I'm sure most of your brackets have been busted - thank you, Davidson, Villanova, West Virginia, and Western Kentucky - but it's okay. It was only a lousy five bucks for the office pool anyway, right?
But for us NBA fans, how does all of this affect the Association? Well, it tells us whom to watch during the Sweet 16 in regards to NBA Draft value. Last week, I gave you the top freshmen NBA Draft prospects to watch and most of them are now gone.
My bad.
This week, I give you the top six upperclassmen to watch during the Sweet 16 that could find their financial fortunes come June at the NBA Draft. Enjoy... last week was rough, but it'll get better. Here are my top six upperclassmen prospects to watch during the Sweet 16.
- Joe Alexander, West Virginia
The high-flying Mountaineer has upped his value during the postseason, including the NCAA Tournament and might want to cash in his chips now and skip his senior season. Last year, Georgetown center Roy Hibbert declared for the draft, but decided to go back for his last year of college. Last year, Hibbert was a definite lottery pick thanks to strong performances that got GU to the Final Four. This year? Hibbert will be drafted in the 20's. Joe, heed the wise words of KRS One from Boogie Down Productions - "You must learn!" - Darrell Arthur, Kansas
This sophomore Jayhawk led the team in scoring this past season and shows a ton of promise for succeeding in the NBA. He's as athletic as big men come and when things are clicking, Arthur is a special defender, especially in rejecting shots. He's still a young kid, but in time, could be an All-Star caliber playing at the next level. - D.J. Augustin, Texas
Augustin could be the Deron Williams to Derrick Rose's Chris Paul. What do I mean by this? If/when both Rose and Augustin come out early, declaring for the NBA Draft, they will be chosen close to each other and while Rose may have more of an impact their first year in the NBA, Augustin will not be shabby either. He just won't get top billing... sort of like now. But, DON'T SLEEP on Augustin! - Darren Collison, UCLA
Collison is a speed demon, clutch performer, scorer, and an experienced postseason player. If UCLA gets to the Final Four again, it will be three of three years that Collison has been a big-time contributor to his team's success. That's something NBA teams won't ignore. - Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
It's dubious that Hansbrough will have the same kind of success in the NBA as he's had in the college ranks. He sort of reminds me of Christian Laettner from Duke. Great college player, but a so-so pro player. However, Hansbrough gives maximum effort every time he takes the court. And I mean maximum. How many players can you say that about in the NBA? - Brook Lopez, Stanford
Lopez has shot up the draft charts in the past couple of months and could very well be a top three pick. It's hard to teach size, as well as have a mobile and athletic center with polished post moves and still some upside. Lopez could become a poor man's Carlos Boozer and that ain't bad at all.
