Top 5 SEC NBA draft prospects that raised their stocks during March Madness
On the SEC's run to its most impressive season likely ever, March Madness helped several SEC prospects. Of course, Florida's Walter Clayton jumps to mind, but it's not as if Clayton was the only player whose stock climbed due to the NCAA Tournament. In fact, here are five SEC players who could say the same.
Top 5 SEC NBA Draft prospects whose stock rose in March Madness
5. Mark Sears, Alabama
There's good news and bad news for Sears's NCAA Tournament performance. He averaged 18.5 points and 6.8 assists per game. In the Sweet 16, Sears showed his upside, drilling 10 3-pointers en route to a 34-point performance. On the other hand, Houston shut him down in the Elite Eight, as he shot 2-for-12. Sears showed some good and some bad, but he likely impressed with his upside.
4. Otega Oweh, Kentucky
Oweh's NCAA Tournament numbers weren't vastly different from his regular-season numbers. He averaged 16.0 ppg and 5.3 rpg. But more than numbers, he looked impressive being the clear leader of the Kentucky offense in the absence of UK's regular point guards. Oweh made enough of a showcase for his game that it's unclear whether he'll return to school.
3. Johnell Davis, Arkansas
Davis came into the NCAA Tournament as a fairly marginal prospect, but he showcased his game in the Hogs' Sweet 16 run. Davis averaged 20.3 ppg in Arkansas's three games and knocked down all 17 free throws he attempted. Perhaps most impressive for a guard who could be out of control at times, he had just three total turnovers.
2. Johni Broome, Auburn
In leading Auburn to the Final Four, Broome showed his skill set pretty thoroughly. He averaged 16.8 points and 12.0 boards per game. His offensive game was up and down and he struggled at the foul line, shooting 13-for-28 on free throws. He also committed 15 turnovers. But Broome showed his post offensive skills and his defensive and rebounding chops.
1. Walter Clayton, Florida
Clayton led Florida to the title and displayed his multi-level scoring skill set to great effect. He averaged 22.3 points per game in Florida's title run, knocking down 20-for-46 3-point attempts in the NCAA Tournament. Clayton also shot 42-for-46 at the foul line. The NCAA Tournament probably jumped Clayton's NBA draft stock from mid-second round to mid-to-lower first round.
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