An NBA fan’s guide to the NCAA Tournament
A look at some of the top professional prospects remaining in the NCAA Tournament for NBA fans to watch
Zion Williamson – Duke (FR, 22.1 pts, 8.9 rbs, 2.1 ast)
Zion Williamson has become so popular you can refer to him with one name. That’s an insane level of popularity for a college basketball player. Williamson has a chance to dominate this tournament like he did in the ACC Tournament and lead Duke to another championship. He is currently putting up 22 points and 8.9 rebounds per game on the season and has only been getter hotter as the season goes on. Williamson has an odd body for the NBA at 6’6” and 283 pounds, somewhat built like Charles Barkley. If you haven’t watched him play, you seriously need to go watch the top-ranked NBA prospect while he’s still in the tournament (you’ll have a lot of chances to see him as Duke is poised to make a long run as well as his teammates RJ Barrett and Cam Reddish).
Jarrett Culver – Texas Tech (SO, 18.5 pts, 6.3 rbs, 3.7 ast)
Culver is a 6’5” 195-pound guard that’s putting up phenomenal numbers for Texas Tech this season. Culver can score in a variety of ways, whether it be getting to the rim, mid-range, or 3-pointers. He’s regressed this season with 3-point percentage, down to 32 percent compared to the 38 percent he shot as a freshman. Culver is an underrated passer, only 3.7 assists per game but makes good reads as a playmaker. Culver had a monster game in the first round with 29 points, seven assists and eight rebounds against Northern Kentucky. He’s a must watch NBA prospect during this tournament.
Ja Morant – Murray State (SO, 24.4 pts, 5.7 rbs, 10.2 ast)
Morant cemented himself as the second pick in the upcoming draft with his triple-double in the first round of the tournament against Marquette. He became just the eight player in tournament history to have a triple double joining the likes of Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade and Draymond Green. The Murray State guard finished with 17 points, 16 assists and 11 rebounds in the game. Morant is a cross between Russell Westbrook and De’Aaron Fox with his strong build, explosiveness and insane speed. His only problems are turnovers and odd shooting mechanics, but he still gets the job done.
Coby White – North Carolina (FR, 16.3 pts, 3.4 rbs, 4.2 ast)
White didn’t come into his freshman season as a highly rated prospect but has proved his worth by leading North Carolina to a number one seed in the tournament. White has been the leader for the Tar Heels all season and is a very high motor player. He’s hard to miss on the court with the amount of hair flopping around as well. White has a solid 3-point shot at 36 percent on the season as well as a solid 4.2 assists per game contributing to North Carolina wins.
De’Andre Hunter – Virginia (SO, 15.1 pts, 5 rbs, 2.1 ast)
Hunter has started all 32 games in his sophomore season after starting none in his freshman year at Virginia. The sophomore is shooting an astounding 45 percent from 3-point range this year on 2.5 attempts per game. Hunter is a tall guard at 6’7” with a good handle and a lot of athleticism. Hunter plays with solid basketball IQ and should be a good role player in the NBA.