Top NBA Draft Prospects in the Sweet Sixteen: West Region
By Eli Burk
This is part two of our four part preview of some of the best NBA ready college players in the Sweet Sixteen. Yesterday we focused on the Midwest Region. Today we shift our attention to the West region.
Mar 19, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Stanley Johnson (5) shoots the basketball against Texas Southern Tigers forward Jason Carter (23) during the first half in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
- Stanley Johnson, Arizona (14.0 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.5 STL)
Stanley Johnson, flat out, has great potential. He has great size and strength for the shooting guard position. He scores the ball very well and plays exceptionally great perimeter defense. It does look like Johnson goes through the motions a lot, which will be exposed A LOT at the next level, but if given the right opportunity, Johnson could be the next wing superstar.
Mar 22, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Frank Kaminsky (44) dribbles against Oregon Ducks guard Casey Benson (2) during the second half in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at CenturyLink Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
- Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin (18.4 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 2.7 APG)
Frank the Tank! Okay he may not be the biggest tank, but he is a true 7-footer. Kaminsky is an excellent scorer who can shot well from beyond the arc and take his game to the paint. He is also a very good passer from the post. He’s not that much of a defensive specialist so putting him at the center position would not be the best fit for Kaminsky. Teams who are in need of a stretch four would love to get their chance to draft the Badger big man.
Mar 20, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Sam Dekker (15) drives to the basket between Coastal Carolina Chanticleers forward Badou Diagne (23) and guard Warren Gillis (0) during the first half in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at CenturyLink Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
- Sam Dekker, Wisconsin (13.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.2 APG)
Dekker is the perfect fit for any team at the small forward position. At 6’9, 220 lbs Dekker has a great body to guard the bigger twos, threes, and some fours. If he can stay healthy, I really think he will have a very serviceable career. Might have to come off the bench in the beginning, but definitely has the potential to be placed into the starting line-up of any NBA team.
Mar 21, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (23, center) shots the basketball against Ohio State Buckeyes forward Sam Thompson (left) and center Amir Williams (right) during the first half in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
- Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Arizona (11.3 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.6 APG)
Call me crazy, but I think Hollis-Jefferson has a better upside than most of the wing players in this draft. RHJ plays great defense, both on and off-ball. And he rebounds the ball very well. It would take time because he is still pretty raw in all aspects on the offensive end. But I wouldn’t be surprised if he crept up draft boards come June.
Mar 13, 2015; Greensboro, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Marcus Paige (5) dribbles as Virginia Cavaliers forward Darion Atkins (5) and guard Marial Shayok (4) defend in the first half during the semifinals of the ACC Tournament at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
- Marcus Paige, North Carolina (14.1 PPG, 4.5 APG, 2.9 RPG)
Last year, everyone was super high on Marcus Paige, and you can see why when he is on the court for the Tar Heels. Paige has a fantastic basketball IQ. His quickness helps him in the open floor, and he plays great on ball defense. He’s not a great shooter from deep, but he does get to the rim and is an excellent foul shooter. I would bet he falls later in the first round but has a chance to be a part of a title contender as a back-up point guard.