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Freshmen make UCLA-Kentucky a dream matchup for NBA scouts

Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty

A trip to the Elite 8 is the reward for the winner of Friday's matchup between UCLA and Kentucky, but for NBA scouts, the result doesn't matter nearly as much as the play of the people involved.

The Bruins' and Wildcats' rosters are both stacked with freshmen that are likely to hear their name called in the first round of the upcoming NBA draft, creating an interesting "game within the game" scenario for Friday's contest.

The two teams already met earlier this season in Lexington and the Bruins came away with a monster 97-92 road win.

Here's the five freshmen to watch during the Sweet 16 showdown between the two storied programs:

Lonzo Ball

Even if you haven't watched any college games this year, you've probably heard of Lonzo Ball. After all, he's the "best player in the world," according to one man. Ball's father, LaVar, has made headlines for his increasingly outlandish claims, but that shouldn't take away from the fact that Lonzo is as good as any point guard in the country. How he controls the tempo against the Wildcats will likely have a major impact on who emerges victorious on Friday.

Stats from December's UCLA-Kentucky game:

Points Rebounds Assists Turnovers
14 6 7 6

De'Aaron Fox

Ball might be the best point guard prospect in the country, but De'Aaron Fox certainly isn't far behind. Kentucky's fabulous floor general doesn't have the shooting prowess of his UCLA counterpart, but his speed on the court makes him virtually unguardable one-on-one.

He's had a slightly underwhelming tournament from an assists perspective, with just four total through two games, but he's contributed in other ways for the Wildcats. His defense on Ball will be crucial if Kentucky hopes to get the victory.

Stats from December's UCLA-Kentucky game:

Points Rebounds Assists Turnovers
20 2 9 2

Malik Monk

When he's firing on all cylinders, there's no better scorer in the country than Malik Monk. The 6-foot-3 freshman leads Kentucky with 20 points per game this season, but has also struggled through the first two games of the tournament. Monk has just 26 points combined and has connected on just 6-of-21 shots from the floor. While he's been a disappointment on the offensive end, he's been a force on defense thru the opening two rounds.

This game-saving block against Wichita State in the dying seconds is one of the main reasons Kentucky is playing in the Sweet 16. He will also be relied on to stop Ball in the half court throughout Friday's game.

Stats from December's UCLA-Kentucky game:

Points Field goals 3-pt field goals Steals
24 10-19 4-8 5

T.J. Leaf

UCLA's other star freshman doesn't get the same hype as Ball, but Kentucky knows all too well that he can be just as deadly. TJ Leaf torched the Wildcats' frontline in the Bruins' win earlier in the season, and will look to do so again.

The 6-foot-10 forward was unstoppable in the first round against Kent State, pouring in 23 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the field, so he enters full of confidence for the Sweet 16 affair.

Points Rebounds Assists Blocks
17 13 5 1

Bam Adebayo

Through the first two games of the NCAA tournament, Bam Adebayo is more than living up to his nickname. The 6-foot-10 freshman has been an absolute beast in the post, and has probably been Kentucky's best player in both games. Adebayo is averaging 14 points and 14 rebounds, proving to be unstoppable on the glass and the pick-and-roll.

Adebayo turned in a huge performance in Kentucky's loss to the Bruins earlier in the season, and another will be needed if they are going to be Elite 8 bound.

Stats from December's UCLA-Kentucky game:

Points Rebounds Free Throws Blocks
18 13 10-13 4

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