Hoops Habit
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
21 of 32
Next
Jan 28, 2016; Evanston, IL, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Deyonta Davis (23) celebrates during the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2016; Evanston, IL, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Deyonta Davis (23) celebrates during the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

20. Deyonta Davis, Michigan State Spartans

Position: Center

Age: 19 (12/2/1996)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10”, 230 pounds, 7’1.5″

Slash Line: .604/.000/.605

Season Averages: 18.3 MPG, 7.3 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.0 ORPG, 0.8 APG, 1.9 BPG

Analysis

Deyonta Davis is rising up draft boards across the country, and it’s not especially hard to see why. This is more about upside than anything else, but his explosiveness, size, length, and shot-blocking instincts create elite defensive potential at the next level.

Davis could go as high as the lottery and as low as the second round, but there’s no question that he’ll be on the radar of every team with a first-round draft pick.

Davis stands at nearly 6’10” with a 7’2″ wingspan and explosive leaping ability. He plays above the rim, runs the floor well in transition, and meets opponents at the rim with aggression when pursuing a blocked shot—three traits that will help him stick in the NBA.

Most importantly, Davis has the basics of an offensive game with a solid baby hook, decent vision as a passer, and a jump shot that is the proper polish away from being a strength.

Davis is no Jahlil Okafor, but he has the foundation for an offensive skill set to be developed. He’s no Karl-Anthony Towns, but he moves well without the ball and sticks with plays when beaten off the dribble, thus enabling him to redirect even the most improbable of shots.

Throw in the fact that Davis can convert the occasional midrange jump shot, and his upside is as real and intriguing as any player’s in this draft class.

Next: The Competitor