Will Kelley, Parker Cane, Justin Horak, Connor Fitzgerald
Staff Writers
The 2017 NBA draft is one to look forward to. There are many prospects that have showcased their skills during this years NCAA March Madness tournament. With UNC winning the title, their top 2 players Joel Berry II and Justin Jackson look like they could be solid late first-round picks. The 2016 draft class has not impressed many people, but rookies Jaylen Brown and Dario Saric have been very solid players for their respective teams, the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers. With the Brooklyn Nets trading away three future first-round picks to the Boston Celtics, the Nets terrible record has rewarded the Celtics with the first-overall pick, which they will most likely use to take Point Guard Markelle Fultz from Washington State. Other teams that look like they will receive a top 5 pick are the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers. The top 5 projected picks are all backcourt players, meaning a Point Guard or Shooting Guard. The most exciting prospect is Point Guard Lonzo Ball from UCLA, the Ball family consists of three boys who are all basketball superstars. Ball showcases beautiful court vision, shooting perfection and can occasionally throw down vicious dunks.
Some notable players worthy of attention are Malik Monk, a guard from Kentucky University who can bring prestigious shooting and quick defense that can transition into offense. Monk proved what he could do while playing for Kentucky in this year’s NCAA tournament. Kentucky went to the Elite 8, but fell short to tournament champions UNC. Monk hit two clutch three-pointers in the closing minutes to keep the game close. De'aaron Fox another guard from Kentucky looks to be a top 10 pick as he showcased his skills along with Malik Monk in the tournament, most people would probably give Monk the edge over Fox because of his shooting. Other prospects that look to go in the top 10 are Josh Jackson, Forward from Kansas, Dennis Smith Jr., Guard from NC State and Jayson Tatum, Forward from Duke University. Overall, this year's draft is one to look forward to as many of these prospects are capable of reaching their full potential in the NBA.
