Busting Brackets
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NBA Draft 2021: Intriguing early-entry decisions to watch in coming month

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 03: Johnny Juzang #3 of the UCLA Bruins reacts in the first half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the 2021 NCAA Final Four semifinal at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 03, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 03: Johnny Juzang #3 of the UCLA Bruins reacts in the first half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the 2021 NCAA Final Four semifinal at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 03, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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NBA Draft UCLA Bruins guard Johnny Juzang Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
NBA Draft UCLA Bruins guard Johnny Juzang Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Johnny Juzang – UCLA – 6’6, 210 lbs – Sophomore – March 2001

Juzang struggled from an efficiency standpoint filling the void left by Chris Smith’s ACL injury. But Juzang became a cult hero in March, taking the Bruins from First Four to Final Four, including an average of 28.5 points against top wing prospects Corey Kispert and Franz Wagner.

Juzang flashed an elite mix of shot-making, draining looks from beyond the arc, getting to his spots in the mid-range, and shooting off the dribble. Juzang’s ancillary skills leave a bit to be desired, which begs the question of “what level of a shooter is he actually?”. The pedigree coming into college was good as Juzang was ranked as a top-35 prospect before an uneven freshman season at Kentucky.

Even with the incredible March Madness run, Juzang still ended the season at 44% from the field and 35% from three. He finished in the 59th percentile in “unguarded jump shots”, which is good, but probably needs to be better for someone pegged as an NBA shooter. He was tasked with more on-ball duties than he’d likely see at the NBA level, but that allowed for reps in the pick-and-roll where he was improved.

Juzang hasn’t quite added the weight needed to power through contact at the rim and I have my doubts about if his body will allow him to do so. He didn’t dunk once this year which is uncommon for a 6’6 NBA prospect.

The case for returning would be the chance to star on one of the best teams in the country. Every key player from UCLA’s Final Four run should be back, and Mick Cronin upgraded at center with Rutgers transfer Myles Johnson. The addition of five-star wing and projected lottery pick Peyton Watson should also allow for more off-ball reps and open jumpers. Juzang could boost that shooting percentage and assist rate up and make another run at the Final Four.

But it’s also probable Juzang just played two of the best games of his life and should capitalize on an incredible run. I value the year-long sample over a few tourney games so I’m not super high on him (mid to late second round), but NBA teams have put importance on the tournament and I could see a team snatching Juzang earlier than that. In terms of importance to the college landscape, Juzang’s decision is the one that will have the biggest effect.