Austin Rivers: How NCAA Tournament Will Determine NBA Draft Stock

You see the confidence in each shot he takes. You see the growth in his game. You see why the Duke Blue Devils look to him at the end of games to not only be involved, but to win them for his school.

In many instances, Austin Rivers is a man amongst boys when it comes to quiet confidence. He has a movement about him, much like his father, Doc Rivers, had as the shooting guard for the Atlanta Hawks—the team I followed as a youngster.

Now, I see the parallels of a generation removed.

Rivers is one of the great stories of the 2012 NCAA Tournament. His shot, deadly. His maturity, defined. His need for accolades, unnecessary.

This is Austin Rivers and this tournament could be his true coming-out party.

There is no doubt Rivers would have been a lottery choice had he been able to apply for the NBA Draft. And like his father, he would have let his jump shot do his talking. Now, the nation is his stage and he will show everyone with interest why he is the best jump shooter in the nation.

There are so many reasons why the Tournament can help the talented freshman. While other superstars like Carmelo Anthony have used the postseason to springboard to a tremendous NBA career, maybe Rivers' demeanor will allow him to take everything in, embrace it and then act upon it.

Duke's coaching staff and players, which are some of the best in the country, are hoping he can continue to be the force he has been—especially in beating North Carolina earlier this season with a last-second jumper.

The NCAA Tournament tends to bring out the best in players and helps to raise draft stock. We have seen this with Corey Brewer of Florida and Ray Allen years ago with Connecticut. How Rivers decides to handle the adversities that do come up in a tournament like this only make him stronger. There are also "key" moments that stand out and prove to be difference-makers for some and ability-definers for others.

In this case, Rivers will embrace the challenge of proving how good he is, not only for his team, but for the NBA crowds. That can only help him be great on the next level.

For your printable bracket for the 2012 NCAA tournament, click here