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

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 20, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) celebrates defeating the Virginia Commonwealth Rams 85-81 during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) celebrates defeating the Virginia Commonwealth Rams 85-81 during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 20, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Ethan Happ (22) shoots over Xavier Musketeers forward Sean O
Mar 20, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Ethan Happ (22) shoots over Xavier Musketeers forward Sean O /

Ethan Happ, Wisconsin Badgers

Opponent: Xavier Musketeers (2)

Result: 66-63, W

Stat Line: 30 minutes, 16 points, 7 rebounds, 4 offensive rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 steal, 7/10 FG, 4/5 FT

Position: Power Forward

Age: 19 (5/7/1996)

Height & Weight: 6’9″ & 230 pounds

Analysis

It may be surprising to see Ethan Happ’s name on this list, but he’s becoming a very intriguing NBA Draft prospect. He’s on the outside of the Top 60 at this current juncture, but he has the physical profile, athleticism, and defensive tenacity to excel at the next level.

If the Wisconsin Badgers continue their magical run through March Madness, and Happ continues to play at his current level, he could do wonders for his draft stock.

Happ scored 18 points in 30 minutes for a Badgers squad that escaped with a 66-63 upset of the No. 2 seed Xavier Musketeers. He pulled down four offensive boards, as well, and came up with both a block and a steal—three statistics that are vital to know.

Happ is an excellent offensive rebounder and a tenacious defender, which are two skills that translate well from the collegiate scene to the NBA.

Happ is more likely to be on the draft radar in 2017, but his string of solid performances in the 2016 NCAA Tournament can only help. He’s a pure competitor who will fight for every loose ball and rebound, and play with great energy offensively.

The development of a jump shot is all Happ needs to emerge as a potential first-round draft pick in 2017, and a late second-rounder in 2016.

Next: Best in the Country