NCAA Tournament Heros Improve Draft Stock

It's only a handful of games in March but being a hero on the national stage of the NCAA Tournament
can do a lot for a players draft prospects.  These heros have played well in March and are moving up draft boards:

Gorgui Dieng - PF/C - Louisville
With impressive performances in Louisville's run to the Final Four Dieng has shown that his defensive ability and emerging offensive game are first round worthy! His instincts and timing on blocked shots is exceptional and he projects as a Larry Sanders type of defender in the NBA. He has expanded and improved his offensive game and is now dangerous on the pick n' roll and from mid range. Dieng is just  scratching the surface of his potential.

Adreian Payne - PF/C - Michigan State
Although they lost a tough one to Duke, Payne played well enough in March to warrant consideration as a first rounder in June. Only a junior, Payne has improved dramatically in each of the past three seasons; improving his strength, defensive fundamentals and vastly improving his offensive game. Once a suspect free throw shooter, Payne shot nearly 85% from the line this season and has expanded his shooting range out to the college three, hitting at a 38% clip from downtown. He has the length and athletic ability to excel at the next level and the work ethic it takes to stick around in the League.

Mitch McGary - PF - Michigan
Another big man who is making a big move in March. McGary has been the most dominant interior player in the NCAA Tournament. His all-out hustle, team play, rebounding and intensity are a big reason for Michigan's success. He plays a very efficient game and, although he doesn't have the upside of some other prospects, his combination of skills and intensity should make him a lottery pick. He has committed to playing another year at Michigan but that could change if he sees himself projected in the top 10.

2013 Early Entry List

2013 NBA Mock Draft

Rising NBA Draft Prospects

A look at a few players who are moving up draft boards:

Kelly Olynyk - Power Forward - Gonzaga

There may not be a more efficient player in the country than Olynyk. The 6,11 power forward shoots better than 63% from the field and 78% from the charity stripe. After sitting out a year in 2011/12 Olynyk burst onto the scene this year and is rising up draft boards. He averaged 18 points and 7 boards per game. He has really good quickness in the open court and a very high skill level. Fundamentally sound on defense and lethal on offense.

Giannis Adetokoubo - Small Forward - Greece

An intriguing prospect who has as much upside as any player in this draft. Has a great combination of size and athleticism. At 6,9 he can go end to end, grabbing a rebound on one end and taking it to the rim on the other. Has a great handle for a young 6,9 player and elite level quickness and athleticism. Projects as an elite defender at the NBA level.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope - Shooting Guard - Georgia

Caldwell-Pope had a strong finish to the season and is showing a lot of NBA skills. Can really fill it up from downtown and has improved his rebounding and defending.  Has the size and strength you look for in an NBA shooting guard and a deadly jump shot.

2013 NBA Mock Draft

The Nerlens Noel Rule

Since 2005 the NBA has required that players be at least one year removed from High School to be eligible for the NBA Draft. Now it's time for a new rule, The Nerlens Noel Rule, allowing these young men to pursue their chosen careers!

Since the ban on High School players going pro was put in place I've had mixed opinions about it. On one hand I've enjoyed seeing superstar players such as Anthony Davis and John Wall take the college basketball world by storm. Top programs such as the Kentucky Wildcats have benefited enormously from having these star players come for a one and done year and we, the fans, have been able to enjoy college basketball at it's highest level.

But on the other hand I believe it's an unfair rule that denies these young men the right to pursue their careers. It may be better for most high school players to go to college but requiring them to do so and taking away their choice is unfair. It might be legal for the NBA to limit who is eligible to play but it's still wrong.

In light of Nerlens Noel's injury, I hope the NBA reconsiders their unfair practice. Noel has been considered a top 3 pick by most scouting websites (including this one). Now he'll fall in the draft projections and on draft day, if he decides to declare.  Teams will shy away from selecting a big man with a history of knee injuries and, even though we hope for a full recovery, Noel's career could be seriously sidetracked.

If he had been allowed to go pro last year he would have already put himself and his family in a secure financial position and, even if he had gotten hurt, would be highly paid while pursuing his rehab.

We can hope that most high school players will make the smart decision and go to college instead of trying to jump to the NBA but it should be their decision. I hope The Nerlens Noel Rule will give them the right to choose for themselves.

Alex Len NBA Scouting Report

NBA Draft Prospect Alex Len

7,1 - Center - Maryland

Massive athlete from the Ukraine with tremendous upside. Has shown great improvement in his sophomore season for the Terps and now projects as a high lottery pick in 2013.

Pros

Obviously, his size. Len has true NBA center size at 7,1 with long arms and decent strength. He is a very fluid athlete for a seven footer and shows good change of direction speed and excels at running the floor. Is developing a nice array of offensive moves and shows quick feet and good hands in the post. Can knock down a mid range shot but is at his best within 8 feet of the basket.

A disciplined defender with good fundamentals on both ends of the court. Is not a great shot blocker but changes a lot of shots, defends the post well and usually avoids going for pump fakes and picking up silly fouls.  Plays with a lot of passion and is a team first player. Does all the dirty work well, setting screens, rebounding and defending.

Cons

Continued work on his free throw shooting is needed but he's already showing improvement and the potential to be a 70% to 80% shooter in a few years. Must continue to add strength to bang in the NBA.

Projection: top 10 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft