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

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Mar 20, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) reacts during the game against the Virginia Commonwealth Rams in the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Buddy Hield, Oklahoma Sooners

Opponent: VCU Rams (10)

Result: 85-81, W

Stat Line: 36 minutes, 36 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assists, 11/20 FG, 6/14 3PT, 8/10 FT

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 22 (12/17/1993)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’4.5″, 215 pounds, 6’8.5″

Analysis

The first half was rough for Buddy Hield, as he shot inefficiently and found himself in foul trouble during the closing minutes. After taking halftime to recuperate, Hield came out and did what he does best: shot the lights out.

In front of what was essentially a home crowd at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Hield caught fire and led the Oklahoma Sooners to the Sweet 16.

After scoring 27 points during the Round of 64, Hield outdid himself by torching the VCU Rams for 36 points in the Round of 32. He scored 29 of those 36 points in the second half alone, including 19 in the final eight minutes of the game.

Per The Associated Press, Hield wasn’t going to let the opportunity for Oklahoma to reach the Sweet 16 slip away.

"“This is the big stage,” Hield said. “It’s win or go home. It’s my senior year. NCAA tournament. Everybody is watching. You don’t get these moments very often, so you go out there, you’ve got to bring it.”"

That win or go home mentality plays a major role in why Hield is one of the Top 10 prospects in the 2016 NBA Draft.

Hield’s sharpshooting exploits would’ve been polarizing in previous eras, when the 3-point shot was viewed as something of a gimmick. As players such as Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have proven, however, it can be the foundation for an All-NBA game.

Hield must do a better job of maintaining his defensive intensity when his shot isn’t falling, but if he can lead Oklahoma past Texas A&M and into the Elite Eight, he’ll be safe in the Top 10.

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