In the NCAA tournament, there are many prospects that could increase their draft status (or hurt too). These players all need good showings to increase their draft standing:
Shabazz Muhammad- Muhammad is still considered by Blazer Blog to be the best NBA draft prospect this year, but the gap has closed significantly, and a big tournament from Ben McLemore could boost him to the number 1 spot. Muhammad's UCLA squat is widely picked to be upset by Minnesota in the second round (though we all know it's the first round...), but UCLA could win that game if Shabazz shows up to play. I like UCLA to get to the sweet 16, but without Muhammad playing great basketball, like he is capable of, UCLA will lose, and his draft stock will fall.
Ben McLemore- McLemore is widely considered the top draft prospect. #2 on my board, a big tournament could vault him into the top spot for good. In order for Kansas to go far in the tournament, McLemore has to be the go to guy.
Allan Crabbe- Crabbe reminds me of Klay Thompson, and I think he could go as high as the late lottery. Currently #16 on my board, I am ahead of the curve for Crabbe. A big tournament, including an upset of UNLV in their first game, will help Crabbe earn a first round promise he will likely need to leave Cal a year early. Expect a 25 point outing from Crabbe in Cal's upset of UNLV.
Russ Smith- Smith is an enigma, but has a lot of NBA talent given his quickness, on-ball defense and ball handling. His decision making is poor. He could be a 6th man in the NBA, or he could be at the end of a bench like Tyshawn Taylor is in Brooklyn. A big tournament, characterized by efficient scoring and his usual defense, will greatly enhance his stock around the league (He is #22 on my board)
Kelly Olynyk- Gonzaga is a puzzle as a #1 seed. Some see a title contender, others see an early exit. I think the Zags have the potential to make the final 4, and, Kelly Olynyk will have to play exceptional to lead the Zags to a title. Helping the Zags win on a national scale is big for Olynyk (#26 on my board), and he could end up being a lottery pick.
Mike Muscala- The center from Bucknell is poised for a big tournament, though they have a tough draw against Butler in round 1. Muscala should exploit Andrew Smith inside and outside and have a big game (I'll predict 26 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks), but I am not sure it will be enough. I'll take Butler 64-63, but one big game in the tournament could life Muscala to first round consideration.
Seniors everywhere- Want to get drafted in the second round? Games at the PIT will help, the combine will help, but big games in the tournament are not forgotten easily. The big dance single-handedly made Brian Zoubek a prospect and Nolan Smith a first round pick. Similar things could be said about Josh Harrelson getting drafted. This is a big chance to make a big impression. This year's best candidates to break out in the tourney: Kenny Kadji/Miami, Brandon Paul/Illinois, Derrick Nix/Michigan State, Cashmere Wright/Cincinnati, Matthew Dellavedova/St. Mary's
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