NBA Draft 2023: Breakout prospect candidates to watch in NCAA Tournament

Like it or not, the NCAA Tournament has historically been some of the most important games for NBA Draft prospects to shift the narrative surrounding their stocks. While I view every game the same in a season-long sample, the tournament is the last in-game action we see for several prospects, and can help leave a good impression on decision-makers and analysts. Here are some players I think can help their stock in these next few weeks.

Jalen Wilson – Kansas – (Redshirt) Junior – 6’8, 215 lbs

A year ago at this time, Kansas wing Christian Braun was seen as a second-round pick. But being a key piece of a title run ultimately helped him go in the first round. Now, Wilson will look to do the same.

Wilson has become the next Kansas wing that has transitioned from role player to star player, developing each season, before becoming one of the best players in the sport. Wilson has shown more of his scoring prowess this year, with the ability to finish at all three levels. While he’s not a lockdown defender, Wilson is smart and rebounds incredibly well for his position.

Scouts will want to see Wilson continue to improve as a three-point shooter given he certainly isn’t knockdown right now. Wilson is a very good basketball player and does a lot of things well, but will have to show he has a bankable skill that can provide value to teams right away. Kansas’ path to a Final four potentially includes games against Arkansas/Illinois, Uconn, and Gonzaga. There will be a plethora of NBA eyes on him.

The Jayhawks are a one-seed in large part to his uber-productive season. Wilson is a projected early to middle second-round pick right now, but if he can put the team on his back and take them to their second straight Final Four, he can end up as a first-round pick.