March Madness: Potential Draft Stock Risers in NCAA Tournament

Every year we see prospects' stock rise on mock drafts and draft boards during the NCAA tournament as they’re able to showcase their talent on the biggest stage. Which prospects could we see do that this year?

The round of 64 begins tomorrow and it’s time for big time players to make big time plays. I’ll touch on three prospects that I believe could fly up draft boards with a strong tournament run as they’ll be able to showcase their abilities in front of the world.

Jordan Miller (Miami | Wing)

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Miller is a fifth year senior that’s averaging a career high in 3-point percentage and assists. At 6-foot-7 his best skill is his defensive versatility. He has given a lot of players problems. For example, he was able to clamp down on Jabari Smith Jr. last year in the tournament forcing him to shoot 3-for-16 from the field. Not only is he a high level on-ball defender, he’s also a great team defender.

He consistently makes the right rotations, in the help when needed, and it’s evident he pays attention to the scouting report on the opposing team. He’s a really good slasher that can finish in traffic, through contact, and utilizes his size. He’s an underrated passer for his archetype.

Has shown he has the vision, feel, and IQ to set other teammates up as a tertiary playmaker. The swing skill is his jumper. It’s encouraging he’s shooting 36% from three but it’s on low volume and he tends to pass up open looks from time to time.

As of today, Miller isn’t projected to be drafted but with a successful tournament run where scouts, fans, and front offices can see the value Miller brings to this squad, I believe the experienced connector piece can fly up mock drafts come April.

Nae’Qwan Tomlin (Kansas State | Big)

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Tomlin could be the most intriguing upperclassman prospect I’ve evaluated this year. He didn’t start playing basketball until he graduated from high school and now he’s a junior on a three seeded team. Keyontae Johnson and Markquis Nowell are getting all the love for Kansas State’s success this year but I believe Tomlin has been just as important and is arguably the best prospect out of the three.

A lot of what he does on the offensive end is just flashes but the flashes are really intriguing. He has shown the ability to handle it in space and create in the half-court. Has a solid handle for a 6-foot-10 big. I believe he’s a better shooter than what percentages show.

The flashes he shows as a passer off the dribble and out on the perimeter are scary. He’s already pretty good defensively with his activity and mobility. He still has some cleaning up to do on both ends of the floor but if he’s able to show real flashes in a tournament run for Kansas State, I believe we can hear his name in first round conversations.

Jalen Bridges (Baylor | Forward)

Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

Bridges is an awesome defensive prospect that consistently makes winning plays. He’s not an exciting scorer like his teammate Keyonte George but he brings valuable skills you look for in a role player. At 6-foot-7 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan he possesses elite defensive versatility.

He has the lateral quickness, strength, and overall tools to be one of the best defenders in the NBA at some points. His on-ball defense really impresses me but his off-ball defense is just as impressive. He’s great as a secondary rim protector and is consistently making great defensive rotations. He has defensive playmaking ability. He’s a capable shooter off the catch that’ll keep the defense honest.

I really love his feel as a cutter and finisher around the rim. He seems to always be at the right place at the right time on both ends of the floor. Baylor is going to need his versatility and experience if they’re going to make a deep run in March. If they make a run, Bridges should catch more eyes from front offices and scouts.

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