{"id":115385,"date":"2025-04-04T18:07:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-04T18:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/final-four-key-non-lottery-nba-draft-prospects-to-follow-from-each-team-left-in-the-ncaa-tournament\/"},"modified":"2025-04-04T18:07:00","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T18:07:00","slug":"final-four-key-non-lottery-nba-draft-prospects-to-follow-from-each-team-left-in-the-ncaa-tournament","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/final-four-key-non-lottery-nba-draft-prospects-to-follow-from-each-team-left-in-the-ncaa-tournament\/","title":{"rendered":"Final Four: Key Non-Lottery NBA Draft Prospects to Follow from Each Team Left in the NCAA Tournament"},"content":{"rendered":"

What significant role do projected lottery picks from Duke play in the Final Four?<\/strong> How has Tyrese Proctor’s performance this season impacted his draft stock?<\/strong> Is Sion James’s experience in college basketball influencing his potential in the NBA?<\/strong> What factors might affect Isaiah Evans\u2019s readiness for the NBA despite his shooting abilities?<\/strong> How does Milos Uzan\u2019s gameplay contribute to Houston\u2019s success in the tournament?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Duke Blue Devils<\/h3>\n

Tyrese Proctor, junior guard (rank: 24th)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Proctor was an expected one-and-done after reclassifying to begin his Duke career in 2022, which was Jon Scheyer\u2019s first year coaching the team. It didn’t go as planned. Nor did his sophomore season. Proctor not only fell out of the draft lottery picture, but looked more like a second rounder at best.<\/p>\n

But as a junior he now resembles the player he was expected to be as a poised shot creator with excellent court vision at 6-foot-6, and the ability to drain 3s like he did in that 25-point game against Baylor last Sunday.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Tyrese and his family] had such maturity to understand it\u2019s more important to be ready than to just be drafted,\u201d Scheyer said after Proctor scored 25 points in the round of 32. \u201cIf I’m an NBA team, I’m going after him.\u201d<\/p>\n

And teams will. March is helping solidify Proctor\u2019s first-round case. A strong Final Four could make him an absolute lock for a team looking for the next Derrick White, as a tall two-way guard who can hit clutch shots, make smart passes and defend multiple positions.<\/p>\n

Sion James, super senior wing (rank: 45th)<\/strong><\/p>\n

The fifth starter for the Blue Devils is James, who transferred to Duke after four years at Tulane. He’s made 41.7% of 3s, can initiate the offense and is a hard-nosed defender.<\/p>\n

And pro scouts would argue that James serves as an example for why a fifth collegiate season can be so important from a player-evaluation standpoint. Because of the COVID waiver, which was tied to the 2020-21 season, James gained a fifth year of eligibility, so we got to see him shine at Duke. The proposed NCAA "5-in-5" rule \u2014 allowing five seasons of competition within five years \u2014 could lead to more draft risers like James. His fifth year, he was allowed to look like the type of glue guy who could carve out the exact type of role for an NBA team that he does for Duke.<\/p>\n

Isaiah Evans, freshman wing (rank: 37th)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Evans has seen his playing time dwindle in March Madness, playing only a combined 16 minutes in his last three games. But as a sharpshooting wing who\u2019s made 41.6% of his 3s this season, could he get a chance to stretch the floor for Duke\u2019s offense against some upcoming stellar defenses?<\/p>\n

Evans may not be quite ready for the NBA. He\u2019s still underdeveloped physically, and he doesn\u2019t do much else besides shoot. But he\u2019s a player to keep on the radar.<\/p>\n

Caleb Foster, sophomore guard (unranked)<\/strong><\/p>\n

It’s been an up-and-down tenure for Foster at Duke. He was an expected one-and-done, but his development has been rocky. As a freshman, he was outplayed by other guards on the roster. And this season, he\u2019s taken a backseat despite his shot-creation talent in his 6-5 frame.<\/p>\n

But he\u2019s showing more skills than he did after exiting high school. He played 15 minutes in the Elite Eight in part because of the little things. He boxed out bigger players to compete for and secure boards, he made smart passes, and he generally brought great intensity on defense.<\/p>\n

Foster could use a third year like Proctor did, but he\u2019s beginning to show signs that he still has first-round talent within.<\/p>\n

Houston Cougars<\/h3>\n

Milos Uzan, senior guard (rank: 31st)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Uzan\u2019s six triples against Purdue helped propel Houston to the Elite Eight, but even when he\u2019s not making shots he\u2019s a steady-handed playmaker who plays with craft and poise as the orchestrator of the Cougars’ offense. Fans watching him for the first time in the Final Four will see a player who doesn\u2019t project as an NBA lead guard but will fit as a connective piece who can do a little bit of everything.<\/p>\n

"I think the difference has been Milos, his 3-point shooting has really helped this team,\u201d Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson said ahead of the Final Four. \u201cWe’ve gone from being a 3-point shooting team to a 3-point making team. That\u2019s the difference."<\/p>\n

Uzan\u2019s shooting improvement is one of the reasons why Houston is still playing. And it\u2019s why he\u2019s made himself a borderline first-round pick. Some more success could help solidify his status as a key target for one of the playoff teams drafting in the late first.<\/p>\n

Joseph Tugler, sophomore forward (rank: 47th)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tugler received the Lefty Driesell Award this week, which is given to the nation\u2019s top defender. And it\u2019s well deserved. He\u2019s a lynchpin of Houston\u2019s top-ranked defense with Inspector Gadget arms and a motor that doesn\u2019t stop. And now he\u2019ll have the chance to face off against Cooper Flagg. Will he effectively contain the best player in college basketball? It\u2019s going to be the key to victory for the Cougars, and it certainly could raise his draft stock in the process.<\/p>\n

Terrance Arceneaux, sophomore wing (unranked)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Arceneaux isn\u2019t expected to declare for the draft this year, considering he\u2019s one year removed from rupturing his Achilles and he still needs to develop physically. But he\u2019s showing his long-term upside in the tournament for Houston as a versatile defender and a reliable shooter in a classic 3-and-D mold.<\/p>\n

Emanuel Sharp, junior guard (unranked)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sharp is a pure shooter who\u2019s made 41.5% of his 5.7 attempts from 3 per game. If Houston finds itself in a nail-biter, there\u2019s a chance it\u2019ll be in his hands to shoot at the end of the game. He\u2019s confident and capable of big nights (like his 26-point game in the Big 12 championship semifinal). Though he isn\u2019t asked to do much as a playmaker, he is a gritty defender at 6-3 who does a good job of chasing shooters around screens.<\/p>\n

Auburn Tigers<\/h3>\n

Johni Broome, super senior big (rank: 46th)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Broome is Auburn\u2019s face of the team. He brings old-school post scoring with a soft hook shot and some range behind the line. He does a little bit of everything. He boxes out and rebounds. He brings toughness as an enforcer around the basket. And as he showed returning from an elbow injury in the Elite Eight, he sets a tone with his heart. Broome won’t change his draft stock much. But he has an opportunity to make himself a true Auburn legend.<\/p>\n

Tahaad Pettiford, freshman guard (rank: 14th)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pettiford might be ranked in the lottery on my personal board, but as far as I know there isn\u2019t another draft analyst who has him ranked as highly. The Athletic has him ranked 46th. No Ceilings has him 52nd. ESPN puts him 62nd.<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t really understand what the hesitation is for ranking him higher. Pettiford comes off the bench, but he’s playing nearly 30 minutes per game in the tournament because he\u2019s a key player. He isn’t asked to be a primary playmaker, but he’s shown the ability to create shots whenever he needs to. He’s only 175 pounds, but he plays his ass off at all times and has racked up multiple big blocks and steals in the tournament.<\/p>\n

Pettiford might end up returning to school. But another big game or two, and I’d imagine he will at least test the waters.<\/p>\n

Denver Jones, senior guard (unranked)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jones was named to the SEC All-Defensive Team and is one of the 10 semifinalists for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award. And now it\u2019ll be largely on him to contain Florida\u2019s leading scorer, Walter Clayton Jr. If he does a good job fighting through screens and staying in front of him, it’ll go a long way in showing NBA scouts he’s capable of containing high-level bucket-getters. And he’s more than a defender. He’s making over 40% of 3s this season, giving him 3-and-D vibes in the backcourt.<\/p>\n

Chad Baker-Mazara, senior wing (unranked)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s get this out of the way: Baker-Mazara is 25 years old. Older than Zion Williamson. Older than Coby White. Older than RJ Barrett. It\u2019s been a strange journey for him to get to this point. He played at Duquesne, then San Diego State, then was ruled academically ineligible, so he went to a JUCO school. He’s been with Auburn since then and has looked the part of a 3-and-D wing who brings defensive energy and bangs 3s. But he’s old. He’s facing players sometimes seven years younger than him, and he himself is still a lean 180 pounds. Maybe he\u2019ll end up one of those old NBA rookies down the line, too.<\/p>\n

Florida Gators<\/h3>\n

Walter Clayton Jr., senior guard (rank: 30th)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Clayton has made Steph-like clutch shots throughout the tournament, but now his toughest test comes against Auburn\u2019s tremendous defense. Auburn has effectively contained guards all season, holding Michigan State’s top four guards to a combined 11-of-44 shooting the last round. But Clayton is a different type of animal than what the Spartans could offer as a seasoned sharpshooter with the dribbling talent and confidence to fire shots from anywhere.<\/p>\n

Though Clayton\u2019s not a great playmaker and he\u2019s rather aloof defensively, the NBA craves flamethrower shooters like him. And now\u2019s his chance to keep raising his draft stock while leading Florida to a national championship.<\/p>\n

Alex Condon, sophomore big (rank: 35th)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Condon is raw, but he has the makings of a modern NBA big. The Australian can pick-and-pop, punish mismatches in the post or attack from the perimeter with agile footwork. He looks like a slightly smaller Isaiah Hartenstein on offense and brings a similar tenacity to his defense.<\/p>\n

Condon had a huge 27-point effort against Alabama toward the end of the regular season. One game like that could cement his status as a first-round pick.<\/p>\n

Alijah Martin, super senior wing (unranked)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Martin brings toughness, athleticism and microwave scoring to the table. But at only 6-2, he\u2019s a streaky shooter and isn\u2019t a primary shot-creator. The Final Four will be a chance for him to show he can come through generating big shots for his team against elite defenses.<\/p>\n

Thomas Haugh, sophomore forward (Unranked)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Haugh is 6-9, grabs 6.1 boards per game and drains 35.1% of his 3s. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but with his size and shooting stroke, he sure looked the part of an NBA prospect in the Elite Eight against Texas Tech when he scored 20 points and grabbed 11 boards. He’s a key reason the Gators advanced, and he’ll have to be one of the X-factors if they’re gonna win the national championship.<\/p>\n

As the NCAA tournament reaches its pinnacle with the Final Four ahead, excitement builds not only for the championship but also for NBA Draft prospects. While lottery picks often steal the spotlight, there are numerous non-lottery prospects worth keeping an eye on. These players have the potential to be future stars in the NBA, showcasing their skills on the biggest college basketball stage. Here\u2019s a breakdown of some key non-lottery prospects from each of the four remaining teams in the 2023 NCAA tournament.<\/p>\n

### UConn Huskies: Adama Sanogo<\/p>\n

UConn’s Adama Sanogo is a powerful force in the paint. At 6\u20199\u201d, he possesses impressive strength and exceptional footwork, making him a nightmare for defenders around the rim. Sanogo has been instrumental in UConn\u2019s tournament run, averaging a double-double throughout the competition. His ability to score efficiently inside, coupled with his rebounding prowess, makes him a highly coveted prospect.<\/p>\n

What sets Sanogo apart is his developing mid-range shot, which he has showcased during the tournament. If he continues to extend his range and demonstrates a solid defensive presence, he could rise into late first-round conversations. NBA teams will love his work ethic and the way he commands an offense while being an anchor on defense.<\/p>\n

### Florida Atlantic Owls: Johnell Davis<\/p>\n

Johnell Davis is making a case for himself as one of the most exciting prospects in the tournament. The guard, who stands at 6\u20194\u201d, has had a breakout season with Florida Atlantic, contributing both as a scorer and playmaker. He has a versatile skill set that allows him to attack the basket, shoot from the perimeter, and defend multiple positions.<\/p>\n

Davis is particularly known for his high basketball IQ. During the tournament, he has displayed an impressive ability to create his shot and find open teammates, showcasing his playmaking ability under pressure. As a non-lottery prospect, he could attract interest in the second round, especially if teams are looking for a wing player who can contribute immediately.<\/p>\n

### San Diego State Aztecs: Matt Bradley<\/p>\n

San Diego State\u2019s Matt Bradley has been a steady presence for his team throughout the tournament. A graduate transfer from Cal, Bradley brings a wealth of experience and a strong scoring touch. At 6\u20194\u201d, his ability to create his shot off the dribble makes him a dangerous player in clutch moments.<\/p>\n

Bradley has not only shown proficiency in scoring but also a willingness to impact the game in other areas, such as rebounding and defense. His defensive tenacity is often overlooked, but it\u2019s a trait that NBA teams highly value in today\u2019s game. If he can continue to excel in the Final Four, Bradley could enhance his draft stock significantly, potentially positioning himself favorably for a spot in the second round.<\/p>\n

### Miami Hurricanes: Jordan Miller<\/p>\n

Jordan Miller has been an unsung hero for the Miami Hurricanes, often overshadowed by star players but possessing an impressive skill set of his own. Standing at 6\u20197\u201d, Miller is a versatile forward capable of defending multiple positions and contributing on both ends of the court. His ability to score in transition and utilize his size to finish at the rim has made him a key player for Miami.<\/p>\n

In the tournament, Miller has showcased his ability to perform under pressure, hitting important shots and making crucial plays when it matters most. His defensive instincts and reliability in clutch situations could catch the eye of NBA scouts. With a strong showing in the Final Four, Miller could potentially secure a late-second-round selection, offering teams a player with a high ceiling and the work ethic to match.<\/p>\n

### The Importance of Non-Lottery Picks<\/p>\n

As the NBA continues to evolve, the value of non-lottery picks becomes increasingly apparent. Teams are realizing that gems can be found in the later rounds of the draft. Players from mid-major programs or lower-profile teams can turn into solid rotational pieces or even stars under the right circumstances.<\/p>\n

These players often possess the skills, drive, and talent needed to translate their collegiate success into professional careers. The spotlight of the NCAA tournament provides them with a tremendous opportunity to showcase their abilities against some of the best talent in the country. Scouts pay close attention to how these players handle pressure, adapt to different styles of play, and contribute to their teams’ success in meaningful moments.<\/p>\n

### Conclusion<\/p>\n

As the 2023 NCAA tournament draws to a close, all eyes will be on the Final Four teams and their respective non-lottery prospects. Adama Sanogo, Johnell Davis, Matt Bradley, and Jordan Miller may not be household names like some of their peers, but they possess the skills and determination to make a mark in the NBA. Teams looking to find valuable assets beyond the lottery should pay close attention to these players as they look to solidify their draft boards and prepare for the next chapter in their basketball careers. With a solid performance in the Final Four, these prospects could very well turn their dreams into reality.<\/p>\n

Sure! Here are some non-lottery NBA draft prospects to keep an eye on from the teams still competing in the NCAA tournament:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. \n

    Player A (Team X)<\/strong> – Known for their defensive skills and versatility, Player A has been impressive throughout the tournament, demonstrating a strong ability to guard multiple positions. Their offensive game is evolving, showcasing improved shooting and playmaking abilities.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Player B (Team Y)<\/strong> – A standout scorer for their team, Player B possesses a quick first step and is adept at finishing around the rim. Their ability to create their own shot makes them a compelling prospect as they continue to take on tough defenses in the tournament.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Player C (Team Z)<\/strong> – With excellent size and rebounding skills, Player C is a strong presence in the paint. Their potential as a rim protector and a developing offensive game makes them a player to watch as the tournament progresses.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  4. \n

    Player D (Team W)<\/strong> – Known for their high basketball IQ, Player D has been pivotal in their team\u2019s success. Their passing ability and leadership on the floor make them an intriguing option for NBA teams looking for a playmaker.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  5. \n

    Player E (Team V)<\/strong> – A shooter who has been lighting it up from beyond the arc, Player E\u2019s shooting touch could translate well to the NBA. Their defensive tenacity also adds value, making them a two-way player worth monitoring.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  6. Player F (Team U)<\/strong> – With a unique combination of size and skill, Player F has shown flashes of brilliance in the tournament. Their ability to stretch the floor as a big man and contribute in various facets of the game positions them as an interesting prospect.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Keep watching these players as they strive to make an impact in the NCAA tournament while also vying for their place in the NBA draft conversation.<\/p>\n

    Tm-En-3<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    What significant role do projected lottery picks from Duke play in the Final Four? How has Tyrese Proctor’s performance this season impacted his draft stock? Is Sion James’s experience in college basketball influencing his potential in the NBA? What factors might affect Isaiah Evans\u2019s readiness for the NBA despite his shooting abilities? How does Milos […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":108662,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[22028,466,3327,3012,641,14538,24524,28076,8034,253,10158],"class_list":["post-115385","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sports","tag-draft","tag-final","tag-follow","tag-key","tag-left","tag-nba","tag-ncaa","tag-nonlottery","tag-prospects","tag-team","tag-tournament"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/115385","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=115385"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/115385\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/108662"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=115385"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=115385"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=115385"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}