Carolina
John Henson possesses loads and loads of potential. Right now he is a bit premature, however with the proper development he can turn into a very legit big man. His freakishly long frame makes it easy for him to defend the post and block shots from the weak side. His athleticism complements his frame in a great way, allowing him to grab rebounds before opposing players even have an opportunity. He also has a nose for the ball on the offensive glass. With the proper training, he could become one of the better rebounders in the League. He has a soft touch on the inside and runs the floor well, often getting easy transition buckets. His body is a work in progress, so if an NBA team is willing to wait on his development, he could turn out to be a double-double and shot-blocking machine. If Carolina can ride his defensive talents through the tournament, he could see his stock skyrocket.

What do you think? Who would you say is the best prospect in the tourney? Who do you want on your team? Who did we leave out?

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