The NCAA tournament starts Tuesday with the First Four in Dayton, Ohio, kicking off the most exciting three-week stretch in sports. As the field of 68 contracts to one on April 3, many of the top NBA prospects will have a chance to cement their legacy at the college level and improve their professional standing in the process.
Brandon Miller will look to lead No. 1 seed Alabama to its first Final Four and cement himself as the top college prospect drafted, potentially putting pressure on Scoot Henderson for the No. 2 pick in the process.
Jarace Walker will be vying to take coach Kelvin Sampson and Houston back to the Final Four for the second time in three years and attempt to win the Cougars' first national championship as the No. 1 seed in the Midwest.
In honor of March Madness, ESPN's NBA draft expert Jonathan Givony compiled a mock draft strictly using players participating in the NCAA tournament. The names at the top will look familiar, despite the absence of Henderson, Victor Wembanyama and the Thompson twins (Amen and Ausar), but other prospects make their debut in this unique mock draft exercise and will be potential Cinderella stories to follow this weekend and beyond.
Note: The projected 2023 draft order is based on ESPN BPI draft projections as of Monday. The full 1-58 order also reflects picks owed and owned.
All times Eastern
Brandon Miller | Freshman | Alabama | 6-foot-9 | SF | Age: 20.2
19.6 points per game, 8.3 rebounds per game, 2.0 assists per game
When: No. 1 Alabama vs. TBD | Thursday | 2:45 p.m. | CBS
What to watch for: Miller will be the most closely scrutinized prospect in the tournament after rising dramatically up draft boards thanks to winning SEC player of the year and an All-American season. Standing 6-foot-9 with the ability to handle, pass and shoot, Miller fits a clear mold every NBA team is actively seeking in the modern game, being able to slide seamlessly between being a big guard or a small-ball power forward. He brings a high skill level, dynamic shot-making prowess, a strong feel for the game and enough competitiveness defensively.
NBA teams are still looking to get a better feel for Miller's ability to be called on to generate efficient offense late in games and with the shot clock running down. There's a big gap between the best and worst teams in the SEC this season, and Miller was somewhat of a mixed bag against better competition, seeing his shooting percentages drop dramatically in the 16 games Alabama has faced off with top-50 caliber competition, shooting just 42% inside the arc and 34% for 3, with a poor assist-to-turnover ratio, per Bart Torvik.
How Miller fares in high-leverage moments as the stakes rise in the NCAA tournament will go a long way in determining his ability to solidify himself as the No. 3 prospect in the draft and potentially even challenge Scoot Henderson at No. 2 with the somewhat underwhelming season Henderson is having for the G League Ignite.
Arkansas' defense comes up big in a stop of Alabama, and Nick Smith Jr. gets the lob on the other end for a dunk.
Nick Smith Jr. | Freshman | Arkansas | 6-5 | PG/SG | Age: 18.8
14.0 PPG, 2.0 APG, 1.8 RPG
When: No. 8 Arkansas vs. No. 9 Illinois | Thursday | 4:30 p.m. | TBS
What to watch for: After the freshman guard missed 19 games with knee injuries, NBA teams say they still have a lot to learn about Smith, who is just starting to round into the form that made him the No. 1 prospect in college basketball entering the season.
Smith had the unenviable task of being thrown straight into SEC competition and building chemistry with teammates on the fly, something that has looked like a work in progress at times. The fact that he is 18 years old and weighs only 185 pounds hasn't made things any easier.
Smith fits a clear and coveted NBA mold as a shot-creating guard who can shoot off the bounce, pass off a live dribble, finish with creativity around the rim and bring strong competitiveness defensively. He isn't afraid of the moment and plays with an edge on both ends of the floor. And he impressed NBA scouts by playing at all right now, as most projected top-10 picks in his position would have elected to shut down their season amid injury concerns.
Smith's lack of strength and high-end explosiveness has made it difficult for him to generate efficient offense at times this season. He is shooting 44% inside the arc and 35% beyond it and hasn't yet been able to show what truly makes him unique as a potential big point guard with his strong vision and unselfishness that haven't fully been realized yet in college.
Arkansas doesn't have an easy road to the second weekend of the NCAA tournament, as a No. 8 seed playing against No. 9 Illinois and potentially No. 1 Kansas should the Razorbacks advance, meaning they'll need Smith at his best.
Jamal Shead sets Jarace Walker up for a nice alley-oop dunk.
Jarace Walker | Freshman | Houston | 6-7 | PF | Age: 19.5
11.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.8 APG
When: No. 1 Houston vs. No. 16 Northern Kentucky | Thursday | 9:20 p.m. | TNT
What to watch for: NBA scouts love that Walker elected to play at Houston under a demanding coach such as Kelvin Sampson, who doesn't typically reel in five-star recruits, showing that Walker isn't afraid to get pushed. He has had a productive season but still has some questions to answer regarding the extent of his skill level and just how high his ceiling is as an offensive player, something the NCAA tournament can hopefully shed light on.
Walker's tremendous frame, length, defensive versatility and toughness give him a ready-made role he can step into early in his NBA career. He has shown progress this season with his perimeter shooting (36% from 3) but has been a mixed bag as a decision-maker and a shot-creator, all while shooting a disappointing 62% from the free throw line. After Walker has been tucked away in the American Athletic Conference, NBA executives will appreciate being able to watch him against a different caliber of competition in the NCAA tournament, as Houston hasn't played a top-25 opponent in more than three months.
Keyonte George drives and drains the and-1 to give the Bears a chance to reclaim the lead.
Keyonte George | Freshman | Baylor | 6-4 | SG | Age: 19.3
15.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.8 APG
When: No. 3 Baylor vs. No. 14 UC Santa Barbara | Friday | 1:30 p.m. | TNT
What to watch for: George spearheads arguably the most potent offense in college basketball, giving clear insight into what his role projects as at the NBA level. He is dynamic while changing speeds out of ball screens, has impressive creativity finding teammates off a live dribble and exhibits excellent footwork, body control and skill rising up in short-range and midrange spots -- being one of the better off-the-dribble shooters in this draft class. The game clearly comes easily for George, who has the scoring instincts and versatility every NBA team covets.
George has struggled at times with his decision-making and efficiency against better competition, not to mention his defense, which is not the strength of his game due to his average physical tools and intensity. He is shooting just 41% for 2 and 33% for 3 against top-50 competition, per Bart Torvik. Showing he can play winning basketball on both ends of the floor when the stakes are at their highest in the NCAA tournament could propel him more firmly into mid-lottery conversations as one of the first collegiate prospects to hear his name called on draft night.
Anthony Black extends Arkansas' lead to double digits with a 3-pointer.
Anthony Black | Freshman | Arkansas | 6-7 | PG/SG | Age: 19.1
12.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.2 APG
When: No. 8 Arkansas vs. No. 9 Illinois | Thursday | 4:30 p.m. | TBS
What to watch for: A prospect with sharply contrasting strengths and weaknesses, Black is somewhat of a polarizing prospect among NBA teams. On one hand, he has a case to be considered the best defender in the class, showing outstanding instincts, intensity and technique both on and off the ball, especially with the way he navigates screens. He also is an excellent passer who has shown some real flashes as a big, ballhandling guard with impressive creativity in pick-and-rolls.
On the other hand, Black's assertiveness offensively waxes and wanes, especially from the perimeter, where he often looks reluctant to take open shots. He turns the ball over at a high rate and has been generally inconsistent, making it difficult to pinpoint what position and role he projects to play early in his career, especially offensively. A strong finish to the season could propel Black into a different prospect tier, as NBA teams have been waiting for him to give them more reasons to fall in love with his versatility, feel for the game and the many different ways he contributes to winning.
Kris Murray makes a nice move for the lay-in
Gradey Dick | Freshman | Kansas | 6-7 | SG/SF | Age: 19.3
14.1 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.6 APG
When: No. 1 Kansas vs. No. 16 Howard | Thursday | 2:00 p.m. | TBS
What to watch for: It's hard to find NBA scouts who don't like the tremendous perimeter shooting ability, defensive competitiveness, feel for the game and all-around consistency Dick offers, making him widely viewed as one of the "safer" prospects in this class. He has been just as effective against top-tier competition as against lesser teams, has shown growth as the season has moved on and has rarely looked overwhelmed on either end of the floor. There's an opening for Dick to enter a different tier from high-floor, role-playing prospect to coveted top-10 caliber pick over the next three weeks if he can help guide Kansas to the Final Four and potentially cut the nets down for the second year in a row.
Cason Wallace | Freshman | Kentucky | 6-3 | PG/SG | Age: 19.3
11.6 PPG, 4.2 APG, 3.5 RPG
When: No. 6 Kentucky vs. No. 11 Providence | Friday | 7:10 p.m. | CBS
What to watch for: There's a lot to like about what Wallace brings in terms of his toughness, feel for the game, spot shooting, unselfishness and defensive versatility, giving him a pretty high floor as a prospect. NBA teams are still trying to get a better read on just how high his ceiling is and if he projects as a starting-caliber point guard who can keep defenses honest with his scoring ability, as he isn't the most explosive or creative guard and might be better suited in a secondary role.
Injuries to himself and teammates have forced Wallace into different roles and greater responsibility than he is likely comfortable shouldering at this stage, leading to a pretty inconsistent showing in SEC play. Wallace will be under significant pressure to help Kentucky advance past the first weekend of the NCAA tournament, as the Wildcats have failed to win a tournament game in four years.
Kyle Filipowski | Freshman | Duke | 7-0 | PF/C | Age: 19.3
15.4 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 1.6 APG
When: No. 5 Duke vs. No. 12 Oral Roberts | Thursday | 7:10 p.m. | CBS
What to watch for: Filipowski is a unicorn at the college level, a rare 7-footer who can create off the dribble, shoot 3-pointers, pass and bring competitiveness as a rebounder and defender. Despite his obvious talent, he was inconsistent in ACC play, especially against better competition, struggling at times as a finisher, decision-maker and perimeter shooter, leading to varying opinions for where his draft stock projects. How he responds in the biggest games of his career to this point could play an outsize influence on how he is viewed.
9. Utah Jazz
Jalen Hood-Schifino | Freshman | Indiana | 6-5 | PG/SG | Age: 19.7
13.5 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.7 APG
When: No. 4 Indiana vs. No. 13 Kent State | Friday | 9:55 p.m. | TBS
What to watch for: At his best, Hood-Schifino looks like a potential top-10 recruit as the type of big, ballhandling guard with versatile shot-making prowess, live-dribble playmaking creativity and defensive toughness every NBA team is seeking, especially at 6-foot-5 with a strong frame and a 6-foot-10 wingspan. It's been a roller coaster of a season for him, though, with extremely impressive highs mixed with concerning bouts of poor shot selection, decision-making, interior finishing and defensive lapses that have led to a wide array of opinions for where he might ultimately be selected. Armed with a No. 4 seed, Indiana is in a position to make its deepest NCAA tournament run since 2016, where it made the Sweet 16, and possibly further.
Noah Clowney | Freshman | Alabama | 6-10 | PF | Age: 18.6
10.2 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 0.8 APG
When: No. 1 Alabama vs. TBD | Thursday | 2:45 p.m. | CBS
What to watch for: Clowney propelled himself into one-and-done conversations by playing an integral role for arguably the best team in college basketball, despite being one of the youngest freshmen in the class. He fits a clear NBA mold as a mobile, long-armed, high-energy big man with legit floor-spacing ability and outstanding defensive versatility.
He plays a mature style that bodes well for his long-term outlook as his thin frame continues to evolve over time. Clowney's productivity and perimeter shooting have been inconsistent, but he has played some of his best games against high-level competition, which bodes well for Alabama as it moves into the most important games of its season.
11. Orlando Magic (from Chicago)
Jordan Hawkins | Sophomore | UConn | 6-5 | SG | Age: 20.8
16.1 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.4 APG
When: No. 4 UConn vs. No. 13 Iona | Friday | 4:30 p.m. | TBS
What to watch for: Hawkins is in the midst of a breakout sophomore season that won him first-team All-Big East honors. He is one of the most prolific shooters in this draft class, blessed with elite footwork and body control while getting into his jump shot with picture-perfect mechanics rising up out of handoffs, pulling up off the dribble or running off screens. Slowing Hawkins down will be a major focal point for opposing teams in the NCAA tournament; and finding ways to stay aggressive and utilize the threat of his jumper to create good looks inside the arc for himself and others is the next step in his evolution offensively. His defense, while improved, is still inconsistent, as well, as his intensity (on both ends) fluctuates at times, something NBA teams will want to see ramp up as the spotlight brightens.
Kris Murray | Junior | Iowa | 6-8 | PF | Age: 22.5
20.4 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.0 APG
When: No. 8 Iowa vs. No. 9 Auburn | Thursday | 6:50 p.m. | TNT
What to watch for: Murray has improved significantly over the past two seasons, becoming a first-team All-Big Ten player and one of the most versatile defenders in the class. Murray doesn't quite have one consistent means of scoring but is solid across the board, being an acceptable, albeit streaky, perimeter shooter with a good feel for the game who can push off the defensive glass, score in the post and move off the ball resourcefully. Murray's aggressiveness and toughness comes and goes some, and he is much older than most first-round prospects, set to 23 in August, so finding a way to finish strong and staying productive after coming up short in last year's NCAA tournament will be beneficial.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. drills the bucket vs. Arizona Wildcats
13. Utah Jazz (from Minnesota)
Dereck Lively II | Freshman | Duke | 7-2 | C | Age: 19.0
5.4 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.1 APG
When: No. 5 Duke vs. No. 12 Oral Roberts | Thursday | 7:10 p.m. | CBS
What to watch for: Lively lost his spot in Duke's starting lineup after a poor start but rebounded as the season moved on, and he is playing his best basketball as of late, emerging as the best shot-blocker in college basketball. Lively is still not the most prolific scorer but has proved to be an excellent finisher around the basket as well as a solid passer and offensive rebounder, finding ways to contribute to Duke's recent strong play without needing touches. Lively's lack of strength, struggles with foul trouble and still-developing physicality and skill level make him more of a long-term prospect in this draft, potentially relegating him to a late first-round option. He could help himself by helping Duke advance past the first weekend and showing that he is more ready to contribute than previously thought.
14. Toronto Raptors
Colby Jones | Junior | Xavier | 6-5 | SF | Age: 20.7
15.2 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.3 APG
When: No. 3 Xavier vs. No. 14 Kennesaw State | Friday | 12:40 p.m. | truTV
What to watch for: Jones turned himself into one of the most well-rounded players in college as a young junior, propelling Xavier to an outstanding season while emerging as an All-Big East player. Tasked with defending point guards through power forwards, while shouldering significant playmaking responsibilities, Jones' versatility and feel for the game are well-suited for the NBA, especially now that he has become a 38% 3-point shooter. His average explosiveness and at times shaky free throw shooting (64%) are two questions NBA teams have, and he is generally the type of prospect whose résumé is built more around productivity and winning than incredible upside, meaning taking his team on a deep tournament run could be highly beneficial to cement his candidacy.
Dariq Whitehead | Freshman | Duke | 6-7 | SG/SF | Age: 18.6
8.1 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 1.0 APG
When: No. 5 Duke vs. No. 12 Oral Roberts | Thursday | 7:10 p.m. | CBS
What to watch for: Whitehead's season was marred early by injuries, and he hasn't been able to carve out as a big role as expected even recently when healthy, playing 16 minutes per game off the bench over the past six games. Despite shooting 40% for 3 and showing strong flashes defensively, Whitehead's struggles as a decision-maker, creator and finisher have made it difficult for him to gain traction and solidify his candidacy as a first-round prospect, as there are real questions about his lack of explosiveness and ability to generate efficient offense. NBA teams say they'd like to see a lot more from Whitehead against the high-level competition the NCAA tournament offers to help reconcile his lofty standing entering college with the underwhelming production we've seen thus far.
16. Atlanta Hawks
Trayce Jackson-Davis | Senior | Indiana | 6-9 | PF/C | Age: 23.0
20.8 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 4.1 APG
When: No. 4 Indiana vs. No. 13 Kent State | Friday | 9:55 p.m. | TBS
What to watch for: Jackson-Davis turned himself into an All-American and legit NBA prospect as a senior, leading Indiana in points, rebounds, assists and blocks. No other big man in college is more dangerous pushing the ball off the defensive glass, passing out of the post or creating out of dribble handoffs, giving him unique versatility projecting to the NBA game when paired with his impressive explosiveness off two feet and timing as a shot-blocker.
Jackson-Davis isn't a prototype for what the NBA is looking for from a big man. He lacks great size or length for the center position he exclusively plays and hasn't shown any floor-spacing potential in his four years of college, not making a single 3-pointer and shooting under 70% from the free throw line every season. Winning, producing and holding his own defensively are his best shots of convincing NBA teams he is worthy of guaranteed money on draft night, which is why helping the Hoosiers advance to the Sweet 16 would be huge for his standing.
17. New York Knicks (from Dallas)
Terquavion Smith | Sophomore | NC State | 6-4 | SG | Age: 20.1
17.5 PPG, 4.2 APG, 3.6 RPG
When: No. 6 Creighton vs. No. 11 NC State | Friday | 4:00 p.m. | TNT
What to watch for: Smith surprised many by electing to withdraw his name from last year's draft despite widely being projected as a first-round pick, in no small part due to wanting to play in the NCAA tournament, where he now finds himself.
One of the most explosive scorers in college basketball, Smith is a highlight reel of a scorer who can absolutely bury teams with his shot-making prowess. He is blessed with elite range pulling up off the dribble, the ability to change speeds sharply out of hesitation moves and all kinds of creativity and sizzle passing off a live dribble and finishing around the rim.
The degree of difficulty of Smith's shot selection led to a lot of tough nights in the ACC and Smith's poor scoring efficiency, especially against high-level competition (39% from 2 and 30% from 3 vs. top-100 opponents, per Bart Torvik), is an obvious red flag. Add his just decent playmaking and clear struggles defensively and you're talking about a fairly polarizing prospect for NBA teams at the moment.
Smith has a chance to show how his style of play translates against a Creighton team that ranks as the No. 1 defense in the Big East. Indeed, finishing on a strong note would be beneficial.
18. Miami Heat
Dillon Mitchell | Freshman | Texas | 6-9 | PF | Age: 19.4
4.7 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 0.4 APG
When: No. 2 Texas vs. No. 15 Colgate | Thursday | 7:25 p.m. | TBS
What to watch for: Mitchell is in the midst of an extremely underwhelming season from a productivity standpoint, averaging 4.7 points and playing just 12 minutes per game over his past nine contests. Mitchell is a total nonfactor for Texas' offense, as no player has ever been drafted sporting as small a usage rate (12.6%) as Mitchell, a number that has shrunk even more (10.6%) in conference play.
To bet on Mitchell as a flier late in the first round or in the second round, a team would have to buy into Mitchell's pre-college sample, for which he showed considerably more promise as Montverde (Florida) Academy's second-leading scorer and had an outstanding spring on the high school all-star circuit. Mitchell's size, explosiveness, defensive versatility, youth and outstanding reviews he receives off the court are things NBA teams will study closely in the pre-draft process should he choose to enter, but it certainly wouldn't hurt for him to finish off the season on a strong note and try to remind people why he was such a highly regarded prospect in the first place.
Marcus Sasser | Senior | Houston | 6-3 | PG/SG | Age: 22.4
17.1 PPG, 3.2 APG, 2.8 RPG
When: No. 1 Houston vs. No. 16 Northern Kentucky | Thursday | 9:20 p.m. | TNT
What to watch for: Sasser is one of the most explosive scorers in college basketball and the go-to guy of a Houston team that many consider to be favorites to cut down the nets on April 3 at NRG Stadium, located 5.6 miles away from Houston's campus.
Sasser is an aggressive, shot-making combo guard who defends with toughness and can make basic reads out of pick-and-rolls. He is difficult to contain in the open floor, is an outstanding spot-up shooter and brings the type of two-way competitiveness NBA teams covet, being well-schooled under Kelvin Sampson.
Sasser didn't quite have the breakout first-team All-American season some expected, struggling at times with decision-making and efficiency inside the arc, especially against better teams. Big games on the biggest platforms of his college career will go a long way in endearing him to NBA scouts, as he isn't blessed with the same type of explosiveness or upside as some of his peers in this class.
20. Houston Rockets (from LA Clippers)
Jaime Jaquez Jr. | Senior | UCLA | 6-6 | SF | Age: 22.0
17.3 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 2.3 APG
When: No. 2 UCLA vs. No. 15 UNC Asheville | Thursday | 10:05 p.m. | truTV
What to watch for: The Pac-12 player of the year and All-American is one of the faces of college basketball and the key behind UCLA's season. His productivity, feel for the game, defensive cleverness, toughness and versatility are some of his biggest selling points as a prospect, even if his lack of shooting consistency (33% career from 3), average explosiveness and bully ball style make him somewhat of a polarizing prospect among NBA scouts.
At 6-foot-6, he plays mostly at power forward but sees a considerable share of UCLA's offense run through him in the mid or low post; it's a different role than what he'll play in the NBA. The contributions Jacquez makes to winning is what put him on the map as an NBA prospect. The further UCLA goes into the tournament, the more chances he has of endearing himself to teams and showing what makes him tick.
Coleman Hawkins throws down the hammer over his defender to extend the Fighting Illini's lead.
21. Brooklyn Nets (from Phoenix)
Keyontae Johnson | Senior | Kansas St. | 6-6 | SF | Age: 22.7
17.7 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.2 APG
When: No. 3 Kansas State vs. No. 14 Montana State | Friday | 9:55 p.m. | CBS
What to watch for: After sitting out nearly two years due to a heart issue that led to a scary on-court collapse that required surgery, Johnson became a first-team All-Big 12 player and newcomer of the year, leading Kansas State to a surprise NCAA tournament appearance.
Johnson also revitalized his draft stock in a major way as a mismatch forward who scores inside and out, is powerful attacking in a straight line and hits 42% of his 3-pointers. Johnson's length and chiseled frame give him the ability to slide up to the power forward spot and even moonlight as a small-ball center at times.
Set to turn 23 years old in May, Johnson's previous health issues will be scrutinized by NBA teams and the league office in the pre-draft process, similar to Jared Butler several years ago. Johnson demonstrates average explosiveness, awareness and decision-making on both ends of the floor. Johnson and Kansas State faded somewhat after an excellent start to the season, so finding a way to finish strong would certainly help build some momentum going into the spring.
22. Brooklyn Nets
Baylor Scheierman | Senior | Creighton | 6-7 | SG/SF | Age: 22.4
12.8 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 3.2 APG
When: No. 6 Creighton vs. No. 11 NC State | Friday | 4:00 p.m. | TNT
What to watch for: Scheierman plays a coveted role as a 6-foot-7 guard who can handle, pass and shoot, while making clear strides on the defensive end upon transferring from South Dakota State and improving his NBA outlook in the process.
Scheierman's 3-point accuracy fell from 44% and 47% over the previous two campaigns with the Jackrabbits to just 36% this season, but his ability to hit tough pull-up jumpers or run off screens with terrific footwork bodes well for him when combined with his significant 3-point volume and 82% free throw rate. More impressive is the way he moves the ball crisply and quickly within his team's offense, showing outstanding vision and creativity in the process. He also rebounds like a power forward and brings more toughness defensively than you might expect, but he does have some questions to answer regarding his average frame, length and quickness projecting to the NBA level.
A matchup with Smith and NC State followed by a possible second-round game against George and Baylor give Scheierman an ideal platform to showcase his virtues as an NBA prospect and start to build some real momentum heading into the NBA pre-draft process.
23. Portland Trail Blazers (from New York)
Adem Bona | Freshman | UCLA | 6-10 | SF | Age: 19.9
7.8 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 0.8 APG
When: No. 2 UCLA vs. No. 15 UNC Asheville | Thursday | 10:05 p.m. | truTV
What to watch for: Bona doesn't put up eye-popping numbers but plays an important role for one of the best teams in college basketball as a screener, finisher, offensive rebounder and versatile defender. He is physical, explosive, energetic and happy to do the little things, improving steadily as the season progressed as he found his footing in college basketball.
Not blessed with elite size, the most polished skill set, a great feel for the game or much offensive versatility, Bona's upside isn't as big as that of some of his peers. However, there's a clear role for him in the NBA with the mobility and intensity he brings defensively guarding pick-and-rolls and rotating to protect the rim. Depending on how his season ends, there's a case to be made for returning to UCLA for his sophomore season and making a stronger push for the second round in what appears to be a weaker 2024 draft class.
24. Sacramento Kings
Ricky Council IV | Junior | Arkansas | 6-6 | SG/SF | Age: 21.6
15.9 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.3 APG
When: No. 8 Arkansas vs. No. 9 Illinois | Thursday | 4:30 p.m. | TBS
What to watch for: Arkansas is perhaps the most talented and polarizing team in the tournament field, and no one embodies that more than Council, who brings sharply contrasting strengths and weaknesses leading to extreme highs and lows on a game-to-game basis.
Council's incredible physical tools, his explosiveness with a head of steam and finishing at the rim and his intriguing ability to create off the dribble in the half court give him significant upside at the NBA level.
His struggles from beyond the arc (27% from 3), his shaky decision-making and shot selection and his inconsistent defensive awareness have kept his stock in second-round territory for most of the season as his productivity and efficiency have waned, especially against high-level competition.
Despite playing a coveted position, improving defensively as the season progressed and showing intriguing tools and scoring instincts, Council's inconsistency means he still has work to do in solidifying his standing, something he can help himself a great deal with by playing a winning brand of basketball and seeing Arkansas advance in the tournament.
Coleman Hawkins | Junior | Illinois | 6-10 | PF | Age: 21.2
9.9 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.0 APG
When: No. 8 Arkansas vs. No. 9 Illinois | Thursday | 4:30 p.m. | TBS
What to watch for: Despite being a 21-year-old junior, Hawkins at this stage is still more of a theoretical NBA prospect for whom the pieces don't always add up to being a consistently productive player.
Every NBA team is looking for a 6-foot-10 mobile and versatile power forward who can handle the ball, stretch the floor, pass, defend smaller players, protect the rim in a pinch and play with a competitive streak.
Hawkins just hasn't been able to do most of those things on a sustained basis for much of the season, fluctuating between passivity and out-of-control moments while hitting just 28% of his 3-pointers and 60% of his free throw attempts.
Illinois has been just as up and down as Hawkins this season, and which version we see of him in the NCAA tournament will go a long way in determining if the Illini can advance a round or two.
Jaylen Clark steals it from the defender then knocks down the layup.
26. Indiana Pacers (from Cleveland)
Terrence Shannon Jr. | Senior | Illinois | 6-7 | SG/SF | Age: 22.6
17.1 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.9 APG
When: No. 8 Arkansas vs. No. 9 Illinois | Thursday | 4:30 p.m. | TBS
What to watch for: Shannon has clear NBA-level tools physically, with an ideal frame and impressive explosiveness, helping him average more free throw attempts than any player projected to be drafted who isn't a center. He has improved as a passer, off-the-dribble shooter and defender, and he clearly has more upside to grow into despite being set to turn 23 in July.
However, Shannon's season has been a roller-coaster ride, especially against elite competition, as his productivity really falters. You don't quite know what you're going to get from him on a nightly basis, which isn't ideal considering his age and the fact that he is still a very streaky outside shooter (33% from 3). Building momentum going into the pre-draft process would be helpful for Shannon's prospects, and there's no better place to start than at the Big Dance, where the Illini face a tall task as a No. 9 seed playing No. 8 Arkansas and potentially No. 1 Kansas if they advance.
27. Utah Jazz (from Philadelphia)
Jalen Wilson | Junior | Kansas | 6-7 | SF/PF | Age: 22.3
20.1 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 2.3 APG
When: No. 1 Kansas vs. No. 16 Howard | Thursday | 2:00 p.m. | TBS
What to watch for: Wilson exploded in his fourth season of college basketball, emerging as the Big 12 player of the year for defending national champions Kansas and helping the Jayhawks to not miss a beat from last season.
Wilson is their unquestioned go-to guy, shouldering a significant offensive load with varying degrees of efficiency, scoring inside the post, in the open floor, with mid-post isos and out of pick-and-rolls. Wilson plays a different role than the one he'd likely be asked to play in the NBA, and the question scouts will ask is whether he can become a good enough spot-up shooter, one-on-one defender and decision-maker with less offensive responsibility.
At 6-foot-7 with very little length and explosiveness, Wilson isn't blessed with huge upside, so finishing on a strong note will be important. The Jayhawks have a tough draw, playing several pro prospects on either Arkansas or Illinois in the second round should they advance past Howard, as expected.
28. Indiana Pacers (from Boston)
Zach Edey | Junior | Purdue | 7-4 | C | Age: 20.8
22.3 PPG, 12.8 RPG, 1.5 APG
When: No. 1 Purdue vs. TBD | Friday | 6:50 p.m. | TNT
What to watch for: The likely consensus national player of the year, Edey has put up massive numbers all season, breaking NBA analytics models with the way he thoroughly dominates college competition.
At 7-foot-4 and 285 pounds with a 7-foot-7 wingspan, outstanding hands and soft touch, Edey has the physical superiority for which no team has had any answers, especially with the way he punishes opponents crashing the offensive glass and fouls out entire opposing frontcourts.
The big questions projecting to the NBA revolve around his lack of foot speed and clear struggles stepping outside the paint defensively. With no defensive three-second rule in the NCAA, Edey can drop on every ball screen and largely stay close to the basket, where he provides a huge deterrent blocking shots around his area. The NBA is almost an entirely different sport in this regard, and his lack of lateral quickness and inability to cover ground are real issues when matching up with more skillful big men.
How Edey handles himself defensively in the NCAA tournament will be closely scrutinized along with how productive he is against different types of defenses than he saw in the Big Ten.
29. Charlotte Hornets (from Denver)
Kobe Brown | Senior | Missouri | 6-8 | PF/C | Age: 23.1
15.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.5 APG
When: No. 7 Missouri vs. No. 10 Utah State | Thursday | 1:40 p.m. | TNT
What to watch for: Brown emerged as one of the most skilled and productive big men in college as a 23-year-old senior, surprisingly leading Missouri to a No. 7 seed in the NCAA tournament. Brown doesn't look like a high-level NBA prospect at first glance, being undersized and needing to improve his frame. His skill level very much suits the modern NBA, though, as a 45% 3-point shooter who initiates quite a bit of offense for Missouri pushing off the defensive glass and operating in the mid and high post thanks to his strong feel for the game.
He is a good ball handler, deft passer and dynamic shot-maker in addition to being a real mismatch with his strength, skill and versatility, having guard skills despite playing mostly at center with his powerful frame. Brown's defense will be heavily scrutinized by NBA teams, as he doesn't have great length for a 5, doesn't cover ground very well on an island to guard better 4s and is just an average rebounder. NBA teams will want to get a better feel for Brown during the pre-draft process, and continuing to build momentum in the NCAA tournament certainly wouldn't hurt his draft stock.
30. LA Clippers (from Milwaukee)
Tyler Kolek | Sophomore | Marquette | 6-3 | SG | Age: 21.9
13.3 PPG, 7.7 APG, 4.2 RPG
When: No. 2 Marquette vs. No. 15 Vermont | Friday | 2:45 p.m. | CBS
What to watch for: Kolek is one of the best stories in the NCAA tournament. An unheralded transfer from George Mason who emerged as the best point guard in college basketball, he led Marquette to a Big East tournament championship and earned conference player of the year honors and All-American status.
Kolek doesn't look the part at first glance with a stumpy frame, limited length, average explosiveness and a funky lefty shooting stroke. However, he is a tremendous ball handler who picks apart defenses, gets anywhere on the floor, finishes with toughness at the rim, makes every pass you'd hope for out of pick-and-rolls and is a far better defender than you'd expect.
Kolek, who will turn 22 later this month, needs to decide whether to try to strike while the iron is hot or return to Marquette and attempt to win national player of the year honors and vie for a national championship for a team that should return most of its players. He is an acquired taste for NBA teams but brings the type of T.J. McConnell-esque moxie and feel for the game that gives him a fighting chance to carve out a role in the league.
Hakim Hart gets the lay-in to fall vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers
31. Detroit Pistons
Tyrese Proctor | Freshman | Duke | 6-5 | PG/SG | Age: 18.9
9.3 PPG, 3.2 APG, 3.1 RPG
When: No. 5 Duke vs. No. 12 Oral Roberts | Thursday | 7:10 p.m. | CBS
32. Indiana Pacers (from Houston)
Julian Phillips | Freshman | Tennessee | 6-7 | SF | Age: 19.3
9.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.5 APG
When: No. 4 Tennessee vs. No. 13 Louisiana | Thursday | 9:40 p.m. | CBS
33. San Antonio Spurs
Reece Beekman | Junior | Virginia | 6-3 | PG | Age: 21.4
9.4 PPG, 5.3 APG, 3.0 RPG
When: No. 4 Virginia vs. No. 13 Furman | Thursday | 12:40 p.m. | truTV
34. Charlotte Hornets
Andre Jackson Jr. | Junior | UConn | 6-6 | SG/SF | Age: 21.3
6.7 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 4.3 APG
When: No. 4 UConn vs. No. 13 Iona | Friday | 4:30 p.m. | TBS
35. Orlando Magic
Jaylen Clark | Junior | UCLA | 6-5 | SG/SF | Age: 21.4
13.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.9 APG
When: No. 2 UCLA vs. No. 15 UNC Asheville | Thursday | 10:05 p.m. | truTV
Azuolas Tubelis shows off vision with nice dish vs. Stanford Cardinal
36. Sacramento Kings (from Indiana)
Kevin McCullar Jr. | Senior | Kansas | 6-7 | SF | Age: 21.9
10.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 2.3 APG
When: No. 1 Kansas vs. No. 16 Howard | Thursday | 2:00 p.m. | TBS
37. Boston Celtics (from Portland)
Julian Strawther | Junior | Gonzaga | 6-7 | SF | Age: 20.9
15.1 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.3 APG
When: No. 3 Gonzaga vs. No. 14 Grand Canyon | Friday | 7:35 p.m. | truTV
38. Denver Nuggets (from Washington)
Ryan Kalkbrenner | Junior | Creighton | 7-1 | C | Age: 21.1
15.4 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1.2 APG
When: No. 6 Creighton vs. No. 11 NC State | Friday | 4 p.m. | TNT
39. Charlotte Hornets (from Utah)
Jordan Walsh | Freshman | Arkansas | 6-7 | SF/PF | Age: 19.0
7.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.0 APG
When: No. 8 Arkansas vs. No. 9 Illinois | Thursday | 4:30 p.m. | TBS
40. Oklahoma City Thunder
Hakim Hart | Senior | Maryland | 6-8 | SF/PF | Age: 21.8
11.5 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.5 APG
When: No. 8 Maryland vs. No. 9 West Virginia | Thursday | 12:15 p.m. | CBS
Drew Timme goes hard to the rim and drops in the and-1.
41. Washington Wizards (from Chicago)
Terrance Arceneaux | Freshman | Houston | 6-7 | SF | Age: 19.3
4.0 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 0.6 APG
When: No. 1 Houston vs. No. 16 Northern Kentucky | Thursday | 9:20 p.m. | TNT
42. New Orleans Pelicans
Olivier-Maxence Prosper | Junior | Marquette | 6-8 | PF | Age: 20.6
12.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 0.7 APG
When: No. 2 Marquette vs. No. 15 Vermont | Friday | 2:45 p.m. | CBS
43. Memphis Grizzlies (from Minnesota)
Amari Bailey | Freshman | UCLA | 6-4 | PG | Age: 19.0
10.6 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.0 APG
When: No. 2 UCLA vs. No. 15 UNC Asheville | Thursday | 10:05 p.m. | truTV
44. San Antonio Spurs (from Toronto)
Bryce Hopkins | Sophomore | Providence | 6-7 | SF/PF | Age: 20.5
16.1 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.3 APG
When: No. 6 Kentucky vs. No. 11 Providence | Friday | 7:10 p.m. | CBS
45. Los Angeles Lakers
Azuolas Tubelis | Junior | Arizona | 6-11 | PF/C | Age: 20.9
19.8 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2.0 APG
When: No. 2 Arizona vs. No. 15 Princeton | Thursday | 4:10 p.m. | TNT
Check out this sweet dish from Chris Livingston
46. Portland Trail Blazers (from Atlanta)
Josiah-Jordan James | Senior | Tennessee | 6-6 | SF/PF | Age: 22.5
10.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.7 APG
When: No. 4 Tennessee vs. No. 13 Louisiana | Thursday | 9:40 p.m. | CBS
47. Denver Nuggets (from Dallas)
Oscar Tshiebwe | Senior | Kentucky | 6-9 | C | Age: 23.2
16.5 PPG, 13.1 RPG, 1.6 APG
When: No. 6 Kentucky vs. No. 11 Providence | Friday | 7:10 p.m. | CBS
48. Boston Celtics (from Miami)
Mark Mitchell | Freshman | Duke | 6-8 | SF/PF | Age: 19.5
9.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.2 APG
When: No. 5 Duke vs. No. 12 Oral Roberts | Thursday | 7:10 p.m. | CBS
49. Cleveland Cavaliers (from Golden State)
Tucker Devries | Sophomore | Drake | 6-7 | SF | Age: 21.2
19.0 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.8 APG
When: No. 5 Miami vs. No. 12 Drake | Friday | 7:25 p.m. | TBS
50. LA Clippers
Drew Timme | Senior | Gonzaga | 6-9 | PF/C | Age: 22.5
20.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 3.2 APG
When: No. 3 Gonzaga vs. No. 14 Grand Canyon | Friday | 7:35 p.m. | truTV
Terquavion Smith nails another long 3-pointer for NC State.
51. Phoenix Suns
Drew Pember | Senior | UNC Asheville | 6-10 | PF/C | Age: 22.7
21.2 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 2.3 APG
When: No. 2 UCLA vs. No. 15 UNC Asheville | Thursday | 10:05 p.m. | truTV
52. Brooklyn Nets
Jordan Miller | Senior | Miami | 6-7 | SF/PF | Age: 23.1
15.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.7 APG
When: No. 5 Miami vs. No. 12 Drake | Friday | 7:25 p.m. | TBS
53. Minnesota Timberwolves (from New York)
Jalen Bridges | Junior | Baylor | 6-7 | SF | Age: 21.8
10.3 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.1 APG
When: No. 3 Baylor vs. No. 14 UC Santa Barbara | Friday | 1:30 p.m. | TNT
54. Sacramento Kings
Adam Flagler | Senior | Baylor | 6-3 | PG/SG | Age: 23.2
15.5 PPG, 4.7 APG, 2.5 RPG
When: No. 3 Baylor vs. No. 14 UC Santa Barbara | Friday | 1:30 p.m. | TNT
55. Memphis Grizzlies
Chris Livingston | Freshman | Kentucky | 6-6 | SF/PF | Age: 19.4
6.2 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 0.7 APG
When: No. 6 Kentucky vs. No. 11 Providence | Friday | 7:10 p.m. | CBS
56. Indiana Pacers (from Cleveland)
Mike Miles Jr. | Junior | TCU | 6-1 | PG | Age: 20.5
17.3 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.6 APG
When: No. 6 TCU vs. TBD | Friday | 10:05 p.m. | truTV
57. Washington Wizards (from Boston)
Isaiah Wong | Junior | Miami | 6-2 | SG | Age: 22.1
16.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.4 APG
When: No. 5 Miami vs. No. 12 Drake | Friday | 7:25 p.m. | TBS
58. Milwaukee Bucks
Jalen Pickett | Senior | Penn State | 6-3 | PG | Age: 23.3
17.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 6.7 APG
When: No. 7 Texas A&M vs. No. 10 Penn State | Thursday | 9:55 p.m. | TBS
Note: The Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers each forfeited a 2023 second-round draft pick.
Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service used by NBA, NCAA and international teams.