Pac-12 Basketball: 5 best players headed to the 2017 NBA Draft

2. Lonzo Ball – UCLA

Stats: 14.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 7.6 APG
Draft Express Rank: No. 2

The Lonzo Ball vs. Markelle Fultz dispute is the biggest debate in this year’s draft. Although I do give the Washington product the edge, Ball is unquestionably the second-best Pac-12 player from this season.

Leading the NCAA in assists this year, Ball was perhaps the nation’s most exciting player. His electric, fast-paced playing style was entertaining throughout the season and into the Big Dance.

Additionally, the 6’6″ point man flashed near-consummate skills in sundry facets on the floor. Posting 14.6 points per game and 6.0 rebounds per contest, Ball showed there’s little he cannot do on the hardwood.

Albeit he dominated throughout his freshman campaign, Ball received considerable criticism for his engrossing yet eccentric style of play. His defense is frequently lambasted by scouts as well.

Amidst bold comments from his father, the Chino Hills native has generated plenty of media attention this offseason. Expectations at the next level have been elevated, primarily due to both his father’s remarks as well as his own signature shoe that released weeks before the NBA Draft.

Overlooking all denigration towards the 19-year-old, Ball is certainly a promising and intriguing prospect as he advances to the next level. He is a virtual lock as a top-3 selection, with rather slim odds at being the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft.