NCAA Tournament Prospect Watch: Midwest Region
The NCAA tournament feels even more loaded with NBA prospects this year than it did in 2014, which featured one of the most heralded draft classes of all time. Maybe it's the battle to be the No. 1 pick, or the constant shuffling of those in the lottery, or the fact that 33 of ESPN's top 40 prospects are on teams that made the field. Maybe we just love this time of year regardless of prospect quality.
In any case, there are 74 prospects in the tournament ranked in the top-100 by either ESPN, DraftExpress, or both. What follows is a list of prospects to watch in the Midwest Region … except for players from Kentucky, who warrant their own post.
EAST | WEST | SOUTH | MIDWEST | Kentucky
Potential Lottery Picks
Myles Turner - Texas - ESPN: 9, DraftExpress: 10
The Longhorns' record disappointed this season, in no small part because their freshman 7-footer was understandably inconsistent. But Turner's two-way impact was a big reason Texas still graded out well by advanced metrics. What that likely means is that he intrigues a lot of people but could really do himself a service by performing well in the tournament.
With a 7-foot-4 wingspan and 9-foot-2 standing reach, Turner has the measurements - and awareness - to be a plus rim protector. He doesn't yet hit from outside at a great clip but has the makings of a solid shooter, and he shows polish and vision in the post. The biggest concerns with Turner are present in most players who won't turn 19 until the Sweet Sixteen, namely that he's not very consistent or aggressive. Everything else is there, at least to some degree.
Kelly Oubre Jr. - Kansas - ESPN: 11, DraftExpress: 11
At one point, Oubre Jr. was thought to be the best wing in the entire draft class. That may still be the case in some circles, but a slow start to the year muted the enthusiasm some. As it stands, Oubre Jr. could really push his stock upwards with a strong, consistent showing for the Jayhawks.
With terrific athleticism and a ridiculous 7-foot-2 wingspan on a 6-foot-7 frame, Oubre Jr. could probably best repair his reputation by engaging more actively on defense. He remains a bit raw all-around compared to the guys he'll be competing with in the lottery, but his ability to drive, finish and hit the triple give him more upside than any wing in the mix with him.
Jerian Grant - Notre Dame - ESPN: 21, DraftExpress: 14
Do you prefer your point guards to have range for miles, the explosiveness to decimate defenders, the calm to close out tight games or the ability to contain players at either guard position? Grant possessing all four is why some see him as a fringe lottery pick and the third-best point guard in the draft.
The knock on Grant, other than his being 22 and maybe a little low on upside, is that he's actually too pass-happy at times, something his Fighting Irish teammates surely appreciate. While he's an excellent passer, he's also great at carving through the lane and getting to the rim, so tilting his score-distribute slider a little more towards the selfish side could actually help his game.
Potential 1st-Round Picks
Cliff Alexander - Kansas - ESPN: 35, DraftExpress: 30
Alexander is unlikely to see the floor unless Kansas makes a deep run, as a connection between his mother and a financial firm is currently being investigated by the NCAA. Were he playing, scouts would probably see the same Alexander they've seen all year, a raw and slightly undersized big making an impact with length, strength and instinct.
Potential 2nd-Round Picks
Jake Layman - Maryland - ESPN: 36, DraftExpress: 34
He shoots well from outside, and while he didn't improve as a shot-creator as much as anticipated in his junior year, he's improved marginally pretty much everywhere else.
Ron Baker - Wichita State - ESPN: 38, DraftExpress: 49
What Baker can do - shoot - hasn't been in question for some time. But his playmaking didn't improve as a junior and while he's a smart player, it remains unclear if he's a point guard or a shooting guard, for whatever that concern is worth.
Demetrius Jackson - Notre Dame - ESPN: 39, DraftExpress: 57
Jackson's stock has risen as people have gotten a closer look watching Grant, and he's one of the most improved players in the country on a statistical basis. He can score, pass and defend, and his jump as a sophomore could portend greater upside to tap into.
Troy Williams - Indiana - ESPN: 40, DraftExpress: 45
One of the most effective and athletic wing defenders around, his offensive production waned as the season wore on and he still hasn't shown he can hit the college three.
A.J. Hammons - Purdue - ESPN: 55, DraftExpress: 83
A massive 7-footer who rebounds well enough and turns away nearly three shots per game, Hammons loses points as an old junior who's still a bit raw on offense.
Isaiah Taylor - Texas - ESPN: 58, DraftExpress: 82
Taylor didn't improve much as a sophomore, particularly as a scorer. But he's a quality pass-first, drive-and-dish guard, so that's not a major concern. It does limit his upside, though.
Yogi Ferrell - Indiana - ESPN: 93, DraftExpress: 43
At 6-foot and 178 pounds, Ferrell's all about speed. And picnic baskets. (Sorry.) He's a smart player who can lead a fast-paced attack and create for teammates, and he's allayed shooting concerns with a second consecutive high-volume, 40-percent season from long range.
Others to Watch
Fred VanVleet - Wichita State - ESPN: N/R, DraftExpress: 84
James Blackmon Jr. - Indiana - ESPN: 67, DraftExpress: N/R
Melo Trimble - Maryland - ESPN: 72, DraftExpress: 61
Dez Wells - Maryland - ESPN: 79, DraftExpress: N/R
Kellen Dunham - Butler - ESPN: 82, DraftExpress: N/R
Brannen Greene - Kansas - ESPN: 96, DraftExpress: N/R
Wayne Selden - Kansas - ESPN: 99, DraftExpress: 77
Juwan Staten - West Virginia - ESPN: N/R, DraftExpress: 90
Jonathan Holmes - Texas - ESPN: N/R, DraftExpress: 80