Top NBA prospects playing in NCAA tourney

Anyone watching the NCAA Tournament exclusively to get a closer look at the top prospects in the upcoming NBA draft is in for a disappointment.

Only one of the top five players in last year’s draft came directly from college, as the Charlotte Hornets took Alabama’s Brandon Miller with the second overall pick. There are similar forecasts for this year’s draft, with international players such as Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr atop most projections.

Even so, there are some players in the 68-team field who should hear their names called on draft night, even if they aren’t necessarily among the first handful of picks. Here’s a rundown of some of the most notable pro prospects seeking to make their impact on March Madness.

There’s one notable name missing from this list: Purdue center Zach Edey.

In a previous era, Edey’s status as a 7-foot-4 center and likely two-time consensus national player of the year would make him a sure top-10 pick. But he’s a big man who stays right around the basket much more often than today’s NBA centers, as evidenced by the fact he has attempted just two 3-point shots in his entire college career.

Edey has gotten better each year at Purdue and has the type of glittering resume that will get him drafted at some point, but it’s likely the players on this list will get selected before him.

Stephon Castle, UConn: Castle struggled with a knee injury early in his freshman season but came on strong late in the regular season while showcasing the upside that made him a top-10 recruit.

Castle had 21 points against St. John’s and Seton Hall and had a 20point performance against Providence. He averages 10.8 points and has been named Big East freshman of the week a record 11 times. Castle’s 3point shot needs work, but the 6foot-6 guard has shown enough this season to merit a first-round selection if he opts to enter the draft. UConn has another potential firstround prospect in center Donovan Clingan.

Rob Dillingham, Kentucky:

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lingham’s speed and ability to provide instant offense should translate to the next level.

The 6-3 freshman averages 15.4 points and has made nearly 45% of his 3-point attempts. His 35-point performance in a loss to Tennessee serves notice to his long-term potential. He had 27 points and seven assists in Kentucky’s SEC Tournament loss to Texas A&M.

Kyle Filipowski, Duke: Filipowski was regarded as a likely first-round pick