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

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Mar 19, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Perry Ellis (34) celebrates with guard Frank Mason III (0) in the second half against the Connecticut Huskies during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

Perry Ellis, Kansas Jayhawks

Opponent: Connecticut Huskies (9)

Result: 73-61, W

Stat Line: 32 minutes, 21 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 9/12 FG, 2/3 3PT, 1/2 FT

Position: Power Forward

Age: 22 (9/14/1993)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’8″, 222 pounds, 6’10”

Analysis

Perry Ellis is the Scottie Reynolds of the modern era; it feels as though he’s been playing college basketball for 10 years. The senior power forward showed a bit of what he’s learned under Bill Self’s watch as the No 1 seed Kansas Jayhawks moved on to the Sweet 16.

If Ellis is able to perform at this level the rest of the way, Kansas will compete for the championship, and he will earn a firm second-round grade.

Ellis is relatively undersized for the 4, but he’s a strong 6’8″ with a 6’10” wingspan. He’s a very skilled player whose leadership is revered, and versatility could prove valuable enough to help him both get drafted and maintain a respectable NBA career.

Having entered the game at a clip of 43.3 percent from beyond the arc, Ellis finished with 21 points and went 2-of-3 from beyond the arc.

Ellis isn’t much of a rebounder or shot-blocker, which means his offensive game and team defense will need to be at peak levels from hereon out. He has the skill to be of aid in a small-ball offense, and wouldn’t be the NBA’s only sharpshooting power forward in who doesn’t pull down many boards.

So long as Ellis maintains a strong pace from 3-point range, he can do enough to pop the bubble and emerge safely as a second-round selection.

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