2022 NBA mock draft: Drafting players competing in the NCAA tournament
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Jonathan GivonyMike Schmitz
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The NCAA tournament officially starts on Tuesday, signaling the most exciting three weeks in college basketball. As the field of 68 eventually gets down to one team left standing with the championship trophy, some of the top NBA prospects will be on display.

Chet Holmgren will be trying to lead No. 1 overall seed Gonzaga to its first NCAA men's basketball title. Jabari Smith helped guide Auburn to an unexpected 27-5 season and a No. 2 seed in the Midwest. And Duke's Paolo Banchero is one of the Blue Devils' five first-round prospects who are hoping coach Mike Krzyzewski's legendary career ends by cutting down the net at the Final Four in New Orleans.

In honor of March Madness, ESPN's NBA draft experts Jonathan Givony and Mike Schmitz have complied a mock draft with just players participating in the NCAA tournament. The names at the top will look familiar, but other prospects make their debut on this unique mock draft exercise and will be players to watch in March.

Note: The projected 2022 draft order is based on the previous NBA mock draft from Feb. 23. The full 1-58 order also reflects picks owed and owned.

All times Eastern.

1. Detroit Pistons

Chet Holmgren | Freshman | Gonzaga | 7-foot-1 | PF | Age: 19.8

14.2 points per game, 9.6 rebounds per game, 3.6 blocks per game, 1.8 assists per game

When: No. 1 Gonzaga vs. No. 16 Georgia State | Thursday | 4:15 p.m. | TNT

What to watch for: We've truly never seen an NBA prospect quite like Holmgren: A shot-blocking, lob-catching, 3-point shooting, ballhandling 7-foot-1 "big man" with the fluidity of a guard and a relentlessness that doesn't match his slender, 195-pound frame. With a body type that earns him comparisons ranging from Kevin Durant to Brandon Ingram to Kristaps Porzingis to Bol Bol, Holmgren has let his game do the talking, as he is in the midst of a record-breaking freshman season for Gonzaga. He is the only prospect in NCAA history to average at least 14 points, nine rebounds and three blocks while shooting over 70% from 2 and 40% from 3, and he's doing so on the No. 1 team.


Despite facing Duke, UCLA, Alabama and Texas Tech in nonconference play, a heavy dose of Holmgren's true highlights came against West Coast Conference opponents, as he took more of a back seat offensively against the Blue Devils, Crimson Tide and others. Holmgren averaged 12.6 points per game on 66.4% true shooting in 18 games against teams over .500 as opposed to 16.9 points on 78.1% true shooting in fewer minutes across 11 bouts versus teams with a losing record. Will Holmgren defer to veterans Drew Timme and Andrew Nembhard with the season on the line or will we see the pull-up 3s and coast-to-coast slams that became a regularity in WCC play? How will Holmgren's frame fare against more physical tournament opponents, particularly Memphis big man and projected top-10 pick Jalen Duren, as Duren, with his Dwight Howard-like physical profile, is the exact type of player that Holmgren's biggest naysayers worry he'll struggle against in the NBA. -- Mike Schmitz


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Chet Holmgren elevates for jamGonzaga's Chet Holmgren elevates and jams it home vs. San Francisco.
2. Orlando Magic
Jabari Smith | Freshman | Auburn | 6'10" | SF/PF | Age: 18.8

17.1 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.9 apg

When: No. 2 Auburn vs. No. 15 Jacksonville State | Friday | 12:40 p.m. | truTV

What to watch for: Smith has emerged as one of the most dynamic shooters in college, converting 43% of his 3-pointers despite standing 6-foot-10. Running off screens, pulling up in transition, making iso step-back jumpers and hitting impossible fadeaways out of the post -- seemingly no shot is too difficult for the 18-year-old thanks to his high release point and soft touch. Smith is also a highly versatile defender who plays with outstanding intensity, switching all over the floor with quick feet and impressive energy.

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He has been just as effective against elite-level competition as he was early in the season, as his confidence has grown and the degree of difficulty of attempts has increased with little drop-off. NBA scouts have questions about Smith's ability to create offense for himself and others and be efficient inside the arc. He lacks a degree of strength and explosiveness, converting just 44% from 2-point range. And he has averaged as many turnovers as assists, making it difficult for him to emerge as a late-game, go-to option, which has hampered Auburn at times with its inconsistent guard play. -- Jonathan Givony

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Jabari Smith drains 3 for TigersJabari Smith gets the 3-pointer to fall as Auburn hopes to come back vs. Texas A&M.
3. Houston Rockets
Paolo Banchero | Freshman | Duke | 6'10" | PF/C | Age: 19.3

17.0 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 3.1 apg

When: No. 2 Duke vs. No. 15 CSU Fullerton | Friday | 7:10 p.m. | CBS |

What to watch for: No player offers the same type of size, strength and shot creation that Duke star Banchero brings to the table at 6-foot-10 and 250 pounds. With legitimate guard skills that allow him to initiate Duke's offense in transition and function as a pick-and-roll ball handler in the half court, Banchero is a true mismatch nightmare, comparing favorably to post-injury Blake Griffin with his combination of power, agility and court vision. When Banchero is rolling offensively, few players are tougher to defend, which he showed the entire country in Madison Square Garden against Kentucky (22 points on 11 shots) and in a win over Gonzaga's Holmgren, scoring 21 points by way of pull-up 3s, step-back jumpers, crossover pull-ups, powerful drives and mid-post turnarounds. One of the most prolific isolation players in the NCAA, Banchero has an NBA-ready offensive bag.

What version of Banchero will show up? Will it be the ultra-confident potential No. 1 pick who looked unfazed by the pressure of MSG or the player who looked tentative down the stretch of a few Duke losses during conference play? Will Banchero buy into a more free-flowing style that accentuates his pass-dribble-shoot skill set or will his catch-and-hold tendencies show up again during important games? Scouts will have a close eye on Banchero's defensive intensity and off-ball awareness, as his inconsistency on that end of the floor is a big reason why he has taken a back seat to two-way prospects such as Holmgren and Smith. Banchero is the type of offensive talent who can take over a game, and doing so when it matters most would be a great way to remind NBA executives why he was once considered the early favorite for the No. 1 pick. Scouts will surely be hoping for a deep run from Duke and Gonzaga, as that would set up a Banchero-Holmgren rematch in the Elite 8. -- Schmitz

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Paolo Banchero throws down two-handed and-1 slamDuke extends its lead over Syracuse thanks to Paolo Banchero's cut inside and big finish.
4. Indiana Pacers
Jaden Ivey | Sophomore | Purdue | 6'4" | PG/SG | Age: 20.0

17.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 3.2 apg

When: No. 3 Purdue vs. No. 14 Yale | Friday | 2:00 p.m. | TBS

What to watch for: Ivey is the most electric guard in college, possessing the type of extra gear-changing speeds in the open floor that few NBA players possess. He also has gradually emerged as a more consistent force in Purdue's half-court offense, doing a better job of harnessing his explosiveness, picking his spots and making others better, even if his decision-making still leaves something to be desired at times. Ivey also has improved his perimeter shooting, considered the weaker part of his game earlier in his career, hitting 36% of his 3-pointers this season.

He can be a playmaker defensively when engaged, thanks to his huge wingspan and impressive lateral quickness, but he loses his focus frequently and has too many bad moments falling asleep off the ball. NBA teams will want to see how Ivey steps up the plate and delivers for Purdue in high-leverage moments in what will be the most important games he has played in his college career, especially with the ball in his hands, provided Purdue's coaches trust him enough to give him the keys. -- Givony

5. Sacramento Kings
Keegan Murray | Sophomore | Iowa | 6'9" | PF/C | Age: 21.5

23.6 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 2.0 bpg, 1.5 apg

When: No. 5 Iowa vs. No. 12 Richmond | Thursday | 3:10 p.m. | truTV

What to watch for: ​​Fresh off a record-breaking Big Ten tournament, Murray enters the Big Dance with as much momentum as any NBA prospect. The 21-year-old Murray, who is shooting 63% from 2 and 40% from 3, has turned himself into arguably the best player in college basketball and the most complete prospect in the draft as a 6-foot-9 forward with length and a modern skill set. He is a lights-out shooter with NBA range who doesn't need much time to get his shot off, even sprinting around screens like a wing. He can push the ball himself in transition or run the floor like a center. He is an ambidextrous, straight-line driver who also can play some pick-and-roll and punish smaller defenders with turnarounds over either shoulder. He's an active offensive rebounder and a defensive playmaker.

Murray leads the nation in win shares, ranks fourth in scoring and has been a driving force in Iowa's March run, making timely shots with the type of unwavering confidence and focus we've seen from stars such as Kawhi Leonard and Tim Duncan. Although still improving as a passer, Murray has added something new to his offensive repertoire seemingly every game and has the next-play mentality that generally shines in the postseason. NBA scouts will have a close eye on whether Murray can take over games like he showed in the Big Ten tournament. If he can, that would go a long way in convincing execs the Iowa star isn't just a "high-floor NBA starter" but rather that his production is more than a product of Iowa's system and he belongs in the same conversation as Holmgren and Smith as a member of the draft's elite. -- Schmitz

6. Oklahoma City Thunder
Jalen Duren | Freshman | Memphis | 6'10" | C | Age: 18.3

12.2 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.3 apg

When: No. 8 Boise State vs. No. 9 Memphis | Thursday | 1:45 p.m. | TNT

What to watch for: The youngest player projected to be drafted, Duren has played some of his best basketball of the season as of late, helping Memphis surge into the postseason. His combination of physical tools (6-foot-11, 250 pounds, 7-foot-5 wingspan), power, explosiveness and budding skill is unmatched. And the way his intensity has ramped up substantially while the game has simultaneously slowed down for him is extremely intriguing for a player who won't turn 19 until November. Duren has emerged as a major force inside the paint on both ends of the floor -- be it crashing the glass, protecting the rim or finishing ferociously and with incredible ease around the basket -- giving him a ready-made role to step into early in his NBA career.

Scouts will be watching how Duren looks as the competition level ramps up in the NCAA tournament and he is thrust outside of his comfort zone by different types of frontcourt matchups. Foul trouble and turnovers have been an issue at times this season, exposing his youth and lack of experience. -- Givony

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Memphis' Duren comes out of nowhere for massive blockMemphis freshman sensation Jalen Duren comes flying out of nowhere for the spike on Houston.
7. New York Knicks
AJ Griffin | Freshman | Duke | 6'6" | SF/PF | Age: 18.5

10.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.0 apg

When: No. 2 Duke vs. No. 15 Cal-State Fullerton | Friday | 7:10 p.m. | CBS

What to watch for: Griffin is one of the best shooters in college, converting 47% of his 3s while ranking third in catch-and-shoot efficiency among high-volume shooters at high-major programs. Griffin has the type of physical profile NBA teams covet on the perimeter at 6-goot-6 and 225 pounds with a 7-foot wingspan. NBA teams will be closely monitoring whether the 18-year-old can put those tools to use on both ends of the floor, as he too often settles for perimeter jumpers and isn't nearly the type of versatile defender and rebounder his frame and length suggest he should be. After attempting just 2.3 free throws per 40 minutes in 34 games, Griffin -- who has looked like a potential top-five pick at times and at others a one-dimensional gunner -- must demonstrate he is more than just a standstill shooter and a willing, engaged defender. -- Schmitz

8. San Antonio Spurs

Johnny Davis | Sophomore | Wisconsin | 6'5" | PG/SG | Age: 20.0

19.7 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 2.2 apg

When: No. 3 Wisconsin vs. No. 14 Colgate | Friday | 9:50 p.m. | TBS

The most improved player in college, Davis went from role player to superstar in the span of an offseason after winning a gold medal with USA Basketball. Davis' rebounding, defensive versatility and all-around grit stand out in addition to the strides he has made offensively. He is a streaky shooter who gets a lot of his offense in the post, on midrange pull-ups, in transition and while using his aggressiveness, physicality and smarts attacking out of the pick-and-roll. He has taken some lumps in the Big Ten, struggling at times to create efficient offense and making some scouts ponder just how heavy of an offensive role he can shoulder at the NBA level, something that will surely be scrutinized in the NCAA tournament. Few will question Davis' toughness or willingness to play a winning style of basketball, but the extent of his upside is still a topic of conversation, something he can push back against with a strong finish to his season. -- Givony

9. Portland Trail Blazers

TyTy Washington Jr. | Freshman | Kentucky | 6'4" | PG/SG | Age: 20.3

12.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 4.0 apg

When: No. 2 Kentucky vs. No. 15 Saint Peter's | Thursday | 7:10 p.m. | CBS

What to watch for: Washington is a highly skilled 6-foot-4 guard with the type of winning pedigree that bodes well for March. Those who followed him closely through high school have long raved about his competitiveness and winning spirit, which despite nagging injuries did shine through at times during his freshman campaign. Washington plays a relatively simple game, thriving off transition hit-aheads, spot 3s, closeout attacks, midrange pull-ups, floaters and occasional ball screens, for which he makes the right play more often than not.

While Washington isn't the most dynamic player or overly shifty ball handler, scouts will be studying his ball skills and ability to break down his man, as he has been far more efficient and effective against lesser teams, boasting a 50.5 true shooting percentage (TS%) in 21 games against teams with a winning record versus a 61.5 TS% in nine games against teams under .500. NBA teams also will keep a close eye on his defense, which has been up and down. A head-to-head matchup with Ivey in the Sweet 16 would be a great chance for Washington to prove that his more methodical game can hold up against a high-level athlete. -- Schmitz


Scouts will be paying attention to Bennedict Mathurin's defense for Arizona. Christopher Hook/Icon Sportswire
10. Portland Trail Blazers (from Pelicans)

Bennedict Mathurin | Sophomore | Arizona | 6'6" | SF | Age: 19.7

17.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.6 apg

When: No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 16 Bryant/Wright State | Friday | 7:27 p.m. | truTV

What to watch for: The Pac-12 player of the year, Mathurin made a big jump as a sophomore while leading Arizona in scoring. He fits an obvious mold as a strong-framed, 6-foot-6 wing who can space the floor from well beyond the NBA line, shoot running off screens or pulling up off the dribble, and finish explosively in the open floor. He also has made strides as a ball handler and passer, while still only being 19 years old. Mathurin's decision-making in high-leverage moments also will be closely scrutinized. He is at his best when keeping things simple, and he can be prone to huge swings of intensity and productivity on both ends of the floor, depending on the night and how well things are going early in games. The defensive end is where scouts will want to see Mathurin show better focus, especially off the ball, where he can at times be Arizona's weakest link. -- Givony

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Why Arizona has a clear-cut path to the Final FourLaPhonso Ellis sees Arizona having favorable matchups on its road to the Final Four.
11. Washington Wizards

Ochai Agbaji | Senior | Kansas | 6'6" | SF | Age: 21.8

19.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.6 apg

When: No. 1 Kansas vs. No. 16 Texas-Southern/Texas A&M-CC | Thursday | 9:57 p.m. | truTV

What to watch for: Agbaji has been one of the NCAA's most consistent players, reaching double figures in scoring and knocking down at least one 3-pointer in 32 of 33 games while also converting a remarkable 75% of his shots at the rim. Standing 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan and an NBA-level bounce, Agbaji is one of nine players in the NCAA shooting over 40% from 3 on at least 6.5 attempts per game, and he's doing so while adding value defensively and ranking in the top 25 in scoring. Having already played over 1,500 NCAA minutes despite not turning 22 until late April, Agbaji is the type of experienced wing poised for a signature performance or two in March.

Although he is as proven a talent as you'll find in the lottery, Agbaji has no shortage of elite prospects in the Midwest region -- Davis, Murray, Tari Eason, Smith -- whom he could go toe-to-toe with to further improve his draft stock. Scouts will be watching his ballhandling and passing to try to determine if he projects as more than a 3-and-D style wing, as over 50% of his offense comes by way of transition and spot-ups. -- Schmitz

12. Memphis Grizzlies (from Lakers)

Tari Eason | Sophomore | LSU | 6'8" | PF | Age: 20.8

16.9 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 1.0 apg

When: No. 6 LSU vs. No. 11 Iowa State | Friday | 7:20 p.m. | TBS

What to watch for: Eason wasn't particularly well-known upon transferring from Cincinnati to LSU, but he made the transition to the most talented conference in college basketball look easy in emerging as a first-team All-SEC player, scoring in bunches and filling up the box score despite coming off the bench. Eason has improved his ballhandling and perimeter shooting considerably while putting consistent pressure on opposing defenses with his quick first step, physicality and insatiable intensity, allowing him to live at the free throw line.

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Nets at Grizzlies, 7:30 p.m.
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These same traits help make him one of the most versatile defenders in college, a magnet for steals, blocks and rebounds who flies all over the floor in LSU's suffocating press while rotating from guarding point guards to big men. Eason's passing ability, decision-making and still-streaky jumper are question marks scouts will want to gather more information about in the NCAA tournament, as he sees most of his minutes at center but isn't particularly big or bulky at 6-foot-8 and 216 pounds. LSU was delivered a major blow when Eason's coach, Will Wade, was dismissed Saturday due to recruiting violation allegations, and the Tigers will need their best player to emerge as a leader on and off the court. -- Givony

13. Charlotte Hornets (Hawks if 19 to 30)

E.J. Liddell | Junior | Ohio St. | 6'7" | PF | Age: 21.2

19.6 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 2.6 bpg, 2.5 apg

When: No. 7 Ohio State vs. No. 10 Loyola Chicago | Friday | 12:15 p.m. | CBS

What to watch for: One of the most improved players in college, Liddell has turned himself into a first-round pick by modernizing his game on both ends of the floor as a powerful 4/5. He has trimmed down, evolved as a perimeter shooter (38% from 3), expanded his playmaking off the dribble, become an asset in switch situations and developed into a true defensive anchor for the Buckeyes thanks to his stellar timing and nonstop motor. Scouts still have questions about Liddell's long-term upside as he stands no taller than 6-foot-7 with average positional length, a flat jumper that might take time to adjust to the NBA line and a somewhat power-reliant game. Can Liddell score efficiently against NBA-caliber rim protectors? If not, is he a skilled enough shooter, passer and ball handler to be an asset on the perimeter? Does Liddell project as more of an energy guy or is he the next collegiate winner who scouts will overlook because of his less-than-stellar measurables, underrating his incredible intangibles, productivity, basketball IQ and toughness?

Former college players ranging from Draymond Green to Grant Williams come to mind when watching Liddell. Leading the Buckeyes deep into March will go a long way in proving to NBA scouts that they should value Liddell's on-court impact and toughness over his perceived "upside." -- Schmitz

14. Atlanta Hawks

Jeremy Sochan | Freshman | Baylor | 6'9" | PF | Age: 18.8

8.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.7 apg

When: No. 1 Baylor vs. No. 16 Norfolk State | Thursday | 2:00 p.m. | TBS

What to watch for: Sochan is the prototypical "initiator" modern big who can defend 4s and 5s while bringing the ball up the floor in transition and creating for himself and others in the half court, looking like Baylor's version of Boris Diaw when he's at his best. Standing 6-foot-10 in shoes and weighing 230 pounds, Sochan has the size to slide up to the center spot for coach Scott Drew, showing the ability to battle more traditional bigs in the post and on the glass, which gives Sochan more room to tap into his handle and vision offensively when at the 5.

Sochan gives Baylor a different dynamic as a small-ball 5, and a few strong NCAA tournament performances could help solidify his status as a potential lottery pick. Sochan's upside and draft stock will ultimately be decided by the type of shooter NBA teams think he can become, as he has converted just 29.2% of his 3s and 57.5% of his free throws. More mobile than overly quick or explosive, he'll have to rely more on skill than vertical pop in the NBA, making it that much more important that he is at least a threat from 3 to open up the rest of his game. -- Schmitz

15. Houston Rockets (from Nets)

Kendall Brown | Freshman | Baylor | 6'8" | SF | Age: 18.8

10.0 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.9 apg

When: No. 1 Baylor vs. No. 16 Norfolk State | Thursday | 2:00 p.m. | TBS

What to watch for: The most explosive leaper in college, Brown is a highlight reel waiting to happen anytime he catches the ball with room to operate. The flashes he shows as a passer and a multipositional defender on the perimeter are intriguing for a 6-foot-8 18-year-old, even if his ballhandling and perimeter shooting still have a ways to go to play on the wing full time and his frame is a little thin for a power forward. Brown's productivity has really fluctuated against better competition, which makes sense considering his limitations in the skill department. NBA teams will be intrigued by his physical profile, age and long-term upside, but avoiding some of the lapses defensively that have plagued him at times and finishing the season on a good note will certainly help his cause.-- Givony

16. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Clippers)

Walker Kessler | Sophomore | Auburn | 7'1" | C | Age: 20.6

11.7 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 4.5 bpg, 0.9 apg

When: No. 2 Auburn vs. No. 15 Jacksonville State | Friday | 12:40 p.m. | truTV

What to watch for: At 7-foot-1 and 245 pounds, with a 7-foot-5 wingspan, Kessler's appeal is readily evident on first glance. He is the best shot-blocker in college, with intriguing versatility and mobility guarding the pick-and-roll, stepping out the perimeter and recovering to make plays at the rim. He is a steady offensive presence with his ability to catch difficult passes, hammer home lobs, finish with touch around the basket and make good decisions out of short rolls. Kessler has had some issues dealing with physicality at times this season and has some limitations offensively for what NBA teams expect from a modern big man in terms of a shooting range that suppresses his upside to a degree -- all while, simultaneously, questions persist about the value of drafting centers in the first round.-- Givony

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Walker Kessler gets up for the beautiful slam dunkAuburn's Walker Kessler does it all with a steal and a beautiful slam dunk to start off the game against South Carolina.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves

Kennedy Chandler | Freshman | Tennessee | 6'1" | PG | Age: 19.4

13.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.6 apg

When: No. 3 Tennessee vs. No. 14 Longwood | Thursday | 2:45 p.m. | CBS

What to watch for: Although undersized at 5-foot-11 barefoot, Chandler is a shifty, dynamic point guard who gets wherever he wants on the floor thanks to his tight handle and skill level. He is a natural with the ball in his hands, changing speeds and directions at will to either generate offense for himself or his teammates. A capable pull-up shooter (37% from 3), Chandler is a nightmare for opposing defenses to keep in front, and he has the vision to spray the ball out to shooters or drop it off to bigs once he gets a piece of the paint. He's a disruptive defender, as well, thanks to his quickness, instincts and 6-foot-5 wingspan that has allowed him to rip opposing guards on the perimeter, swipe the ball on digs and even block occasional jumpers as a key cog in Tennessee's top-three defense.

There are only four sub-6-foot-1 guards who play at least 15 minutes per game in the NBA this season, meaning Chandler will have to be viewed as a special talent to warrant a high draft pick. Not always the most vocal leader, scouts will be studying how Chandler takes command of the team in key moments throughout the NCAA tournament. -- Schmitz

18. San Antonio Spurs (from Raptors)

Malaki Branham | Freshman | Ohio St. | 6'5" | SG | Age: 18.8

13.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.9 apg

When: No. 7 Ohio State vs. No. 10 Loyola Chicago | Friday | 12:15 p.m. | CBS

What to watch for: Branham is a long-armed, 6-foot-5 off guard who can score the ball at all three levels and defend his position, and he holds some untapped upside as a secondary ball handler in the Caris LeVert mold. Branham, who will turn 19 in May, has developed into the model of consistency for Ohio State, as he has scored 15 points or more in seven of his past eight games, emerging as a potential top-20 prospect in the process. He is a capable spot shooter from 3 at 42%, is elite rising up in midrange spots and is slithery downhill to the rim while also showing the ability to make some basic reads. Although he is rock solid across the board, Branham doesn't quite have that one elite skill, at least at the level of an NBA starter.

Scouts will be evaluating Branham's ballhandling and passing to discern whether they think he can play more of an on-ball role in the future, as that would greatly boost his value given that he's most impactful defending 1s and 2s. But in terms of his age, positional length (6-foot-11 wingspan), shooting and productivity, Branham checks a lot of the boxes teams look for in a young guard prospect. A deep NCAA tournament run could earn him looks in the late lottery, similar to what we saw from Joshua Primo last year. -- Schmitz

19. Indiana Pacers (from Cavaliers)

Trevor Keels | Freshman | Duke| 6'5" | PG/SG | Age: 18.5

11.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 3.1 apg

When: No. 2 Duke vs. No. 15 CSU Fullerton | Friday | 7:10 p.m. | CBS

What to watch for: Keels is a skilled two-way combo guard with a strong foundational skill set and the type of defensive toughness -- when fully engaged -- that NBA teams covet. Keels' early-season ball pressure, along with his strong frame, earned him comparisons to a guard such as Luguentz Dort. As the season has gone along, however, Keels' defensive motor has fluctuated wildly. The 18-year-old has as much riding on this NCAA tournament as any of the Duke prospects given the extreme highs and lows he has had this season.

When Keels is making shots and defending with energy, he looks like a potential lottery pick who could help an NBA team tomorrow, as he's capable of spot shooting, making the right reads in the pick-and-roll and pressuring the ball. Yet when his jumper isn't falling (32% from 3 on the season), his physical limitations, lack of length, issues finishing, defensive inconsistencies and sometimes erratic decision-making are more pronounced. Rediscovering his defensive toughness, finding a rhythm from 3 and determining the right blend between scoring and playmaking will go a long way in solidifying his status as a top-20 prospect. -- Schmitz


ACC defensive player of the year Mark Williams is one of the best shot-blockers in this draft class. Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire
20. Brooklyn Nets (from 76ers)

Mark Williams | Sophomore | Duke | 7'1" | C | Age: 20.2

10.9 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2.8 bpg, 0.9 apg

When: No. 2 Duke vs. No. 15 CSU Fullerton | Friday | 7:10 p.m. | CBS

What to watch for: Williams' 7-foot-1, 242-pound frame and 7-foot-7 wingspan certainly stand out at the college level. The ACC defensive player of the year is one of the best shot-blockers in this draft class and brings a consistent presence as a vertical spacer and an offensive rebounder for Duke, finishing 71% of his field goal attempts, with nearly half of those makes coming on dunks. Williams isn't quite as feared defensively as you might expect considering his accolades, as you frequently see opposing teams post him up or challenge him in the pick-and-roll, where he's still a major work in progress. His upright stance on the perimeter and struggles covering ground fluidly are question marks projecting to the NBA level, as is the fact that the game simply moves too fast for him at times on both ends of the floor. -- Givony

21. San Antonio Spurs (from Celtics)

Justin Lewis | Sophomore | Marquette | 6'7" | SF/PF | Age: 19.9

17.1 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 1.7 apg

When: No. 8 North Carolina vs. No. 9 Marquette | Thursday | 4:30 p.m. | TBS

What to watch for: Lewis is a scoring forward with NBA tools standing 6-foot-7 with a powerful 245-pound frame and a huge 7-foot-2 wingspan. When Lewis is at his best, it's easy to see him filling a role in the NBA pick-and-pop 4 -man who can even slide up to the small-ball 5 some given his strength and length. Whether it's Eric Paschall or P.J. Washington, there are players in Lewis' mold having success in the NBA. Scouts will want to see Lewis make better decisions, play with more energy defensively and find more ways to impact the game when the tough jump shots he tends to live off of aren't falling. The age of most freshmen, outplaying potential lottery picks such as Baylor's Kendall Brown and Jeremy Sochan in a potential second-round matchup would help Lewis secure his standing as a first-round prospect. -- Schmitz

22. Dallas Mavericks

Blake Wesley | Freshman | Notre Dame | 6'5" | SG | Age: 18.9

14.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.5 apg

When: No. 11 Notre Dame vs. No. 11 Rutgers | Wednesday | 9:10 p.m. | truTV

What to watch for: Wesley is a dynamic shot-creating guard who burst onto the scene as a surprise one-and-done and has piqued the interest of NBA scouts with his ability to go get a bucket off the dribble like few guards, sharing some similarities to a guard such as James Bouknight at the same stage. Standing 6-foot-5 with long arms and excellent footwork as a ball handler, Wesley has a lot of juice off the bounce, changing speeds and directions to attack the rim or stop on a dime to pull up. Although talented with the ball both as a scorer and occasional distributor, the game is still slowing down for Wesley, who can be a bit wild as a decision-maker, which shows in his inefficiency from 3 (31%) and struggles around the rim (42% in the half court). Proving that he values every defensive possession will be key for Wesley in NCAA tournament play, also. Scouts will want to see if he can turn that talent into consistent and efficient production - on both ends -- in do-or-die games that matter before anointing him a surefire first-round pick. -- Schmitz

23. Milwaukee Bucks

JD Davison | Freshman | Alabama | 6'3" | PG | Age: 19.4

8.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 4.2 apg

When: No. 6 Alabama vs. No. 11 Notre Dame/Rutgers | Friday | 4:15 p.m. | TNT

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What to watch for: Davison entered the college game known as a YouTube sensation thanks to his explosive dunking ability, but quickly showed there's more to his game, showing impressive feel as a passer and real grit defensively. He has an excellent physical profile for a guard, which has allowed him to play on and off the ball for Alabama, who has beaten some of the best teams in college while racking up plenty of confusing losses. Offense has been a major struggle at times for Davison, who isn't a polished ball-handler or a consistent shooter. It's clear that Davison's struggles as a scorer and concerningly high turnover rate make him more of a long-term prospect, which has allowed more productive guards to jump ahead of him as the season has moved on. Finishing on a strong note will be important considering the way Davison's productivity has fluctuated, something that may make returning for another season in college appealing (or necessary) depending on how his season ends. -- Givony

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JD Davison goes behind his back for the absolute dimeJD Davison goes behind his back for the absolute dime
24. Chicago Bulls

Christian Braun | Junior | Kansas | 6'6" | SG/SF | Age: 20.9

14.6 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.6 apg

When: No. 1 Kansas vs. No. 16 Texas-Southern/Texas A&M-CC| Thursday | 9:57 p.m. | truTV

What to watch for: Braun plays up to four positions for Kansas, switching seamlessly on the perimeter, putting a body on big men in the post and doing quite a bit of facilitation in the half-court. He's an outstanding rebounder, Kansas' best rim-protector, and is converting 38% of his 3-pointers, making him one of the more versatile wing players in this class. Somewhat of a jack of all trades, master of none, Braun's ability to emerge as a consistent scoring presence, and not run away from open jump-shots, will be scrutinized by scouts as the stakes rise in big moments. He's been somewhat streaky at times from beyond the arc, but has found more success as of late after hitting a midseason slump, while consistently doing all the little things his team needs to win games. Benefiting from the platform of a Final Four run would go a long way in solidifying his standing as a first-round pick. -- Givony

25. Denver Nuggets

Wendell Moore Jr. | Junior | Duke | 6'6" | SF | Age: 20.4

13.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 4.6 apg

When: No. 2 Duke vs. No. 15 CSU Fullerton | Friday | 7:10 p.m. | CBS

What to watch for: Duke's most versatile prospect, Moore is an X factor of sorts for the Blue Devils as he gives them a different dimension when he's fully engaged and playing with confidence as a do-it-all wing who can initiate offense, make open 3s, attack the rim and defend his position. Only two players in the country average at least 13 points, five rebounds and four assists while shooting at least 50% from 2 and 40% from 3 -- Moore and Baylor Scheierman of South Dakota State. At 6-foot-6 with a strong frame and a 7-foot wingspan, in theory, Moore is the exact type of versatile wing the NBA covets. However, he toggles between brilliant moments and head-scratching ones, not always quite as consistently aggressive as you'd hope in big moments given his experience.

Scouts will be closely analyzing whether or not Moore takes a back seat in important moments or takes ownership as one of the lone upperclassmen during a Blue Devils NCAA tournament run. How scouts feel about his confidence and aggression will go a long way in determining whether NBA teams view him as the next productive college upperclassmen turned draft-day steal à la Herb Jones and Ayo Dosunmu. -- Schmitz

26. Memphis Grizzlies (from Heat)

David Roddy | Junior | Colorado St. | 6'5" | PF | Age: 20.9

19.4 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 2.8 apg

When: No. 6 Colorado State vs. No. 11 Michigan | Thursday | 12:15 p.m. | CBS

What to watch for: The Mountain West Conference player of the year, Roddy emerged as a potential All-American and one of the most versatile and unique college players as a junior. At 6-foot-6, he sees quite a few minutes at center, which he can thrive at thanks to his 260-pound frame. While he's comfortable operating with his back to the basket, he's also a creative ball-handler and outstanding passer who is converting 45% of his 3-pointers on the season, making him a huge mismatch that has lit up mid-major and high-major teams alike. While Roddy is competitive with excellent instincts, his lateral quickness and ultimate position defensively at the NBA level is something scouts will want to gather more information about in the NCAA tournament. He has a great opportunity to solidify his standing versus a Big Ten team in Michigan and then a potential showdown with Tennessee, one of the best defensive teams in college basketball in the Round of 32. -- Givony

27. Miami Heat

Christian Koloko | Junior | Arizona | 7'1" | C | Age: 21.7

12.1 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2.7 bpg, 1.2 apg

When: No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 16 Bryant/Wright State | Friday | 7:27 p.m. | truTV

What to watch for: The Pac-12 defensive player of the year and most improved player, Koloko is on pace to become the best shot-blocker in Arizona history in the next few games. His 7-foot-4 wingspan, outstanding mobility and quickness getting off his feet make him a force both around the rim as well as covering ground on the perimeter, where he's often asked to guard smaller players in Arizona's jumbo lineups. He's an excellent finisher one of college basketball's most prolific dunkers, and a much-improved offensive player in general. Koloko's thin frame, lack of physicality and developing feel for the game, which manifests itself in foul trouble, point-blank misses and struggles keeping up with the speed of the game are things NBA scouts will want to learn more about in high-stakes matchups with pro-sized frontcourts as the competition stiffens. -- Givony

28. Golden State Warriors

Max Christie | Freshman | Michigan St. | 6'6" | SG | Age: 19.0

9.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.5 apg

When: No. 7 Michigan State vs. No. 10 Davidson | Friday | 9:40 p.m. | CBS

What to watch for: Christie is a 6-foot-6 guard who has the type of footwork to develop into both an on-the-move shooter and sound defender as he continues to grow in the toughness, confidence and experience departments. When Christie's jumper is falling, it's easy to see him getting looks in the late first-round, projecting somewhere between Landry Shamet and Primo on his best days. Yet, Christie's shooting has been all over the place this season, as he's knocking down just 28.6% from beyond the arc over his past 10 games and has a tendency to play a sped-up style, running from open shots on occasion and not quite exuding the type of self-belief that would suggest he's ready to make an NBA jump.

He's also shooting just 40% at the rim in the half-court, converting 16 shots at the rim in 33 games. With all that said, Christie has picture-perfect shooting mechanics, can rise up off the dribble with ease, and holds some defensive potential as well given his projectable frame and feet, even if he gives up too many straight-line drives to the rim at this stage. We'll learn more about Christie's ability to take and make big shots in clutch moments during Michigan State's NCAA tournament run, which will either put scouts at ease about the 19-year-old's underwhelming freshman campaign or suggest that he clearly needs more seasoning at the collegiate ranks before making the pro leap. -- Schmitz

29. Memphis Grizzlies

Oscar Tshiebwe | Junior | Kentucky | 6'9" | C | Age: 22.2

17.0 ppg, 15.1 rpg, 1.0 apg

When: No. 2 Kentucky vs. No. 15 Saint Peter's | Thursday | 7:10 p.m. | CBS

What to watch for: The SEC player of the year and a leading candidate for various NCAA player of the year honors, Tshiebwe is in the midst of a historic season statistically for Kentucky, grabbing more rebounds than any player in the modern era, spanning back at least 30 years. He has seen extensive playing time offensively inside the paint while anchoring Kentucky's defense, being the only high-major player to post more than two blocks and two steals per-40 minutes. While Tshiebwe's 7-foot-4 wingspan helps, the questions NBA scouts have is how his 6-foot-8 frame and struggles playing through length in traffic translate to the pro level -- which is what has so far kept him out of first-round consideration.

Tshiebwe lacks some modern elements to his game, having a difficult time defending in space on the perimeter, scoring outside the paint and facilitating for others, but it's difficult to argue with his productivity and sheer intensity, which should give him a ready-made role early in his NBA career. Just how high Tshiebwe gets drafted is what scouts are trying to determine, but a deep NCAA tournament run that includes strong showings against physical frontcourts could go a long way in solidifying his standing and potentially emerge as a first-round prospect. -- Givony


Purdue center Trevion Williams could be part of a lengthy tournament run if teammate Jaden Ivey is at his best. Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images
30. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Suns)

Trevion Williams | Senior | Purdue | 6'10" | C | Age: 21.4

11.7 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 3.1 apg

When: No. 3 Purdue vs. No. 14 Yale | Friday | 2:00 p.m. | TBS

What to watch for: Williams is one of the best passing bigs in the country and a true hub that you can run the offense through from both the post and the perimeter, at least in college. He's a risk-taker like you'll see from an NBA big such as Alperen Sengun, throwing behind the back passes out of the post, trying to thread the needle on backdoor feeds and working to break down his man with a variety of different dribble moves, showcasing the type of shift you don't usually see from a player with his body type. Williams doesn't quite look the part at first glance, standing no taller than 6-foot-10 in shoes with a 260-pound frame, average length and a below-the-rim style that forces him to rely on skill, strength and effort on both ends.

Williams' motor has fluctuated wildly this season, as he simply goes through the motions at times, especially on the defensive end, where he doesn't quite project as a rim protector or a switch defender despite being a stellar positional rebounder (14.8 per 40 minutes) with sharp instincts. Given Zach Edey's struggles staying on the floor late in games, Williams has a great opportunity to continue showcasing his passing, instincts and answering questions about his motor during what could be a lengthy Boilermakers run if Ivey is at his best.-- Schmitz

31. Toronto Raptors (from Pistons)

Keon Ellis | Senior | Alabama | 6'6" | SG/SF | Age: 22.1

12.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.8 apg

When: No. 6 Alabama vs. No. 11 Notre Dame/Rutgers | Friday | 4:15 p.m. | TNT

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What to watch for: A junior college transfer who played a minor role last season, Ellis has emerged as a draftable option as a senior at Alabama, converting 36% of his 3-pointers while guarding everyone from point guards to power forwards. Looking the part of an NBA wing physically with his long arms and solid frame, he brings great energy on the glass, gets in passing lanes frequently, fills lanes effectively in transition and is an efficient scorer who does a lot of little things to impact winning. Ellis has been streaky with his shooting against better competition this season, and scouts will want to get a better feel for his ball-handling and decision-making, which has looked questionable at times.-- Givony

32. Orlando Magic

Jaime Jaquez Jr. | Junior | UCLA | 6'6" | SG | Age: 21.0

14.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.2 apg

When: No. 4 UCLA vs. No. 13 Akron | Thursday | 9:50 p.m. | TBS

33. Indiana Pacers (from Cavaliers via Rockets)

Caleb Houstan | Freshman | Michigan | 6'8" | SF | Age: 19.1

10.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 1.4 apg

When: No. 6 Colorado State vs. No. 11 Michigan | Thursday | 12:15 p.m. | CBS

34. Orlando Magic (from Pacers)

Peyton Watson | Freshman | UCLA | 6'8" | SF/PF | Age: 19.5

3.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 0.9 apg

When: No. 4 UCLA vs. No. 13 Akron | Thursday | 9:50 p.m. | TBS

35. Sacramento Kings

Josh Minott | Freshman | Memphis | 6'8" | PF | Age: 19.2

6.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.0 apg

When: No. 8 Boise State vs. No. 9 Memphis | Thursday | 1:45 p.m. | TNT

What to watch for: Minott's struggles getting on the floor behind 25-year-old second-team All-Conference player DeAndre Williams has kept his draft stock in check this season, as he only played 13 minutes in Memphis' past two games. When given the opportunity, Minott has shown impressive flashes of talent with the footwork, body control, quickness getting off his feet and touch he demonstrates from the free-throw line and around the rim, along with how hard he plays on both ends of the floor. He's a magnet for fouls attacking the rim, is highly switchable on the perimeter and is always around the ball as a cutter and offensive rebounder.

At 205 pounds -- and without a consistent jump shot -- Minott is likely a year away from maximizing his draft stock and emerging in the first-round conversation, especially if the game slows down for him and he's able to play through physicality better after working on his frame. -- Givony

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Josh Minott connects on alley-oop slamJosh Minott connects on alley-oop slam
36. Oklahoma City Thunder

Drew Timme | Junior | Gonzaga | 6'10" | PF/C | Age: 21.5

17.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.7 apg

When: No. 1 Gonzaga vs. No. 16 Georgia State | Thursday | 4:15 p.m. | TNT

37. New York Knicks

Andrew Nembhard | Senior | Gonzaga | 6'4" | PG | Age: 22.1

11.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 5.7 apg

When: No. 1 Gonzaga vs. No. 16 Georgia State | Thursday | 4:15 p.m. | TNT

38. Cleveland Cavaliers (from Spurs)

Zach Edey | Sophomore | Purdue | 7'4" | C | Age: 19.8

14.6 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.3 apg

When: No. 3 Purdue vs. No. 14 Yale | Friday | 2:00 p.m. | TBS

39. Portland Trail Blazers

Jaylin Williams | Sophomore | Arkansas | 6'10" | C | Age: 19.7

10.5 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 2.6 apg

When: No. 4 Arkansas vs. No. 13 Vermont | Thursday | 9:20 p.m. | TNT

40. Charlotte Hornets (from Pelicans)

Dalen Terry | Sophomore | Arizona | 6'7" | PG/SG | Age: 19.6

7.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.9 apg

When: No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 16 Bryant/Wright State | Friday | 7:27 p.m. | truTV

41. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Cavaliers via Wizards)

Andre Jackson | Sophomore | Connecticut | 6'6" | SG/SF | Age: 20.3

6.8 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 3.1 apg

When: No. 5 UConn vs. No. 12 New Mexico State | Thursday | 6:50 p.m. | TNT

42. San Antonio Spurs (from Lakers)

Matthew Mayer | Senior | Baylor | 6'9" | SF/PF | Age: 22.4

9.4 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.1 apg

When: No. 1 Baylor vs. No. 16 Norfolk State | Thursday | 2:00 p.m. | TBS

43. Charlotte Hornets

Trayce Jackson-Davis | Junior | Indiana | 6'9" | PF/C | Age: 22.0

18.1 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 1.9 apg

When: No. 12 Indiana vs. No. 12 Wyoming | Tuesday | 9:10 p.m. | truTV

44. Atlanta Hawks

Julian Strawther | Sophomore | Gonzaga | 6'7" | SF | Age: 19.9

12.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.0 apg

When: No. 1 Gonzaga vs. No. 16 Georgia State | Thursday | 4:15 p.m. | TNT

45. Detroit Pistons (from Nets)

Moussa Diabate | Freshman | Michigan | 6'10" | PF/C | Age: 20.1

9.0 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 0.8 apg

When: No. 6 Colorado State vs. No. 11 Michigan | Thursday | 12:15 p.m. | CBS

46. LA Clippers

Ron Harper Jr. | Senior | Rutgers | 6'6" | SF/PF | Age: 21.9

15.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.8 apg

When: No. 11 Notre Dame vs. No. 11 Rutgers | Wednesday | 9:10 p.m. | truTV

What to watch for: Named second-team All-Big Ten, Harper carried Rutgers into the NCAA tournament with several heroic late game shots after a slow start to the season. While undersized for the power forward position he mostly plays, Harper's 245-pound frame and near 7-foot wingspan allows him to play bigger than his height. He made 39% of his 3-pointers this season, being especially effective with his feet set due to the low release on his jumper, but is also capable of scoring in the post, attacking closeouts and coming off screens, showing excellent scoring instincts as well as no fear with his approach.

Perhaps most intriguing are the competitiveness, technique and instincts defensively Harper shows, in addition to his extremely long arms, which gives some hope about his ability to guard wing players in the NBA like his height suggests he'll need to. Harper's thick, doughy frame has always been a concern dating back early in his career, and it's been disappointing to see him fail to get in better shape, something teams will certainly want to see him do in the pre-draft process. Playing with little help around him offensively, Harper has been forced to carry a heavy load for Rutgers this season, which has led to some inconsistent and especially inefficient performances. -- Givony

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Ron Harper Jr. provides heroics for Rutgers in wild ending vs. IndianaAfter an ejection and an Indiana game-tying 3-pointer, Ron Harper Jr. hits a dramatic trey game-winner for Rutgers.
47. Minnesota Timberwolves

Johnny Juzang | Junior | UCLA | 6'7" | SF | Age: 20.9

16.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.8 apg

When: No. 4 UCLA vs. No. 13 Akron | Thursday | 9:50 p.m. | TBS

48. Golden State Warriors (from Raptors)

Tevin Brown | Senior | Murray St. | 6'5" | SG | Age: 23.4

16.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.0 apg

When: No. 7 Murray State vs. No. 10 San Francisco | Thursday | 9:40 p.m. | CBS

What to watch for: Brown looks like a Cinderella darling candidate, playing for a formidable Murray State team that is 30-2 and hasn't lost in nearly three months. Brown is one of the best shooters in the NCAA tournament, connecting on more than three triples per game while converting 39% of his attempts. He is the No. 1 scorer in the country making shots running off screens, per Synergy, giving Murray State a dangerous element to their half-court offense, while also being capable of relocating off closeouts and pulling up off the dribble with deep range.

Brown is more than just a shooter, playing an unselfish brand of basketball and being the type of player a team can run the offense through and expect to make good decisions for the most part. While thin, he's also a competitive defender who rebounds, gets in passing lanes and plays with outstanding energy. Brown could help himself significantly with strong showings against San Francisco and likely Kentucky in the opening weekend if the Racers advance, and will be studied closely by teams in the pre-draft process as he has a real NBA skill he can hang his hat on and might be able to carve out a roster spot, similar to Bryn Forbes or Garrison Mathews. -- Givony


South Dakota St. forward Baylor Scheierman will be the best player on the court when his team plays Providence on Thursday. James Snook/USA TODAY Sports
49. New Orleans Pelicans (from Cavaliers)

Baylor Scheierman | Junior | South Dakota St. | 6'6" | SF | Age: 21.4

16.2 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 4.6 apg

When: No. 4 Providence vs. No. 13 South Dakota State | Thursday | 12:40 p.m. | truTV

What to watch for: South Dakota State will be a popular upset pick in their opening round game against Providence, since the 30-4 Jackrabbits haven't lost in more than three months and will have the best pro prospect on the court in Scheierman.

The 6-foot-6 Summit league player of the year wears many hats as their primary facilitator, leading rebounder and 47% 3-point shooter, sliding between the point guard and power forward spots for an up-tempo, undersized team that ranks as the best 3-point shooting team in the country.

Scheierman doesn't really look the part at first glance with his underwhelming frame and clear lack of length, quickness and explosiveness, but he's a savant passer with a competitive streak who plays with excellent pace and is not afraid to pull up in transition from 30 feet.

A darling of NBA analytics models thanks to the way he has filled up box scores his entire career, strong showings against high-major competition in the NCAA tournament and pre-draft process would go a long way in validating his production at the low-major level and proving his pass-dribble-shoot game translates. The defensive end is where the junior will be studied most closely, as well as his ability to get to his spots off the dribble and get his shot off effectively despite his low, unorthodox release. -- Givony

50. Boston Celtics

Kris Murray | Sophomore | Iowa | 6'8" | PF | Age: 21.5

9.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.0 apg

When: No. 5 Iowa vs. No. 12 Richmond | Thursday | 3:10 p.m. | truTV

51. Washington Wizards (from Mavericks)

Mike Miles | Sophomore | TCU | 6'1" | PG | Age: 19.5

15.0 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.9 apg

When: No. 8 Seton Hall vs. No. 9 TCU | Friday | 9:57 p.m. | truTV

52. Sacramento Kings (from Bulls)

Tyler Burton | Junior | Richmond | 6'7" | SF | Age: 22.0

16.3 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 1.0 apg

When: No. 5 Iowa vs. No. 12 Richmond | Thursday | 3:10 p.m. | truTV

53. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Nuggets)

Azuolas Tubelis | Sophomore | Arizona | 6'9" | PF/C | Age: 19.9

14.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.4 apg

When: No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 16 Bryant/Wright State | Friday | 7:27 p.m. | truTV

54. New Orleans Pelicans (from Jazz)

Kofi Cockburn | Junior | Illinois | 7'0" | C | Age: 22.5

21.1 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 0.8 apg

When: No. 4 Illinois vs. No. 13 Chattanooga | Friday | 6:50 p.m. | TNT

55. Indiana Pacers (from Cavaliers)

Jahvon Quinerly | Junior | Alabama | 6'1" | PG | Age: 23.2

14.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 4.3 apg

When: No. 6 Alabama vs. No. 11 Notre Dame/Rutgers | Friday | 4:15 p.m. | TNT

56. Golden State Warriors

Caleb Love | Sophomore | North Carolina | 6'4" | SG | Age: 20.4

15.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 3.8 apg

When: No. 8 North Carolina vs. No. 9 Marquette | Thursday | 4:30 p.m. | TBS

57. Portland Trail Blazers (from Grizzlies)

Gabe Brown | Senior | Michigan St. | 6'8" | SF | Age: 22.0

11.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.1 apg

When: No. 7 Michigan State vs. No. 10 Davidson | Friday | 9:40 p.m. | CBS

58. Indiana Pacers (from Suns)

Hyunjung Lee | Junior | Davidson | 6'7" | SG/SF | Age: 21.3

16.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.9 apg

When: No. 7 Michigan State vs. No. 10 Davidson | Friday | 9:40 p.m. | CBS

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March Madness 2022: Top 25 players in the NCAA tournament
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Check out the best highlights from Iowa standout Keegan Murray as he looks to lead the Hawkeyes in the NCAA Tournament. (2:03)

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Now that we have a bracket, it's time to sift through those 68 teams for the top 25 players in the 2022 NCAA tournament.

First, a friendly reminder. As with all top 25 endeavors from this desk, these rankings are based on college performance. This is not a mock draft. We have people who do that, and quite well!

Now, here are the top 25 players in the NCAA tournament:



1. Keegan Murray, Iowa Hawkeyes

Here at "Top 25 players in the NCAA tournament" HQ, we endeavor to be the opposite of the men's basketball committee in every way. No Duke-over-Tennessee seeding miscues here. We also do away with "body of work" thinking and embrace recency effect in a big way. Why? Because you will too over the next three weeks. We all will.

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Which is very much on point because Murray is the best player in the country right now. The word hasn't quite gotten through yet, but it is indeed the case. Murray carries a number for possession usage at KenPom that's virtually identical to what Zion Williamson showed in 2019, but the Hawkeye boasts a slightly higher offensive rating. It has been an incredible performance, and Murray's 103 points in four Big Ten tournament games suggests there's more to come.


2. Oscar Tshiebwe, Kentucky Wildcats

What really sets Tshiebwe apart from the rest are the minutes. We've seen high-effort dynamos who crash the boards, put up ridiculous rebound percentages and block shots -- and do so over about 50 or 60% of their team's minutes. Actually, that describes Tshiebwe's first year at West Virginia fairly well. But this season the 6-foot-9 forward is averaging better than 31 minutes per contest.

Tshiebwe's record-setting rebounding is extended across the length and breadth of Kentucky's most critical possessions. In SEC play, UK's shot volume was exactly as amazing statistically as its accuracy from the field, and the Wildcats shot better than any team in the league. Tshiebwe has been extraordinary.


3. Ochai Agbaji, Kansas Jayhawks

The development of Agbaji into a more or less complete scoring threat has been a genuine pleasure to watch over the course of four seasons. In just about every facet of the game, Bill Self's star is better than he has ever been before. Drawing fouls, hitting 3s, finishing at the rim (where he's shooting a cool 74% this season, per hoop-math.com), you name it. Agbaji is doing it all on a team that has the luxury of not needing him to do it all.


4. Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga Bulldogs

Holmgren straddles so many categories, but the first one that comes to mind is that he is a player who changes the game when he's sent to the bench. You can see the difference in opposing offenses as they eagerly take the ball to the rim, as long as they don't have to face that incredible wingspan. Add in the fact that he's hitting 41% of his 3s and that, despite your lying eyes, he is in fact an excellent defensive rebounder. Holmgren is unique.


5. Jabari Smith, Auburn Tigers

Well over 40% of Smith's shot attempts are of the 2-point jumper variety, and he's connecting on 38% of those tries. While that's a pretty good hit rate at his volume in that category, it does bring his 2-point shooting overall down to 44%. Pay no mind. The NBA will clean that up soon enough, and we're speaking of a prolific scorer who's also shooting 43% from beyond the arc as a 6-10 18-year-old. Believe the hype. Better yet, add 10 or 20% more.

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Mathurin sinks tough fallaway 3 to give Arizona the leadBennedict Mathurin connects from beyond the arc to put Arizona ahead of UCLA.

6. Bennedict Mathurin, Arizona Wildcats

Mathurin is coming off a superb performance against UCLA in the Pac-12 title game. In 39 minutes the sophomore put up 27 points to go along with seven assists, four rebounds, a block, a steal and just two turnovers. Like stars on other loaded No. 1 seeds, Mathurin will occasionally be on the winning side in games where he only had to score eight or 12 points. He's fully capable of imposing his will on the opponent when the occasion demands it, however, and with any luck we'll see Mathurin do just that in the field of 68.


7. Collin Gillespie, Villanova Wildcats

When Villanova trailed Creighton late in the Big East title game, Gillespie played the good kind of hero ball. Instead of having their star dribble a hole in the floor leading into a contested step-back jumper, the Wildcats ran their stuff and Gillespie nailed back-to-back 3s to effectively seal the conference tournament title. He has been doing that seemingly forever for Jay Wright, and it really has been forever. Gillespie recorded 16 minutes and four points in the 2018 national title game.


8. Johnny Davis, Wisconsin Badgers

One popular discussion topic this season has been speculation over what Wisconsin would look like without Davis. Fortunately for fans of the Badgers, they don't have to find out the answer to that question: Davis is here, and he has been magnificent. The sophomore has functioned a bit like options 1, 2 and 3 all in one for a Wisconsin offense that relies heavily on his 2s and a team-wide lack of turnovers. An injury suffered on a flagrant foul committed against him in the Nebraska game at the end of the regular season might have slowed him some in the Big Ten tournament. Hopefully the field of 68 will witness Davis returning to full speed.


9. Drew Timme, Gonzaga Bulldogs

Any doubt that Timme is in fact the engine of a loaded No. 1 seed was erased when Gonzaga lost by 10 at Saint Mary's. The junior had an awful game, scoring just six points on 2-of-10 shooting from the floor. That's not a customary performance from Timme, who's carrying a heavier load in this offense than ever before. Despite getting fewer looks at the rim this season, Timme is still converting better than 60% of his 2-point attempts and recording a higher share of his team's assists than at any point in his career.

EDITOR'S PICKS

Jay Bilas picks every single game in the 2022 NCAA men's basketball tournament
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Giant Killers: Complete upset picks for every region in the 2022 March Madness bracket
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March Madness bracket facts for men's 2022 NCAA tournament
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10. Paolo Banchero, Duke Blue Devils

When Duke defeated Miami in the ACC tournament, Banchero proclaimed that he wanted to see archrival North Carolina in the title game. That didn't happen, of course, and Virginia Tech's players even claimed Banchero's comment motivated them on their way to an automatic bid. Maybe so, but this is the "fire" and "leadership" we want from stars, right? This particular star pressures defenses on the interior and distributes the ball skillfully while playing an outsized role in the Duke offense.


11. Kofi Cockburn, Illinois Fighting Illini

Few if any players on this list have greater repercussions on both sides of the ball than Cockburn. On defense, the junior is something of a one-man force field inside the arc, by virtue of his size alone. Then on offense, of course, Cockburn records his fair share of dunks (49, to be exact, per barttorvik.com). Opponents have seen him as the roll man on Illinois pick-and-rolls roughly a million times to date. They will see that action in a few more instances in the NCAA tournament.


12. Johnny Juzang, UCLA Bruins

Juzang has made two 3s over his last four outings and may still be rounding into form after sitting out two games with a late-season ankle injury. When he's on, as he most memorably was during the 2021 NCAA tournament, Juzang overwhelms opposing backcourts with his combination of size (6-7) and perimeter range. His No.1 ranking for accuracy from the line in Pac-12 play two seasons running suggests his 3-point shooting may yet become more accurate.


13. Jaden Ivey, Purdue Boilermakers

Everything everyone said about Ivey coming into this season has been shown to be true. He really has had a sophomore breakout season, his 3-point shot truly has arrived and he most certainly has emerged as possibly the most lethal offensive threat in the country with the ball in his hands. Ivey dissects opponents in the open floor and even pitches in on the defensive glass. Despite 1-of-8 shooting on his 3s against Iowa in Purdue's Big Ten tournament title-game loss, Ivey still scored 20 points and recorded eight assists.


14. Walker Kessler, Auburn Tigers

In addition to posting the nation's highest block percentage, Kessler alters shots he doesn't swat away and prevents tries he doesn't get to see attempted. Most of all, the sophomore does all of the above while staying on the floor. Kessler's averaging 26 minutes per contest and has fouled out once since the beginning of February. He's also capable of truly amazing all-around games. His 12 points, 11 rebounds and 12 blocks against Texas A&M during the regular season marked his second triple-double of the year.


15. JD Notae, Arkansas Razorbacks

Notae authored what may have been the biggest Arkansas win of the entire season. In the Razorbacks' two-point win at home over Kentucky, the senior dished out eight assists and put up