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Orlando Magic 2023 NBA Draft: 5 players to watch in the NCAA Tournament’s Regional rounds

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Anthony Black has been a strong defender and point guard for Arkansas' run to the Sweet Sixteen. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Anthony Black has been a strong defender and point guard for Arkansas' run to the Sweet Sixteen. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Brandon Miller, Alabama Crimson Tide
Brandon Miller was quite in Alabama’s debut game in the NCAA Tournament. But he is still getting buzz and climbing into the conversation to go No. 2. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa NewsNcaa Basketball Ncaa Tournament Alabama Vs Texas A M Corpus Christi /

5 players to watch in the NCAA Tournament regional rounds

Brandon Miller, Alabama

First Round: 0 points, 5 rebounds, 0/5 FGs vs. Texas A&M Corpus Christi
Second Round: 19 points, 7 rebounds, 5/17 FGs vs. Maryland

Regional Semifinals: Friday vs. San Diego State (6:30 p.m., TBS)

Brandon Miller has seen his star rise over the last few weeks as he completed a stellar season. Leading the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament is going to get him plenty of notice and attention. And that with Scoot Henderson struggling some in the G-League has Miller’s name even higher among draft prospects.

Miller has all the tools and skills NBA teams love. He is a versatile and big forward who can work off the dribble and step out from beyond the arc at times. Miller is a very good player.

This NCAA Tournament was his chance to set himself up as the clear No. 2 pick.

But that is not what happened during the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament. Miller struggled to get going and he did not seem like he stepped up in the big moment. The rest of his team filled in and the two teams he faced are not going to challenge a team like Alabama.

Friday’s game against San Diego State is going to be a really good test for him.

The Aztecs are one of the best defensive teams remaining in the tournament. And they feature a lot of big forwards that fit the NBA mold.

They may not individually be as good as the players who Miller will see when he gets to the NBA. But they will be the body types and size he will face when he gets to the NBA.

Miller will have plenty of games to make a statement. And this matchup will be a big one for him.