NBA scouts were keeping an eye on the men's basketball conference tournament last week. Right now, they are focused on the NCAA Tournament.
One or two games at this point in the season won't tell the whole story, but scouts want to see how these players perform over the course of the season.
In USA TODAY Sports' latest mock draft, the top three projected picks are international players, but several college players are selected in the lottery or first round, including Kentucky's Rob Dillingham and Purdue's Zach Eady. ing.
As we watch March Madness, here are 12 NBA first-round draft prospects that are expected to follow in the NCAA Tournament.
Cody Williams, Colorado
Forward, 6-8, 190, 192023-24 Stats: 12 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.6 apg, 55.2% FG, 41% 3PT, 72.1% FT
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Williams' perimeter defense and scoring ability make him a top candidate for a top-five pick. Listed at 6-8, 190 pounds, he can get to the rim easily and finishes with power. He has 3-point shooting range and his mid-range game has been solid at the college level. He has been plagued by injuries this season, playing just 11 minutes in the First Four win over Boise State.
≻USA TODAY Mock Draft Prediction: Part 4
≻1st round: vs. Florida, Friday 4:30pm (ET), TBS
Rob Dillingham, Kentucky
Guard, 6-3, 176, 192023-24 Stats: 15.4 ppg, 3.9 apg, 2.8 rpg, 48.2% FG, 44.9% 3PT, 78.7% FT
As a small guard, his speed allows him to excel at creating his own shots, including spot-up shots and dribbling. Shooting and shot selection could be improved due to lack of strength. There is a possibility that he will be asked about his defensive responsibility.
≻USA TODAY Mock Draft Prediction: Part 6
≻1st round: vs. Oakland, Thursday 7:10pm ET, CBS
Reid Shepherd, Kentucky
Guard, 6-3, 187, 192023-24 Stats: 12.8 ppg, 4.5 apg, 4.3 rpg, 2.5 spg, 54.3% FG, 52.5% 3PT, 83.1% FT
Using floaters and pulling up in transitions can help flatten your score, especially off-screen. He lacks great athleticism, but he handles the ball well enough to get attention at point guard. He is competitive defensively and is a good rebounder for his size. USA TODAY Mock Draft Prediction: No. 7
≻USA TODAY Mock Draft Prediction: Part 7
≻1st round: vs. Oakland, Thursday 7:10pm ET, CBS
Ja'Kobe Walter, Baylor
Guard, 6-5, 195, 192023-24 Stats: 14.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.1 spg, 37.3% FG, 34% 3PT, 81.5% FT
He is a typical 3-and-D player and would be a good fit for an NBA team looking for a shot maker. He needs to make up for his deficiencies, including questionable ball-handling skills. He competes on defense and rebounds well for a two-guard.
≻USA TODAY Mock Draft Prediction: Part 8
≻1st Round: vs. Colgate, Friday 12:40pm ET, truTV
Stephon Castle, U.S.C.
Guard, 6-6, 215, 192023-24 Stats: 10.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.9 apg, 46.8% FG, 28.1% 3PT, 75.6% FT
His stats don't jump out at him, but he's a big guard who can slide into the No. 4 position depending on the situation. He can create his own shot, but will be most useful on the defensive end where he started his career.
≻USA TODAY Mock Draft Prediction: Part 10
≻1st round: vs. Stetson, Friday 2:45pm ET, CBS
Kyle Filipowski, Duke
Center, 7-0, 248, 202023-24 Stats: 17.1 ppg, 8.2 RPG, 2.8 apg, 1.6 bpg, 51.3% FG, 35% 3PT, 66.4% FT
A low post big that takes advantage of his size, strength, and athletic ability. As a pick-and-roll screener, he can go out and hit threes and go to the bucket for a dunk or layup.
≻USA TODAY Mock Draft Prediction: Part 12
≻1st round: vs. Vermont, Friday 7:10pm ET, CBS
Donovan Clingan, U.S.C.
Center, 7-2, 280, 202023-24 Stats: 12.5 ppg, 7.2 RPG, 2.3 bpg, 1.5 apg, 63.8% FG, 57% FT
A strong big man with a capable arm who is difficult to defend in the low post. Workers on the glass can operate in pick-and-rolls as screeners heading to the basket, especially offensively. He has rim protection skills. In the NBA, his challenge will be playing away from the basket on both ends.
≻USA TODAY Mock Draft Prediction: Part 14
≻1st round: vs. Stetson, Friday 2:45pm ET, CBS
Eve Missi, Baylor
Center, 7-0, 235, 192023-24 Stats: 11.1 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.6 bpg, 61.9% FG, 61.8% FT
He's a good athlete and an effective rim protector and rebounder, but he needs to work on establishing his offensive game, especially his post moves, to justify being a lottery pick. He has issues at the free throw line and could add pounds to his body to increase his draft stock.
≻USA TODAY Mock Draft Prediction: From No. 15.
≻1st Round: vs. Colgate, Friday 12:40pm ET, truTV
Dalton Knecht, Tennessee
Guard, 6-6, 213, 22 (5th season) 2023-24 stats: 21.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 46.5% FG, 39.7% 3PT, 76.4% FT
He is strong on the catch-and-shoot 3, can drive to the basket with power and finesse, and is athletic. It's going to take work on the defensive end, and yes he'll be 23 by the draft, but that shouldn't be a detractor.
≻USA TODAY Mock Draft Prediction: 16
≻1st Round: St. Peter's, Thursday 9:20pm ET, TNT
Johnny Furphy, Kansas
Guard, 6-9, 202, 192023-24 Stats: 9.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 49.2 FG%, 36.4% 3PT, 77% FT
His play in the Big 12 game in particular skyrocketed his ranking on draft boards. Can run the court well, finish in transition and knock down spot-up 3s.
≻USA TODAY Mock Draft Prediction: From No. 17.
≻1st round: vs. Sanford, Thursday 9:55 p.m. (ET), TBS
Tyler Kolek, Market
Guard, 6-3, 195, 222023-24 Stats: 15.0 ppg, 7.6 apg, 4.7 rpg, 1.6 spg, 48.6% FG, 40% 3PT, 88% FT
A playmaker and scorer, especially off the dribble, Kolek sees the court well, maneuvers deftly in the pick-and-roll, and is smart to finish at the rim. He has six double-doubles in points and assists this season. He missed the Big East Tournament with an oblique injury but should be available this week.
≻USA TODAY Mock Draft Prediction: From No. 24.
≻1st round: vs. Western Kentucky, Friday 2pm (ET), TBS
Zach Eady, Purdue
Center, 7-4, 300, 212023-24 Stats: 24.4 ppg, 11.7 rpg, 2.2 bpg, 61.9% FG, 71.6% FT
Eadie is a poor low-post defender and might win the College Player of the Year award. But is he mobile enough to keep up with the style and pace in the NBA, especially defensively? He returned for his senior season and helped Purdue win a national championship.
≻USA TODAY Mock Draft Prediction: From No. 26.
≻1st round: vs. Grambling, Friday 7:25pm ET, TBS
