New York Knicks: 2019 NBA Draft targets who stepped up on March 22
The 2019 NCAA Tournament is in full swing. Which potential draft targets for the New York Knicks stepped up Friday?
Friday represented the last day of 16 games played in the 2019 Men’s NCAA Tournament. With top prospects in play, the New York Knicks had plenty of future draftees to watch, especially for potential players that sit atop the big board.
Teams like Duke, North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee all suited up for opening round play. A handful of upsets also transpired, with two more No. 12 seeds toppling No. 5’s.
Players stood out amid the wins and propelled their teams to the next round. Some more than others, of course, but some of June’s likely top picks made themselves known on March 22.
So, which players stepped up in the latest set of tournament action? Let’s take a look:
5. Jaylen Nowell, Washington
Slash Line: 4-for-7/2-for-2/9-for-10
Stat Line: 19 points, five rebounds, five assists, one steal
A player not as heralded as the bigger names of the tournament, and out in the Pac-12, Jaylen Nowell played well as a sophomore at Washington in 2018-19. He shot 50 percent and 43.8 percent on three-pointers to lead one of this conference’s best teams, with 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists to show for it.
Against Utah State, in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, Nowell shined efficiently. His 19 points came on just 4-for-7 shooting. Drawing fouls was a persistent part of his game, as well, with 10 free throw attempts and nine makes to lead the Huskies to victory.
NBADraft.net projects Nowell as a second-round pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Along with a trip to the combine, maybe that’s enough to send him to the pros, but with development needed as a ball-handler (2.9 turnovers). He’s slightly undersized as a shooting guard, at 6-foot-4, although players at that height have succeeded, including Gary Harris and CJ McCollum, who’s within range.
If the New York Knicks eye guard help in the second round, he’s an intriguing option if available around 50-to-55. A trip to the G League might be the logical destination, however, if so.