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

Mar 1, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) and guard Grayson Allen (3) head down the court after Allen scored against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the first half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) and guard Grayson Allen (3) head down the court after Allen scored against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the first half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 20, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) dribbles the ball around Louisville Cardinals forward Deng Adel (22) during the second half at KFC Yum! Center. The Cardinals won 71-64. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) dribbles the ball around Louisville Cardinals forward Deng Adel (22) during the second half at KFC Yum! Center. The Cardinals won 71-64. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

1. Brandon Ingram – Duke

It’s not really a secret at this point that Brandon Ingram at Duke is one of the best players in the country and has even jumped Ben Simmons as the top prospect for the 2016 NBA Draft in some mocks. However, seeing how the lanky freshman steps up on the big stage in the NCAA Tournament given his inconsistency at times throughout the regular season and ACC tourney.

Ingram, who will still be just 18 years old at the time of the draft, measures off the charts as he’s 6-9 and boasts a 7-3 wingspan. While he needs to put on muscle, the skill that he has at his age and with his length is impressive. In his freshman season, he put up 16.8 points, 6.8 rebounds. 1.1 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 44.1 percent from the floor and 41.3 percent from deep. He’s simply a unique combination of physical tools and skill that are hard to find with players his age.

Next: 5 Players to Watch From Midwest Region in March Madness

As stated, though, how Ingram performs in this big moment for him as a young player will be something that the Lakers and other NBA teams want to keep an eye on. Regardless, it’ll still be fun for fans and probably scouts alike to see Ingram and a player with his talent competing in March.