2016 NBA Draft: Who Shined on Day 3 of NCAA Tournament?

Domantas Sabonis, Gonzaga Bulldogs

Opponent: Utah Utes (3) 

Result: 82-59, W

Stat Line: 36 minutes, 19 points, 10 rebounds, 4 offensive rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 8/12 FG, 1/1 3PT, 2/2 FT

Position: Forward/Center

Age: 20 (3/5/1996)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10”, 238 pounds, 6’10.5″

Analysis

One could make a very strong case that no prospect helped themselves more today than Gonzaga Bulldogs big man Domantas Sabonis. Matched up with potential Top 10 pick Jakob Poeltl, Sabonis led Gonzaga to a convincing victory over the favored Utah Utes.

More importantly, Sabonis thoroughly outplayed Poeltl on a national stage—something that could prove meaningless, but at least offers reason for intrigue.

Sabonis pounded it inside, scoring in the paint and dominating the boards for four offensive rebounds. He also provided a necessary display of offensive versatility with three assists and a 3-point field goal made.

With more of the latter statistic, Sabonis could qualm the concerns about his underwhelming wingspan, and thus crack the Top 20.

Poeltl is still ahead of Sabonis on draft boards for obvious reasons, as he has the size, length, mobility, and skill to thrive at the 5. Sabonis’ position is relatively undefined, although games like this suggest he can play the 4 at the next level.

The development of Sabonis’ jump shot will determine the outcome of his career, and this game painted a promising picture.

Next: 2016's J.R. Smith