The second weekend of March Insanity delivered as marketed with 4 one seeds reaching San Antonio for the primary time since 2008, which makes for an unbelievable degree of competitors and pleasure. The next are the gamers that helped their trigger within the rounds of Candy Sixteen and Elite Eight, and some that had hiccups that might price them barely. With NIL cash flowing like Niagara Falls, the gamers that even really feel pretty sure they’re first rounders will likely be confronted with choices, to take more cash from schools or get their NBA clock began in direction of their second, extra profitable NBA offers. Thsee winners of the genetic lottery (as Billl Walton appreciated to say) have good issues on their fingers.
Inventory Up
Thomas Haugh 6’9 210 SF Florida So.
No one’s inventory rose as a lot as Florida’s “secret weapon” Thomas Haugh (pictured) over the previous weekend. Dealing with a 9 level deficit with simply over three minutes to go, Draft Kings estimated the Gators had a lower than 5 % probability (Texas Tech with 95.6% odds) to drag off the comeback. However what they didn’t think about was that Florida has two of probably the most clutch gamers within the event with Haugh and Walter Clayton Jr. On the 3:13 mark, Haugh ripped down an offensive rebound after which knocked down a 3 pointer to chop the result in 6. The subsequent time down the ground, he knocked down one other three to chop the result in 3. Florida would finally outscore the Purple Raiders 18-4 over the ultimate three, to win by 5. With out Haugh (and Clayton’s) heroics, it’s unlikely the Gators would have pulled off the comeback. In half-hour, coming off the bench, Haugh completed with 20 factors and 11 boards, and was persistently Florida’s finest defender, making key stops all through the competition. Haugh was not receiving lots of buzz for the 2025 NBA draft going into the Event. however that has begun to vary. Regardless of averaging simply 9.8 ppg to date this 12 months, he has proven {that a} case could be made that he’s the perfect prospect on the Gators workforce. He’s a excessive degree shooter, pulling down 35% from three and 81% from the road and a disciplined and powerful defender.
Walter Clayton 6’3 190 PG/SG Florida Fr.
Clayton has persistently confirmed that he’s maybe the perfect massive second participant in your complete event discipline. Want a bucket with the sport on the road, Clayton is your man. He delivered as soon as once more with two three pointers within the closing minutes to place the dagger within the hearts of an opponent, this time Texas Tech. Clayton performed completely sensational, in a recreation they needed to make an enormous come again in, to drag off. He’s as robust as nails and confirmed the power to attain in quite a lot of methods, together with beating his man off the dribble to get to the basket. The one concern, when projecting Clayton to the following degree, is whether or not he has the pure level guard instincts to run a workforce and get different gamers concerned. Whereas he has been strong, some query whether or not his dimension will likely be a detriment taking part in in opposition to NBA lead guards with equal or higher dimension and athleticism. The opposite predominant concern is his age and obvious lack of potential. However contemplating how he has been one of many high performers on the faculty degree for the previous month and half of the season, he could not want to enhance a ton to thrive on the NBA degree. The Closing 4 might have an effect on issues barely, however scouts really feel he’s improved his inventory to possible mid to late first spherical space.
Cooper Flagg 6-8 220 SF/PF Duke Fr.
Flagg went for 30, 6 and seven in opposition to Arizona within the Candy Sixteen. He made all of the performs in direction of the top of the sport, with each athleticism and talent and confirmed why he’s clearly the highest participant on the school degree at simply 18 years of age. He had a little bit of an off recreation by his requirements with “simply” 16 and 9 in opposition to Alabama. Within the two video games he shot a mixed 4-for-7, displaying that his outdoors capturing is true and unaffected by the second. Houston awaits within the Closing 4 in San Antonio, so how Flagg is ready to play in opposition to the highest defensive workforce within the nation ought to be extraordinarily fascinating. Duke has all the substances to chop down the nets subsequent Monday Evening. it’ll possible take an impressive defensive and capturing efficiency to beat them.
Khaman Maluach 7-2 260 C Duke Fr.
Maluach is approaching at simply the precise time for Duke. He impacted the sport tremendously on Saturday, going through 2 seed Alabama. His impression was truly felt probably the most when he left the ground, as Alabama went on a run and it was clear that Duke’s Defensive scheme was not practically as efficient. He completed with 14 factors, totally on dunks, 9 boards and a pair of blocks. Whereas it’s clear that he impacts opposing groups along with his dimension and defensive presence, his shot blocking numbers are usually not as prolific as you would possibly count on, at simply 1.3 per recreation. Nonetheless, he’s displaying good skill to remain in entrance of opposing gamers on the perimeter and transfer his ft properly sufficient to change and never get persistently burnt. Being 7’2 and with a 7’9 wingspan, there may be apparent intrigue along with his potential as a rim protector. He’s capturing 75% from the ft line, giving his offensive recreation some intrigue as properly. He’s nonetheless a venture, and sure not a participant that may be anticipated to impression immediately, or be a prolific participant, as a consequence of offensive limitations, Subsequently, it’s honest to say he’s considerably capped from a draft projection. He might get appears within the high 10, however will possible get chosen within the late lotto to mid first spherical vary. Zach Edey went tenth final 12 months, which was shocking, however the Grizzlies clearly beloved the toughness and early recreation match up issues that he offered, once they chosen him.
Johni Broome 6’10 250 C Auburn Sr.
Battling by damage, in a scene many likened to the well-known scene with Willis Reed limping again onto the court docket for the Knicks, Broome has positively enhanced his inventory over the second weekend of the event. One of the best senior within the nation and a possible second spherical choose, Broome was sensational. He knocked down 3-of-5 threes over the 2 video games and scored 22 and 25 in opposition to Michigan and Michigan State, respectively. His 14 rebounds have been key in Auburn’s victory over the Spartans, outperforming Michigan’s twin towers. Broome is an older, fifth 12 months senior, he’ll flip 23 on July nineteenth. Heading into the Closing 4, Broome can have an opportunity, with an NCAA title, to place a cherry on high of an amazing season by which he challenged Cooper Flagg for NPOY. He’s one of many few gamers within the nation averaging a double double at 18.5 and 10.8.
Jase Richardson 6-3 190 PG/SG Michigan St.
Jase had 20 and 11 in his remaining two video games of the season in opposition to Ole Miss and Auburn respectively. He shot a mixed 4-18 from three in these contests. Whereas not a pure level guard, having restricted time taking part in the place as any degree, he reveals excellent choice making, in addition to imaginative and prescient and passing. Resulting in the concept he can develop his level guard abilities on the subsequent degree and play the place. He thrives in catch and shoot conditions, and proved all 12 months to be a clutch performer and excessive degree competitor with maturity past his years. JRich2 completed the 12 months on a tear, averaged 12.1 ppg, (on 49%, 41% and 84% slits), and a 1.9 to .8 a/to ratio. He figures to be a late lottery choose (or shut) if he finally decides to maintain his identify on this 12 months’s NBA draft. Nonetheless the choice to return for a sophomore season for the son of an NBA participant may very well be attractive.
Tahaad Pettiford 6’1 170 PG Auburn Fr.
Pettiford is a kind of opponents that lives for the second. He likes to take the massive shot and by no means backs down from a combat. Pettiford has not flinched by 4 video games within the tourney, displaying the center of a lion and management and clutch play that he turned recognized for all season. there are apparent considerations concerning dimension and defensive play on the subsequent degree. However there’s an excellent probability groups within the late first spherical would overlook these considerations because of the physique of labor and competitiveness he’s exhibited. Pettiford has averaged 17.5 ppg, coming off the bench for Auburn. His 20 factors in opposition to Michigan adopted up a 23 level recreation in opposition to Creighton. he’s had at the least 3 assists and at the least 2 three pointers made in each event recreation. Exhibiting consistency along with his dedication and competitiveness to play his finest on a giant stage.
Caleb Love 6’3 185 SG Arizona Sr.
The fifth 12 months senior ended his school profession on a excessive notice, serving to Arizona attain the Candy Sixteen and going blow to blow with Duke earlier than dropping by simply 7 factors in a recreation by which he scored 35 factors. In his remaining two video games, he knocked down a mixed 10 three tips about 18 makes an attempt. He scored 29 and 35 factors in these contests and was extremely environment friendly in doing so. Love made a strong care to be a possible draft choose, as Arizona’s high scorer and clearly raised his degree of play of their greatest video games. Love finishes his senior 12 months, averaging 17.2 ppg, hitting 34% from three and 89% from the road. He’s a excessive degree athlete and appears to have matured with regard to choice making and late recreation efficiency. Whereas an undersized 2-guard, his athleticism and expertise at 23 years of age, offers him an actual shot to each get drafted and make an NBA workforce subsequent season.
Kon Knueppel 6-6 220 SG/SF Duke Fr.
Knueppel continues to impress, because the rock of consistency and toughness for Duke, regardless of being only a freshman. Knueppel has such a complicated really feel for the sport, his passing and capturing is at a excessive degree for his age and may permit him to face out in a Kyle Korver style, even when his lack of pace and athleticism are a obvious weak point. Whereas not the bodily specimen of different prospects, it’s utterly doable that he might find yourself going greater than prospects reminiscent of Tre Johnson of Texas and Kasparas Jakucionis of Illinois. Knueppel went for 20 and 21 in Duke’s second weekend video games. it might not appear doable, however Kon has been as integral to the workforce’s success as Cooper Flagg, stepping up his degree of play throughout Flagg’s absence and guiding the Blue Devils to the ACC event title. Kon knocked down 4-6 three pointers and 15-16 Fts over the 2 video games over the weekend. He’s some of the entertaining gamers to observe, not for the spotlight dunks and athleticism, however for the off the charts talent degree and IQ stuff that enables him to compete regardless of the under common bodily attributes.
Danny Wolf 6-11 240 PF/C Michigan Fr.
Wolf confirmed out in what was possible his remaining collegiate recreation. Regardless of Michigan dropping, he made a robust case to be a primary spherical choose, notching 20 factors and placing on a show of each passing, and in addition attending to the rim for finishes. Which was one thing that he had struggled to point out in earlier video games in March. Wolf is properly appreciated for his versatility with nice skill run the present as a excessive put up passer and have the ball circulation by him as a giant. The place he’s missing is that he doesn’t have nice size for a 7-footer, neither is his pace and athleticism at an awesome degree versus NBA athletes. He could wrestle some defensively, however the hope is that his nice really feel for the sport and anticipation will assist him to beat among the foot pace limitations. His versatility as a passer is his predominant forte. He’s additionally a tricky rebounder. However he’ll want to chop down on the turnovers at 3.2 turnovers to three.5 assists. His capturing may also stand to enhance at 33.6% from three and 59.4% from the FT line on the 12 months.
Milos Uzan 6-4 190 PG Houston Jr.
The Cougars have upgraded their lead guard place with the perfect NBA prospect on the workforce. Uzan’s stats are diminished considerably by the system, however his impression is obvious. He scored the sport winner in opposition to Purdue on an in bounds play that noticed him obtain the ball again for a recreation successful lay in. Uzan has embraced the defensive mindset and improved in his level guard and capturing skill. He completed with 22 factors and 6 assists, pulling down 6 of 9 from three in opposition to Purdue. In opposition to Tennessee, he was much less productive with simply 6 factors, and three assists. However his tourney play has elevated his inventory to the purpose the place the junior lead guard will obtain first spherical appears over the following two NBA drafts. If Houston is ready to beat Duke on Saturday and attain the title recreation, and Uzan performs properly ,it’ll solely additional elevate his profile as a professional prospect.
Derik Queen 6-10 250 C Maryland Fr.
Regardless of dropping 87-71, Queen completed off a sensational freshman season with a 27 level, 5 rebound effort in opposition to one seed Florida. Queen had a superb displaying, and was capable of exploit the Florida entrance court docket, scoring at will and knocked down all 10 of his free throws. Queen enhanced his draft inventory with three inventory boosting video games and heads into the 2025 draft as a possible lottery choose. Queen reveals lots of dedication and keenness for the sport. He appears to play faster and with extra pace when vital, as he confirmed in final minute shut outs and when he was challenged to create a basket. He’s not probably the most explosive massive, however his footwork and talent degree helps makes up for it.
Labaron Philon 6-2 170 Pg Alabama Fr.
The speedy level guard who exceeded expectations all season had a superb displaying of their Elite Eight match up with Duke. In a beginning line up consisting primarily of tremendous seniors, Philon was the lone underclassmen, however confirmed lots of poise and toughness. In 4 event video games, he dished out 8, 5, 6, and three assists, whereas averaging simply 1.5 turnovers. In opposition to Duke, he went for 16 factors, and knocked down 3-of-6 three level photographs. He’ll have a call to make as at this level, a participant his caliber can earn as a lot or extra in school as with a late first rounder earns in a 12 months. The one benefit being he would doubtlessly lock in a multi-year deal plus be a 12 months nearer to his second contract. Nonetheless the chance/reward for gamers like Philon is starting to shift in direction of staying in school. So it is going to be fascinating to see what number of gamers enter with such an incentive to remain in school. One remaining issue is the variety of level guards on this 12 months’s draft and the way which will have an effect on choice making.
Karter Knox 6-6 220 SG/SF Arkansas Fr.
One other freshman who can have a call to make as he has a shot to be a primary rounder along with his 3-and-D potential and the way in which that he shot the ball this season. Flattening 35-of-100 three tips about the 12 months and hitting 4-4 in his final recreation of the season, ending with 20 factors, actually helps his trigger. He’s nonetheless considerably restricted in creating offense and dealing with the ball. However the bodily profile and 3-and-D potential make him intriguing. At this level it seems he’ll possible return, however declaring for the draft is an apparent technique to achieve leverage.
Inventory Down
Vladislav Goldin 7-1 250 C Michigan Sr.
The Senior is clearly on an uptick total with a robust opening weekend and glorious play all through his senior 12 months. however in opposition to Auburn Goldin want to have a do over. Johni Broome bought the higher of him, limiting him to 2-9 capturing and 10 factors. Including to the struggles was the truth that Broome went off for 25 and 14 within the recreation. Goldin is an old style heart with good size and toughness. Goldin averaged a workforce excessive 16.1 ppg. His capturing stays a detriment, however has proven strong enchancment, for the primary time pulling down some three pointers, 33% on the 12 months, and hitting a profession excessive 73% from the road. Goldin is listed within the inventory down part for the weekend, but it surely’s a top off total for the tourney.
Chaz Lanier 6-5 190 SG Tennessee Sr.
One other participant on the rise total however a dreadful weekend capturing has him on the inventory down part. Lanier’s shot deserted him on the worst time as he hit 3-of-18 from three over his remaining two video games. He did rating 17 factors in every recreation, going through Kentucky and Houston. However 1-6 from three vs Kentucky and 2-12 in opposition to Houston is a meltdown from a 3 level capturing standpoint. the fact of it’s that Houston is the cream of the crop when it comes to defensive groups within the nation, they usually have been capable of utterly take Lanier out of his consolation zone, and he was by no means capable of get on monitor. The weekend struggles dropped Lanier’s three level share under 40% on the 12 months at 39.5%. However it’s noteworthy that he shot over 40% for his school profession and 80% from the road. Lanier nonetheless figures to be a projected first rounder because the listing of entrants will get crammed, however his weekend of poor capturing didn’t assist his trigger.
