2018 March Madness Predictions – Top NBA Prospects Who Could Carry Their Teams: The NCAA Tournament is about to begin, and while it takes a great tea to survive the one-and-done format and emerge as champions, it doesn’t hurt to have an NBA-caliber player or two on your team. Over the years, great players have carried their teams on memorable runs through the NCAA Tournament. Let’s take a closer look at the top NBA prospects who will in the field of 68.
2018 March Madness Predictions: Top NBA Prospects Who Could Carry Their Teams
Deandre Ayton, C, Arizona Wildcats
In terms of physical dominance, I can’t recall a college big man looking any more impressive than Ayton. He enters the NCAA Tournament averaging 20.3 points on 61.6 percent shooting and 11.5 rebounds, and Ayton can also be a solid rim protector when he wants to be. He led Arizona to the Pac-12 tournament title, going for 32 points and 14 boards in the semis and 32 points and 18 boards in the finals. If he’s focused, Ayton could carry the Wildcats a long, long way.
Marvin Bagley, PF, Duke Blue Devils
There are questions about how well can defend a lot of the big men in today’s NBA, but Bagley’s offensive arsenal will still make him a Top 5 pick. In the meantime, he is a handful for collegiate big men. Bagley is averaging 21.1 points on 60.5 percent shooting and 11.5 rebounds, and down the stretch of close games, he is someone the Blue Devils can throw the ball to and get a bucket.
Jaren Jackson Jr., PF, Michigan State Spartans
He is still learning to stay out of foul trouble, but Jackson has limitless upside and is trending toward being a Top 3 pick. The 6-11 freshman is blocking 3.2 shots in just 22 minutes per game while knocking down 40 percent of his 3-pointers. That combination of size, skill and athleticism is hard to find. A big showing from Jackson in the NCAA Tournament could have the Spartans winning it all.
Wendell Carter Jr., C, Duke Blue Devils
His teammate, Marvin Bagley III, is more polished, but Carter has more upside at the next level. He’s already a double-double machine, and his superior athleticism for his size makes him a perfect small-ball center. He’s also Duke’s best rim protector, and his presence on the defensive end could make the Blue Devils national champions.
Collin Sexton, PG, Alabama Crimson Tide
He has the size and athleticism NBA teams look for in a point guard these days, and Sexton will attack the basket all day long, getting to the line and creating shots for teammates. He’s been a streaky shooter, but he has been locked in heading into the NCAA Tournament, topping 20 points in four straight. I think he’ll be a starter in the NBA, and he is capable of carrying the Crimson Tide to an upset.
Michael Porter Jr., SF, Missouri Tigers
Porter came into the year as candidate for the top pick in the NBA Draft, but a back injury derailed almost his entire season. He’s back just in time for the NCAA Tournament, and the highly-touted freshman could make the Tigers a nightmare No. 9 seed.
Trae Young, PG, Oklahoma Sooners
The selection committee isn’t blind to the ratings aspect of the NCAA Tournament, and the Sooners are probably got the benefit of the doubt because of the hype surrounding Young. At his best, he’s a dynamic floor general who can shoot from anywhere on the court and whip passes to open teammates. At his worst, he’s a high-volume, low-efficiency scorer who turns the ball over too much and takes bad shot. I’m skeptical of his upside at the next level, but if he gets hot, he can take the Sooners to the second weekend.
Mohamed Bamba, C, Texas Longhorns
Nagging foot injuries may make Bamba a non-factor in the NCAA Tournament, but he’s a game-changer on the defensive end when he’s on the court. He also has an expanding offensive game, showing range out to the 3-point line. He has a huge ceiling at the next level, and if he is ready to roll for the NCAA Tournament, the Longhorns could be a surprise Sweet 16 team.
You can get expert 2018 NCAA Tournament picks and 2018 NCAA Tournament predictions this month from NSAwins.com’s top handicappers plus a pre-filled downloadable and printable 2018 NCAA Tournament Bracket to help you win your office pool!
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