The NCAA Tournament allows prospects one last chance to impress NBA front offices ahead of the draft combine.
A strong March Madness performance is pivotal for those on the fringe, especially with two fewer selections in this year's draft.
Here are five players who boosted their draft stock in this year's Big Dance.
Jaylin Williams, Arkansas
Williams had a starring role in Arkansas' second consecutive Elite Eight run, averaging 14.3 points, 11.8 boards, and 2.5 assists. He recorded a double-double in each of his appearances in the Big Dance and played solid defense, especially against top-seeded Gonzaga. The 6-foot-10 sophomore rotated to cut off drives, took charges, and used his physicality to make Bulldogs star Drew Timme earn every basket.
Williams' 7-foot-1 wingspan, toughness, and passing skills are all assets at the next level. While there's a decent chance Williams returns to a loaded Razorbacks squad, he's certainly in the mix to be a mid-to-late second-round pick this summer after a solid showing in the tourney.
Malaki Branham, Ohio State
Ohio State didn't reach the tournament's second weekend, but Branham's play against a pair of solid defensive squads - Loyola Chicago and Villanova - may have pushed him into the latter part of the lottery. The reigning Big Ten freshman of the year posted 18.5 points on 57.7% shooting to go along with 3.5 boards, three assists, and two steals per contest over those two matchups.
Branham was arguably the best player on the floor in the Buckeyes' Round of 32 loss to the Wildcats. He scored 15 of his 23 points in the second half, showcasing his shot-creating skills in the mid-range. The 6-foot-5 guard's postseason play comes on the heels of a strong finish to the regular season. Branham registered 20 points on 57.1% shooting - including 43.5% from deep - over the regular season's last eight games as Ohio State ran more of its offense through him.
Caleb Love, North Carolina
Love would likely be heading back to Chapel Hill for his junior year had North Carolina suffered an early NCAA Tournament exit. Instead, the Tar Heels star helped the program secure a national championship game berth, and he could be rewarded with a late selection if he chooses to go pro.
Love poured in 18.8 points per contest over six tourney appearances, including three 20-point performances. It didn't matter how poorly Love started because he had the confidence and ability to shoot himself and North Carolina back into games. Love rebounded from a 1-of-8 first half in the Sweet 16 against UCLA to finish with a career-high 30 points. Two rounds later, he scored 22 second-half points versus Duke in the Final Four.
Despite Love's heroics, there's a lot to be desired. He's turnover-prone and isn't an efficient scorer or finisher around the rim. Still, Love is only 20 years old. If he lands with the right team, they could hone him in and iron out his kinks.
Mark Williams, Duke
There's no question that Paolo Banchero was the most talented player on Duke's roster this past season. But Williams was probably the program's most important piece. The 7-foot center was a factor on both ends of the floor throughout the year, providing vertical spacing as a lob threat and excellent rim protection.
Williams scored 13.2 points on 80.6% shooting and averaged 3.2 blocks per game during the Blue Devils' Final Four run. His 16 swats tied Shane Battier's school record for a single NCAA Tournament. Williams' lack of shooting range and passing skills aren't ideal for the modern NBA, but it'll be hard for lottery teams to ignore his defensive potential. There just aren't many players equipped with a 7-foot-7 wingspan and 9-foot-8 standing reach.
Christian Braun, Kansas
Braun made significant strides in his second season as a starter, establishing career highs in points (14.1 per contest), field-goal percentage (49.5%), rebounds (6.5), and assists (2.8). The upperclassman was a key cog in Kansas' run to this year's national championship, posting at least 10 points in all but one of his appearances in the Big Dance.
Braun iced Villanova with numerous clutch shots in the national semifinals and sparked the Jayhawks' historic comeback two nights later with 10 points in the first eight minutes of the second half against North Carolina.
March Madness also demonstrated Braun's versatility. The 6-foot-6 guard flashed the ability to facilitate in the half-court, consistently competed on the glass, and defended multiple positions. He showed great discipline when guarding Love, using his length to force the latter into taking many contested shots.
