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2024 NBA draft prospects who have improved their stock the most from the NCAA tournament
NBATuesday, 26 March 2024 at 23:00
The NCAA tournament is filled with potential draft prospects and a stage that can improve your stock or hurt it. With the first two rounds behind us and the sweet sixteen and the elite eight right around the corner. We wanted to take a look at some prospects who have improved their stock the most after the first two rounds from teams that are in the sweet sixteen.
Zach Edey- Purdue
Zach Edey who decided to come back for his senior season, after a disappointing loss last year to a sixteen seed continues to dominate. He has improved every year since he has been at Purdue and this year he wants to add NCAA tournament champion to his college resume.
So far, in the first two rounds he has been very dominant and unstoppable averaging 26.5 points per game to go along with 17.5 rebounds and three blocks per game. However, the NBA game has changed so much and doesn't really fit Edey's play-style anymore.
He struggles a lot guarding on the perimeter, and is projected to be just a back-up big in the NBA that can play 10-15 minutes a night. That can give you rim protection and rebounding when needed.
Jared McCain- Duke
Jared McCain who is a 6-3 freshman guard from Duke, has been lights out in the first two rounds. He is averaging 22.5 points per game and is shooting 59% from three including an eight for eleven performance against James Madison in the round of 32.
With a sweet sixteen showdown between Duke and Houston. He is definitely a player that NBA scouts are going to have their eye on in this matchup, and should be a three point specialist for the next level.
Donovan Clingan- UConn
Clingan who has battled injuries all year is finally healthy and is showing why he is going to be one of the first centers of the board come draft night. For a player who is 7-2, he moves really well for his size, has a great post game, is an elite shot-blocker, and can set up his teammates from time to time when he had four assist in the first round.
A player just like Edey who's game doesn't translate like it once had in the NBA, However what separates him from Edey is he is not much of a liability on the perimeter for defense. He also has better footwork and is more mobile as well.
Dalton Knecht- Tennessee
Dalton Knecht who won the SEC player of the year, who has been one of the best shot-creator's all season is a player that has risen on teams draft boards. Even when his shot wasn't falling against Texas and with the incredible defense Texas was able to have against Knecht, he still managed to score 18 points.
Knecht is a player that has all the intangibles to be a star in the NBA and could potentially be the steal of the draft whenever he is taken.
Caleb Love- Arizona
Caleb Love who spent his first three seasons in North Carolina before entering the transfer portal has been very crucial for Arizona this season as a leader of the team. In the tournament he has averaged 18.5 points per game to go along with five assists. He will definitely be crucial for Arizona if they want to win it all this year.
Love is a player that has the potential to be a first round pick, that is projected to be a safer pick. That can come off the bench, and be a scorer and facilitator for your team.
Jamal Shead- Houston
Jamal Shead who has struggled from deep in the tournament in the first two games. Has still helped Houston advance to the sweet sixteen with his playmaking and dictating the pace of the game. He plays at his own pace and is very patient with the ball in his hands.
He is on the shorter side at 6-1, however that shouldn't hurt his draft stock for teams looking for a backup point guard that is a good defender and playmaker.
Harrison Ingram- North Carolina
A player who sometimes gets over shadowed from the dynamic duo of his teammates in, Armando Bacot and RJ Davis. He has been the X-factor all year long for North Carolina and it showed up again in the tournament, especially with his 17 point outing against Michigan State.
He is projected to be a second round pick, however if he continues to play at this high level, he has the potential to sneak in the first round. At 6-7 he is the perfect player that teams are looking for in a stretch four position.
Terrence Shannon Jr.- Illinois
Terrence Shannon Jr. who dominated the Big Ten tournament to help Illinois win the Big Ten, has continued his dominance in the NCAA tournament. He has averaged 28 points per game in the first two games, and can score from all three-levels.
If he keeps playing at this level for the rest of the tournament, he is a player that can shoot up draft boards with his ability to score the basketball.
Tyler Kolek- Marquette
Tyler Kolek who missed the Big East tournament, has been one of the main reasons why Marquette has advanced to the sweet sixteen with his elite vision and passing ability. In the first two games he has averaged 11 assist per game and has recorded two double-doubles.
He is a player that can shoot up draft boards with his elite playmaking ability and vision at the point guard level. An asset that is coveted in the NBA.
Baylor Scheierman- Creighton
Baylor Scheierman who was very important in the win over Oregon to advance to the sweet sixteen, that saw him score 18 points to go along with nine rebounds and five assists. He has improved his shooting percentages from his freshman season to this season and can score from all three levels.
For a guard/wing that can score, rebound, and pass could be a player that rises on draft night and is taken in the first round.
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