From a pure school basketball perspective, or from the angle of NBA followers trying to see the subsequent pool of younger stars, the East area is by far probably the most charming. Cooper Flagg, the undisputed prime prospect within the draft, seems like he’s going to provide it a go following an ankle harm within the ACC Event, and the group round him is stuffed with NBA prospects as properly.
Then there’s one other prime three prospect in VJ Edgecombe and the Baylor Bears who’re led by a former Duke star in Jeremy Roach. Throw in Alabama’s high-powered offense, the all the time entertaining Caleb Love and an thrilling group of double-digit seeds and you’ve got a can’t miss area in your fingers. Listed here are all the small print on the deepest and most proficient area within the huge dance.
Why Duke Advances:
They’ve the most effective participant and the most effective group within the nation. Jon Scheyer is proving he’s a worthy successor of the legendary Coach Okay as properly. Whether or not Flagg is one hundred pc is the largest query, however the Blue Devils confirmed on the ACC Event that they’ll win with out him albeit in opposition to one of many weakest conferences amongst excessive majors. If Flagg is wholesome and the encompassing core performs to expectations, the Blue Devils will probably be on a enterprise journey to San Antonio in two weeks.
Why Duke Goes Down:
There’s no scarcity of elite expertise in the best way between Edgecombe’s Baylor, Love’s Arizona and whoever would come out of the underside half of the bracket. In all chance it could be Alabama and some of the difficult groups to play in opposition to within the nation. Nobody performs quicker than the Crimson Tide, and after they’re taking part in with confidence, there’s actually nothing the opponent can do about it.
Candy 16 Sleeper
Liberty Flames, No. 12 Seed
The champions of Convention USA are greater than harmful between elite 3-point capturing (fifth in NCAA) and a great deal of expertise and expertise. Moreover, their main scorer comes off the bench and may present a spark for a group that’s environment friendly and affected person on offense. They’re additionally getting scorching on the proper time and are not any stranger to overcoming early deficits. Look out for Liberty.
Last 4 Sleeper
VCU Rams, No. 11 Seed
I’m unsure if that is dishonest contemplating VCU is known for reaching the Last 4 as an 11-seed underneath Shaka Good in 2011, however this group has the possibility to repeat historical past practically twenty years later. The Rams are led by a top-25 protection in America and one other coach, former UMBC chief Ryan Odom, who is not any stranger to upsets in March Insanity.
Prime 1st Spherical Matchup
No. 6 BYU vs. No. 11 VCU
Talking of VCU, the Rams are additionally a part of probably the most intriguing matchup of the opening spherical, probably in any area. It’s a real battle of offense vs. protection as BYU’s eleventh ranked offense will meet VCU’s twenty third ranked protection within the opening spherical. Each groups come into the match on a tear and will probably be legit elite eight contenders as properly with a win.
Prime Potential Participant Matchup
Cooper Flagg vs. VJ Edgecombe
It doesn’t get a lot better than two of the highest three projected picks dealing with off, and contemplating the opposite didn’t make the match, Flagg vs. Edgecombe really is nearly as good because it will get within the NCAA Event. Each groups solely want one win to make it occur as scouts and followers in all places cheer on the Blue Devils and Bears to set it up. It’s unlikely something takes Flagg off the highest spot on draft boards, however an excellent show by Edgecombe might make his case for the No. 2 decide far more fascinating.
Prime Beneath the Radar Matchup
No. 4 Arizona vs. No. 13 Akron
Two of the quickest groups and two elite offenses are set to face off on Friday and it looks as if the matchup isn’t getting the eye it deserves. The Wildcats had been upset simply two years in the past as a 2-seed, so it isn’t loopy to recommend that Akron might produce an analogous state of affairs, particularly with the success the MAC has had in March.
Prime 5 NBA Prospects
1. Cooper Flagg, Duke Blue Devils
There’s not any deliberation essential right here as Flagg has established himself because the clear prime prospect within the nation all through the season. Even with an ankle harm, he’s probably the most harmful participant within the area and totally able to main the Blue Devils to a different nationwide championship. Hopefully, he’s recovered sufficient to show that when once more for the sake of followers and scouts attempting to benefit from the present one remaining time.
2. VJ Edgecombe, Baylor Bears
Edgecombe’s ascension down the stretch doesn’t really feel prefer it’s being talked about sufficient. He continues to climb our mock draft due to it, and in case you haven’t tuned in in any respect this yr, discover your option to a tv on Friday at 12:15. With freakish athleticism, elite protection and limitless potential, the Baylor freshman is among the most enjoyable prospects of the previous couple of years.
3. Kon Knueppel, Duke Blue Devils
Knueppel confirmed within the ACC Event that he’s greater than able to taking up because the go-to man with out Flagg and we would see a bit extra utilization for him as his freshman teammate will get again to full energy. The projected lottery decide is the definition of a three-level scorer and a tenacious one at that.
4. Khaman Maluach, Duke Blue Devils
Finishing the large three, that might simply stretch to 5 – 6 as you go down the remainder of Duke’s roster, is a strong huge man and one other projected first-round decide. Maluach is a dominant inside pressure with the body and energy to translate to the NBA tomorrow. He’s additionally an underrated a part of the Blue Devils success this yr, so keep watch over the large man as Duke progresses this week and past.
5. Labaron Philon, Alabama Crimson Tide
There may not be a greater athlete within the area than Labaron Philon. The wiry guard is one in all many threats in Alabama’s fast-paced assault and he’s a man it is advisable to select in transition protection. A progressing outdoors jumper is a serious a part of his progress and a constructive signal for groups eager to take an opportunity on the dynamic freshman this summer time.
Elite Eight Prediction:
No. 1 Duke 89, No. 2 Alabama 76
