The Best 2015 NBA Draft Prospects Remaining in the March Madness Field
We're only a couple of days into the 2015 NCAA tournament, but the top NBA draft prospects have already delivered a truckload of fireworks.
They've been a blast to watch so far, and pro scouts will watch them even more closely as they move on to stingier competition in the round of 32 and beyond.
Kentucky's army of talented specimens marches toward its next victim, while other studs likes Arizona's Stanley Johnson and Ohio State's D'Angelo Russell have been equally impressive.
We broke down the top prodigies based on their draft value and NBA potential. What have these standouts shown us so far, and what can we expect as their next games unfold?
Prospects listed in order of their projected draft range.
15. Trey Lyles, Kentucky PF (6'10", Freshman)
1 of 15
Draft Range: Late first round
Notable Stats: 10 PTS, 6 REB, 2 AST, 5-of-10 FG in win over Hampton
It's alarming that Trey Lyles is Kentucky's fourth-best prospect.
Not only would he be the premier draft candidate on most major programs, but he'd be the top dog in most conferences.
His jump shot wasn't on target Thursday against Hampton, but you could see the fluidity in his game. He rebounded, attacked the basket and connected with teammates to keep Kentucky in control.
Lyles can post up, face up or step out for pick-and-pop opportunities. He fulfills all those tasks at 6'10", which means NBA scouts are drooling over the countless ways to utilize him.
Defense will be his weakest area, as he doesn't have elite talent or footwork as a stopper. But if it's athleticism you're worried about, look no further than his aerial feat pictured above. He's not an explosive freak, but he's not a mediocre or lower-tier leaper either.
14. R.J. Hunter, Georgia State SG (6'6,", Junior)
2 of 15
Draft Range: Mid-to-late first round
Notable Stats: 16 PTS, 3 STL, 3 REB, 5-of-12 FG in win over Baylor
After an incredible finish against Baylor, Georgia State's R.J. Hunter is moving on.
The No. 3 seed Bears' zone defense kept him quiet for much of the game, but his Panther teammates kept the game close enough for him to launch a furious comeback.
The No. 14 seed was down 56-44 with less than three minutes to go, and Hunter proceeded to score nine in a row and 12 of Georgia State's final 13 points. An NBA-distance triple with 2.7 seconds remaining was the game-winner, and it showcased his cold-blooded perimeter stroke and unlimited range.
His three-point percentage dipped to 30 percent this season, but Bleacher Report college hoops scribe C.J. Moore explains that he's getting fewer clean looks.
"He scored a lot of his points on spot-ups during his first two seasons," said Moore. "This year, he's still excelling in catch-and-shoot situations, but he's getting fewer of those looks because the scouting report says not to leave him."
It's difficult to tell how multidimensional Hunter will be in the NBA, but he has the size, handles and basketball IQ to defend and attack the rim.
Look for him to get going early against Xavier Saturday. He won't want to wait until crunch time like he did against Baylor.
13. Montrezl Harrell, Louisville PF (6'8", Junior)
3 of 15
Draft Range: Mid-to-late first round
Notable Stats: 8 PTS, 4 REB, 3-of-8 FG in win over UC Irvine
In Louisville's nail-biting escape of No. 14 seed UC Irvine, Montrezl Harrell had trouble asserting himself against the Anteaters' front line, namely 7'6" center Mamadou Ndiaye.
But fortunately, he won't be facing those types of matchups in the NBA. Sure, he'll be undersized in several cases, but he will compensate with his strength, explosiveness and wingspan.
Harrell didn't improve tremendously from his sophomore to junior season, yet his draft stock remains in the mid-to-late first round because he's a relentless force. The 6'8" power forward is agile for his size, and his 7'3" wingspan helps him make plays above the rim and bother opponents as a defender.
Don't expect him to have two underwhelming games in a row. Harrell will come out with a vengeance during Louisville's upcoming showdown with Northern Iowa.
It won't be a cinch for him to dominate, however, because he'll likely spend much of the game battling Missouri Valley standout Seth Tuttle. Let's see whether Harrell's physical energy can trump Tuttle's outstanding polish.
12. Devin Booker, Kentucky SG (6'6", Freshman)
4 of 15
Draft Range: Mid-first round
Notable Stats: 2 PTS, 2 STL, 1-of-6 FG in win over Hampton
Devin Booker is in a slump, but it won't severely damage his draft stock. We've already seen enough long-range prowess and all-around contributions to label him a legitimate NBA 2-guard.
He didn't make any excuses for his 30 percent three-point shooting over the past 10 games.
"Nothing's different," Booker told Kyle Tucker of The (Louisville) Courier-Journal. "...I just have to have more confidence in my shot and keep doing what I was doing through the middle of the season, and I feel like the next game I'll knock down the same shots."
His mechanics, shot speed and fluidity are all solid, and there's no reason to doubt he'll regain his groove throughout the tournament.
Plenty of NBA executives will tune in to see Booker's shooting, and they'll be pleased to see he also defends, handles the ball and passes at a high level.
11. Bobby Portis, Arkansas PF (6'10", Sophomore)
5 of 15
Draft Range: Mid-first round
Notable Stats: 15 PTS, 13 REB, 5-of-12 FG in win over Wofford
Scouts and executives who are on the fence about Bobby Portis will be watching Arkansas closely when it faces the frontcourt of North Carolina Saturday.
The SEC Player of the Year gets most of his production from energy, physicality and underrated fundamentals. In other words, he's not an exceptional athlete at the college level, and he certainly won't stand out at the next level.
Thursday's too-close-for-comfort win over Wofford featured an underwhelming shooting performance from Portis, but his aforementioned fundamentals and awareness helped pick up the slack. Thanks to his six offensive boards and assertive play in the second half, he willed the Razorbacks to victory.
"He didn't have a great first half, but (I) was very impressed with Bobby Portis," DraftExpress scout Mike Schmitz said of Portis' performance against Wofford. "Made all the right plays. Picked up full court on defense."
Awaiting him in the round of 32 is UNC's mix of length, athleticism and size in the post. Portis will encounter everything, from the explosiveness of Brice Johnson and Isaiah Hicks to the mountainous size of Kennedy Meeks and Joel James.
10. Jerian Grant, Notre Dame PG (6'5", Senior)
6 of 15
Draft Range: Mid-first round
Notable Stats: 17 PTS, 5 AST, 2 STL, 7-of-12 FG in win over Northeastern
Jerian Grant's speed is confounding for most college opponents, and that includes No. 14 seed Northeastern.
The Notre Dame senior weaved wherever he wanted against the Huskies, guiding the No. 3 Irish to a close victory. In the first half, he showed us his mid-range game, and in the second half he went into attack mode on a series of slashing layups and key assists.
Grant brings more to the NBA than scoring and playmaking, however.
His agility, smarts and aggressiveness also help him on the defensive side. LakersNation.com's scouting report explains: "His length and speed give him some tools to work with on defense, and his knack for getting in passing lanes flashes some potential upside on that end. He’s a terrific leader and a very confident player."
Grant's next obstacle comes in the form of the Butler Bulldogs, a scrappy Big East outfit. He should get to the basket fairly frequently, and if Notre Dame picks up the win, we'll see him next weekend in the Sweet 16.
9. Kevon Looney, UCLA PF (6'9", Freshman)
7 of 15
Draft Range: Late lottery
Notable Stats: 6 PTS, 10 REB, 3-of-8 FG in win over Southern Methodist
Thanks to a controversial goaltending call, Kevon Looney and No. 11 seed UCLA advanced past the No. 6 SMU Mustangs.
Looney didn't shoot the ball particularly well or light up the scoreboard, but he rebounded exquisitely and gave the Bruins some juice. His 10 boards were more than anyone on either team, and his impressive wingspan and nose for the ball were readily apparent.
Statistics aside, it was similar to most of his games this season. He's not one of UCLA's most featured offensive weapons, but he does a good job of making a variety of plays off the ball.
"Some games, they might need me more than others. Sometimes...I just go with the flow,” he told Jack Wang of the Los Angeles Daily News. "As far as calling plays for me, he really doesn’t do that that often. A couple of pick-and-roll plays, pick and pop for me. But otherwise, it’s about me taking advantage, pushing the ball, or taking my open shots."
Part of the reason he has a modest role is his rawness. But an accurate three-point stroke, keen awareness and NBA length help make up for the skills and underwhelming athleticism.
Tune in to UCLA's matchup with UAB Saturday to see if Looney's scoring catches up with his board-getting.
8. Kelly Oubre, Kansas SF (6'7", Freshman)
8 of 15
Draft Range: Late lottery
Notable Stats: 8 PTS, 3 REB, 2-of-3 3FG in win over New Mexico State
Although Kelly Oubre's offensive repertoire is raw and he's viewed primarily as an upside prospect, the Kansas freshman possesses tangible, promising skills and natural basketball instincts.
Friday's win over No. 15 New Mexico State was a prime example. He had a modest eight-point performance and wasn't the focal point of the Jayhawks attack, but we saw glimpses of his all-around potential.
In addition to his pair of silky-smooth three-pointers, Oubre unleashed some nice drives to the rim, a couple of which ended with fouls or missed dunks. His intermittent aggressiveness showed the kind of slasher he'll be once he fine-tunes his handle.
Oubre's tools and talent on the defensive side are underrated. Not only is he expansive and agile when guarding the ball, but he's a capable weak-side helper, supplying fleet-footed aid and some timely gambles.
Kansas' matchup in the round of 32 is in-state adversary Wichita State. It should be an exceedingly intense, pressure-packed game, so watch to see if Oubre puts his stamp on it and displays his superior athleticism.
7. Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin PF/C (7'0", Senior)
9 of 15
Draft Range: Late lottery
Notable Stats: 27 PTS, 12 REB, 4 AST, 10-of-14 FG in win over Coastal Carolina
The all-around clinic continues for Wisconsin's Frank "the Tank" Kaminsky.
It doesn't matter whether it's the regular season, Big Ten playoffs or NCAA tournament. The 7-foot offensive savant brings his refined post game, feathery outside shooting and elite court awareness.
Against Coastal Carolina in the round of 64, Kaminsky dabbled in every key phase of the game. He converted interior buckets with his footwork, drilled three triples and doled out four assists. Few players have his combination of instincts and coordination to counteract what opposing defenses are throwing at him.
At this point in his college career, he's a marked man. In the later rounds, he could face the likes of Arkansas, North Carolina or Arizona, all of whom boast strong, mobile frontcourts. They will bombard him in ways his early-round foes couldn't.
Will he be able to control all areas of the game against these squads, including on defense?
6. Justise Winslow, Duke SF (6'7", Freshman)
10 of 15
Draft Range: Top 10
Notable Stats: 6 PTS, 11 REB, 7 AST, 2-of-4 FG in win over Robert Morris
When No. 16 seed Robert Morris started giving Duke a little trouble in the middle of the second half, Justise Winslow gave the Blue Devils a multifaceted burst.
He stirred up havoc in the open floor, hit shots in transition, drove to the rim and made key passes. The explosive small forward also exerted his physical dominance over the Colonials by cleaning the defensive glass (11 rebounds) and supplying rangy defense.
His seven-assist night doesn't automatically translate to professional playmaking supremacy, but it highlights the kind of versatile impact he could make when he polishes his offensive repertoire.
NBA decision-makers didn't attach much significance to Winslow and Co. cruising over Robert Morris. They'll be observing a bit more studiously Sunday when Duke faces a much more athletic opponent, the San Diego State Aztecs.
5. Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky C (7'0", Junior)
11 of 15
Draft Range: Top 10
Notable Stats: 7 PTS, 11 REB, 2 BLK in win over Hampton
There goes Willie Cauley-Stein again, flying around the rim with his head near the backboard. It's a familiar place for the bouncy 7-footer and a snapshot we'll continue to see as the Kentucky Wildcats pursue the NCAA crown.
No one player is overwhelmingly responsible for Big Blue's undefeated run, but Cauley-Stein's blend of size, athleticism and energy epitomizes the team's modus operandi. He covers every inch of the floor with his swarming defense, above-the-rim explosiveness and contagious hustle.
Thursday night's win over Hampton was a prime example of his impact.
He struggled to get his offense going, shooting 1-of-5 from the field. But in just 20 minutes of play, he grabbed 11 rebounds (six of them on the offensive end) and earned eight trips to the free-throw line.
Up next, Cauley-Stein and his squad will square off against the Cincinnati Bearcats, who should offer more resistance than Hampton's diminutive lineup.
4. Stanley Johnson, Arizona SF (6'7", Freshman)
12 of 15
Draft Range: Mid-lottery
Notable Stats: 22 PTS, 5 REB, 2 STL, 2 AST, 4-of-5 3FG in win over Texas Southern
Arizona freshman Stanley Johnson continues to unleash his versatility on the college basketball world. His ability to dominate multiple tasks on each end of the floor is what keeps him in the mid-lottery draft range, flirting with top-five status.
His Wildcats steamrolled the Texas Southern Tigers Thursday, but Johnson was able to impress scouts despite facing a vastly inferior opponent.
He went 4-of-5 from three-point land, further erasing doubts about his jump-shooting ability.
"Any time Stanley Johnson goes 4-of-5 from three it's a plus for his stock, regardless of the opponent," said DraftExpress video scout Mike Schmitz.
When Johnson transitioned from high school to college, many questioned his perimeter game, but he's pushing toward 40 percent from deep while hitting 45 percent of his two-point jumpers, per Hoop-Math.com.
Keep an eye on how he fares against Ohio State's mix of zone and man-to-man defense Saturday. And also enjoy his battle on the defensive side, where he'll encounter one of the tourney's most dangerous playmakers in D'Angelo Russell.
3. Jahlil Okafor, Duke C (6'11", Freshman)
13 of 15
Draft Range: Top three
Notable Stats: 21 PTS, 3 REB, 2 BLK, 9-of-11 FG in win over Robert Morris
Jahlil Okafor was a massive mismatch for Robert Morris, so we didn't learn much from an NBA perspective.
He's simply too big and skilled for mid-major opponents, and he was at least two inches taller than anyone on the Colonials' roster (not to mention the superior wingspan and 270-pound frame).
Duke's behemoth will have some chances to tangle with worthy opponents in later rounds if his squad advances to the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight. He could potentially duel with Utah 7-footer Jakob Poeltl and then Gonzaga's front line before the Blue Devils even get to the Final Four.
Karl-Anthony Towns' draft stock has caught up to that of Okafor, and the Kentucky forward has even surpassed him in the eyes of many prognosticators. He's viewed as a higher-upside prospect than Duke's center, and his versatility seems to project better to the modern NBA.
That all may be true, but whoever lands Okafor is getting a beast with some lofty upside of his own. Coach Mike Krzyzewski reminded us of that as the tourney tipped off. "He's got a lot more growth ahead of him," Krzyzewski told Gerry Ahern of USA Today. "The main thing for Jah is he's gotten better as the season's gone along."
2. D'Angelo Russell, Ohio State G (6'5", Freshman)
14 of 15
Draft Range: Top three
Notable Stats: 28 PTS, 6 REB, 2 STL, 2 BLK, 4-of-7 3FG in win over VCU
High-lottery teams are happy No. 10 seed Ohio State upended No. 7 VCU. That means we all get to see more D'Angelo Russell.
The slick southpaw flashed more of his star potential Thursday, pouring in 28 points to fuel the Buckeyes' overtime triumph over the Rams. He delivered a mix of outside shooting, crafty drives and mid-range buckets.
Whether it's scoring, plucking a critical steal or making a critical hockey assist, he exhibits extraordinary instincts. He owns a confidence and sure-handedness you rarely see from freshman guards, and coach Thad Matta depended on him heavily during this hard-fought tourney skirmish.
Given his poise and skill level, it's safe to say he'll make a huge impact for his NBA club next year. Russell is one of the most NBA-ready teenagers in the field.
On Saturday, he'll face his greatest test yet: Arizona. The No. 2 seed Wildcats are athletic, speedy and can defend. Look for Russell to face some pressure from fellow top prospect Stanley Johnson, who is a couple of inches taller and a stingy stopper.
1. Karl-Anthony Towns, Kentucky PF/C (6'11", Freshman)
15 of 15
Draft Range: Top three
Notable Stats: 21 PTS, 11 REB, 3 BLK, 8-of-12 FG in win over Hampton
Karl-Anthony Towns has given NBA draft scouts plenty to chew on this season, and his playing style all but guarantees he'll give us much more to rave about in the future. His size and shooting touch indicate his repertoire will expand and he'll become superbly polished.
As for his NCAA tournament debut, we didn't learn anything earth-shattering about him during Kentucky's blowout win over Hampton.
His 21-point, 11-rebound performance simply reinforced something that's becoming increasingly apparent as the season unfolded: It's not worth it for him to play at the college level much longer, especially when more than half his opponents aren't challenging.
ESPN.com's Chad Ford explained why Towns' draft value has continued to climb in recent weeks:
"...In the past month, Towns has made tremendous strides offensively while still dominating the defensive side of the ball...He has clearly emerged as the best offensive weapon on this undefeated Kentucky team despite his age. His ability to stretch the floor, protect the rim and make free throws may make up for his lack of low-post polish (though he's not too shabby there, either)
"
While Big Blue Nation hopes to see the 'Cats play for two more weekends en route to a title, fans of NBA lottery teams are almost just as excited to see Towns continue to roll.
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