After starting off March Madness with 68 teams, we are finally down to 16 teams vying to cut down the nets in Minneapolis. Some prospects were truly able to shine even without the treat of multiple upsets. Aubrey Dawkins was extremely impressive against Duke, and Dylan Windler ensured Belmont’s representation in the draft this year. Let’s also not forget about Ja Morant, who made his case to be taken second after Zion Williamson this year after a stellar two games. However, one thing that Dawkins, Windler, and Morant have in common is that they have been eliminated from the Tournament. Out of the 16 teams remaining, there are some prospects who have boosted their stock in their respective regions.
Mfiondu Kabengele-Florida State
Coming into the tournament, Kabengele was putting up 13 points and 6 boards for the Seminoles. Even with the measly stats, Kabengele has quickly risen on draft boards due to his excellent tournament play. Against the Catamounts of Vermont, Kabengele put up a double-double consisting of 21 points and 10 rebounds. He also went 9 of 12 from the free throw line. Against Ja Morant and Murray State, however, is where Kabenegele showed his all-around potential. He posted 22 points to go along with 7 rebounds and 3 blocks on 10-12 shooting while also shooting 2-2 from downtown. The Ontario native was nowhere to be seen on draft projections pre-tournament games. If the Seminoles can keep up the hot streak, expect to see Kabengele getting middle of the first round talk.
https://twitter.com/DXContent/status/1110096621247909888
Brandon Clarke-Gonzaga
While Rui Hacimura has been the Bulldog stealing the media’s attention, his frontcourt teammate Brandon Clarke has been shining in the tournament limelight. The former San Jose State Spartan has been putting up 17 points and 8 rebounds in his first season in Spokane. He scored 12 points and collected 8 rebounds against Farleigh Dickinson, but against Baylor Clarke really shined. He dropped 36 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 blocks on a Baylor team that did not seem to have an answer for the Gonzaga big man. The 6’8 Forward from Phoenix has shown a progressing outside shot that still needs to be developed but eventually can become a weapon in his arsenal. He fits the mold of the current NBA big man. I really like his fit on a team like the Spurs, who could add some athleticism to their current set of big men. Expect Clarke to see interest near the end of the lottery if the Bulldogs go far.
https://twitter.com/DXContent/status/1110096621247909888
Grant Williams-Tennessee
Tennessee has had some close calls this postseason, with near losses to Colgate and Iowa. One player who has been the glue guy for the Volunteers has been Grant Williams. Against Colgate, Williams posted 9 points along with 7 rebounds and 3 assists. In the second round vs Iowa, Williams displayed even more of his all-around game. He put up 19 points, 7 boards, 5 assists, 3 blocks, and 4 steals. Ever since he was a freshman at Tennessee, Williams has consistently improved each and every season. Williams plays the Draymond Green role for the Vols, and that’s his ideal fit in the NBA. By no means am I saying that he is going to be the next Draymond, but Williams could be a Draymond Green-lite for any team. I could easily see a team in the 20-25 range snagging Williams and making him their ultimate glue guy. I like the Thunder taking him and having him come off the bench to start his career.
