[balltilifall5Participant]

So far this year there have been a few guys that have not played at the level expected prior to the season. What player(s) do you expect to really turn it on and finish the season strong and improve their draft stock. Also, what team outside of the top 15 do you think has the best shot to get to the final 4?

[droppindimes247Participant]

This years tournament is going to be wide open. Much more parity this year then in year’s past. There is no dominant team like UNC last year. Yes i know there are several one loss teams in the nation. None of which have dominated a high level of competition as UNC did last year. Don’t confuse me for a tarheel homer either, complete opposite I am a Michigan State fan so just giving credit where it is due. As for a couple teams outside the top 15 that could make it to the final 4, I would say teams like Gonzaga (good big guard play with Bouldin and Gray, dominant bigs with Harris and Sacre who was dominant against my spartans), Georgia Tech has some balance with some good young bigs that have tons of room for improvement down the stretch, finally vandy I was not so high on them after the Kentucky game but watching how they handled Tennesse and just played a great all around game, you know beal is gonna get his but if they get Taylor and Olgilvy playing well they can be an extremely tough out come tourney time.

As far as improving draft stock I don’t see much changing, scouts are still gonna rely on upside more then sheer dominance. Demarcus Cousins has been a monster the last couple weeks so I can see him sneaking in the top 3 if he can continue growth (maybe if he matures a lilttle too).

[droppindimes247Participant]

Favors has slipped lately if he can pick it up maybe he will be regarded as a more vialble draft prospect.

[DanEboyParticipant]

I am going with Demetri McCamey from Illinois. I know that he isn’t considered a 1st round pick but his game is stepping up at the right time. Weber called him out for being lazy at times and the kid has responded big time. In the 4 games since being called out Illinois has gone 4-0 with big wins over then #5 Michigan State and at #11 Wisconsin. Wisconsin had been 51-0 since 2000 against non-ranked big ten oppents at home. McCamey beat them single handed with 27pts, including three straight 3-ptrs right before the half, and also had 7 dimes. In those 4 games his avgs have been:

20.8pts 8.3ast 3reb .585 FG 13-23 from 3 /.565%

He is still turnover prone but he plays with 2 freshmen guards so the TO’s are a little skewed. If Illinois makes the tourney he has a chance to show off what he can do and shoot up the draft boards.

My sleeper for the Final 4 is Butler. I had them in my pre-season Final 4 and Gordon Heyward and Co. can cause problems for a lot of teams.

[Russell0WestbrookParticipant]

The player im picking is none other than Alec Burks the guys a very good 2 guard prospect. The team im picking is Texas I know they are 14 but its close enough

[quinceyhodges]

i have to go with my terps. to the average fan we are creeping under the radar and even to some people in the know. vasquez continues to show what he can do without alot of nba talent around him. we have the talent to upset teams and make a suprise run in the tournament

[JNixonParticipant]

Watch out for Greg Monroe. I think how he plays in tournament will either place him firmly in the top 5, or in the tail end of the lottery. I don’t think that his combine results will make a team take him early like other “workout warriors” in the past, so how he plays against the best teams will really help his stock at the end of the year.

[quinceyhodges]

i actually forgot about monroe. i have a feeling he is gonna move up with tournament play

[Russell0WestbrookParticipant]

I look for bradley to move up with texas making a run and his showing he’s more than just a defender. Still waiting on coach to fully unleash him. Another guy is Elias Harris if the zags make a run he will shoot up draft boards

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