Sunday's NCAA action features four key matchups involving potential NBA players. Jordan Schultz breaks it down.
Evan Turner (Ohio State) vs. Georgia Tech. Turner has skyrocketed up NBA draft charts with his wondrous and multi-faceted high level of play. His bevy of skills extend themselves beautifully at both ends of the floor, where he is a relentless driver and unstoppable scorer, and on the defensive end, where he is both physical and extremely quick. His array of skills has the Buckeyes in striking distance of the Final Four but as we mentioned earlier, Georgia Tech has plenty of pro-level talent, namely center Derrick Favors and power forward Gani Lawal.
Nolan Smith (Duke) vs. Jerome Randle (Cal). The Pac 10 POY is a tireless (played 40 minutes against Louisville) point who really likes to shoot the three and put pressure on the defense with his driving ability. Smith is a much improved player for Duke, particularly at the offensive end where his mid-range jump shot has developed into a consistent weapon, and his drives have really opened up the floor for both Kyle Singler and Jon Scheyer, as well as 7-footer Brian Zoubek. This is another terrific guard match-up out of the South region.
As we enter Round 2 of the NCAA Tournament, Jordan Schultz takes a closer look at five NBA prospects in action today.
DeMarcus Cousins, C, Kentucky. When John Calipari coaxed Cousins into following him to Kentucky, you knew this kid was going to be special. Cousins is widely viewed as the next great 20-10 guy in the NBA. At 6-11, 270 lbs., he is almost unstoppable once he gets his normally deep low post position. His footwork and left hand still need work but his touch doesn't. Cousins is a horse in the paint and a potential top three pick should he declare after the season.
Maturity issues and laziness have been an issue at times for him however, but remember he's only a freshman. Cousins plays similar to Minnesota T-Wolves big man Al Jefferson, a bruising big man who will bang all game long until he wears you down. He has excellent hands down low too. If he's anywhere around the ball, he'll find a way to corral it, whether on a rebound or pass.
The key against Wake Forest is to avoid early foul trouble (Chas McFarland is a genius at this), and to find his shooters once doubles come. Both of these have been issues all season long for Cousins. He is not at the stage in his game where he understands how to evaluate the floor. For Wake to have any chance here, making Cousins uncomfortable and not letting him get in a rhythm is crucial. Should the game be close, he is a dreadful free throw shooter at 63 percent.
Evan Turner, SG, Ohio State 21 years old, 6'7, 205 lbs., Junior Turner, a favorite for national P.O.Y, is locked into the top five of June's NBA draft. There are even some (questionable) murmurs he could leap John Wall to the No. 1 spot for some teams (Utah is the only team which would do that, and even then ...) and a strong chance he'll be selected before Derrick Favors andDeMarcus Cousins. DraftExpress currently has Turner at No. 2 to Minnesota (which makes so much sense it hurts), and if you tune into Turner's game against U.C. Santa Barbara, you'll see why. Basically, imagine Stephen Jackson lived in a land of munchkins, had a permanent sugar high and played pick-up basketball every day. That's Turner. -- T.Z.
Derrick Favors, PF, Georgia Tech 18 years old, 6'10, 250 lbs., Freshman Favors was ranked ahead of John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, and Xavier Henry in many recruiting classes, and although his production hasn't been at that level (12.5 points, 8.5 rebounds), his talent level certainly is. A tantalizing prospect that has all of the natural tools to become an NBA star, Favors is worth the hype. At 6'9, he is a freak athlete and a perfect fit for the new age of dynamic forwards in the NBA (i.e. Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Andre Iguodala). Watch out because Favors could propel 10-seeded Georgia Tech into the Sweet 16 if he asserts himself the way he is capable of doing. -- Jordan Schultz
Devin Ebanks, SF, West Virginia 20 years old, 6'8, 205 lbs., Sophomore Ebanks has bounced between the lottery and the end of the first round based on killer physical indicators but inconsistent production and a questionable attitude. A small forward who can't shoot, Ebanks would excel on an up-tempo NBA team: he's a speedy attacker, a good finisher and a fantastic athlete. College ball -- particularly Bob Huggins ball -- isn't always built for that, but perhaps the Madness of March will allow the NBA version of Ebanks to break through. -- T.Z.
Da'Sean Butler, SF, West Virginia 22 years old, 6'7, 205 lbs., Senior Butler is a big jump-shooter, a veritable Rasual Butler of sorts. Sound exciting? Well maybe it ought to. Butler improved every season at WVU (which isn't always the case for senior stars) and can pass the ball. Teammate Ebanks is far more in line with NBA values, but Butler could be an important player if he falls to the right team. -- T.Z.
As March Madness 2010 begins, FanHouse's NBA team looks at the top prospects in each regional.
The South regional won't be bursting with NBA prospects on Friday, but the ones which will play have a lot of gain (or lose) in this tournament. Big programs like Duke, Louisville, Cal and Purdue are in action, as well as Texas A&M, Utah State, Siena and, um, Arkansas-Pine Bluff. We have eight prospects to keep an eye on.
Samardo Samuels, PF, Louisville 21 years old, 6'8, 240 lbs., Sophomore One of the most skilled big men in the nation, Samuels is a load upfront for Rick Pitino's Cardinals. He operates extremely well on the block, where he uses great footwork and a soft touch to his advantage. The sophomore is well on his way to earning an NBA paycheck. -- Jordan Schultz
Kyle Singler, SF, Duke 21 years old, 6'8, 210 lbs., Junior How does a Blue Devil get underrated? It seems as though Duke's famous struggles to place NBA perimeter players has rubbed off a bit on Singler, the sinewy but strong swingman who has led Duke to a No. 1 seed. Singler can shoot, but there are question marks about the rest of his game. Big shooters will always have a place in the NBA, though, and should Singler declare for early entry he'll get plenty of first-round looks. -- T.Z.
Sunday's NCAA action features four key matchups involving potential 
As we enter Round 2 of the NCAA Tournament, Jordan Schultz takes a closer look at five 
As the March Madness 2010 begins, FanHouse's 
As the March Madness 2010 begins, FanHouse's 
As March Madness 2010 begins, FanHouse's 
