How did the top prospects perform in their final college games?
The field has been cut to 16, meaning the next time we see several prospects playing, they may be in an NBA jersey.
The tournament has already been filled with several crazy moments, from Buffalo taking down Deandre the Giant, to the first ever 16 seed victory over a No. 1 when UMBC upset Virginia.
But what about the guys moving on? How will some of these prospects be remembered? Did they end on a personal high, or go out in disappointment?
With theScore's latest NBA Mock Draft released, let's see how some of the best ended their college careers after two rounds of play:
Deandre Ayton - Arizona
Round | MIN | PTS | FG | 3P | FT | REB | BLK |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Round of 64 | 38 | 14 | 6-13 | 0-2 | 2-5 | 13 | 1 |
theScore Mock Draft: 1st overall
Arguably the most disappointing performance of the first round came from the Arizona big man. Ayton struggled to get going on the offensive end, but much of that wasn't his fault. Allonzo Trier was a disaster, shooting 4-15 from the field while the team collectively hit just two of their 18 attempts from three.
One of the question marks about Ayton was his inability to impact the game on the defensive end, something he once again proved might be an issue moving forward. The potential to be dominant in a spaced floor on offense will keep him at the top, but the concerns on defense haven't gone away.
Draft Stock: No change
Jaren Jackson Jr. - Michigan State
Round | MIN | PTS | FG | FT | REB | BLK | PF |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Round of 32 | 15 | 2 | 0-4 | 2-2 | 8 | 0 | 3 |
Round of 64 | 18 | 6 | 2-3 | 2-3 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
theScore Mock Draft: 3rd overall
Scouts had fallen in love with Jackson's two-way potential, but the problem is he folds like a lawn chair and becomes unplayable every time he's in foul trouble. And in case you're wondering, he's in foul trouble a lot. In 22 minutes per game, Jackson is averaging 3.2 fouls. A concerning number for anyone that's expecting to become a top-three pick.
Despite his horrific performances in the two most important games of his short-lived college career, Jackson's high ceiling as a rim protector while shooting the ball well from three should help. But can you trust a guy who struggled to get consistent minutes in college because of major on-court flaws?
Draft Stock: Down
Michael Porter Jr. - Missouri
Round | MIN | PTS | FG | 3P | FT | REB | STL |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Round 64 | 28 | 16 | 4-12 | 1-4 | 7-9 | 10 | 3 |
theScore Mock Draft: 5th overall
The excitement for Porter's return died down as the freshman phenom was far from 100 percent. If he declares, his hopes of being a top five pick may have taken a hit in an insanely deep draft. Porter shot 31 percent on 14.5 shots upon returning from a season-long injury. Scouts aren't questioning his talent, but the injury may scare teams away with several solid options available.
Draft Stock: Down
Collin Sexton - Alabama
Round | MIN | PTS | FG | 3P | FT | REB | AST |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Round of 32 | 30 | 17 | 7-14 | 0-1 | 3-4 | 4 | 3 |
Round of 64 | 33 | 25 | 7-14 | 1-5 | 10-14 | 3 | 6 |
theScore Mock Draft: 6th overall
It would be irresponsible to suggest Sexton didn't prove he was deserving of a top 10 pick after his performance over the last two games. He showed an innate ability to get to the free throw line at will; he's relentless in attacking the rim; and he has a tremendous two-way ceiling. If the last month has shown anything, it's that he's regained his position as the top point guard prospect in the nation.
Draft Stock: Up
Mohamed Bamba - Texas
Round | MIN | PTS | FG | 3P | FT | REB | AST | BLK |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Round of 64 | 31 | 13 | 6-11 | 0-1 | 1-1 | 14 | 1 | 3 |
theScore Mock Draft: 7th overall
Bamba fouled out in 31 minutes against Nevada, but the final two calls on the long-limbed defensive stalwart were questionable. He played a solid game and showed the fear he instills in opposing attackers, deterring shots all game. Nevada took advantage when Bamba sat down with his fifth foul and pulled away. Very few in the draft carry as much game-changing potential on one end of the floor.
Draft Stock: Up
Trae Young - Oklahoma
Round | MIN | PTS | FG | 3P | FT | REB | AST |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Round of 64 | 39 | 28 | 9-18 | 3-9 | 7-8 | 5 | 7 |
theScore Mock Draft: 9th overall
Young managed to earn top three consideration earlier in the year, but his stock has taken a major hit since then. However, it's hard to imagine the loss to Rhode Island would kick him out of the top 10, especially after putting the Sooners on his back to force overtime. Oklahoma was exposed as a one-man team over the last two months. Although Young came off as a bit of a selfish gunslinger, his long-range potential will be too hard to pass up.
Draft Stock: No change
Miles Bridges - Michigan State
Round | MIN | PTS | FG | 3P | FT | REB | AST |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Round of 32 | 35 | 11 | 4-18 | 3-12 | 0-2 | 6 | 0 |
Round of 64 | 35 | 29 | 12-22 | 3-7 | 2-4 | 9 | 4 |
theScore Mock Draft: 11th overall
Bridges would have easily been a candidate for top-rising prospect in the tournament after his monster first round performance against Bucknell, but Sunday's poor performance likely hurt that. Bridges is a capable shooter with crazy athleticism but may be undersized in the NBA, and even though he may never be a star on the next level, he has the talent to become a high-value role player.
Draft Stock: No change
Lonnie Walker IV - Miami
Round | MIN | PTS | FG | 3P | FT | REB | BLK |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Round of 64 | 38 | 12 | 5-12 | 2-6 | 0-1 | 2 | 1 |
theScore Mock Draft: 12th overall
It's hard to judge expectations for Walker, especially considering what Miami was all season. They played a balanced game with no dominant scorer, and Walker led the way with just 11.5 points per game. He became the focal point on offense after Bruce Brown's injury, but he wasn't capable of taking over in their loss to Loyola Chicago. The two-way potential is definitely there, however, and with the NBA lacking three-and-D perimeter players, Walker shouldn't fall too far.
Draft Stock: Down