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

5 players to watch in the NCAA Tournament regional rounds

Jarace Walker, Houston

First Round: 16 points, 6 rebounds vs. Northern Kentucky
Second Round: 7 points, 10 rebounds, 6 blocks vs. Auburn

Regional Semifinals: Friday vs. Miami (7:15 p.m., CBS)

The one thing Jarace Walker is very good at is his defense. And that is not going to show up naturally in a box score. He is a workhorse who gets to the ball and hounds players on the perimeter and on the block.

His six blocks against Auburn certainly stands out in a big way. That is just who he is. Scoring is a bonus for him. His impact is how he defends and chases after people.

Walker is a bit undersized at 6-foot-8 to play center. That could limit what he is able to do in the NBA. He will have to improve his ability to work on the perimeter. But there is always value in someone who is committed to the defensive end. That is how he has anchored a Houston team that has been No. 1 in the country for a good chunk of the season.

Walker is capable of big games. And he has shot well enough. But at this stage of the NCAA Tournament, do not expect to see that expansion to his game. He is going to be looking to work around the basket and defend at a high level.

Against a high-scoring Miami team, this will be a big test for him. How much of an impact will he have in slowing down Isaiah Wong?

That job may go to Marcus Sasser.

Sasser was dealing with an injury in the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament. That slowed him down a ton. But Houston may go as far as Sasser will take them.

Sasser is averaging 16.9 points per game. He is not much of a playmaker at 3.1 assists per game this year. But he is a good defender and has been the catalyst for Houston.

Sasser is rated No. 33 on ESPN’s Big Board. So he could be a consideration for the Orlando Magic if they want some point guard help with their second-round pick.