Marvin Bagley III, PF/C, Duke
Other than Arizona’s DeAndre Ayton, who I wrote about yesterday, there might be no better player in the tournament this year.
Marvin Bagley III has more than lived up to the hype this season after reclassifying in order to play at Duke this season and be eligible for the 2018 NBA Draft.
He isn’t as polished as Ayton is as a prospect, but it’s hard to see Bagley falling outside of the top five in June.
The freshman averaged over 21 points and 11 rebounds on the way to being named both ACC Player and Rookie of the Year.
Bagley is an intriguing player to project for the NBA as he isn’t good enough defensively to play the five, and he doesn’t stretch the floor enough to play the four as his best offense comes off grabbing offensive rebounds and getting putback dunks around the rim.
His ability to rebound the ball is what could make him a small ball five in the NBA and teams will be hard pressed to pass up his athleticism.
Duke is capable of making another run to the Final Four with the talent on its roster and its impossible to take your eyes off the TV when Bagley is on the floor.
NBA fans will certainly want to tune in if Duke and Michigan State square off in the Sweet 16, and there are a few Spartans you’ll want to watch as well starting with the next guy on our list.