NCAA Tournament Day 2 Prospect Watch
By Jacob Rude
Mar 16, 2014; Greensboro, NC, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Justin Anderson (1) and forward Akil Mitchell (25) battle for a rebound against Duke Blue Devils forward Jabari Parker (1) in the championship game of the ACC college basketball tournament at Greensboro Coliseum. Virginia defeated Duke 72-63. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Duke vs. Mercer, 12:15 Eastern, CBS
Prospects to Watch: Jabari Parker, Rodney Hood
One of the biggest names of the draft boards, and one of the obvious choices the Lakers have come June, is Jabari Parker. Parker is a stud and one of the most well-rounded players in college basketball. Paired with Rodney Hood, a lefty with a nice scoring touch, and you have two top-10 prospects that the Lakers will surely have their eyes on. Parker is a top 5 pick, right in the Lakers wheelhouse, while Hood is set for the mid-to-late lottery picks.
Arizona vs. Weber State, 2:10 Eastern, TNT
Prospect to Watch: Aaron Gordon
Aaron Gordon is the high-flying, highlight reel player that can turn any pass into an incredible alley-oop. Gordon has flown up draft boards this year while leading Arizona to a top 10 ranking and a #1 seed. Now, he’s on the national stage and can showcase his talents. Likely going in the first half of the lottery, Gordon is someone the Lakers will very likely target, so keep an eye out for Gordon today.
Creighton vs. LA-Lafayette, 3:10 Eastern, TruTV
Prospect to Watch: Doug McDermott
It’s very unlikely the Lakers fall far enough back to get McDermott, but do yourself a favor and tune in. McDermott is scoring at a pace we haven’t seen in many years and could finish in the top 3 scorers all-time in men’s college basketball history. His big frame makes him an interesting stretch four prospect in the draft. However, as I said, he’s projected to go in the middle of the first round, likely very far out of the Lakers range.
Kansas vs. Eastern Kentucky, 4:10 Eastern, TBS
Prospect to Watch: Andrew Wiggins
The other big name in college basketball this year is Andrew Wiggins. With his highly-profiled teammate out for the first weekend, Wiggins will be looked upon to step up for the Kansas Jayhawks. Joel Embiid, Kansas’ big man, is out with a back injury, but is expected to return next weekend if the Jayhawks themselves return. For Wiggins, he has star potential written all over him. While he may not be the player Jabari Parker is now, he has a lot of potential and still is a fantastic player. Each are very possible picks for the Lakers, and each should be watched by Lakers fans this weekend.
Oklahoma State vs. Gonzaga, 4:40 Eastern, TNT
Prospect to Watch: Marcus Smart
Thought to be a surefire top 3 pick last year, Oklahoma State’s point guard Marcus Smart returned to school and has suffered. After numerous incidents that has brought his character into question, Smart has had to face lots of criticism and his draft stock has plummeted. Still, Smart is a great leader and capable of playing either guard position. He’ll still be a top 10 pick and someone the Lakers could have their eye on to take over the Lakers this summer.
Kentucky vs. Kansas State, 9:40 Eastern, CBS
Prospect to Watch: Julius Randle
When the season started, Julius Randle was taking opponents by storm. A physical big man, Randle was bullying his way past opponents and had scouts drooling. Since then, Randle has cooled off, but is still a likely top 5-8 pick. With that being dead middle of the Lakers projected draft pick, Randle is a player that could be donning purple and gold this summer. He’s very physical and very smooth in the post and could be someone like Zach Randolph if the Lakers select him in June.