New York Knicks: 2019 NBA Draft targets who stepped up on March 24

Which potential draft targets for the New York Knicks stepped up on the final day of the NCAA Tournament’s opening weekend?

As the New York Knicks dropped yet another game, the 2019 Men’s NCAA Tournament featured its fourth day of action and the final slate of opening weekend games. This preceded the Sweet 16, which starts on Thursday, March 28.

It was another chalky day for the tournament, however, as all the top seeds of each respective matchup advanced to the next round. The closest was Duke vs. UCF as the No. 1 and 8 seeds, respectively.

A handful of players stood out on March 24. Some more than others. It was not a star-making day for anyone, but some of the usual suspects played well and led their teams to victory.

So which four talents and potential draft targets stepped up on the final day of the second round? Let’s take a look:

4. Jarrett Culver, Texas Tech

Slash Line: 6-for-17/1-for-4/3-for-5
Stat Line: 16 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals, three blocks

Texas Tech receives minimal attention, even as a top Big 12 team. Their 2019 NCAA Tournament has been a smooth ride, especially defeating a hyped Buffalo team that just wiped Arizona State out of the contest.

The leader of the pack, Jarrett Culver, shined in the Red Raiders’ latest win. It was not a triple-double teaser, and he shot just 6-for-17, but the work elsewhere made the difference, with 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals and three blocks.

Culver does the necessary work to help Texas Tech rise defensively, as one of the top teams in this area left in the tournament. It helps his potential top-10 status in the 2019 NBA Draft, as well.

For this school to advance past defensive-minded Michigan, Culver needs, perhaps, his best game of the month, which would top his work on Friday. It’s much to ask for, but the Wolverines have shut teams down so far, including Florida, and are a threat to make an Elite Eight run.

The New York Knicks are also a candidate for Culver if they consider him a top-five pick in June’s draft. An additional player off the point guard can’t hurt.