New York Knicks: NBA Draft targets who shined on Day 1 of Sweet 16

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 22: The Michigan bench and F Moritz Wagner (13) of the Michigan Wolverines erupt in excitement after a three pointer was scored towards the end of the game during the NCAA Division I Men's Championship Sweet Sixteen round basketball game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Texas A&M Aggies on March 22, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 22: Rui Hachimura #21 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs shoots the ball in the lane against the Florida State Seminoles in the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament West Regional at Staples Center on March 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Rui Hachimura is a fundamentally raw prospect who’s still in the process of figuring out what he brings to the table. He’s also a 6’8″ hybrid forward with high-level athleticism and the natural talent to impact a game on both ends of the floor.

The Gonzaga Bulldogs were tripped up in the Sweet 16, but Hachimura had an impressive showing for a second consecutive round in the 2018 NCAA Tournament.

Hachimura finished the 75-60 loss to the Florida State Seminoles with a well-rounded stat line. He posted 16 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks, shooting 5-of-12 from the field and and 6-of-8 from the free throw line.

Hachimura pulled down five offensive rebounds and didn’t commit a single turnover during a game that saw the ball find his hands relatively often.

Hachimura would be a project at the next level, but he has the raw ability to justify that long-term investment. He has the potential to develop into a legitimate two-way player who can play and defend multiple positions at the next level.

With an already improving ability to go to the post, Hachimura is a developing player who could be an early a G League standout and an impact starter if developed properly.

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