OKC Thunder: 3 draft prospects to monitor in NCAA title game

Although the OKC Thunder are playing the Pistons tonight many basketball fans will be dialed into the NCAA championship game between the Gongaza Bulldogs and the Baylor Bears.

In a rarity, the top two teams of the college season will wage war for the coveted title. On Saturday the Final Four set narrowed to these two finalists. Baylor arrives via a blowout victory over the Houston Cougars.

The second match featuring Gonzaga and the UCLA Bruins was arguably the most exciting, competitive match thus far in the tournament. It required overtime and a mid-court heave from Jalen Suggs at the buzzer for the Bulldogs to cement their spot in the finals.

Because the Thunder plays at 6:00 p.m CT those keen to watch both games should be able to since the title match tips off at 8:20 pm CT.

3 Players OKC Thunder fans should monitor in NCAA title game:

With the Thunder making at least two first-round picks (three if Warriors finish with top10 record) in the 2021 draft this title match can serve as a scouting session. It’s an opportunity to witness some of the top draft prospects as well as some under-the-radar prospects.

The tournament is the biggest event and brightest spotlight for college players and often produces some of the best intel on how an individual will rise to pressure situations.

Although the NBA Draft doesn’t take place until July 29th (the draft is on June 25) this game is the very last opportunity to witness draft prospects in live competition. With that in mind, there are a number of players on each team who Thunder Nation should keep an eye on.

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OKC Thunder potential prospect No. 1:  Gonzaga – Guard – Joel Ayayi

I’m offering up two Bulldogs who aren’t the typical names mentioned. The first is Frenchman Joel Ayayi. Like many of the Bulldogs, he fits the system perfectly and isn’t shy to take the big shot. As the UCLA Bruins tried to send extra attention to Drew Timme or put pressure on Jalen Suggs it was Ayayi who delivered.

In the Final 4 match, he was second in scoring only to Timme. His line was impressive with 22 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

Most project the guard-wing to be a late first-round or early second-round selection but his presence and composure in the big games may move him up the board. He shot 39.4 percent from the perimeter this season and has improved his efficiency every year from range. That he loves the big stage is evidenced by his 11 of 26 or 42.3 percent efficiency in the tournament.

But Avaya isn’t just a perimeter shooter. His offensive package is versatile and like most of the Zags demonstrates the ability to read the defense and drives when warranted or moves to create a passing target for his teammates.