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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 28, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Grayson Allen (3) shoots against Pittsburgh Panthers guard Chris Jones (12) during the second half at the Petersen Events Center. PITT won 76-62. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Grayson Allen (3) shoots against Pittsburgh Panthers guard Chris Jones (12) during the second half at the Petersen Events Center. PITT won 76-62. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

31. Grayson Allen, Duke Blue Devils

  • Grayson Allen broke out during the 2015 NCAA Tournament, but a very brief period of glory wasn’t quite enough to win over NBA executives. A season later, he continues to score in bunches, which has many pondering his future at the next level. In order to truly make it in the NBA, however, he must shake the tunnel vision, improve his defense, and solidify his handle. Right now, he’s Austin Rivers with a better jump shot—one heck of a jump shot, that is.

32. Juan Hernangomez, Movistar Estudiantes 

  • Juan Hernangomez is coming along at the right time. He’s a stretch 4, by the term’s core definition, with the size and shooting range to be a true matchup nightmare at the next level. He’s a Donyell Marshall type of contributor who can crash the boards and space the floor, with a safe upside comparison to Phoenix Suns big man Mirza Teletovic. In an era that cherishes the 3-ball and covets high-volume rebounders, Hernangomez has significant potential. If drafted to the right situation, he can be a steal of a selection in the late first round.

33. Jonathan Jeanne, Le Mans Sarthe Basket

  • Jonathan Jeanne has captivated the NBA Draft community, and it’s not very difficult to see why. He’s a 7’2″ center with a 7’7″ big man from France, which has many likening him to fellow countryman and Utah Jazz defensive anchor Rudy Gobert. Jeanne hasn’t done much to justify the hype on the court, but when a player comes along with these physical gifts, teams take notice. Jeanne will be drafted if he enters the 2016 NBA Draft.
Mar 5, 2016; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Malcolm Brogdon (15) dribbles the ball as Louisville Cardinals guard Quentin Snider (2) defends in the second half at John Paul Jones Arena. The Cavaliers won 68-46. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Malcolm Brogdon (15) dribbles the ball as Louisville Cardinals guard Quentin Snider (2) defends in the second half at John Paul Jones Arena. The Cavaliers won 68-46. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

34. Malcolm Brogdon, Virginia Cavaliers

  • Virginia Cavaliers guard Malcolm Brogdon is a master at moving without the ball. An efficient 3-point shooter with deep range, an NBA frame, and a physical approach to defense, Brogdon has genuine NBA potential. Standing at just under 6’6″ with a 6’10” wingspan, he certainly has the body and length to fill the role of a 3-and-D wing. The question is, can he improve his handle to the point of being able to create his own offense?

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35. Wayne Selden, Kansas Jayhawks

  • Wayne Selden is the J.R. Smith of the 2016 NBA Draft. He can go cold without a moment’s notice, but when on his game, the only player who can stop him is himself. Whether it’s a barrage of 3-point field goals or a powerful drive to the basket, Selden is good for instant offense. He’s also capable of going ice cold and shooting his team out of games. Selden is a boom or bust prospect, but the boom is tremendous enough that he needs to be mentioned.