New York Knicks: 2018 NBA Draft targets who stepped up in NCAA Tournament on Mar. 15

If you’re hoping to see the New York Knicks benefit from the lottery balls and end up in a position to select a second franchise player, then Marvin Bagley III may be your guy. He’s a dynamic scoring threat who has significant defensive potential and the tools to dominate on the glass.

During the Round of 64, Bagley took charge of what was a balanced and well-rounded performance by Duke’s laundry list of 2018 NBA Draft prospects.

Bagley led all scorers with 22 points during the Blue Devils’ 89-67 win over the Iona Gaels. He added seven rebounds, four offensive boards, one assist, and a steal while shooting 10-of-14 from the field, 1-of-1 from distance, and 1-of-2 at the free throw line.

Iona may not have been a premier opponent, but Bagley was tasked with leading his team to victory in a tough environment and did exactly that.

Bagley is essentially a college-level Michael Beasley working within more of a motion offense—and, in turn, receiving more sporadic isolation touches. He can post opponents up, drive from 24 feet, and has even added three-point range—a separating factor, to say the least.

Beasley may not have realized his superstar potential in the Association, but it certainly existed. Bagley has a chance to make up for lost time.