One of the biggest challenges for the college basketball head coaches of the top teams in the country is keeping their players focused on each individual game. The draft buzz surrounding those programs creates an atmosphere of looking towards the future rather than focusing earning one win at a time and that is particularly true for a handful of teams at the top. Here is a look at the four college basketball teams that will drive the 2017 NBA Draft discussion.
Duke Blue Devils
The Blue Devils’ entire starting lineup could realistically go in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft. Freshman forward Harry Giles III is a consensus top-three pick while freshman forward Jayson Tatum, junior guard Grayson Allen, freshman center Marques Bolden and freshman point guard Frank Jackson could each eventually be first round picks. All five players offer intriguing combinations of talent, size and athleticism at their respective positions and there is no doubt the scouts will be paying close attention every time Duke takes the floor this season.
Kansas Jayhawks
Freshman Josh Jackson is an absolutely incredible specimen. At 6’8’’, Jackson has an elite combination of scoring, passing and defensive ability that should allow him to thrive in his debut season at Kansas. Jackson could line up at either the two or three-spot for the Jayhawks this year and it will be very interesting to see how he develops as he continues to grow in to his body. Jackson will undoubtedly be a top-five pick in the 2017 NBA Draft if he stays healthy, while junior point guard Devonte Graham and sophomore point guard Carlton Bragg will both be in the mix as potential opening round picks as well.
Kentucky Wildcats
Freshman point guard De’Aaron Fox is next in line to join a long list of one-and-done stars that have come down the pipeline through Kentucky over the years. He is incredible fast and his quickness allows him to create for himself as well as for his teammates. Fox will have to add some size to his 171-pound frame, but at 6’4’’ and with an elite combination of tools there is no doubt he should thrive for the Wildcats next season. Freshman big man Edrice Adebayo and freshman shooting guard Malik Monk are two more prospects that could generate lottery buzz this season. There is no doubt Kentucky will be among the most scouted teams in the country once again in 2016.
Arizona Wildcats
Freshman power forward Lauri Markkanen will be the star attraction at Arizona this season after he led the U20 European Championships in scoring this summer. The 7’0’’ power forward has incredible athleticism for a big man and his shooting ability makes him an ideal stretch-four prospect for the NBA. Freshman shooting guard Rawle Alkins has drawn comparisons to Lance Stephenson while freshman forward Ray Smith is an intriguing two-way prospect that can make plays at both ends of the floor. Both Alkins and Smith will be scouted as potential first round picks but it is Markkanen that will lead the way for the Wildcats as a can’t miss prospect that will help drive the draft discussion this season.
Looking Back To The 2016 NBA Draft
When you take a look at the previous year, we didn’t see the type of influence that we’re expecting to see this year. For example, the top 10 picks in the draft all came from different schools. As a matter of fact, there wasn’t a second player selected from the same school in the first round until the 28th pick when Skal Labissiere was taken by the Phoenix Suns. Of course, that followed up the Denver Nuggets selection of Jamal Murray in the seventh slot. The only two other schools that produced multiple first rounders came right after in the 29th and 30th picks. That was the Washington Huskies, who had Dejounte Murray (29th overall) and Marquese Chriss, and the Vanderbilt Commodores, who saw Wade Baldwin IV and Damian Jones go in the first round. We should see some of the teams mentioned above produce a couple of football picks.
