NCAA Tournament Day 1 Prospect Watch

Mar 4, 2014; Syracuse, NY, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets forward Robert Carter, Jr. (4) dribbles past Syracuse Orange guard Tyler Ennis (11) during the second half of a game at the Carrier Dome. Georgia Tech won the game 67-62. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

With the Lakers firmly planted in the draft lottery and eying some of the nations best college prospects, the NCAA tournament will provide a unique opportunity to see many of those prospects in action over a span of a couple days. Here are some of the most likely prospects, sorted by game, that the Lakers may be paying attention most to.

Syracuse vs. Western Michigan, 2:45 Eastern, CBS

Prospects to Watch: Tyler Ennis, Jerami Grant

Ennis has flown up draft boards as one of the country’s best point guards. Projected somewhere in the mid-to-late lottery, Ennis could be an option if the Lakers suffer some hard luck in the lottery draft and fall toward the 10th pick region. Grant is an interest projected Laker as he could be a solid fit in an up-and-down system Mike D’Antoni could run. However, Grant is likely to be taken late in the lottery, meaning the Lakers most likely will not be in play for him.

Michigan State vs. Deleware, 4:40 Eastern, TNT

Prospect to Watch: Gary Harris

Harris is one of the best shooting guard options in the draft. While not the biggest of players – just 6-foot-4-inches – Harris is one of the most athletic guards in the country. His ability to get to the rim is what has scouts very interested in him. Much like Ennis, Harris is projected near the 10th pick, meaning if the Lakers win a couple more games this year and/or they fall in the lottery, Harris could be an option for LA.

Michigan vs. Wofford, 7:10 Eastern, CBS

Prospect to Watch: Nik Stauskas

Currently projected in the late lottery, Nik Stauskas is an interesting prospect. One of the country’s best shooters, Stauskas can shoot with the best of them. Few players have an all-around scoring ability that Stauskas have, but he still is undersized and not too athletic. Even then, a big run by Michigan led by Stauskas could vault him into the Lakers radar.

Louisville vs. Manhattan, 9:50 Eastern, TNT

Prospect to Watch: Montrezl Harrell

Harrell is another prospect just on the edge of the Lakers list. Harrell is a strong, athletic big man who could certainly fill a void the Lakers currently have. He’s drawn comparisons to current players like a young J.J. Hickson. Harrell uses his athleticism to overwhelm opponents. While still being incredibly raw, Harrell is 19, meaning he has tons of room for growth.