Chris Stone and I are back with another update to our list of the top 60 prospects available in the 2017 NBA Draft. The NCAA Tournament is about to shake up the draft order, as this is the time of year where the most eyes will be on the top draft prospects. Unfortunately, players like Markelle Fultz and Dennis Smith, Jr. Have already concluded their seasons, so the amount we can learn about a few of the draft’s top names is limited. But with Josh Jackson of Kansas and Jayson Tatum of Duke looking to lead deep tournament runs, there is plenty of evaluating to do at the top.
Several matchups in the opening weekend will be appointment viewing, as well. We could see Jawun Evans battle against Donovan Mitchell in a second round Louisville/Oklahoma State battle, for instance, and Miami/Michigan State pits Miles Bridges against rising Hurricanes swingman Bruce Brown. A battle between Jonathan Isaac and Lauri Markkanen looms in a potential Sweet 16 bout.
Players will also inevitably solidify a move up draft boards with a deep tournament run. Much like Shabazz Napier in 2014 or Buddy Hield in 2016, expect a player or two to boost their resume with a solid performance. UNC small forward Justin Jackson, Villanova guard Josh Hart, or even Kansas point guard Frank Mason could gain steam by leading a national title charge. At the same time, weaknesses could be exposed by certain matchups. How would Lonzo Ball deal with a plodding, mistake-free defense, like potential 2nd round opponent Cincinnati? Will Jonathan Motley get exposed by a team that can exploit Baylor’s zone?
How the next few weeks shake out should be interesting for how we perceive the 2017 draft class. We’ll assess the chaos after the tournament, but for now, here’s who to watch as we head into March Madness.