What under-the-radar draft prospects have made the most of the opportunity to compete in the NCAA Tournament?
Every year a handful of potential NBA prospects that aren’t considered radars first round picks make a grand impression that forces a climb up draft boards.
Last year, Shabazz Napier used a dominant NCAA Tournament to land in the back of the first round with the Miami Heat. In 2013, Trey Burke’s strong play pushed him into the draft lottery. In 2011, it was Kemba Walker. There is a relevant example in most draft classes, who will it be in 2015?
Justin Jackson SF/North Carolina
For much of the 2014-15 season Jackson played a complimentary role as North Carolina relied on Marcus Paige, Brice Johnson and JP Tokoto for a large portion of their playmaking. Over the past five games, and especially in the NCAA Tournament, Jackson is showing he is deserving of a first-round selection.
A highly-touted freshman, Jackson led the Tar Heels in scoring with 14 in a close win over Harvard and added 16 in a victory over fifth-seeded Arkansas. The 6-8 small forward has now scored in double figures in 10 of the past 11 games, scoring from all areas of the floor with high efficiency. In both tournament games, Jackson has shown the ability to hit the 3-ball and get to the free throw line. If UNC is going to keep advancing to the Final Four it will be due to the continued strong play of Jackson, who is working his way up draft boards with each appearance.
Norman Powell PG/UCLA
A senior, Powell has been the leading scorer all season for the Bruins. Thus far in the NCAA Tournament, Powell has shown off his all-around floor game and superb athleticism. He is averaging 17.0 points per NCAA Tournament game, while adding 5.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.0 steals as well.
The biggest postseason question mark for Powell has to concern the level of competition the Bruins have faced. SMU’s point guard stands shy of 6-feet while UAB’s guards do little to intimidate opposition. Powell has a great chance to show executives that he belongs in the first round over the next weekend, as UCLA will face Gonzaga and potentially Duke if the Bruins survive.
Tyler Ulis PG/Kentucky
A Kentucky player is under the radar? Absolutely! Ulis is, perhaps, the Wildcats’ most important guard, and has been the team’s top outside shooter over the past handful of games. In the NCAA Tournament, Ulis has averaged 10.0 points and 4.0 assists in matchups against Hampton and Cincinnati while also adding three steals per game.
The biggest pitfall to Ulis’ draft stock is his size- he stands just 5-9. Small guards have had a reasonable level of success over the past five years, most notably Nate Robinson and Isaiah Thomas. Ulis is more Thomas than Robinson, and will likely get the nod for John Calipari late in games against the best competition. The Harrison twins are good prospects as well, but major minutes for Ulis will give the ‘Cats its best chance to finish the season 40-0.
Others Trending Up: Joseph Young SG/Oregon, Terry Rozier PG/Louisville, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson SF/Arizona, Justise Winslow SF/Duke, Jakob Poeltl C/Utah
Leaving Question Marks: Myles Turner C/Texas, Kelly Oubre SG/Kansas, Wayne Selden SG/Kansas, Justin Anderson SG/Virginia, Jake Layman SF/Maryland
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