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2016 NBA Draft: Players with Most to Gain in NCAA Tournament

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 16, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Yogi Ferrell (11) signs autographs during a practice day before the first round of the NCAA men
Mar 16, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Yogi Ferrell (11) signs autographs during a practice day before the first round of the NCAA men /
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Feb 28, 2016; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers guard Gary Payton II (20) breaks through a half court press during the second half in a game against the Washington State Cougars at Gill Coliseum. The Beavers won 69-49. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers guard Gary Payton II (20) breaks through a half court press during the second half in a game against the Washington State Cougars at Gill Coliseum. The Beavers won 69-49. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

Gary Payton II, Oregon State Beavers

Prospect Rank: No. 37

Position: Point Guard

Age: 23 (12/1/1992)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’2.5″, 184 pounds, 6’6.5″

Slash Line: .484/.309/.642

Season Averages: 34.1 MPG, 15.9 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 5.1 APG, 2.5 SPG, 0.7 3PM

By simply uttering his name, it becomes abundantly clear why Gary Payton II faces the expectations he does. Son of Hall of Fame point guard and Seattle SuperSonics legend Gary Payton, Payton II is looking to add onto the glory of the family name.

The production is there, and the body type supports it, but Payton II needs to shine where he’s never been before: the NCAA Tournament.

Payton II has led the Oregon State Beavers to the school’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1990. It’s no coincidence that the starting point guard for the 1990 Oregon State men’s basketball team was Payton II’s father.

He may not go No. 2 overall as his father did, but GP2 could work his way into the first round if he continues to produce at the level he is.

The key for Payton II will be improving upon his inconsistent jump shot as draft workouts near. In the short-term, he must play his heart out in a bracket that includes a rugged VCU Rams team in the Round of 64, and a potential matchup with Buddy Hield in the Round of 32.

The stage has been set for Payton II to break out in front of a national audience. It’s time he makes his own legend.

Next: 2016's J.R.