GOING PROSPECTING
It’s not just the Cade Cunningham show. The NCAA Tournament is flooded with top NBA prospects. Here are 10 others to follow:
Fr. G Scottie Barnes, Florida State
His offensive numbers weren’t overwhelming, and his jump shot needs improvement. But the 6-foot-9 Barnes does so much so well, averaging 4.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.5 steals. Perhaps most impressive, the top-10 recruit checked his ego at the door and was the ACC Sixth Man and Freshman of the Year.
Soph. G James Bouknight, UConn
Scouts love his basketball IQ, wide offensive repertoire and ability to break down defenders. If the dynamic Brooklyn native gets rolling, UConn could make a second-weekend run.
Jr. G Ayo Dosunmu, Illinois
The National Player of the Year contender returned to school to win a national championship and improve his draft stock. The former is within reach and the latter has been accomplished, as Dosunmu not only improved his shooting percentages, but took steps forward as a rebounder and distributor.
Fr. G Keon Johnson, Tennessee
Teams will bet on Johnson’s physical gifts, high defensive ceiling and scoring instincts, and dismiss some of his offensive struggles as the result of Tennessee’s slow pace and point guard problems.
Soph. F Kai Jones, Texas
The Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year, Jones is a high-upside projectable prospect, skilled and gifted for a 6-11 forward. He plays above the rim, and can stretch opposing defenses from beyond the arc. A lot like Texas, he’s unpredictable but extremely talented.
Sr. F Corey Kispert, Gonzaga
His potent perimeter shot and quality size will ensure he has a lengthy NBA career. The 6-7 marksman makes 44.4 percent from deep, the fifth-highest mark in the country.
Fr. F Evan Mobley, USC
The versatile 7-footer made a clean sweep of the Pac-12 awards, named the league’s player of the year, freshman of the year and defensive player of the year. His skills — Mobley averaged 16.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and shot 31.4 percent from 3-point land — and length make him a perfect fit for the new-age NBA big man.
Fr. F Moses Moody, Arkansas
Long and athletic wings like Moody who shoot it well from 3, defend and move the ball are usually lottery locks. Moody led Arkansas to its best NCAA Tournament seed since 1995 and is looking to lead the Razorbacks to its first Sweet 16 since 1996.
Fr. G Jalen Suggs, Gonzaga
A virtual lock to be a top-five pick in the draft, Suggs projects as a star guard at the next level as a skilled scorer, playmaker and defender. With so much talent around him, his numbers aren’t as eyepopping as others on this list, but when the game is in the balance, he will take over.
Fr. G Cameron Thomas, LSU
Under-ranked entering college, Thomas led all freshmen in scoring at 22.6 points per game, carrying LSU to its second straight NCAA Tournament. He will need to shoot the ball better at the next level, but his knack for getting to the free-throw line (7.4 attempts per game) is a significant skill.