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#pounditFriday, March 29, 2024

10 future lottery picks to watch in the NCAA Tournament

Marvin Bagley

5. Marvin Bagley, F, Duke

Bagley is a dynamic post player for Coach K who’s drawn comparisons to Chris Bosh and Tim Duncan. He’s been an impact player since his arrival in Durham — which was expected, as Bagley was the No. 1 player in his high school class. Bagley is averaging 21.1 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.0 block per game. He’s comfortable playing beyond the arc, too, as he’s shooting 37 percent from three-point range.

Bagley can handle the ball and attack off the dribble. He has one of the most polished skillsets we’ve seen from a college big man in years. Don’t let the “polished” label fool you, though; Bagley is also a dynamic athlete. The lefty looks like a lock to go in the top three of the draft.

Collin Sexton

4. Collin Sexton, G, Alabama

Did you happen to catch Sexton’s incredible, game-winning finger roll in the SEC Tournament’s second round? That play catapulted Avery Johnson’s squad, which has been up and down all season, into the NCAA Tournament. Every team that plays Alabama keys in on stopping Sexton, but few have succeeded. Though Young got most of the publicity early this season (with good reason), Sexton has remained higher on NBA big boards the whole year. Scouts love his athletic potential.

The strong Sexton plays the point like a pit bull, so it should come as no surprise that he’s garnered comparisons to Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook. Sexton is averaging 19.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, and he’s an outstanding perimeter defender.

3. Jaren Jackson Jr., C, Michigan State

It’s not like Jaren Jackson was an unknown entering this season — Tom Izzo was thrilled to land the top-10 recruit — but he didn’t enter college with nearly the fanfare of some of the other guys on this list. His profile changed quickly. Jackson is a dynamic two-way player; thanks to his 7-foot-4 wingspan and freaky athleticism, he’s blocking 3.2 shots per game. Jackson is playing 22.2 minutes per game for Izzo’s impressive Spartans squad and averaging 11.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Perhaps most impressively, the Indianapolis native is already a very good outside shooter and hitting nearly 40 percent of his three-point attempts. The 6-foot-11 Jackson will go in the top five of the draft.

2. DeAndre Ayton, C, Arizona

Ayton was at the center of a recruiting controversy that involved Arizona head coach Sean Miller allegedly offering him $100,000 to commit to the Wildcats. Miller has denied the ESPN report, and at this point it’s hard to discern how truthful it was. Either way, Ayton has been a steal for the Wildcats.

The Bahamas native is a 7-footer with sky-high potential. He’s a virtual lock to go No. 1 in June’s draft. Ayton is averaging 20.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. Could he be the next Admiral? Many think so. David Robinson 2.0 and the Wildcats are a four seed in the tourney.

1. Michael Porter Jr., F, Missouri

A lot of uncertainty surrounds Porter Jr. He injured his back in Missouri’s first game and missed nearly the entire season. He’s back now. In his lone recent appearance, however, he didn’t look like himself. Porter scored 12 points in an SEC Tournament loss to Georgia. He’s probably playing at something like 60 or 70 percent right now.

Porter is both lanky and powerful; at 6-foot-10, he can shoot from outside, attack off the dribble, and soar above the rim. That’s why many analysts have compared him to Golden State’s Kevin Durant, who was a sensation in his lone Texas season. Porter was the No. 2 recruit in his class, behind only Bagley. It will be fascinating to see what the top prospect is able to muster in the tourney. Missouri, an eight seed, will play Florida State Friday night. NBA scouts will be glued to everything Porter does in that game.

Aaron Mansfield is a freelance sports writer. His work has appeared in Complex, USA Today, and the New York Times. You can reach him via email at aaroncmansfield@gmail.com.

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