March Madness Prospects Most Likely To Become NBA Stars
Author: Kyle Eve
As millions of basketball fans nationwide are watching the games, many pro scouts aren’t sleeping either! The 2024 NCAA Tournament is an excellent exhibition for the next potential NBA start.
Many believe the upcoming draft is the weakest in the modern era, with no consensus top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Many March Madness prospects could be lottery selections or drop out of the top 20 on June 27.
With so much uncertainty in the upcoming NBA Draft, including where BYU’s Jaxson Robinson will land if he declares, this class carries no guarantees. Nevertheless, I have identified three Most March prospects most likely to become future NBA stars.
Cody Williams
- Team: Colorado Buffaloes
- Position: Small Forward
- Age: 19
- Height: 6-foot-8
- Weight: 190 lbs.
- Hometown: San Luis Obispo, California
The lanky 6-foot-8, five-star Colorado Buffalo has all the physical attributes at this disposal to be an elite forward in the NBA. Cody Williams runs the floor well and is a reliable defensive player. He also has a knack for finishing at the rim effectively.
Checking the top basketball betting sites suggests that he won’t be a top 5 pick, but don’t let that fool you.
Williams is regarded as a strong wing who is athletic and uses a long span to his advantage. As one of the most versatile and defensive players in the 2024 NBA Draft class, he is set to make an instant impact in his rookie campaign.
NBA scouts are likely to be enamored with a forward his size who can get up and down the floor and play defense. Before even stepping on an NBA court, Williams’ off-ball ability has already passed the eye test.
While he won’t be a Jordan Poole type who shoots for volume, his shot selection is typically on point. The small forward has averaged 12 points per game on 55.2% shooting from the field. He picks his spots instead of being a liability and chucking up low-percentage shots.
With a 41% three-point percentage, Jalen Williams’ younger brother has also shot well from beyond the arc. Despite being raw offensively, Williams has the tools to grow and improve in the NBA.
In conclusion, the guy has the hunger to blossom into a star defender. There is work to do before he’s a go-to playmaker, but Williams is showing signs of improvement, and his offensive efficiency can’t be ignored.
Currently limited by an ankle injury, Williams’ impact has been muted during March Madness. However, he can make a splash on an even bigger state in the future.
Rob Dillingham
- Team: Kentucky Wildcats
- Position: Point Guard
- Age: 19
- Height: 6-foot-3
- Weight: 176 lbs.
- Hometown: Hickory, North Carolina<
- Team: Tennessee Volunteers
- Position: Shooting Guard
- Age: 22
- Height: 6-foot-6
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Weight: 204 lbs.
- Hometown: Thornton, Colorado
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Kentucky was stunningly upset by the No. 14 seed Oakland Grizzlies in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. However, the Wildcats are still expected to be well-represented at the 2024 NBA Draft.
Kentucky guards Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham could be two of the first five picks off the board in June. Both should carve out productive NBA careers, with Dillingham having the potential to be a star facilitator and scorer.
The point guard is one of the best shot creators in the country eligible for the 2024 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-3 native of Hickory, NC, can score from anywhere on the floor and get hot in a hurry. In 2023-24, Dillingham averaged 15.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.
He’s shooting an efficient 47.5% from the field and 44.4% from three. In a league that covets three-point shooters, Dillingham should thrive as a potent scorer from the perimeter. This prospect is expected to fill the bucket with relative ease, especially if he can bulk up to fill out his currently small 176-pound frame.
Dillingham is one of the best options in the 2024 NBA Draft for teams seeking a finesse point guard. He is not a sure-fire future star, but if Dillingham can improve his wild shot selection, he will have a long career as an NBA point guard.
Dalton Knecht
Tennessee guard Dalton Knecht is one of the most polarizing March Madness prospects. He has been projected as high as a top 5 pick, down the board to roughly 20th. There is a significant discrepancy depending on who you ask regarding the dynamic shooter from Thornton, CO.
23-year-old rookies do not usually have superstar careers in the NBA. However, the Volunteers’ Knecht, who is one of the top pure shooters in the NCAA Tournament, could be the exception. A terrific worker on the perimeter, can be unstoppable offensively when he’s close to his best.
In addition to a silky-smooth jumper, he can be a bull in transition. Knecht’s first step isn’t the best, but when he puts his head down and drives to the hoop, it can be tough to stop his will to finish. The popular misconception about Knecht is that he isn’t an athletic guard, but that hasn’t been the case with the Vols this season.
Earlier this month, Knecht was named the SEC Player of the Year in a competitive conference. The former Northern Colorado Bear has scored north of 21 points per game on roughly 47% shooting. He’s connecting on just over 40% of his attempts from three.
In a weak draft class, Knecht has an opportunity to emerge as one of the best players from 2024. For Knecht to excel in the NBA, he’ll need to work hard on becoming a stronger defender. Nevertheless, the guard continues to improve year to year and is NBA-ready from day one of the draft.