NBA Draft: Who Shined on Day 4 of NCAA Tournament?

2 of 7

Mar 20, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Zach Auguste (30) shoots against Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks forward Thomas Walkup (0) and forward Clide Geffrard, Jr. (11) during the second half in the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Zach Auguste, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Opponent: Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (14)

Result: 76-75, W

Stat Line: 31 minutes, 18 points, 15 rebounds, 7 offensive rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 8/9 FG, 0/2 FT

Position: Power Forward

Age: 22 (7/8/1993)

Height & Weight: 6’10” & 240 pounds

Analysis

If this were as recent as 2010, Zach Auguste would be a first-round draft pick. He’s an elite rebounder, a solid athlete, and an opportunistic scorer with a respectable post game and the aggressiveness on the offensive glass that can help a traditional lineup thrive.

Due to his limited range offensively, as well as his erratic nature defensively, Auguste is on the second round bubble.

Against the upset-hungry Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks, Auguste was sensational. He recorded 18 points on 8-of-9 shooting from the field, also pulling down 15 total rebounds and seven offensive boards—a telling sign of what he offers an NBA team.

As if his average of 3.4 offensive rebounds per game wasn’t proof enough, Auguste further established that he’s one of the best offensive rebounders in the 2016 NBA Draft.

Auguste can greatly improve his draft stock by scoring in ways other than off of offensive rebounds. He has the body and mobility to be a pick-and-roll finisher at the next level, and he needs to prove more of that during the Sweet 16.

With a matchup looming against Ethan Happ and the Wisconsin Badgers, Auguste can greatly improve his draft stock with another stellar performance.

Next: 2017 First, 2016 Second