Players to Improve Their Draft Stock during the NCAA Tournament

The NCAA Men’s Tournament is finally here and nobody is watching the action as closely as NBA scouts across the nation. It’s the last chance to see some of the best players in the nation in action. The games are also high stakes and could go a long way to determine where some of these guys fall in the upcoming NBA Draft. There are currently three players that are expected to fill the top three draft picks - Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, and Jabari Smith - who are playing on No. 1 or No. 2 seeds. But there is also a lot of NBA talent on double-digit seeds.

Let’s take a look at some of the guys that could see their Draft stock rise during March Madness.  

Chet Holmgren - Gonzaga

Holmgren is the player who will have the most eyes on him during this upcoming tournament. Not only is the 7-footer a good bet to be the No. 1 overall pick, but his team is also favored to win the entire NCAA tournament. Holmgren has a lot to gain from a good performance, but, he also has the most to lose at the same time. Gonzaga still hasn’t been tested by too many tough teams and Holmgren has only played five games against Power Five teams. His averages during those games were nothing to write home about.

This tournament is his chance to show the NBA that he can step up when facing harsh competition and lead his team in must-win games. There is a chance that Holmgren and Banchero will face off in the Elite Eight. The pair already faced off once with Banchero winning the day with 21 points and five rebounds in a Duke win. This potential matchup could really send Holmgren's stock through the roof. If all goes well that is. 

Hunter Dickinson - Michigan

Dickinson might have more to gain than any other player in this tournament. With the Wolverines entering the season full of hope for another run in the NCAA Tournament, Dickinson was expected to be the centerpiece of that success. Cut to March and many, myself included, are surprised to see the Wolverines included in this Tournament. Things in Michigan got so bad that Dickinson is considering changing his plans and staying at Michigan for another season.

He is still the best player on the team, averaging 18.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. But, he does need to work on his speed and is currently not even a lock to be drafted at all. However, Michigan has made improbable runs in recent years and could find its footing and do it again in 2022. This could send Dickson from a fringe pick to a guy that teams are fighting over.

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