The Step Back NBA Draft Big Board 4.0: Stretch-run temperature gauge

We’re very close to the most exciting time of the college basketball schedule, but NBA Draft fans are already getting plenty to satisfy their cravings for strong play from the NBA’s next generation. The last month has seen a course correction for many teams, as the early season contenders like Trae Young’s Oklahoma and Arizona State have fallen off, and have been replaced by a crop of teams, and prospects, that have been on an absolute tear through February. Plenty of players are asserting themselves, not just for positioning in the coming NCAA Tournament, but for the NBA Draft as well.

February was the month of the mighty mice, as smaller lead guards have taken over across the country, following Young’s lead. Guys like Devonte’ Graham of Kansas, Aaron Holiday of UCLA, and Jaylen Adams of St. Bonaventure have put on a show over the past few weeks, and have solidified their places both in the college landscape, and in the draft conversation. All three are under 6-foot-3, but bring games that look like they might translate to the NBA level.

At the top of the board, things are staying pretty close to the same, with the top 11 looking pretty set. Young is cooling off and Marvin Bagley hasn’t played much lately, but the top tiers of the board are solidifying. The wrench in that plan could be Michael Porter Jr., who was surprisingly cleared to resume basketball activity this past week. If he decides to play this season out, his return to the court could make or break his draft stock in a big way.

With the FBI investigation looming over everything, this March is about to be a very entertaining one, both on and off the court. As we head into the stretch run, let’s look at how the draft class is shaping up, by unveiling our fourth Big Board Update.