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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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Mar 9, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) shoots the ball over North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Cody Martin (15) in the second half during day two of the ACC conference tournament at Verizon Center. The Blue Devils won 92-89. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) shoots the ball over North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Cody Martin (15) in the second half during day two of the ACC conference tournament at Verizon Center. The Blue Devils won 92-89. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Brandon Ingram, Duke Blue Devils

Prospect Rank: No. 2

Position: Small Forward

Age: 18 (9/2/1997)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’9.5″, 196 pounds, 7’3″

Slash Line: .441/.413/.688

Season Averages: 34.2 MPG, 16.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.4 BPG, 1.1 SPG, 2.2 3PM

It’s all but guaranteed that Duke Blue Devils small forward Brandon Ingram is going to be selected in the Top 5. Dragan Bender is a player to watch in preventing this from transpiring, but all signs point to Ingram going No. 2 overall behind Ben Simmons.

With Simmons’ LSU Tigers missing the NCAA Tournament entirely, Ingram has a chance to sway executives into making him the No. 1 overall selection in the 2016 NBA Draft.

It may seem as though Simmons has the No. 1 pick locked up, but many analysts are beginning to question whether or not he should be the top selection. He’s very clearly the best talent in this draft class, but between LSU failing to make the tournament, and Simmons’ nonchalant approach, many have called his superstar future into question.

If Ingram can lead Duke to a magical run through March Madness, he could potentially surpass Simmons.

Ingram has drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant, and at roughly 6’10” with a 7’3″ wingspan and explosiveness, it’s not hard to see why. Ingram’s shooting ability is unquestionable, but his true appeal can be found in the fact that he defends at a high level.

Ingram plays both ends of the floor, has immense potential, and won’t turn 19 until September. He’s on the radar for No. 1.

Next: When It Matters