Brandon Clarke, Gonzaga
Slash Line: 6-for-15/0-for-1/3-for-4
Stat Line: 15 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, one steal, four blocks
Arguably the star of this tournament, Brandon Clarke has led Gonzaga to three wins and a trip to the Elite Eight. Rui Hachimura, the Bulldogs’ top prospect entering last weekend, has produced well, but matching Clarke’s production is difficult.
Following 36 points and five blocks, Clarke posted 15 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks on another gaudy stat line in Gonzaga’s win over Florida State, who possessed the length and athleticism to provide head coach Mark Few’s team issues, but that only lasted for so long.
Clarke’s play not only has Gonzaga advancing, but his draft stock rising. He entered the 2018-19 season as a fringe first-round pick or someone to land in the middle of the second round. Standout play at both ends of the court pushed him forward near the end of the season, and this tournament run officially put the junior on the map.
Brandon Clarke flies in the BIG putback! 😤 #Sweet16#MarchMadness | @ZagMBB pic.twitter.com/U98rb6oGOC
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 29, 2019
Where does it leave Clarke? A potential spot in the lottery seems plausible, although he is an “old” 22-years old and does not own a three-point shot. Still, a 6-foot-8 player with 3.1 blocks per game and proficiency inside the arc is tantalizing and makes him an easy candidate to rise up draft boards as the process starts.
Clarke has another game to play, too. There could be two afterward, but only if his squad makes the National Championship Game. Opportunities persist for the transfer from San Jose State, and he has made the most of them.
This would be a fascinating addition to the New York Knicks, but if they pick first overall, the choice is obvious.