2016 NBA Draft: Who Shined on Day 1 of Sweet 16?

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Mar 24, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Wayne Selden Jr. (1) handles the ball against Maryland Terrapins forward Robert Carter (4) during the second half in a semifinal game in the South regional of the NCAA Tournament at KFC YUM!. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Wayne Selden Jr., Kansas Jayhawks

Opponent: Maryland Terrapins (5)

Result: 79-63, W

Stat Line: 35 minutes, 19 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 7/16 FG, 2/5 3PT, 3/4 FT

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 21 (9/30/1994)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’5″, 229 pounds, 6’10”

Analysis

As far as natural talents are concerned, there aren’t many better in the 2016 NBA Draft than Kansas Jayhawks shooting guard Wayne Selden Jr. The J.R. Smith of this draft class—an explosive athlete who can go from hot to cold without a moment’s notice—borders on elite when he’s on his game.

Selden’s performance against the Maryland Terrapins during the Sweet 16 was one of the best of his collegiate career.

Selden has the swagger of a star and the combination of skill, athleticism, and a prototypical physical profile to match it. He’s not nearly consistent enough with his handle or playmaking to be a star, but there’s no denying how much of a star he can look like.

The question is, should Selden come out after his junior season? Or remain at Kansas for one more year?

Selden’s progress as a scorer and playmaker has been nothing short of resounding. His confidence and efficiency have both improved, with the only remaining task being the stabilizing of his focus and commitment.

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If Selden continues to perform at this level during the Elite Eight, he will have quite the claim to being deserving of a first-round draft pick.

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