Top 5 NCAA Players that Could Get Drafted to the NBA in 2018
Internationally, the NBA might get the fame, but within the nation, college basketball is where the industry turns its attention each year. While the big names like LeBron and Curry battle it out on the NBA court, the NCAAB is the place where people can spot raw talent being honed in on and predict the future NBA All-Stars.
Trades are extremely important in predicting a team’s performance in NBA betting – and drafts are sometimes even more crucial. Just one look at the amazing work that Jayson Tatum, formerly of the Duke Blue Devils, is doing with the Boston Celtics, would be enough to convince anyone. So watch this space, because these are our top picks for shaking things up in the NBA next year!
1. DeAndre Ayton
The 19-year-old Bahamian that has been playing for the Arizona Wildcats since September 2016 is probably the one that every NBA scout is keeping an eye on. His physical skills are an undeniable asset: he possesses a wingspan of 7’5.5 and a 9’3 standing reach. He is great with free throw shots and is not afraid to play close contact with opponents, showing off his great ball handling skills and impeccable footwork.
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2. Mo Bamba
Another player greatly admired for his physical abilities and his 7’9 wingspan, Mamba is a well-rounded Center that can carry whole games on his shoulders. He made his debut in the NCAA just in the start of 2017 with the Texas Longhorns, but is currently considered one of the hottest names out there for the draft picks. It also helps that he has been consistently upping his game, by scoring double digits in three February games in a row.
3. Trae Young
During his first year playing for the Oklahoma Sooners, the 19-year-old Point Guard proved himself as an intriguing prospect for the NBA Draft. He has been leading in points and assists, but is also dividing people, as his performance sort of declined over time. Despite not featuring too high in rankings, he was selected as the Big 12 Freshman of the Year and his playing style channels his favorite, Stephen Curry. If he pays closer attention to boosting his defense skills, we could be watching a future All-Star in the making.
4. Marvin Bagley III
The 18-year-old from Arizona has truly established himself as a force to be reckoned with this year. Currently sporting the Duke Blue Devils' jersey, he was chosen as the Atlantic Coast Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year for 2018. Great things are expected from him and he is classified as a five-star recruit. Although he plays as a Power Forward for Duke, his range of skills suggest that we might see him at a different position when he gets drafted for an NBA team.
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5. Michael Porter Jr.
The older brother of Jontay Porter, who also plays for the Missouri Tigers and is considered up-and-coming talent, Michael Porter Jr. has stood out among fellow NCAA players. Having shown incredible potential, he is considered among the top 2018 Draft picks. However, it remains to be seen how his prospects will ultimately be affected by his back injury that has kept him off-court for most of this season.
There are many talented basketball players on the NCAA – and these are definitely some of the top ones out there to watch out for. If they get drafted next year, they will surely do great things with any NBA team.
