Kemba Walker drove Connecticut to a national title and himself into becoming a top-10 pick in last year’s NBA Draft. Who did the most to help themselves this year during March Madness? 5. C.J. Leslie, North Carolina State » The Wolfpack played up to expectations when the spotlight was the brightest at the end of the year, with Leslie’s toughness and drive propelling them into the Sweet 16. Leslie came in with an NBA body. In June, he could come out with a guaranteed NBA contract as a first-round pick.
4. Kendall Marshall, North Carolina » How Marshall wasn’t named All-ACC will never be explained. Only once he was injured did his true value to the Tar Heels become apparent. In a point guard-deprived draft, he won’t go unnoticed by NBA general managers.
Recommended Stories
3. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky » The anti-Harrison Barnes, Kidd-Gilchrist used his unmatched competitiveness and determination to help propel the Wildcats to the NCAA title. No, he still can’t shoot from outside. But there isn’t a team in the NBA that won’t benefit from having him on the roster.
2. Bradley Beal, Florida » Overshadowed in the SEC by Kentucky, Beal was terrific and consistent in the NCAAs, averaging 15.8 points and shooting 61 percent (23-for-38) from the field in four games. Like Marshall at the point, Beal has no equal at shooting guard in this year’s draft class.
1. Anthony Davis, Kentucky » Davis made sure that for the first time since Blake Griffin three years ago, there’s no debate about who should go No. 1 overall. Like Griffin, though an altogether different player, Davis is also one of a kind who will be a joy to watch on the NBA stage.
– Craig Stouffer
