National Invitation Tournament: 2018 preview and analysis of the field
Players to Watch
There are too many excellent players in this field to list them all. Here are some of the biggest standouts and names that you absolutely need to know. For the sake of keeping the list manageable, there is a maximum of one player per team.
Jock Landale, St Mary’s SR C- 21.4ppg, 10.3rpg, 64%fg
Landale is an excellent interior scorer who has an array of post moves. His jump hooks are automatic and, if he is doubled, he can find the open shooters. He is the toughest player to defend in the NIT.
Tremont Waters, LSU FR PG- 16.0ppg, 5.9apg, 36% 3pt
Waters had an excellent freshman season where he established himself as a future household name. He hit multiple buzzer beaters and has given hope to LSU fans with his shot making and distributing abilities. He could be an early contender for 2019 SEC player of the year.
Tony Carr, Penn State SO PG- 19.9ppg, 4.9apg, 46% 3pt
Carr was one of the biggest breakout stars in college basketball. The long and athletic PG excels at creating his own shot and using his size to overpower smaller guards. If he returns for his junior season, he has All-American upside.
Chandler Hutchison, Boise State SR SF- 19.3ppg, 7.5rpg, 3.5apg
Hutchison leads Boise State is scoring, rebounding, and assists. He was the main reason the Broncos flirted with an NCAA Tournament bid for most of the season. He is the best NBA prospect in the field and his versatility makes him a potential first-round draft pick.
Nick King, Middle Tennessee SR PF- 21.1ppg, 8.4rpg, 38.2% 3pt
King was unbelievable in his lone season for Middle Tennessee, but a few damaging late-season losses kept them from an NCAA tournament bid. He is an excellent scorer who can play inside and out, making him a matchup nightmare for opposing four men.
Reid Travis, Stanford JR PF- 19.5ppg, 8.5rpg
Travis continued to be one of the most productive players in the Pac-12. He carves out space inside with his big body and plays with great energy and toughness. If he returns for his senior season, he should finally become a household name.
Jerome Robinson, Boston College JR SG- 20.8ppg, 3.4apg, 42% 3pt
Robinson earned some national recognition for his shot-making abilities. Boston College was much improved this season and Robinson’s play was the main factor. The 6’6’’ wing is definitely on the NBA radar.
Markus Howard, Marquette SO SG- 20.4ppg, 40% 3pt, 102 3pt made
Howard posted amazing three-point percentages last season but had to turn into a more volume scorer this season. He is an amazing shooter who consistently hits contested, back-breaking threes. His defense and his willingness to distribute leave a lot to be desired, but he undeniably can fill it up.
Quinton Rose, Temple SO SG- 15.1ppg, 2.3apg, 35% 3pt
Rose is a sleeper NBA prospect who has excellent size and owns some PG skills. He is long and athletic, which will generate draft buzz, but his ability to create for himself and others differentiates him. Rose has a lot of Daniel Hamilton in his game.
Bonzie Colson, Notre Dame SR PF- 20.2ppg, 10.1rpg, 2.3bpg
Colson’s mid-season injury probably cost Notre Dame a tournament bid. He is that good and that skilled. Colson is a complete offensive player who can score from anywhere and consistently plays with energy.
Jordan McLaughlin, USC SR PG- 12.4ppg, 7.5apg, 40% 3pt
Lastly, McLaughlin has been so crucial to USC’s success and is so underrated that it felt right to mention him over his talented teammates. He can score at all three levels and is one of the top assist men in the nation.