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Top prospects for the 2023 NBA draft from March Madness: Duke, UCLA basketball and more

The 2023 NBA Draft is just a few months away. Victor Wembanyama will headline the draft class. The class behind him will be loaded as well.

Some of the biggest prospects have played in March Madness. As usual, some of them come from the most storied programs in college basketball.

Let’s take a look at some of the top prospects who were playing in March Madness with these storied programs.

1) Duke Blue Devils

Totally normal stuff for a 7’0” big to hit his defender with a euro-step. I love how Kyle Filipowski changes speeds so quickly. https://t.co/vg492LO7um

Duke lost in the second round to Tennessee. Four of their five leading scorers were highly touted freshmen, who all have tough decisions to make. Star Kyle Filipowski is a projected lottery pick if he declares for the draft. He averaged 15.1 points and 8.9 rebounds this season.

Fellow freshman Dariq Whitehead averaged 8.3 points this season. He is 6 '7 " with an the NBA frame and has a lot of upside. Dereck Lively II is also a projected first-rounder in the draft. He is a 7’1” big man with the potential to develop into a solid NBA player.

2) UCLA Bruins

Jamie Jaquez Jr. is a projected second-round pick. He has played four seasons for UCLA and helped them make deep runs in the NCAA tournament. He has averaged 17.8 points. Teammate Amari Bailey finished the year strong and could also enter the draft. He is a projected late first-round or second-round pick. Big man Adam Bona faces similar projections.

3) Kentucky Wildcats

Kentucky has always been one of the biggest exporters of NBA talent. This year, they lost in the second round to Kansas State. The Wildcats will have some talented players departing for the NBA. Freshman point guard Cason Wallace is likely to enter the draft and is a projected first-round pick. He has averaged 11.7 points and 4.3 assists at Kentucky.

4) Alabama Crimson Tide

Which prospects should we keep our eye on in the NBA Draft? 🤔 https://t.co/cKGqY4sz2X

Alabama were a one seed that fell in the Sweet 16 to San Diego State. They were led by star freshman Brandon Miller. Miller will be a likely top-five NBA pick this season if he enters the draft. Miller averaged 18.8 points. His size (6’9” and 200 pounds) and versitality makes him a perfect fit for the NBA.

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