3 players with rising draft stocks after NCAA tournament's 1st weekend
We're two rounds into the madness, and - for some college athletes - this will be their last opportunity to take a major leap forward to increase their stock for June's NBA draft.
The tournament has already lost some top prospects, like Trae Young, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Deandre Ayton, but what about players forcing their way into the conversation? There are a few who have impressed early and are ready to rise up the ranks.
Here are three such players:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - Kentucky, Freshman
Gilgeous-Alexander's emergence has changed Kentucky's dynamic. The 6-foot-6 point guard has been a marvel over the past 15 games, but it's his two NCAA tournament performances and three SEC tournament games that have highlighted what the Canadian has become.
Over those five games, Gilgeous-Alexander has drastically improved his numbers in every major category. With his 7-foot wingspan, he's proven to be a monstrous defender for his position and keeps the offense running with his pristine passing.
| GP | MIN | PTS | FG% | 3P% | FT% | REB | AST | STL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular season | 31 | 32.9 | 13.2 | 47.7 | 39.5 | 81.5 | 3.8 | 4.9 | 1.6 |
| Tournaments | 5 | 37.6 | 21.8 | 57.1 | 50.0 | 81.6 | 5.8 | 6.6 | 2.4 |
Scouts will also likely keep an eye on his solid shooting, despite a low volume. He's shooting 41.8 percent from three and 80-plus percent from the free-throw line. If he's able to keep it up, it'll be hard to pass on Kentucky's newest star.
Kentucky's path has become far easier after watching Virginia, Arizona, Cincinnati, and Tennessee fall in David vs. Goliath-level upsets. The Wildcats are the highest-ranked team remaining in the region and have the chance to fly through to the Final Four if Gilgeous-Alexander keeps up his high level of play.
Keenan Evans - Texas Tech, Senior
Usually, the focus is on freshman studs to show off their NBA readiness, but 21-year-old senior Evans is proving capable of being a late first or early second-round selection. The point guard has been the overachieving Red Raiders' steady leader, averaging 17.8 points and 3.1 assists.
Despite leading Texas Tech to a 26-9 record and 14th ranking in the final AP poll, Evans' 3-point shooting percentage plummeted this season. However, he's 4-for-6 through two tournament games and has scored 23 and 22 points, respectively. His efficiency has taken a leap heading into his Sweet 16 match with Purdue, and if Evans has another big performance, you can expect scouts to take a much closer look.
One thing Evans has done a great job of this season is getting to the free-throw line, ranking 18th in the country in fouls drawn per 40 minutes and 63rd in free-throw rate. It helps that Evans is shooting 81.2 percent from the line.
Texas Tech has succeeded this year on the defensive end, ranking fourth in defensive efficiency. Evans has taken on the bulk of the offensive load and has performed admirably as he continues to show off veteran savvy. He's their unquestioned leader and should undoubtedly become a solid pro.
Robert Williams - Texas A&M, Sophomore
One could argue that Williams made a mistake returning to college after a solid freshman season. His campaign has been less than stellar, without the same effectiveness he showed just one year ago. But his two NCAA tournament performances have boosted his stock drastically, as he's terrifyingly deterred anything from around the basket.
Despite finding himself in almost a lesser role this season, Williams has continued to do what he does best: rip down rebounds and block shots. His 13-point, 14-rebound performance in the first round against Providence was a showing scouts had awaited for most of the season. And it came on the biggest stage.
Even more impressive was Williams' performance against North Carolina. The court may be considered "neutral," but playing in Charlotte gave the Tar Heels home court advantage. And Williams didn't let them breathe around the basket, giving them no opportunity to capitalize on their edge. He finished with eight points, 13 boards, and two blocks - including one that sucked the life right out of the building.
Williams is 6-foot-9 and weighs around 240 pounds. His speed and athleticism are impressive, but if there's any concern about him playing center at the next level, his 7-foot-6 wingspan should help ease any worries. Scouts were excited about him a year ago, and this tournament has further cemented that excitement.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)