For some fans, the NCAA men’s basketball tournament is about school spirit, shocking upsets, and the excitement of March Madness. However, for others, the tournament offers a chance to get familiar with players who will soon be in the NBA. This preview focuses on players to watch in the tournament for NBA prospects.
The Duke Blue Devils are a team to keep an eye on, as they are projected to have three players selected in the top-10 of the upcoming NBA draft. Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach are the names to know from Duke. Flagg, in particular, is a highly touted forward who is expected to be the No. 1 pick.
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights also have NBA prospects in guard Dylan Harper and forward Ace Bailey, who are projected to be lottery picks. Illinois Fighting Illini’s Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley are also potential first-round selections, with Jakucionis compared to Chauncey Billups and Riley praised for his wing size.
Texas Longhorns guard Tre Johnson is another player to watch, known for his scoring ability and projected to be among the top picks in the draft after Flagg, Harper, Bailey, and V.J. Edgecombe from Baylor.
On the other hand, the Florida Gators and Auburn Tigers, both No. 1 seeds in the tournament, have players who were semifinalists for the Naismith Trophy but are not expected to be lottery picks. Walter Clayton Jr. of Florida and Johni Broome of Auburn may be drafted later in the first round or even in the second. Enjoy watching these stars shine in college, as they may not reach the same heights in the NBA.
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