During the NCAA tournament, prospects’ stock on mock drafts and draft boards rises every year because they can show off their talent on the biggest stage. What prospects might accomplish that this year?
Tomorrow is the start of the round of 64, and now is the time for big-time players to make big-time plays. I’ll talk about three prospects who, if they do well in the tournament, I think could jump up draft boards because they can show the world their skills.
Jordan Miller (Miami | Wing), a fifth-year senior, is averaging a career-high in assists and 3-point shooting. His defensive versatility at 6 feet 7 inches is his strongest skill. Numerous players have faced challenges from him. For instance, he was able to control Jabari Smith Jr. during the tournament last year, resulting in him shooting 3-for-16 from the field. He is an excellent team defender as well as an excellent on-ball defender.
He clearly pays attention to the opposing team’s scouting report and makes the appropriate rotations on a regular basis. He is an excellent slasher who can finish through contact, in traffic, and by using his size. For his archetype, he is a passer who is underrated.
Has demonstrated that he has the vision, feel, and intelligence to serve as a tertiary playmaker for teammates. The swing ability is his jumper. Although he shoots 36 percent from three, his volume is low and he occasionally passes up open looks, which is encouraging.
Miller is not expected to be drafted at this time, but if he has a successful tournament run where scouts, fans, and front offices can see the value he brings to this team, I think the experienced connector piece could rise in mock drafts come April.
Nae’Qwan Tomlin (Kansas State | Big) Tomlin may be the upperclassman prospect I’ve evaluated this year who is most intriguing. He didn’t start playing basketball until after he graduated from high school; now, as a junior, he plays for a team with three seeds. Keyontae Johnson and Markquis Nowell receive all of the praise for Kansas State’s success this year, but Tomlin has been just as significant and is arguably the best prospect among the three, in my opinion.
A great deal of what he does in all out attack mode end is simply streaks yet the glimmers are truly captivating. He has demonstrated his ability to create and handle the ball in half court. has a sturdy grip for a big of 6-foot-10. He shoots better, in my opinion, than the percentages indicate.
Scary flashes are displayed by him as a passer off the dribble and outside on the perimeter. With his activity and mobility, he is already pretty good on defense. He still needs to work on both ends of the floor, but if he can really shine in a tournament run for Kansas State, I think we will hear his name in conversations about the first round.
Jalen Bridges (Baylor, forward) is a great defensive prospect who consistently makes winning plays. Bridges is a forward. Although he is not as exciting a scorer as Keyonte George, his teammate, he brings valuable skills that you look for in a role player. He has exceptional defensive versatility and stands 6-foot-7 with a wingspan of 6-foot-10.
I’m impressed by his off-ball defense just as much as his on-ball defense. He consistently makes excellent defensive rotations and is excellent as a secondary rim protector. He has the ability to make defensive plays. He is a skilled catch shooter who will keep the defense honest.
His feel as a cutter and finisher around the rim is something I adore. On both ends of the floor, he appears to always be in the right place at the right time. If Baylor is to make a deep run in March, they will need his versatility and experience. Bridges should get more attention from front offices and scouts if they run.
