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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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Jan 23, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles guard Malik Beasley (5) shoots the ball past Pittsburgh Panthers guard Sterling Smith (15) during the second half at the Donald L. Tucker Center. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles guard Malik Beasley (5) shoots the ball past Pittsburgh Panthers guard Sterling Smith (15) during the second half at the Donald L. Tucker Center. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports /

29. Malik Beasley, Florida State Seminoles

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 19 (11/26/1996)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’4″, 185 pounds, 6’6″

Slash Line: .467/.378/.805

Season Averages: 29.8 MPG, 15.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.6 3PM

Analysis

The NBA has become enamored with players who are both athletic, and skilled from beyond the arc. The rest of his game is still being developed, but 19-year-old Florida State Seminoles star Malik Beasley is both explosive and lethal from 3-point range.

If he can close out the 2015-16 season on a high note, he can set the wheels in motion for a first-round selection.

Beasley moves well without the ball in his hands, curling around screens and catching defenders on a bigger body. He has a high and quick release with just as much lethality from midrange as he possesses from beyond the arc.

For those concerned that he’s just another college shooter who can’t pull up from NBA range, Beasley has put many skeptical defenders in their place with his justifiable confidence in his jumper.

Beasley must improve his consistency in finishing against length when driving the lane. He has a paralyzing first step and explosive leaping ability, however, which makes his offensive potential nothing short of immense.

There aren’t many shooters who are better off-the-catch than Beasley, and the added benefit of NBA-caliber athleticism makes him a legitimate Round 1 prospect.

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