[CavsFan07Participant]

Obviously it all depends on who wins and who doesn’t, but looking at the bracket, what are your predictions as to which players will really improve their draft stock in this tournament? Last year we saw CJ McCollum light up Duke and he slowly started getting mentioned as a Lottery pick (returned for his senior season though).

My first thought is how wide open the first pick is. With Noel being hurt, guys like Mclemore or Marcus Smart could potentially solidify themselves as the #1 pick if they can lead their teams to a deep tournament run. Also, since Jordan Adams is hurt, perhaps Shabazz Muhammad can really turn it on and throw his name back in the ring for the top pick (but I just don’t see this happening).

Perhaps James McAdoo turns it on and starts being projected in the top 10 again?

Two of my biggest sleepers come from Big 10 teams. If DeSean Thomas can lead OSU to the Final 4 even though they have zero consistent post players, he could start being mentioned in the second half of the 1st round again. The other is Rodney Williams of Minnesota. A senior who’s ridiculously athletic…. and I actually think Minnesota could be the sleeper coming out of this bracket. Say he leads this Minnesota team to the Elite 8, perhaps he as well could slip back into the 1st round.

Who are some of your picks?

[gopack10Participant]

C.J. Leslie is one name that comes to mind. He improved his stock last year during the tournament and will need to do that again this season if he plans on being taken in the first round. He’s so talented but just doesn’t make the right basketball play at times. He gets too rushed which causes him to turn the ball over.

Other names are Leslie’s teammate Lorenzo Brown, Mason Plumlee and Michael Carter-Williams.

One guy to keep an eye on is Jamaal Franklin from San Diego State. He’ll get a chance to go at Otto Porter if both teams win their first game. That would be a fun matchup to watch.

[machu46Participant]

I think Michael Carter-Williams will really flourish now that he gets to play some non-Big East teams. Louisville, Georgetown, and Pitt literally just hack the crap out of him and dare refs to make the calls, but even then, Louisville and Georgetown are probably the two best defenses Syracuse will play against this year. It wouldn’t surprise me if MCW has multiple big games (double doubles with 5+ rebounds and 3 or 4 steals). This tournament could go a long way in proving that he still belongs in the lottery.

[druneave3Participant]

Picking Bucknell to make a run and Mike Muscala to improve his stock.

Never understood why Jamaal Franklin is projected so low. I was extremely high on him but then I saw his horrendous perimeter defense and ability to stay in front of his man. I still think he might ball out in the tourney and also improve his stock.

Also picking Arizona to Final Four, Mark Lyons leading the way.

[Taylor Gang MikeParticipant]

I think MCW, Quinn Cook and Plumlee have a chance to really improve their stock. But if Kelly Olynik has a great run and dominates and leads his team to the final four. He could be top 5 or 10

[meirmeir13]

I say Silva and lebryan nash , if silva can show that hes a trust worthey guard he might can get picked up by a team for a tryout or maybe a bubble second road selection. Nash if he can hit a damn shot and play solid D he will be a second round choice.

[river09Participant]

I’m looking for Seth Curry and Nate Wolters to really show up for the tournament, they are both guys that can’t really hurt their draft stock but if they go off (which they are both capable of) they could really help themselves.

What if Shabazz leads UCLA deep in the tournament?

Also James Southerland has been on fire, if he continues the pace he’s on I think his stock could jump a bit. He’s long, athletic, has deep range and can play within the team dynamic very effectively…

[Andrew1984Participant]

I expect the freshmen to disappoint in the tournament, but get their stock back up after June workouts. I think Shabazz Muhammad, Otto Porter, Anthony Bennett, and Marcus Smart will play decently but won’t take over completely and will need contributions from teammates; I don’t think we’ll see a Carmelo- like performance from any of them.

I could see Doug McDermott doing his best Wally Szczerbiak impression. Wolters and Marshall Henderson will put up big numbers but I’m not sure how many wins they’ll secure. Maybe one between them.

I think we’ll see a resurgence for Cody Zeller, who occupied the top spot until recently dropping down to 6 or 7 on this site.

[goldie92689Participant]

James Southerland, he does a lot more than just shoot 3s, but if he gets hot. Also Mcdermott the same.

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