Zion Williamson is an interstellar amalgamation of Charles Barkley, LeBron James and Shawn Kemp, but who else should you keep an eye on?
It’s a no-brainer that Zion Williamson will be the first player picked in the NBA Draft when he chooses to come out following the NCAA Tournament.
Here are five other future NBA studs that will be looking to get busy during March Madness before hearing their names called in the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery.
RJ Barrett – Duke
Duke’s 6-foot-7 freshman shooting guard RJ Barrett is averaging 23 points and 7 rebounds per game.
The only reasonable knocks on his game are shot selection and his unwillingness to finish with his off-hand near the basket. His knack for scoring in a variety of ways, vision, willingness to distribute the ball, size and wingspan have had him pegged as a top NBA Draft pick for close to four years now.
Ja Morant – Murray State
Ja Morant out of Murray State is a sophomore combo guard with the ability to get to the basket almost at will due to his superior athleticism. He leads the nation with 10 assists per game to go along with his 24-point scoring average.
He’s finishing at 62 percent near the rim. Folks are knocking his 35 percent from downtown as a weakness, but that’s bound to get better working with some of the best shooting coaches in the world on the NBA stage.
De’Andre Hunter – Virginia
Virginia’s 6-foot-7 small forward De’Andre Hunter is a specimen whose physical frame translates well to the next level. Hunter has a wiry, long wingspan and the shooting touch to knock down the shot from behind the arc.
A lockdown on-ball defender who plays passing lanes and can score the ball, he’s smooth and plays under control but has the court vision to fill in as a guard at the next level.
Rui Hachimura – Gonzaga
Junior Rui Hachimura out of Gonzaga has had scouts salivating all season. At 6-foot-8 and 230 pounds, he’s more than likely an NBA small forward and his 45 percent 3-point field goal percentage says he’s up for that transition.
He puts the ball on the floor like a guard, can post up in the high and mid-post on smaller players, and can bring bigger players out and take them off the dribble. Plus, he appears to be a level headed kid. What’s not to love?
Cam Reddish – Duke
Cam Reddish’s game is a sight to behold when he’s clicking. That stop-and-go “hezo” is a nightmare for a defender and his shot is silky smooth, but inconsistent.
Some claim that he needs to be more assertive, but he’s shown a penchant for being clutch down the stretch against Louisville and Florida State. His length, style and ability to score from the perimeter and while attacking the rim make him perfect for the NBA.
