Take A Look At: Top 2023 NBA Draft Prospects At March Madness
The 2023 NCAA tournament field is set and that means the chase for the college basketball national championship is on. However, this next month will also be important for several prominent players who are hoping to take their talents to the next level. Here’s a look at the top NBA prospects in this year’s NCAA tournament.
Why you won’t see top 2023 NBA Draft prospects in NCAA Tournament
Let’s start with Victor Wembanyama, who is a foregone conclusion to be the first choice.
The LNB Pro A, France’s highest level, features the 19-year-old player for the Metropolitans 92. Wembanyama is largely regarded as the top NBA Draft prospect since LeBron James because of his absurdly effective combination of size and talent.
In several mock draughts, Scoot Henderson is positioned just below Wembanyama. The dynamic guard made the decision to reject many college offers and pursue a career in the G League. He played for the G League Ignite for two seasons and has been compared to Russell Westbrook and Derrick Rose.
The Thompson twins, Amen and Ausar, are another. This previous season, the brothers participated in the Overtime Elite league and could both land in the top 10. Amen is the better prospect at this stage, but lottery teams would be happy to snag Ausar, too.
NBA Draft key dates
- March 14: Start of NCAA Tournament (First Four)
- April 3: End of NCAA Tournament (championship game)
- May 16: NBA Draft Lottery
- June 12: NBA Draft early entry withdrawal deadline (5 p.m. ET)
- June 22: NBA Draft
Top 2023 NBA Draft prospects who will play in NCAA Tournament
Brandon Miller, F, Alabama Crimson Tide
Despite all the turmoil surrounding him, Miller has been fantastic for Alabama this year. The Crimson Tide forward is a great rebounder and can score from anywhere on the field. Miller might contend with Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson for the title of the best prospect in the draught if he can keep ignoring the distractions and go far with the No. 1 overall seed in the field.
Brandon Miller today:
0 Points
0-5 FG
0-3 3PT
3 Turnovers
1 Moving Tony Snell TributePROJECTED TOP 3 PICK…WITH THE FAVORITE TO SELECT HIM BEING THE WEST ALABAMA PRECINCT 🥺🙏✨💯 pic.twitter.com/g2G3DYpg5R
— Hater Central (@TheHateCentral) March 16, 2023
Nick Smith, G, Arkansas Razorbacks
Smith has been absent from the Razorbacks for a significant stretch of the season, but he returns just in time. The guard has to increase his productivity and is still getting back into game form, so this is a crucial competition for him. If Smith can lead No. 8 Arkansas on a deep run, he should rise up draught boards.
Nick Smith is too smooth with it 😮💨#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/0YzVgDPaS8
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 16, 2023
F Jarace Walker, Houston Cougars
In terms of potential, Walker is comparable to Miller. The tournament may help the Cougars forward, who is more inexperienced, obtain some momentum. Walker will be a crucial component for his squad because Houston holds the No. 1 overall seed and Marcus Sasser’s injury condition is still unknown. He should pique the interest of some clubs in the lottery if he turns it on and leads the Cougars to a strong tournament run.
SHOWTIME FOR JARACE WALKER 😮💨@UHCougarMBK | #SCTop10 pic.twitter.com/E56K0LnO3u
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 3, 2023
Keyonte George, G, Baylor Bears
George has been a good performer for Scott Drew’s Bears, despite the inefficient performance. George has a tremendous physical profile for a guard at 6-4, 185, and he can perform a variety of jobs. Possibly not a leading man in the making but he’s one of those all-around players you need to have on your team. There’s enough potential here for lottery teams to be interested.
KEYONTE GEORGE IS ON ANOTHER LEVEL RIGHT NOW 🔥
(via @BaylorMBB)
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) February 18, 2023
Anthony Black, F, Arkansas Razorbacks
Black was able to lead the Razorbacks through the SEC schedule when Smith was injured. This season, he made significant strides in his passing, which NBA teams will appreciate. NBA scouts will pay close attention to Black if he can continue to be an effective distributor for Arkansas.
Anthony Black pic.twitter.com/OXUlMjZFTX
— PELS YEAR. BBN (@pelsyear) March 10, 2023
Jalen Hood-Schifino, G, Indiana Hoosiers
Due to the presence of Trayce Jackson-Davis, the Hoosiers guard went unnoticed at the beginning of the season, but he has emerged this year. Though it’s essentially the one weakness in his game at the moment, his effectiveness from deep leaves much to be desired. Hood-Schifino plays well overall, and the player is progressing at a terrific rate.
JALEN HOOD-SCHIFINO ARE YOU SERIOUS? 😱 @IndianaMBB
(via @CBBonFOX)
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) February 7, 2023
Cason Wallace, G, Kentucky Wildcats
Wallace, who is perhaps the best backcourt defender in the tournament, will be essential in helping Kentucky forget about its disastrous season last year. If he can provide more offensive promise in a strong matchup, he will rise quickly in the draught.
Cason Wallace tonight in Kentucky’s first-round win over Providence
7 PTS 4 REB 5 AST 3 STL 2-11 FG 3-5 FT#NBADraft x #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/IGJit3oBCw
— No Ceilings (@NoCeilingsNBA) March 18, 2023
Gradey Dick, F, Kansas Jayhawks
The key to this team’s ability to repeat as champions will be Dick. He’s had some trouble scoring consistently, so he’ll need to work on that moving ahead. His in-game instincts are unmatched, and he shoots the ball from outside the arc really effectively. Dick consistently produces winning plays even if he may not have the superior athleticism of certain top prospects.
gradey showed out today in his #MarchMadness debut 😮💨
19 PTS
11 REB
-first career double-double
-broke the freshman single season three-point record #ReloadTheWagon x @gradey_dick pic.twitter.com/sfhsLSCLaA— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) March 16, 2023
Dariq Whitehead, G, Duke Blue Devils
From a statistical perspective, Whitehead could behind some of the other freshmen, and his contribution to this Duke squad hasn’t exactly been what was anticipated. That doesn’t really matter though when you shoot over 40% from distance. Scouts are impressed by his stats and could be ready to overlook some of his ailments. Some teams could be prepared to take a chance on him if he continues to play well later in the tournament.
Dariq Whitehead is shooting 50% from 3 in conference play! pic.twitter.com/WV1XZXPGUK
— Blue Devils (@BlueDevils) February 19, 2023
Kris Murray, F, Iowa Hawkeyes
Murray chose not to join his brother Keegan in the NBA last season, and it has really benefited him. Despite a little decline in his % from beyond the arc, the forward’s overall progress has been fantastic. Murray will advance in the draught if he can regain his perimeter shooting form and assist Iowa in overcoming last year’s difficult departure.
Kris Murray, Keegan's identical twin, is projected to be drafted in the 20s this year.
There's a real chance these brothers end up as teammates with the Kings. pic.twitter.com/iLn3FUJ01g
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) March 17, 2023
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