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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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Justin Patton, Creighton Bluejays, Villanova Wildcats
Mar 11, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Justin Patton (23) directs his teammate in front of Villanova Wildcats forward Eric Paschall (4) during the first half of the Big East Conference Tournament final game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Justin Patton, Creighton

6-foot-11/215 lbs.
vs. Rhode Island, 4:30 p.m./TBS

Justin Patton is the definition of a late bloomer.

He started high school as a 6-foot-2 freshman and eventually grew to his current 7-foot frame.

He struggled initially growing into his body. To put his rise in perspective, no one in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska knew who he was before this season. They are taking notice now with his work for the Bluejays — 13.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.

Patton redshirted last season to improve his game and bulk up. The Creighton coaching staff had to convince Patton he should play as a big man.

He is comfortable with the ball on the perimeter because he grew up as a guard. He keeps it simple in-game with mostly lobs and dunks. That is why he shoots 69 percent from the field. But he has also hit 8 of 14 3-pointers, which shows the type of growth potential he has.

No one could have expected how fast Patton developed.  He is now projected as a lottery pick in the NBA Draft.  Since he is such an unknown this NCAA Tournament is especially important.

This will be Patton’s first action on a national scale. At Creighton, he was allowed to develop under the radar. Now he is in the spotlight, and everyone will be watching how he handles it.