New York Knicks: Top 10 2019 NBA Draft prospects in NCAA Tournament
With the New York Knicks likely to own a top pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, who are the players to watch in the NCAA Tournament?
As the New York Knicks near the end of their down season, so will the 2018-19 college basketball season. The NCAA Tournament bracket was revealed Sunday, with 68 teams competing for one shining moment and the illustrious National Championship.
It’s also the prelude to the draft process, with some players showcasing their skills on the college court one last time, before the 2019 NBA Draft in June.
There are a plethora of top prospects playing in the tournament. Some of them have the chance to step up and maintain or improve their value. Others might dip with poor play.
10 players, in particular, stand out for basketball fans and draft pundits aline to watch this month. Who has something on the line? Let’s take a look:
10. Coby White, UNC
Age: 19
Height, Weight: 6-foot-5, 191 pounds
Slash Line: .431/.360/.814
Season Averages: 16.3 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 2.4 3PM
As North Carolina opens as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, it starts a draft showcase for a handful of players. One name that might not be a household as the others, Coby White has the chance to continue his quick rise up the draft boards as one of the best point guard prospects available.
With his position top heavy, White could become the No. 2 prospect to Ja Morant and potentially a lottery pick. That’s if he follows up on this stellar run since Feb. 26: 20.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.5 blocks and 3.0 three-point makes per game.
At 6-foot-5, White’s size is more than ideal for point guard — placing him in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander territory. He may profile as a combo guard, given his height and aptitude on the boards, but with a cool 2.3 turnovers to 4.0 assists in this stretch, this freshman can handle the ball.
Unlike fellow first-year player Nassir Little, White has started each game for the Tar Heels, and on one of the nation’s top teams, it’s invaluable experience, before the eventual NBA decision.
The New York Knicks can watch White against Iona in the Midwest Division. He may not land within their top-five range, but he’s still food for thought if the organization wants a new direction at point guard.