NCAA Tournament Recap: Day Three

Did any prospects raise their draft stock with solid performances in the round of 32?

After three days of NCAA Tournament action, six key prospects have appeared in two postseason contests. How did each do in raising their draft stocks?

Jerian Grant PG/Notre Dame

Grant led Notre Dame to the Sweet 16 with an overtime victory over Butler, ending the game with 16 points, five rebounds and five assists. The point guard has been particularly adept as getting his own shot in the lane, and finished at the rim at a good rate. His 3-point shooting was inconsistent, though it can be overlooked due to his strong performance in other areas, particularly setting up his teammates. He remains as a late-lottery prospect.

Kevon Looney SF-PF/UCLA

Looney improved on his performance from the first matchup against SMU, finishing with 10 points, 11 rebounds and two steals against the Blazers of UAB. Looney was particularly impressive on the offensive glass, using his length and athleticism to secure six offensive boards to create extra possessions for the Bruins. Looney did most of his offensive damage from the paint, and could look to expand his range in the Sweet 16, where UCLA will take on the winner of Gonzaga and Iowa.

Delon Wright PG/Utah

For the second-straight outing, Delon Wright did not make a significant impact in the scoring column, finishing with 12 points on 2/7 shooting, but went 8/10 from the free throw line. The point guard filled the box score with five rebounds, five assists and one steal, and played an instrumental role in controlling the tempo for Utah to advance past Georgetown into the Sweet 16. Wright’s draft stock remained relatively even.

D’Angelo Russell PG/Ohio State

Russell struggled from the field, and ended up shooting 3/19 from the floor for nine points, though the combo guard also added seven assists and six rebounds. His passing ability, particularly with the bounce, was on full display as he created numerous scoring opportunities at the rim with his ability to handle the ball in the pick and roll or find a teammate with a cut. His scoring ability is not in question after his explosive freshman season, though he showed against Arizona that he is able to play the point full time.

Bobby Portis PF/Arkansas

Portis ended his NCAA Tournament run with his second-straight double-double, tallying 18 points and 14 rebounds against North Carolina. The forward also registered five steals. Individual talent is not a question mark for the power forward, and he showed in the tournament that he should be considered as a late-lottery prospect. His athleticism is a question mark, and he is not much of a rim protector, but he did little to quash the idea that he belongs in the top 15-20 picks.

RJ Hunter SG/Georgia State

Hunter did not display the same type of heroics as the first outing against Baylor, but did finish with 20 points, five assists and four rebounds. The shooting guard shows a quick release, and the ability to score off the bounce, and should be one of the top off-guards in the 2015 draft should he choose to enter. Hunter’s assertiveness could be more consistent, as could his defensive intensity, though he proved he can play strong against top-tier college teams. Expect Hunter to come off the board in the middle of the first round.