The Champions - Virginia Cavaliers
1. Kyle Guy
The junior guard from Virginia is not going to be a lottery pick. In fact, he might not have been drafted in the first round (or second round) at all. But after scoring 24 points including four three pointers in the Finals and being named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, Kyle Guy’s draft stock has certainly increased. Players like Guy who can hit jumpers consistently certainly have a place in today’s NBA.
2. De’Andre Hunter
De’Andre Hunter certainly fits the mold of the modern NBA power forward and is one of the two projected lottery picks in this year’s NCAA Finals. Hunter can attack inside and also has a decent touch from outside. He’s not as good an athlete as the likes of Zion Williamson but his speed and footwork help him become effective on the defensive end where he can guard both bigs and wings making him a versatile weapon in any roster.
3. Ty Jerome
Ty Jerome is ranked 30th in ESPN’s pre-draft rankings. After posting a stat line of 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists in the NCAA Finals, that rank will only improve. Yes, Kyle Guy won the Most Outstanding Player award but Jerome should be considered as the best all-around player of the tournament. He has improved in most stat categories this year including points, rebounds, and assists while improving his three point percentage to a respectable 40%. Jerome has all the tools to be a reliable player in the pro ranks.
The Runners-Up - Texas Tech Red Raiders
4. Jarrett Culver
The only other projected lottery pick in this list aside from Hunter, Jarrett Culver has been a revelation in his sophomore year, leading Texas Tech in points (18.5), rebounds (6.3), and assists (3.7). Unfortunately, Culver was held to a poor 5-for-22 shooting clip in the Finals game. He shouldn’t slip too far from his projected #5 pick slot, though, as he still remains an elite level guard who can immediately contribute in both guard positions.
5. Davide Moretti
What is it with Italy and their penchant for producing players who can shoot the ball really well? We’ve seen the likes of Andrea Bargnani, Marco Belinilli, and Danilo Gallinari light it up from all over the court in professional and international contests. Texas Tech’s Davide Moretti is of the same mold. He’s not an imposing physical specimen by any means as he is listed at only 6’2. But he is shooting 46% from downtown and in a three point-centric NBA league, that could mean a roster spot. Moretti has not yet declared for the draft but if he does, we think a team is going to at least take a flyer on him.