Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith, Jalen Duren lead deep group of NBA prospects in the NCAA Tournament

The 2022 NBA draft is set for June 23, and with just a few months until the first pick is made, many of the draft’s top prospects are gearing up to play in the NCAA Tournament. This year’s pool of college talent is deep, and much of the draft lottery could be made up of NCAA products. In addition, the class’ projected top three prospects — Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith, and Paolo Banchero — all play for No. 1 or No. 2 seeds and could be playing deep into March.

Here’s a look at some of the top NBA draft prospects that are playing in this year’s tournament.

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Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga, Center

Holmgren has excelled as a skilled shooter (41.2% from 3PT%) who moves up and down the court well. He is averaging 14.2 points and 9.6 rebounds per game on the offensive end. The 7-foot-1 big man has proven to be a versatile defender despite his lean frame, winning the West Coast Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year award. Holmgren’s Bulldogs (27-3) occupy the tournament’s top seed and easily beat Georgia State in the first round of the West Region.

Jabari Smith, Auburn, Forward

Smith might have the highest ceiling for a player in this year’s class. The 6-foot-10 forward is averaging 17.1 points per game and is making 42.8% of his threes. The true freshman also projects as an athletic defender who can guard 1-5. Smith’s Tigers (28-5) hold the No. 2 seed in the Midwest and easily beat Jacksonville State in the first round.

Paolo Banchero, Duke, Forward

Banchero arrived at Duke as a five-star recruit picked as the preseason ACC Player of the Year. The 6-10 forward has mostly lived up to expectations with the Blue Devils, averaging 17.0 points per game and 7.8 rebounds while also earning first-team All-ACC honors. He can make shots from all three levels, and his physicality and mobility help him win in isolation situations. Banchero’s Blue Devils (28-6) have the No. 2 seed in the West..

Jaden Ivey, Guard, Purdue

Ivey is one of the premier backcourt prospects in a draft class that is top-heavy in terms of frontcourt talent. After earning Big Ten All-Freshman team honors last year, the 6-4 dynamo took a step forward this year, earning first-team Big Ten honors. (17.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg). The combo guard projects as an above average perimeter defender with a tendency to capitalize on forced turnovers. Ivey’s Boilermakers (28-7) occupy the No. 3 seed in the East and beat Yale in the first round.

Johnny Davis, Guard, Wisconsin

Davis emerged as one of the draft’s top prospects after putting together a season worthy of earning the Big Ten’s Player of the Year award. At 6-5, Davis is averaging 19.7 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. He has developed an excellent midrange scoring game and projects to be a plus defender at the next level due to his long arms, which have helped him average 1.6 steals per game. Davis’ Badgers (24-7) hold the Midwest’s No. 3 seed.

Keegan Murray, Forward, Iowa

Murray emerged as one of the Big Ten’s best players this season after earning All-Big Ten freshman honors last year. On offense, his game is all about efficiency. His 23.6 points per game come on 56% shooting from the floor and 41% shooting from deep. On defense, the 6-8 forward projects to be able to guard 1-5, with an ability to disrupt passing lanes and defend the rim. Murray’s Hawkeyes (26-10) were the No. 5 seed in the West before losing to Richmond on Thursday.

Jalen Duren, Forward, Memphis

Duren is most impactful around the rim, with his explosiveness and highlight-reel dunks. The 6-11 center capitalizes on offensive rebounds, and this season, he’s averaging 12.2 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. His limit on offense is versatility, with most of his scoring coming due to his athleticism. On defense, Duren is a legitimate rim protector who knows how to use his strength and frame. Duren’s Tigers (22-10) are the No. 9 seed in the West and beat Boise State in the first round Thursday.

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Bennedict Mathurin, Guard, Arizona

Mathurin averaged 17.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists on his way to winning Pac-12 player of the year. The Canadadian is less of a finished product compared to this class’ other combo guards. Mathurin’s athleticism and ability to make shots from deep, give him a high ceiling. Mathurin’s Wildcats (31-3) have the No. 1 seed in the South .

TyTy Washington Jr., Guard, Kentucky

Washington is a pace-first point guard whose quickness is his primary weapon on offense. The second-team All-SEC member is an above average ball handler who can drive the lane as a scorer or disher(12.8 ppg, 4.0 apg) . On defense, the guard is gritty and plays with high intensity that showcases in one-on-one situations. Washington’s Wildcats (26-8) lost to Saint Peter’s in the first round.

Blake Wesley, Guard, Notre Dame

Wesley is a score-first guard who thrives as a driver. Averaging 14.6 points per game the freshman earned second-team All-ACC honors. He projects to be an impact scorer at the next level whose upside is contingent on development in facilitation. Wesley’s Fighting Irish (22-10) won their First Four matchup with Rutgers to earn a date with sixth-seeded Alabama.

AJ Griffin, Forward, Duke

Griffin began this season as a reserve before working his way into a starting role and the NBA draft lottery conversation. The 6-6 freshman has a strong build and brings an explosiveness around the rim. As a scorer, Griffin can make shots from the outside (47%-3PT%) . Griffin’s father, Adrian, was a 10-year NBA veteran who is currently an assistant coach with the Toronto Raptors.

Ochai Agbaji, Guard, Kansas

Agbaji returned to Kansas after entering the 2021 NBA draft and earned Big 12 player of the year honors. The senior guard is averaging 19.7 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. Agbaji has progressed from a “3-and-D” player to an all-around star. On defense, he has shown a high IQ and ability to defend on-ball. The Jayhawks (29-6) hold the No. 1 seed in the Midwest and advanced by beating Texas Southern.

Kendall Brown, Guard, Baylor

Brown is a combo guard who excels around the rim. . The true freshman is averaging 10.0 points and 4.9 rebounds per game and is also an above-average defender. Brown’s Bears (27-6) secured the No. 1 seed in the East and beat Norfolk State in the first round.

Max Christie, Guard, Michigan State

he 6-foot-6 freshman has shown an ability to shoot off a pass or off the dribble. His 9.5 points per game come from a mix of three-point shots and pull-up jump shots. As a taller guard, Christie is also an above-average rebounder and shot blocker. To become a more well-rounded prospect, the true freshman will need to add strength and explosivity to his game. Michigan State (22-12) have the No. 7 seed in the West.

Tari Eason, Forward, LSU

Eason arrived at LSU as a transfer from Cincinnati, where the 6-8 forward was an All-AAC freshman selection. This year, Eason is averaging 16.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Eason is an above-average defender who can switch and play on-ball defense. On offense, his size and length help him make plays around the rim. Eason’s Tigers (22-11) played Iowa State in the first round late Friday.

Kennedy Chandler, Guard, Tennessee

Chandler uses his athleticism and quick burst to push the ball up the floor and move past defenders. The freshman point guard is also a consistent shooter (37.2%). He averaged 13.8 points and 4.6 assists on route to being named to the All-SEC second team. Chandler’s Volunteers (27-7) have the No. 3 seed in the South and easily beat Longwood in the first round.

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Mark Williams, Center, Duke

Williams uses his 7-1, 242-pound frame to clean the glass and protect the rim. He put those talents to work this season, averaging 7.4 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game. With 10.9 points per game, Williams still contributes on the offensive end, but most of his impact comes on defense, as indicated by his ACC defensive player of the year award. To improve, Williams will need to add quickness, as he struggles defending the pick and roll at times.

Justin Lewis, Forward, Marquette

Lewis built on his true freshman season and became a bona-fide star for Marquette. The 2022 Big East’s most improved player is averaging 17.1 points per game and is shooting 35% from beyond the arc. The 6-7 forward projects as a scorer who is capable of hurting defenses from midrange. Still dealing with inconsistencies, Lewis could be a candidate to return for a third season with Marquette. Lewis’ Golden Eagles (19-13) lost to North Carolina in the first round.

Collin Gillespie, Guard, Villanova

Gillespie will be one of the most experienced and accomplished college basketball players in this year’s draft class. The Villanova guard scores at all three levels and has a high basketball IQ. On defense, Gillespie is gritty and disciplined in one-on-one scenarios. He lacks the athleticism of other backcourt players in this class and projects as a backup point guard. Gillespie’s Wildcats (27-7) rolled over Delaware in the first round.

JD Davison, Guard, Alabama

Davison is a quick, explosive guard who plays fast. He is averaging 8.5 points and 4.2 assists per game and doesn’t turn the ball over much. On defense, he plays aggressive and can contests shots. He still lacks length and strength and is still finding consistency in his offensive game. Davison’s Crimson Tide (19-13) will face Notre Dame.