With the 2022/23 March Madness tournament now veering ever closer, fans of the college game are already discussing which lively college prospects could announce themselves as major contenders to lead their school to National championship glory and also earn a high pick selection in the highly anticipated 2023 Draft class.
While many of the NBA’s lottery candidates will be dreaming of the possibility of landing the towering Frenchman Victor Wembanyana with the consensus first overall selection, there is still a wide variety of other immense talent to keep a watchful eye out for ahead of March Madness.
1). Brandon Miller – Alabama (SF):
Not only do the Crimson Tide produce incredible football talent readily made for the NFL, but they also house one of this seasons most highly intriguing prospects in basketball which comes in the form of the 6’9 small forward Brandon Miller.
Miller is averaging a near double-double with around 21 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists per game, shooting 46% from the field and an astounding 44% from three-point range, which will have many scouts interested as to what he can provide the Crimson Tide at the tournament with Alabama standing at +1000 to win the competition according to the latest NCAA basketball odds on the DraftKings sportsbook.
2). Keyonte George – Baylor (SG):
Given Baylor’s recent success at the tournament, fans will be increasingly interested to watch their freshman two-guard in action who is already making a strong case to become a potential top ten selection in the NBA Draft.
At just 19 years of age, George is already proving to be a lethal scoring option as well as a capable playmaker who still has plenty of room to grow and develop, with the tournament being the perfect platform to announce himself as one of this year’s most highly intriguing prospects.
3). Nick Smith Jr. – Arkansas (G):
At just 18 years of age, Arkansas freshman Nick Smith Jr. has emerged as a hot commodity for a number of NBA scouts given his 6’5 height which could allow him to play in either guard spot in the backcourt.
While still being slightly raw in his current on-court product, there is significant upside and immense potential with Smith’s game that could continue to grow should he aim to remain in college for another season, as the Arkansas guard is arguably being viewed as the second highest backcourt prospect in the upcoming draft class, only trailing the perennial second overall pick Scoot Henderson from the NBA G League.
4). Cam Whitmore – Villanova (PF):
The Wildcats have produced a plethora of outstanding NBA talent and there could yet be another one on the cards with their 6’7 Power Forward Freshman, Cam Whitmore.
While many will be quick to question his size for the position, Whitmore is already proving his worth as a two-way threat given his averages of around 13 points per game and 2 steals, with a visible improvement in his three-point stroke also becoming more apparent alongside his impressive athleticism.
5). Jarace Walker – Houston (PF):
The Cougars are emerging as lively contenders to win the school’s first ever National title this year, with defensive anchor Jarace Walker being a major part of the team’s recent success.
At 6’8, Walker is averaging over a block and a steal per game as well as solid rebounding and scoring numbers, with his playing making ability also becoming more apparent ahead of the tournament.
6). Carson Wallace – Kentucky (PG):
Should any NBA team be in the market for a lively defensive guard who still shows great potential from beyond the arc with his three-point stroke, then Wildcats guard Carson Wallace could emerge as a lively candidate to keep a watchful eye on throughout the tournament.
Wallace has shown excellent interior and perimeter defensive play, which is reflected by his steals and contesting stats, as well as becoming a capable offensive rebounder for his position.
7). Gradey Dick – Kansas (SF):
There is no shortage of NCAA talent at the three as Kansas forward Gradey Dick has quickly developed into one of the nation’s most feared spot up shooters from deep with excellent shooting numbers of 42% from three and 85% from the free throw line.
While he is still developing his defensive game in certain aspects, this talented freshman could be a serious ones to watch candidate for the remainder of the NCAA season.
8). Jett Howard – Michigan (SG):
In a class that is stacked with immense talent at both the two and three, Michigan shooting guard Jett Howard could soon develop into a perennial star throughout the season.
Howard is still a worrisome liability on the defensive end, yet his offensive production is still very much elite which should keep scouts interested in the Wolverines latest hot prospect.
9). Brice Sensabaugh – Ohio State (SF):
Speaking of lethal offensive threats, Buckeyes small forward Brice Sensabaugh might be the best pure scorer in this year’s tournament given his astounding season scoring averages of 26 points per game.
While many will be quick to outline his ball-dominant tendencies, there is no denying the level of production that Sensabaugh provides on a nightly basis that could translate over to the NBA level.
10). Kyle Filipowski – Duke (C):
If scouts are searching for the best big man in the NCAA today, chances are that Filipowski’s name will be discussed by various fans.
Not only is the Blue Devils big a threat in the paint, but also on the perimeter given his dependable three-point shot which could have many teams calling for his signature.