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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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Feb 21, 2016; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins center Diamond Stone (33) backs into the basket as Michigan Wolverines forward Mark Donnal (34) defends during the first half at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2016; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins center Diamond Stone (33) backs into the basket as Michigan Wolverines forward Mark Donnal (34) defends during the first half at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

16. Diamond Stone, Maryland Terrapins

Position: Center

Age: 19 (2/10/1997)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’0″, 255 pounds, 7’3.5″

Slash Line: .561/.000/.772

Season Averages: 22.1 MPG, 12.7 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.4 ORPG, 1.7 BPG

Analysis

One of the more well-liked prospects in the 2016 NBA Draft is Maryland Terrapins center Diamond Stone. He falls in different ranges based on who it is you’re talking to, but Stone has the profile to be one of the better players to emerge from this draft class.

At 7’0″ and 255 pounds with a near 7’4″ wingspan and surprising agility, Stone is the type of player who could bring the dominant interior big man back.

He may never reach NBA stardom, but Stone is revered as a prospect for one very simple reason: when he imposes his will, no one seems to have an answer. He dominates the offensive glass, can throw down above the rim, uses the glass to finish in traffic, and runs well on the fast break.

An excellent shot-blocker, efficient free throw shooter, and intelligent playmaker, Stone can start at the next level—and that isn’t limited to traditional lineups.

Stone may not have the best jump shot you’ve ever seen, but he can thrive in the small-ball revolution. He’s a bruising interior force who throws it back a couple of generations, but he’s also a mobile athlete who sinks a high percentage of his free throws and can’t be egregiously exposed for any of the traditional big man flaws.

Assuming Stone continues to work on his game and develops a better jumper, he could be one of the true steals of this draft class.

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