NCAA Tournament: Five NBA Prospects to Watch on Double-Digit Seeded Teams
The NCAA Tournament is officially here, meaning upsets are looming. Behind almost every double-digit seeded team in the tournament is at least one star player. Often times, these players can be overlooked as NBA prospects, but absolutely have the talent to make it to the league.
Let's take a look at five prospects on double-digit seeded teams to keep an eye on in the NCAA Tournament.
Players are sorted in alphabetical order by last name
Nique Clifford, Colorado State (No. 10 Seed)
Clifford was productive in Colorado State's First Four game against the University of Virginia, scoring 17 points (7-for-12 from the field) to go along with 10 rebounds, six assists, and a block.
For the season, the 22-year-old senior is averaging 12.3 points, three assists (18.9 assist percentage), 7.6 rebounds (24.8 defensive rebounding percentage), 1.4 steals (2.8 steal percentage), and 0.9 blocks (3.2 block percentage) per game. Additionally, the 6-foot-6 guard is converting 41.8% of his catch-and-shoot threes (79 attempts), 36.6% of his dribble jumpers (71 attempts), and 76% of his attempts at the rim (112 attempts).
Tucker DeVries, Drake (No. 10 Seed)
DeVries is a 6-foot-7 junior averaging 21.8 points, 3.6 assists, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. He's tasked with creating a heavy proportion of Drake's offense, as he's been unassisted on 56% of his made field goals while also assisting 20.8% of his opponent's made field goals when he's on the floor. Additionally, DeVries is in the 83rd percentile in points per possession in Pick-and-Roll Plus Passes possessions (260 total possessions) and in the 84th percentile on handoffs (83 possessions).
While the 21-year-old is only shooting 31.6% on his catch-and-shoot threes (155 attempts), he's converting an impressive 43.3% of his dribble jumpers (187 attempts). Lastly, he's shooting 36.4% from deep on 11.8 three-point attempts per 100 possessions, indicating he's likely taking a multitude of difficult threes on high volume. His 82% from the free throw line (191 attempts) is another indication of his impressive ability as a shooter.
It's safe to say Tucker DeVries is not a player opposing teams want to see in the tournament.
Yaxel Lendeborg, UAB (No. 12 Seed)
Lendeborg is a 6-foot-9 forward who spent three seasons at the Junior College level prior to this season at UAB. The AAC Defensive Player of the Year is a force on that end of the floor, recording an 8.7 "stock" percentage. Additionally, Lendeborg is averaging 13.9 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, while converting 79.7% of his free throws (187 attempts). While he's only attempted 36 threes, he's made one-third of them this season. Lastly, Lendeborg has a knack for drawing fouls -- recording a .625 free throw rate.
Riley Minix, Morehead State (No. 14 Seed)
Riley Minix spent four seasons at Southeastern prior to this season at Morehead State, leading Southeastern to the NAIA National Championship Tournament three times in four seasons. The 6-foot-7 graduate student is averaging 20.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and one block per game while shooting 34% from three (8.3 3-point attempts per 100 possessions). Additionally, he's recording an offensive rebounding percentage of 11, defensive rebounding percentage of 21.6, and converting 83.4% of his attempts at the line (151 attempts).
Lastly, the 24-year-old is finishing 76.6% of his rim attempts (167 attempts), 50.9% of his non-rim twos (114 attempts), while being in the 94th percentile in points per possession in Post Ups Plus Passes possessions (223 possessions).
Danny Wolf, Yale (No. 13 Seed)
Wolf is a sophomore big on Yale who is listed at 7-feet tall and 255 pounds. He's averaging 14.3 points, 2.3 assists, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.4 "stocks" per game. While only converting 71% of his free throws (90 attempts), he's shooting an impressive 41.4% on catch-and-shoot threes (58 attempts). Additionally, he's in the 93rd percentile in points per possession in Pick-and-Roll Roll Man possessions (54 possessions).
While he's efficient as a roller and can shoot from deep as a 7-footer, Wolf could improve his finishing at the rim, as he's converting only 59% of his attempts in that area (191 attempts) -- a number that could be slightly improved as a big. Lastly, Wolf is an impactful rebounder, as he's recording an offensive rebounding percentage of eight and a defensive rebounding percentage of 29.1 to go along with a 7.7 "stock" percentage.
The near seven-footer possesses a unique skill set and fluidity on the offensive end of the floor. He'll likely be able to pick-and-pop at the next level, while also being capable as a pure roll & cut big at times (assuming the finishing improves slightly). Wolf looked impressive in-person at the Ivy Tournament, staying calm when doubled in the post and throwing accurate passes to open teammates cutting from the weakside. While he will occasionally block shots at the rim, gaining a true defensive calling card is the next step in Wolf's potential path to the NBA.
All play-by-play data is courtesy of Synergy Sports
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