2023 NBA Draft: February’s NCAA Risers

February was a big month for 2023 NBA Draft hopefuls.

February was a big month for 2023 NBA Draft hopefuls.

While some prospects hit a wall this far into the season, others elevate their play to a whole new level, raising their draft stock in the process.

Here were February’s top collegiate risers:

Brandon Miller, Alabama

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Putting the off-court situation aside, Brandon Miller had a monster February on-court.

He averaged 21.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks while shooting 50 percent overall, 35 percent from deep and 89 percent at the charity stripe.

Most importantly, he helped the Crimson Tide to a 6-1 record in that span, all but locking himself into that No. 3 spot.

Nick Smith Jr., Arkansas

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Smith Jr. put himself back on the map in February, playing in his first games since December due to another injury.

The counting stats weren’t necessarily eye-popping — 12.8 points, 1.2 assists and 1.5 rebounds while shooting 39 percent overall, 36 percent from beyond the arc and 78 percent at the line in five games — but he passed the eye test with flying colors.

He capped his last three games of February averaging 20.7 points on 42 percent shooting, giving NBA teams another intriguing potential lottery pick.

Taylor Hendricks, UCF

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A surprise in the draft world, Hendricks continues to elevate his play at UCF.

The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 19.1 points per game in seven games in February, continuing to show his shooting touch with splits of 50 percent overall, a whopping 47 percent from three and 79 percent from the line.

He also added his patented defense, averaging 1.4 blocks, 1.1 steals and tacking on 5.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists in the process.

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