NCAA Basketball: 3 Biggest NBA Draft Decisions Left

Udoka Azubuike, Kansas

Battle may be the difference between a short and long run in the NCAA Tournament for Syracuse. But Udoka Azubuike could be the key to a Kansas Jayhawks title in 2018-19.

It wasn’t until he was hurt during the NCAA Tournament that Kansas fans realized the true importance of Azubuike. He wasn’t as flashy as their best scorers or passers, but the seven-foot big man was not afraid to get physical in the middle.

He emerged as one of the team’s most efficient players, recording 13 points and seven rebounds per game. There’s little doubt he can become the best center in college basketball with just a little more experience.

Of course, he may decide to develop at the pro level instead. The Kansas City Star relayed that Azubuike probably won’t go to the NBA if he doesn’t get a first-round guarantee in the NBA Draft. At the moment, that prospect seems highly unlikely.

Still, nothing’s a certainty until it’s official. Azubuike would become the glue holding a discombobulated, but talented roster together next year. Bill Self brings in a loaded freshmen class to replace the departing upperclassmen, in addition to the Lawson brothers, transferring over from Memphis en masse.

Prediction: Azubuike stands tall for a title-contending Jayhawks team next year