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

Monte Morris, Iowa State Cyclones

Opponent: Iona Gaels (13)

Result: 94-81, W

Stat Line: 37 minutes, 20 points, 8 assists, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block, 7/12 FG, 2/4 3PT, 4/4 FT

Position: Point Guard

Age: 20 (6/27/1995)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3″, 175 pounds, 6’5″

Analysis

I’m admittedly higher on Monte Morris than most others, but he’s a player without a truly critical flaw. He’s a solid jump shooter with superb court vision, the uncanny ability to make plays in the passing lanes, and the length to create havoc as an on-ball defender.

During the Round of 64, Morris put every one of those skills to use as the Iowa State Cyclones defeated the Iona Gaels 94-81 in a high-scoring affair.

Morris, a 6’3″ pure point guard, did it all for Steve Prohm’s crew against a high-octane Iona squad. He finished with 20 points and eight assists, sinking two 3-point field goals and converting all four of his free throw attempts.

Currently a second-round prospect, more performances like this could push Morris back onto the first round bubble.

Morris’ appeal is as a facilitator and defender, with his shooting touch and penetration skills serving as complementary strengths. He has prototypical size and length for a point guard, and while he’s no Russell Westbrook, he has the quickness to operate in the half court and the understanding of pace to play in transition.

Morris is no sure-thing, but it’s worth noting that two of Prohm’s previous point guards, Isaiah Canaan and Cameron Payne, are both in the NBA.

Next: Finally Emerging