Looking Ahead: NCAA Matchup of Week Features Handful of Potential First Rounders

As it relates to NBA Draft talent, what is the top college basketball matchup of the week?

Only 58 players will be selected in the 2023 NBA Draft, many of which are currently playing at the college level. With how many games are played throughout a given season, we get plenty of looks at the top prospects in the country against varying levels of competition and lineups.

Every week, there’s a ton of exciting college matchups that feature upcoming NBA talent. As such, NBA fans are able to get a look at players that will be making an impact at the next level one day firsthand.

As it relates to future draft prospects, which college matchup are we most excited about entering the week?

Arkansas Razorbacks vs Alabama Crimson Tide 

Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023 at 7:00 PM EST | ESPN2

Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Featured Prospects: Brandon Miller, Noah Clowney, Jordan Walsh, Anthony Black, Ricky Council, Nick Smith Jr.

Not only is this a matchup between two of the best teams in the country, but it also features upwards of seven players that could be in the NBA as early as next season.

Perhaps the best prospect on the Razorback is Nick Smith Jr., but his knee injury has kept him out of a good chunk of games this season. His status for this contest could be in question, but it’s too far out to know for sure. Whether or not he plays will have a significant impact on the outcome of this game.

A transfer from Wichita State, Ricky Council has been Arkansas’ best scorer all season. Although he’s an older prospect, he’s really improved his draft stock early in this college season.

Jordan Walsh is a glue guy that does the little things on both ends. While he may not get as much attention due to playing on such a talented team, he will be a highly impactful NBA player.

A potential lottery pick, Anthony Black is a jumbo guard that can play on or off the ball. He’s flashed tremendous upside as a passer but also as a scorer when he needs to be thus far as a freshman.

Trevon Brazile was another player that was having a breakout season for Arkansas, but suffered a season-ending ACL injury. While he won’t take the court in this contest, he should still get consideration in the 2023 NBA Draft.

For Alabama, Brandon Miller is an elite scorer, having the ability to take over any game offensively. While he is inconsistent with his production on that end at times, he’s still notched a 95 3PE and 80 PSP according to Cerebro Sports. He’s really been the heart of Alabama’s offense this season.

Noah Clowney has taken more time to come around than Miller for the Crimson Tide, but has firmly emerged as an NBA talent over the past few weeks. A 6-foot-10 forward, he’s got great defensive tools, but needs to improve as a shooter.

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