NBA Draft Watch: "On the Scene Team", Six Prospects Whose Performance Stood Out This Past Weekend, February 8th-10th
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| Coby White, North Carolina |
Another weekend of college basketball came and went, with a number of top teams on the take and talented players performing in an effort to propel their programs to a win. The result being a bevy of burgeoning prospects rising above the rest as programs across the country counted on the contributions of college basketball stars to catapult them past their counterparts.
In the following segment, fans can fix their attention to a few prospects whose performances shined on a day where strong showings from plenty of players were spotted throughout the entire schedule of games.
Six individuals account for a spot on the, "On the Scene Team," highlighting their positive play on over the weekend as well as how each prospect's draft stock is currently holding up.
- Coby White, North Carolina
Beginning the game with a well-anticipated steal in the opening minute, White would then take the ball the other way for an easy fastbreak dunk, giving North Carolina the initial lead at 2-0. Even though, the 6'5, 185-pound point guard would do most of his damage in the second half and overtime, scoring 25 of his 33 points in the latter part of the contest.
Going toe-to-toe with dynamic Miami point guard Chris Lykes, White certainly stepped up to the challenge against the sophomore star.
The Tar Heels freshman sunk 7-10 3-point attempts, successfully stepping into a couple of shots off swing passes around the perimeter, but more impressively craftily created and drained a few of his own shots out beyond the arc.
White also distributed the ball effectively, accounting for 6 assists (to 3 turnovers), including finding Luke Maye off a pick and pop action to tie the score at 77, with 11 seconds left in the 2nd half to help send the game into overtime.
He then would give North Carolina the lead for good, spotting Kenny Williams for a 3-point shot with 2:11 remaining in overtime to put UNC up 82-79.
With another positive performance leading the 8th ranked Tar Heels to victory, White continues to show why he is deserving to be a likely lottery pick following his freshman season — if not a potential top 10 selection.
- Markus Howard, Marquette
Facing the reigning National Champions and current first-place team in the Big East, Villanova, Markus Howard made sure to hold himself to his standard as one of the best players in the country, carrying Marquette past the Wildcats 66-65 — handing them their first loss in-conference on the season.
Howard was sublime in his performance against the tough defensive team, as the sharpshooting scorer dropped in 38 points in 38 minutes of play.
The 5'11, 175-pound point guard sunk five 3-point baskets in a series of ways as he put up a shot after taking a handoff from a teammate once Howard in-bounded the ball, quickly catching and shooting a shot from distance off a deflected pass, downing another attempt as he corralled a long offensive rebound that bounced out to him beyond the arc, dribbling into a deep dive while in transition, and also draining a look by way of an on-ball screen as the defender foolishly went under the pick.
Though he was able to get those various glances to go, Howard also took advantage of the typically tight defense applied to him out on the perimeter in freeing himself to find his way to the basket. Showing some smooth ball-handling ability, including splitting a couple of double teams sent his direction, he crafted his way in the lane for a number of buckets, scoring on contested layups, floaters, and a scooping shot that he was able to have drop.
Howard also came up big, grabbing 6 rebounds and sinking all of his 7 attempts from the free throw line.
Due to his diminutive size, the junior has had his share of doubters as it relates to his potential as a future pro. Yet there is no doubt with his consistent high scoring outputs, accentuated by him raining 3's on a regular basis that Howard is definitely deserving of serious consideration with one of the 60 picks in the NBA Draft.
- Mike Daum, South Dakota State
A 6'9, 235-pound big man, Mike Daum had another dominating performance for the Jackrabbits in what has been another stellar season a part of an outstanding career.
Leading South Dakota State to an 80-55 victory over North Dakota, Daum racked up 29 points and 20 rebounds, while surpassing former North Carolina great Tyler Hansbrough on the all-time leading scorer's list in college basketball — now ranking 14th with 2,883 career points.
The senior showcased his offensive skill-set, sinking his sole 3-pointer and first of the game for South Dakota State from out past the top of the key on the opening possession of the second half, extending his team's lead to 36-32 after a tightly first 20 minutes. Daum also advertised his ability to put the ball on the floor, making a tough running floater as the defense quickly closed out to him catching the ball out on the perimeter.
While he showed his comfort in stepping out past the arc, it was inside the paint where Daum dominated the game. Effectively rolling to the basket off on-ball screens for teammates and also consistently establishing a positive position in the post, Daum was outstanding sinking 9-11 of his shots from inside the 3-point line. He also added 2 assists, including a pretty feed while recognizing the double-team sent his way while posting on the block.
Defensively, Daum was also a difference maker collecting 19 of his 20 rebounds on that end of the floor, helping keep North Dakota to a 34.5 field goal percentage, while also adding 2 steals.
As a small-school prospect in the relatively obscure territory of the Dakotas, Mike Daum may not be a name many people are aware of. Though with his eye-popping numbers and another possible trip to the NCAA Tournament where he played well in a near-upset over Ohio State last year, he has enough momentum to carry himself to potentially be a steal for someone in the second round of the NBA Draft.
- Robert Franks, Washington State
Playing on the road against Arizona, Robert Franks tied his career-high he set in just the previous game, scoring 34 points on Saturday evening in leading Washington State to a 69-55 win.
The 6'9, 225-pound senior forward filled it up from deep sinking an impressive 7-9, 3-point attempts. As the main focus of the Wildcats defense, Franks found his stroke without having to force unwarranted shots, calmly catching a rhythm throughout the course of the game. In sinking his seven trey's, the PAC-12 Player of the Week worked his way around the entirety of the arc, knocking down a shot from the corner, the wing, and out near the top of the key from both sides of the floor.
Not just a catch and shoot option, Franks created a couple of his own looks from deep, in addition to benefitting from a few finds on the perimeter from teammates. He added another jumper for 2 points, smoothly stepping into a shot inside the arc as the defense closed out to him in the corner in an effort to take away another potential attempt from out past the 3-point line.
The Cougars captain also took advantage of his size inside the paint, scoring on a couple of strong moves that were contested by the defense near the basket. Tying for the team lead in rebounds with 8, Franks featured his faculty for finding shots off the rim, adding to his already impressive ability to put the ball in the basket.
Despite playing for a Washington State team who is 10-14 on the season, Franks has a number of scouts and analysts who've grown fond of him. Finding the 'stretch 4' as one of the better senior prospects in college basketball that has the ability and skill-set to successfully transition to the next level as a potential second-round selection or someone who can earn a spot through the Summer League on a potential two-way contract.
- Dylan Windler, Belmont
Playing all 40 minutes in a 96-86 win on the road at Morehead State, Dylan Windler was highly impressive even beyond the career-high 41 points he scored during the game. The 6'8, 200-pound senior guard/wing showcased his stamina in bringing excellent energy on defense, also leading the game with 3 steals and 12 rebounds — as 10 of his caroms came off misses by Morehead State. He also added a block for good measure in his overall outstanding performance.
While what he did defensively was admirable, Windler was amazing on offense, shooting 8-14 from deep (12-20 on total shots from the floor) and 9-11 from the free throw line in going for a '40 piece' and a biscuit. Quickly setting his feet and getting his lightning-quick left-handed release to let it fly from deep, Windler sunk 3's on numerous actions within the Belmont offense.
When he wasn't dropping in shots from downtown, Windler found his way into the paint on dribble-drive attacks, streaking down the middle of the lane for a strong one-handed slam on one occasion and trickling in a tough running fallaway shot in the lane in another. Also, an impressive part of his positive productivity in the game was the fact that he didn't have any turnovers while being in possession of the ball plenty in playing the entirety of the game.
Windler has led Belmont to a 19-4 record on the season and 10-2 thus far in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), putting people on notice that Ja Morant isn't the only viable NBA prospect in the mid-major conference. Having had his name mentioned throughout the season as a potential pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, Windler continues to soar his draft stock with dominant displays as he had on Saturday. Slowly but surely turning his projection as a draft pick from 'potential' into 'probable'.
- Jon Teske, Michigan
In a battle with one of the best players in the country going up against Wisconsin's Ethan Happ, Teske exhibited why he has the talent to be considered one of the formidable frontcourt options in college basketball, himself.
The 7'1, 260-pound junior center was effective on offense, often setting solid ball screens and showing the awareness to know when to slip to the basket which accounted for a few of his buckets inside. Teske successfully completed a lob-pass for an alley-oop slam in one instance and willed the ball in on a tough and-1 finish for another basket. His soft shooting touch was also on display as he stepped outside on a pick and pop action for a 3-point shot and also sunk 4-5 free throws.
Defensively, Teske came up big, specifically in the second half as he helped hold Happ to 2-9 shooting over the final 20 minutes of play after the Wisconsin big man scored 14 points in the first half — as the score was tied at 27 coming out of halftime. The Michigan center displayed deftly timing on the defensive end, collecting 3 blocked shots and 9 of his 12 total rebounds on that end of the floor to keep Wisconsin from putting the ball in the basket.
To date there hasn't been much talk of Teske's draft stock, though with his increased improvement as of late and performances like he had against Wisconsin, should he continue having strong showings in supplementing the beautifully-balanced Michigan squad heading into tournament time there will be a buzz surrounding his name at the end of the season.
Going toe-to-toe with dynamic Miami point guard Chris Lykes, White certainly stepped up to the challenge against the sophomore star.
The Tar Heels freshman sunk 7-10 3-point attempts, successfully stepping into a couple of shots off swing passes around the perimeter, but more impressively craftily created and drained a few of his own shots out beyond the arc.
White also distributed the ball effectively, accounting for 6 assists (to 3 turnovers), including finding Luke Maye off a pick and pop action to tie the score at 77, with 11 seconds left in the 2nd half to help send the game into overtime.
He then would give North Carolina the lead for good, spotting Kenny Williams for a 3-point shot with 2:11 remaining in overtime to put UNC up 82-79.
With another positive performance leading the 8th ranked Tar Heels to victory, White continues to show why he is deserving to be a likely lottery pick following his freshman season — if not a potential top 10 selection.
Leading South Dakota State to an 80-55 victory over North Dakota, Daum racked up 29 points and 20 rebounds, while surpassing former North Carolina great Tyler Hansbrough on the all-time leading scorer's list in college basketball — now ranking 14th with 2,883 career points.
The senior showcased his offensive skill-set, sinking his sole 3-pointer and first of the game for South Dakota State from out past the top of the key on the opening possession of the second half, extending his team's lead to 36-32 after a tightly first 20 minutes. Daum also advertised his ability to put the ball on the floor, making a tough running floater as the defense quickly closed out to him catching the ball out on the perimeter.
While he showed his comfort in stepping out past the arc, it was inside the paint where Daum dominated the game. Effectively rolling to the basket off on-ball screens for teammates and also consistently establishing a positive position in the post, Daum was outstanding sinking 9-11 of his shots from inside the 3-point line. He also added 2 assists, including a pretty feed while recognizing the double-team sent his way while posting on the block.
Defensively, Daum was also a difference maker collecting 19 of his 20 rebounds on that end of the floor, helping keep North Dakota to a 34.5 field goal percentage, while also adding 2 steals.
As a small-school prospect in the relatively obscure territory of the Dakotas, Mike Daum may not be a name many people are aware of. Though with his eye-popping numbers and another possible trip to the NCAA Tournament where he played well in a near-upset over Ohio State last year, he has enough momentum to carry himself to potentially be a steal for someone in the second round of the NBA Draft.
The 6'9, 225-pound senior forward filled it up from deep sinking an impressive 7-9, 3-point attempts. As the main focus of the Wildcats defense, Franks found his stroke without having to force unwarranted shots, calmly catching a rhythm throughout the course of the game. In sinking his seven trey's, the PAC-12 Player of the Week worked his way around the entirety of the arc, knocking down a shot from the corner, the wing, and out near the top of the key from both sides of the floor.
Not just a catch and shoot option, Franks created a couple of his own looks from deep, in addition to benefitting from a few finds on the perimeter from teammates. He added another jumper for 2 points, smoothly stepping into a shot inside the arc as the defense closed out to him in the corner in an effort to take away another potential attempt from out past the 3-point line.
The Cougars captain also took advantage of his size inside the paint, scoring on a couple of strong moves that were contested by the defense near the basket. Tying for the team lead in rebounds with 8, Franks featured his faculty for finding shots off the rim, adding to his already impressive ability to put the ball in the basket.
Despite playing for a Washington State team who is 10-14 on the season, Franks has a number of scouts and analysts who've grown fond of him. Finding the 'stretch 4' as one of the better senior prospects in college basketball that has the ability and skill-set to successfully transition to the next level as a potential second-round selection or someone who can earn a spot through the Summer League on a potential two-way contract.
While what he did defensively was admirable, Windler was amazing on offense, shooting 8-14 from deep (12-20 on total shots from the floor) and 9-11 from the free throw line in going for a '40 piece' and a biscuit. Quickly setting his feet and getting his lightning-quick left-handed release to let it fly from deep, Windler sunk 3's on numerous actions within the Belmont offense.
When he wasn't dropping in shots from downtown, Windler found his way into the paint on dribble-drive attacks, streaking down the middle of the lane for a strong one-handed slam on one occasion and trickling in a tough running fallaway shot in the lane in another. Also, an impressive part of his positive productivity in the game was the fact that he didn't have any turnovers while being in possession of the ball plenty in playing the entirety of the game.
Windler has led Belmont to a 19-4 record on the season and 10-2 thus far in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), putting people on notice that Ja Morant isn't the only viable NBA prospect in the mid-major conference. Having had his name mentioned throughout the season as a potential pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, Windler continues to soar his draft stock with dominant displays as he had on Saturday. Slowly but surely turning his projection as a draft pick from 'potential' into 'probable'.
The 7'1, 260-pound junior center was effective on offense, often setting solid ball screens and showing the awareness to know when to slip to the basket which accounted for a few of his buckets inside. Teske successfully completed a lob-pass for an alley-oop slam in one instance and willed the ball in on a tough and-1 finish for another basket. His soft shooting touch was also on display as he stepped outside on a pick and pop action for a 3-point shot and also sunk 4-5 free throws.
Defensively, Teske came up big, specifically in the second half as he helped hold Happ to 2-9 shooting over the final 20 minutes of play after the Wisconsin big man scored 14 points in the first half — as the score was tied at 27 coming out of halftime. The Michigan center displayed deftly timing on the defensive end, collecting 3 blocked shots and 9 of his 12 total rebounds on that end of the floor to keep Wisconsin from putting the ball in the basket.
To date there hasn't been much talk of Teske's draft stock, though with his increased improvement as of late and performances like he had against Wisconsin, should he continue having strong showings in supplementing the beautifully-balanced Michigan squad heading into tournament time there will be a buzz surrounding his name at the end of the season.
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