Two Best Prospects Left: NCAA Championship Game
By Alex Eddy
Zach Collins and Justin Jackson are the two best NBA prospects remaining in the NCAA TournamentNorth Carolina and Gonzaga will face off Monday night in the NCAA Championship game. Carolina is just a year removed from the heart break they suffered at the hands of Villanova. Gonzaga is experiencing their first trip to the title game, so there are plenty of storylines to look out for.
The NCAA tournament featured a lot of talented players that will eventually declare for the NBA Draft. Each team has a player that could be a first round pick this year, and Celtics fans should keep an eye on both during college basketball’s finale.
Zach Collins
First, there is Collins of Gonzaga. It is tough to find a prospect that has climbed up draft boards like Collins has. The 7-footer is already extremely skilled for a freshman. In the semifinal win over South Carolina, Collins showed all the moves in his arsenal. He showed us his ability to finish in the paint with both hands (which included a beautiful lefty hook), he showed us his outstanding footwork, and he gave us a glimpse of his perimeter shooting potential, by knocking down a clutch 3-pointer.
As the season started to dwindle down, Collins started to enter the lottery discussion. Now, I can’t see his name falling out of the top ten. Although his frame isn’t NBA ready yet, his length and is physical toughness when fighting for boards are both extremely impressive. People may underestimate how tough he is when going for a rebound. He had his first double-double of the season against South Carolina, and had a career-high 13 rebounds.
The best part is, the fun doesn’t stop here. Zach Collins is an incredible shot blocker, as we saw with his six blocks against the Gamecocks. He provides a solid paint presence, and when he is not blocking shots, he is altering and contesting shots. His timing is really impressive. I would be shocked if Collins came back to Spokane for his sophomore year. I think he is definitely the best center prospect in this draft.
His offensive skill set in the paint and around the rim is already impressive, and his perimeter shooting will only improve. With some added muscle to his frame, Collins will be scary good. Lets remember, he played under 20 minutes per game this season coming off the bench, and still averaged about 10 points and six rebounds per game. Collins is just scratching the surface.
Justin Jackson
Now, we have the ACC Player of the Year, and the Tar Heel who has hit the most 3-pointers in a single season for UNC. Has there been a more improved college basketball player from a season ago? I don’t think so. Aside from a rough game and loss to UVA in late February, you have to go back to December for when Jackson last scored in single digits.
Just like Collins, Jackson had a great semifinal game, scoring 22 points and going 4-9 from 3-point range. Jackson has really worked on his outside shooting this season, and not only improved his 3-point percentage, but has made more 3-pointers this year than his first two years combined. He has hit over 100 3-pointers this season.
By improving his shooting, he has added another element to his game, to go along with his signature floater. Jackson’s confidence is at an all-time high right now, and he has put his name into the lottery discussion. He provides an example for players who want to come back to school to improve their draft stock.
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Through hard work and determination, it can be done. Jackson does have a small frame, making it tougher for him to stay with more physical small forwards. His length makes match ups more favorable when guarding shooting guards. Adding muscle and strength will help him tremendously when in the NBA. With his slashing ability, his floater, and his 3-point shot, Jackson will be a solid wing player in the NBA.