NCAA Tournament 2016: 5 Midwest Region Players for Lakers to Watch

4. A.J. Hammons – Purdue

Another senior that the Lakers should have their eye on as he takes the floor in the 2016 NCAA Tournament is Purdue Boilermakers center A.J. Hammons. The big man has been succeeding in the program for the past three seasons, but now the NBA is the next step for him. With the Lakers needing help at that position moving forward, Hammons is the type of player that should be watching closely.

In 32 games as a senior, the 7-0 big man was productive in relatively limited minutes, playing only 24.2 per game. He put up 14.9 points, eight rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. He’s been lauded for his defense over his time at Purdue and rightfully so given his size and length on the interior and protecting the rim, but he also has the strength and skill to make an impact on the offensive end at any level as well.

As a senior who hasn’t played big minutes throughout his college career, Hammons is likely going to fall to the early second round of the 2016 NBA Draft. Given that’s where the Lakers will be picking, the Boilermakers center should be on their radar as they scout and gather information throughout March Madness.

Next: No. 3 Malcolm Brogdon