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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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Dillon Brooks, Oregon Ducks
Mar 11, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Dillon Brooks (24) walks off the court after the Arizona Wildcats defeated Oregon 83-80 in the Pac-12 Conference Championship game at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

Dillon Brooks, Oregon 

6-foot-5/205 lbs.
vs. Iona, 2 p.m./TBS

There is no denying Dillon Brooks is a great collegiate player. It seems like he does everything on the floor.

He hits game winning shots. He gives maximum effort at all times. He is his team’s emotional leader. Brooks has that it factor. Whenever something needs to be done for the team, he does it.

Brooks is an all-around player. But he does not necessarily have an elite skill. And that might be what keeps him from having a strong NBA career or climbing up draft boards.

Statistics cannot really capture his true worth because his timing is impeccable. In a game, there are moments that the outcome hangs in the balance. Brooks makes plays at that point when they matter most.

Dillon Brooks has that ‘it’ factor.  But he does not have height, elite athleticism or a long wingspan. Unfortunately for Brooks, those are the main requirements to become a NBA player.

It does not matter that Brooks was named Pac-12 Player of the Year.  He needs to do something extraordinary in order to have the NBA overlook his supposed shortcomings. A deep run in the tournament would, in some ways, quantify his intangibles.

Oregon is in a winnable bracket. The loss of Chris Boucher will make it more difficult, but it could end up working out for Brooks.

Without Boucher, there is going to be more points and rebounds available.  If Brooks can lead Oregon to some wins and put up numbers, it bodes well for his potential NBA future.