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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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Mar 17, 2016; Denver , CO, USA; Purdue Boilermakers center A.J. Hammons (20) on the bench in the first half of Purdue vs Arkansas Little Rock in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Denver , CO, USA; Purdue Boilermakers center A.J. Hammons (20) on the bench in the first half of Purdue vs Arkansas Little Rock in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

A.J. Hammons, Purdue Boilermakers

Opponent: Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans (12)

Result: 85-83 2OT, L

Stat Line: 38 minutes, 16 points, 15 rebounds, 4 offensive rebounds, 3 assists, 6 blocks, 5/10 FG, 6/8 FT

Position: Center

Age: 23 (8/27/1992)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’0″, 261 pounds, 7’3″

Analysis

The Purdue Boilermakers were sent packing after the Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans used late-game heroics to achieved a miraculous comeback double-overtime victory. A late missed free throw hurt, but for the most part, center A.J. Hammons held up his end of the bargain for Purdue.

Hammons may not have star potential at the next level, but he can dominate the glass and protect the rim—no matter the level of competition.

Hammons produced at the level he needed to for Purdue to achieve victory. In the NCAA Tournament, however, even the smallest sliver of an opportunity can be turned into something glorious, and that’s exactly what Josh Hagins and the Trojans did.

Before Arkansas-Little Rock pulled off the miracle victory, however, Hammons imposed his will for Purdue.

The 7’0″ goliath recorded 18 points, 15 rebounds, four offensive boards, and six blocks. It certainly would’ve helped to advance and prove himself on a stage that increases in attention and magnitude, but this was one heck of a final performance.

Hammons is a late bloomer, but so too was Miami Heat anchor and NBA league-leader in blocks per game Hassan Whiteside.

Next: The New No. 1?

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