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March Madness: NBA Draft Prospects to Watch Vol. 2

By Brett David Roberts

Mar 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes forward Keita Bates-Diop (33) has his shot blocked by Michigan State Spartans forward Deyonta Davis (23) during the Big Ten Conference tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes forward Keita Bates-Diop (33) has his shot blocked by Michigan State Spartans forward Deyonta Davis (23) during the Big Ten Conference tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Melo Trimble, Mark Turgeon, Diamond Stone, Maryland Terrapins
Feb 3, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Maryland Terrapins head coach Mark Turgeon talks with guard Melo Trimble (2) and center Diamond Stone (33) during a break against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Maryland defeated Nebraska 70-65. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

Maryland: Diamond Stone (No. 16, DraftExpress), Melo Trimble (No. 31, DraftExpress)

vs. South Dakota State, 4:30 p.m. (TBS)

Maryland has some talent, and Diamond Stone could be the kind of center that fits in well with the Orlando Magic. He is not fleet of foot, but he does have nice touch around the basket and great hands. He could develop into a fringe starter or play a big role off the bench as a guy capable of defending the bigger bodies in the NBA at 6-foot-10, 255 pounds.

Melo Trimble is a 6-foot-3 sophomore guard whose athleticism and ability to draw contact would appeal to the Magic. He, too, is likely a fringe starting type of player, but he would be a good second- or third-string point.

California: Jaylen Brown (No. 3, DraftExpress), Ivan Rabb (No. 14, DraftExpress)

vs. Hawai’i, 2 p.m. (TBS)

Jaylen Brown is projected to be a top-five pick in this draft as a one-and-done swingman whose athleticism and instincts are bound to make him a NBA success. He can finish fantastically at the basket and his speed should make him a strong defender. He can handle the ball as well as a guard and has some length, though he might be small to play the 3-spot. With a guy as talented as Brown, positional considerations do not matter as much.

Ivan Rabb will likely go in the late lottery and the 6-foot-10 power forward is skilled on the block and speedy enough to play in an up-tempo offense (the norm in the NBA right now). He passes well enough that he would be a perfect fit on a team like the Atlanta Hawks or San Antonio Spurs. His skill set will allow him to thrive though if he is given minutes. He is young and has a lot of progress to make, but he may be on the board when the Magic select which is what makes watching him pretty important.

Jared Nickens, Maryland Terrapins, Jarrod Uthoff, Iowa Hawkeyes
Jan 28, 2016; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins guard Jared Nickens (11) shoots a layup as Iowa Hawkeyes forward Jarrod Uthoff (20) defends during the second half at Xfinity Center. Maryland Terrapins defeated Iowa Hawkeyes 74-68. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Iowa: Jared Uthoff (No. 45, DraftExpress)

vs. Temple, 3:10 p.m. (truTV)

Jared Uthoff is a 6-foot-9 power forward who needs to add some bulk at just 215 pounds. He is a prototypical power forward though, and he possesses a soft and fluid jumper. He handles the ball extremely well and should be able to perform all the duties of a stretch-4 at the NBA level. He finishes strong and is good on the offensive glass. It is hard to believe he is not that regarded, so perhaps a strong showing in this tournament will help his stock some.

Next: Texas, Oregon State and Oklahoma