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NBA Draft prospects to watch at Friday’s NCAA Tournament

By Bill Johnson

Mar 4, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Lavar Ball embraces his son UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) after the game against the Washington State Cougars at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Lavar Ball embraces his son UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) after the game against the Washington State Cougars at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Harry Giles, Duke Blue Devils
Mar 10, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) reacts during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Harry Giles, Duke

6-foot-10/240 lbs.
vs. Troy, 7:20 p.m./TBS

Coming into the season, Harry Giles was the most decorated of the incoming college freshmen. He was projected to be a top pick in the NBA Draft if he put together a strong freshman season.

That was despite the fact that he tore up both of his knees in high school. But a third knee procedure before this season has rightfully scared teams off.

Giles has only been a shell of himself this season. He only plays about 10 minutes per game, so, of course, his numbers are not eye-popping.  But he doe snot look right when he plays. He looks unsure of everything.

Since his return, he has struggled with finishing around the rim. Finishing around the basket and rebounding were the staples of Harry Giles’ game before the injury. He looks like he is still recovering from his injury.

It says a lot about his character that he is even trying to play.  But he may be doing more harm than good. Playing hurt is not good for anyone. Now the narrative is that he may never recover his explosiveness.

That only gives him more to prove if he decides to stay with Duke.

When healthy, Giles’ main asset was his explosiveness. He dunked at every opportunity.  He was even compared to a young Chris Webber at one point.

This NCAA Tournament is his chance to prove that he is still that guy.

No one expects Giles to just turn into the player he was in high school overnight, but he needs to show some flashes of his old self.  He needs to make people remember why they were so high on him in the first place.