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2016 NBA Draft: Who Stood Out on Day 1 of NCAA Tournament?

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 17, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Brice Johnson (11) celebrates in front of Florida Gulf Coast Eagles forward Demetris Morant (21) during the second half at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Brice Johnson (11) celebrates in front of Florida Gulf Coast Eagles forward Demetris Morant (21) during the second half at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Amongst 2016 NBA Draft prospects, who stood out on Day 1 of the 2016 NCAA Tournament?

Mar 17, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Brice Johnson (11) celebrates in front of Florida Gulf Coast Eagles forward Demetris Morant (21) during the second half at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Brice Johnson (11) celebrates in front of Florida Gulf Coast Eagles forward Demetris Morant (21) during the second half at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

With all due respect to those who competed to enter the Round of 64, the 2016 NCAA Tournament didn’t truly begin until Thursday, March 17. Day 1 of the NCAA Tournament was a big one, as NBA Draft prospects and championship hopefuls alike looked to prove themselves on the most unpredictable stage of them all.

Many were solid, but only a select few prospects made genuine statements to the NBA.

Some players are firmly on the radar, but needed to shine in order to solidify their place on draft boards. Others have a solid fan base, but lack the same level of support on the NBA Draft front.

Both parties managed to piece together gigantic outings in the face of elimination.

Not all players included were able to lead their respective teams to victory. Some simply played at such a high level that facing defeat was a mere technicality that should not distract folks from the bigger picture.

If those who won maintain their current pace, and those who lost test well in the weeks leading up to the 2016 NBA Draft, the following 10 players could all be first-round draft picks.

It’s an uphill battle for some, but a genuine possibility for all.

Next: 20 and 10

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