March Madness high risers that will steal the hearts of the nation during the postseason tournament ahead of the 2022 NBA Draft
Ochai Agbaji, Wing, Kansas, 6’5 214
The Local Kansas City, Missouri product made the hop, skip, and jump to Lawrence, Kansas to play his college ball already at age 21 and will be 22 by the time the NBA Draft rolls around, Agbaji is a late bloomer.
The Senior wing has finally hit his stride as a Jayhawk, even a heavy favorite to win the NCAA player of the year award. Despite his high usage and playing on a top team, Agbaji is not much of a passer with just two assists per game, as many turnovers per contest, on a 25-percent usage rate.
That is the lone knock on the elder statesman who has played elite defense this season ranking in the 83rd percentile, holding opponents to 32-percent from the floor. Despite being 6’5, Agbaji is in the 90th percentile at the rim holding opponents to 32-percent at the cup.
Offensively Agbaji shoots 42-percent as a spot-up shooter, 44-percent off the catch-and-shoot, 78-percent around the rim, and 38-percent on jump shots.
AJ Griffin, Wing, Duke, 6’6 222
Look, this might sound strange to have a top-10 ranged prospect in the NCAA March Madness high riser category looking at who will leap up NBA Draft boards following the NCAA tournament, but with a fantastic March, Griffin could leap into the top-five of the 2022 NBA Draft.
Already averaging 16 points, six rebounds, two assists, a block, and a steal per game, Griffin is a 44-percent spot-up shooter, 68-percent off screens, in the 98th percentile as a cutter, and in the 83rd percentile in isolation. Giffin on the catch and shoot is elite, shooting 50-percent. His pairing next to Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fits a lot better than Jaden Hardy who is a current lock for the top-five.
Depending on the NBA Draft positioning, and a great March to put his resume over the top, AJ Griffin could be viewed as an elite prospect.
Who are some of your favorite prospects entering the 2022 NBA Draft? Who do you want to hear about next? Let us know in the comment section below!