NBA Draft 2015: 5 Prospects Using March Madness to Send Stocks Soaring
One or two games in the NCAA men's basketball tournament aren't going to make or break most NBA draft prospects' fates.
But a solid game or two can really help players get their stocks going in the right direction or generate more buzz than they have already earned.
A small handful of young prodigies capitalized on their early-round opportunities Thursday and Friday, delivering splendid performances on the most pressure-packed stage. In the process of withstanding their opponents' best punches, these players left big impressions on NBA decision-makers.
Our list of soaring stocks includes prospects who boosted their projected draft ranges, increased their pro values or revealed improved skills against tough adversaries.
From stars of marquee programs to mid-major dark horses, we have you covered. Who's using this NCAA tourney to enhance their NBA resumes?
Aaron White, Iowa PF (6'9", Senior)
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America, meet your late-charging dark horse poised to crash the NBA draft party.
Iowa's Aaron White already had a string of 20-plus-point games entering the Big Dance, but his 26-point barrage against Davidson gave him that extra nudge toward the draft discussion.
The 6'9" senior has magnificent body control and athleticism for his position. He makes timely drives, mid-range shots and above-the-rim plays in half-court scenarios as well as transition.
Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress explained the X-factor that's fueling White's stock surge.
"His ability to make shots makes him far more intriguing, considering how athletic he is, so continuing to do so for as long as he can will help him make a late push toward possibly getting drafted," Givony wrote.
White shot 37.5 percent from three-point range in Big Ten play, and he's 5-of-9 from distance over his past three games. If he keeps it up, his NBA value will keep chugging up the mountain.
He doesn't have the wingspan or bulk to excel as a power forward defender in the Association. But that's OK, because in many cases, his agility will allow him to guard small forwards. On the right club, he could be an influential asset in the rotation.
Fred VanVleet, Wichita State PG (6'0", Junior)
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We're not suggesting that Fred VanVleet is suddenly a standout NBA prospect.
But he does go from being on the fringe of the radar to "on the radar," and that's a big distinction.
Wichita State's shifty floor general had a banner day against Indiana, scoring 27 points and dishing out four assists to ensure advancement for the No. 7 seed Shockers.
He showed how dangerous he can be in ball-screen scenarios, as he effectively besieged the Hoosiers defense en route to a bevy of layups and drawn fouls. VanVleet's penetration skills could create some favorable passing and scoring chances at the next level.
There will be some significant roadblocks to his NBA success, however.
VanVleet lacks the size to finish among the NBA trees, and he's not an elite outside shooter. And while his defensive technique is admirable, he'll undoubtedly run into matchup issues at the next level.
That being said, the NBA has found a place for small guards who can drive speedily, hit spot-up jumpers, pass crisply and play smart. VanVleet can complete all of those tasks.
Wesley Saunders, Harvard SG (6'5", Senior)
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Even though he lost to North Carolina, we had to include Harvard's Wesley Saunders.
He isn't a first-round prospect, but he should garner some second-round interest, especially after a 26-point effort against the Tar Heels. One game doesn't usually catapult a player's stock, but Saunders rarely gets opportunities to display his skills against an athletic program like UNC.
"We thought we had a strategy for him, but it didn't work,” North Carolina head coach Roy Williams told Matt Hayes of Sporting News. “We were extremely lucky."
Saunders isn't an eye-popping athlete, but his agility and ball skills help him maneuver where he needs to on the floor. After that, his 6'5" frame and fluid shooting stroke help him finish plays efficiently.
He's more than a scorer, however, and he demonstrated that for scouts Thursday. Saunders has a superb feel for the game, and he used his court awareness to dish out five assists against UNC while also playing solid defense.
The shooting guard spot is far from the deepest position in the NBA, so Saunders may have a chance to add insurance to a roster.
R.J. Hunter, Georgia State SG (6'6", Junior)
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During most of Georgia State's first-round tilt against Baylor, R.J. Hunter was missing in action on the offensive end. The Bears zone defense kept him in check and limited his opportunities as a shooter and driver.
But with under three minutes to go, the 6'6" wing took over the game. He scored nine straight points and 12 of the Panthers' final 13 to help erase a 12-point deficit and pull off an incredible upset.
Hunter's deep three-pointer with 2.7 seconds left capped the rally and sent the college hoops world upside-down.
He didn't show off any dazzling, creative moves throughout the game, but his inside-the-gym range and next-level instincts were readily apparent. Hunter owns a smooth, quick delivery along with the ability to attack closeouts and collaborate seamlessly with teammates.
Georgia State didn't face much top-tier competition this season, so it was impressive to see him emerge and put his stamp on the game at the end.
This upset performance doesn't launch him into the top 10 or anything, but it helps keep his arrow pointed up and gives him another round of action to showcase his skills.
D'Angelo Russell, Ohio State G (6'5", Freshman)
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D'Angelo Russell didn't fly up the draft boards after Thursday's win over VCU, as he was already in the top-three range.
His stock is soaring because his star appeal is gaining steam.
Russell's 28-point effort against the Rams was something special, and it only strengthens his argument to challenge Jahlil Okafor and Karl-Anthony Towns for the No. 1 overall spot. He played calm and collected against college upperclassmen, unleashing a brilliant mix of slashes, passes and buttery-smooth jumpers.
He's not a finished product, but if you want to pinpoint his most valuable traits, look no further than his natural shot-making aptitude and talent for sharply dishing out sweet dimes. Russell is still a teenager, so it's dizzying to think of what he'll look like two or three years down the road.
Russell isn't an upper-crust athlete, nor is he the strongest player, so there are some limitations to his early-career success. However, his no-sweat command of Ohio State's backcourt makes him an irresistible commodity for lottery clubs yearning for a guard.
Right now, he's not the frontrunner to land first overall in June, but he could leapfrog Towns and Okafor with a few more games like the one we saw Thursday.
The first step is outdueling the rock-solid Arizona Wildcats.
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