NBA Prospects Rise To The Occasion In Duke-UNC Clash
This Saturday served as perhaps the most exciting weekend of college basketball yet this season. Viewers got a glimpse of the nation’s top teams and players, including many highly-touted NBA Draft prospects. Under the bright lights of contested battles, many future draftees rose to the occasion and bolstered their stock.
Eighteen top-25 ranked teams took the floor, including three matchups between such squads. At the center of it all, Duke took on North Carolina in one of sports’ most iconic rivalries.
This clash boasted five 20-point scorers. On the Blue Devils’ side, Jared McCain played 38 of 40 minutes, tallying 23 points, 11 rebounds, and two steals. He made half of his 18 shot attempts while shooting 2-for-6 from beyond the arc and nailing all three of his free throws. McCain, a 6-foot-3 guard, has been projected as a first-round selection due to his well-rounded impact from the backcourt. This standout performance in the nation’s biggest matchup only strengthened his first-round case.
Kyle Flipowski poured in 22 points and 5 of his own for the Blue Devils. The big man made 9-of-17 field goal attempts including 1-for-6 shooting from deep and a 3-for-5 performance from the stripe. Known for his polished skill and fluid movement as a 7-footer, Flipowski projects as a lottery pick with upside in the top ten.
Guard Jeremy Roach added 20 points on 16 shots. He considered entering the NBA Draft last offseason, but ultimately returned to Durham to boost his draft stock. Performances like he put together on Saturday night will help this cause.
However, UNC won this game by a final score of 93-84 behind huge performances from two of their stars. Senior big man Armando Bacot is a legend in Chapel Hill and he furthered this status tonight. With just 13 field goal attempts and seven free throws, Bacot racked up 25 points with 10 rebounds and five assists. While he may not be a high draft pick, Bacot’s college basketball dominance will earn him NBA looks.
Still, in 39 minutes of play, the lights may have shined brightest for Harrison Ingram. A transfer from Stanford, the 6-foot-7 wing has flirted with the draft process in the past. After scoring 21 points, grabbing 13 boards and lobbying four steals in the big win, Ingram made a loud first-round case to NBA scouts.
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