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2016 NBA Mock Draft: Top Prospects Entering March Madness

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 5, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) reacts from the court during the game against the LSU Tigers in the second half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) reacts from the court during the game against the LSU Tigers in the second half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2016 NBA Draft is rapidly approaching and March Madness is right around the corner. Who are the Top 30 prospects entering this influential period?

Mar 5, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) reacts from the court during the game against the LSU Tigers in the second half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) reacts from the court during the game against the LSU Tigers in the second half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2016 NBA Draft offers one of the most polarizing crops of prospects in recent history. From a short list of potential superstars and All-Stars to a number of contributors with starting potential, this draft class is flush with players who could spend quite some time in the Association.

Blending factors such as immediate value and upside, the following 30 players have earned their keep as the best in the 2016 NBA Draft—for now.

March Madness changes everything, as players shine and become overnight sensations during the NCAA Tournament. Even the pursuit of a conference championship can put players on the map, thus compelling scouts and analysts to overlook the months that preceded the glory.

Acknowledging where said players stand leading up to this period of time is nothing short of a vital process.

We’ll touch base again during and after March Madness, but acknowledging the top prospects beforehand is vital. Players will inevitably move up draft boards based off of the strength of their NCAA Tournament performances, and that’s something that happens consistently enough to believe as true.

Before their success and failure during March Madness potentially misrepresents their reality, however, the following players have carved out their place in the Top 30.

Next: Ingram or Simmons?