Impact of March Madness on 2018 NBA Draft's First Day: Initial Selections
NBA Draft Prospects: Initial Verdict on Tournament Impact
Who took a step forward, and who fell behind in the battle for the top NBA draft spots? Let's dive in.
Trae Young (Oklahoma)
Trae Young couldn't quite crack the 2018 NBA draft with his performance in the tournament. Although he showed off his shooting touch (6-12 FG, 2-6 3PT, 7-8 FT) and playmaking skills (7 AST), his mediocre finishing at the rim and high turnover rate (6) left scouts unconvinced. Despite impressive upside, Young failed to demonstrate he's the next Steph Curry, a necessary boost to his draft stock.*
Actual 2018 NBA Draft Position: 5th overall (Atlanta Hawks, now with the Dallas Mavericks)
Killian Tillie (Gonzaga)
Killian Tillie struggled to make an impact in the NCAA Tournament, shooting poorly (1-6 FG, 0-2 3PT) and picking up too many fouls. His performance against Ohio State (3-8 shooting, 8 points) was a stark contrast to his generous 3-point shooting percentage in the WCC tournament (50%). Although he still possesses intriguing potential, his disappointing showing in the tournament could push his draft position from late first-rounder to tenuous second-rounder.*
Potential 2018 NBA Draft Position: 32nd overall
Devonte' Graham (Kansas)
Devonte' Graham was spectacular for Kansas against Penn, putting up a brilliant stat line of 29 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals. His do-everything performance, reminiscent of Frank Mason before him, secured Kansas' victory and boosted his case for a top-30 draft position.*
Potential 2018 NBA Draft Position: 29th overall
Marvin Bagley (Duke)
Marvin Bagley continued his dominant play during the 2018 NCAA Tournament, averaging 22 points and 7 rebounds per game. While he couldn't do much to impress scouts who were already sold on his skill, his efficiency demonstrated the ease with which he dominated weaker competition.*
Potential 2018 NBA Draft Position: Top 5 overall pick
Keita Bates-Diop (Ohio State)
Keita Bates-Diop showed potential against South Dakota State, scoring 28 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Although concerns about his athleticism and shooting remain, his hustle and creativity on offense could help earn him a late spot in the first round.*
Potential 2018 NBA Draft Position: Last pick in the first round
Rob Gray (Houston)
Rob Gray impressed with a career-high 39 points against San Diego State. Although his athleticism, three-point shooting, and poor free-throw percentage could limit his draft stock, Fred VanVleet's NBA success suggests that Gray's game may translate to the next level.*
Potential 2018 NBA Draft Position: Undrafted, signed as an free agent
Deandre Ayton (Arizona)
Deandre Ayton's contribution was limited in Arizona's early tournament exit to Buffalo. He still managed to score 14 points and grab 13 rebounds. Although his dominance wasn't on full display in the tournament, his phenomenal freshman season solidified his status as the top prospect in the draft*
Potential 2018 NBA Draft Position: 1st overall pick
Overall, the NBA draft lottery results revealed mixed fortunes for some players. Trae Young and Rob Gray, despite impressive performances, were left undrafted, rendering their college careers the defining moments of their draft stories.
Conversely, Marvin Bagley's regularity of dominance solidified his position as a top-5 overall pick, leading the favorites for this year's draft.
Meanwhile, Keita Bates-Diop's hard-fought performances and coursing creativity managed to secure him a late spot in the first round, undercutting initial doubts about his draft position.
Devonte' Graham's do-everything performances, reminded many of fellow Sooner, Frank Mason, and catapulted him into the conversation for a top-30 draft position.
Despite his struggles in the tournament, Killian Tillie's raw potential remained, though his draft position may have slipped from late first-rounder to a tenuous second-rounder.
