2016 NBA Draft: Buddy Hield, Players Who Aced Elite Eight
Buddy Hield, Oklahoma Sooners
Opponent: Oregon Ducks (1)
Result: 80-68, W
Stat Line: 39 minutes, 37 points, 4 rebounds, 13/20 FG, 8/13 3PT, 3/4 FT
Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 22 (12/17/1993)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’4.5″, 215 pounds, 6’8.5″
Analysis
If there were any remaining skeptics leading up to the Elite Eight, no remaining opposition should exist for Buddy Hield deserving to unanimously win National Player of the Year. He’s been downright sensational during the NCAA Tournament, scoring at a rate that only one player has exceeded over the past 20 seasons.
That player just so happens to be the reigning MVP of the NBA: Stephen Curry.
Buddy Hield cannot be stopped: https://t.co/NUGJtkEqub pic.twitter.com/Bda2ADT5V3
— ESPN (@espn) March 27, 2016
That’s some impressive company.
Hield took over the Oklahoma Sooners’ Elite Eight clash with the No. 1 seed Oregon Ducks. He scored an explosive 37 points on 13-of-20 shooting from the field, going 8-of-13 from 3-point range and 3-of-4 from the free throw line in an 80-68 win.
Between his off-ball work, his paralyzing step-back jumper, and his limitless range, Hield put on a clinic against the Ducks.
While the NCAA Tournament has often favored teams with college basketball superstars, high-volume scorers have rarely been able to lead their team to the Final Four.
Buddy Hield became the first 25 PPG scorer to reach the Final Four since 1990 pic.twitter.com/YyCjoObL7X
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 27, 2016
The question is, can Hield take this success a step further and lead Oklahoma to the National Championship Game? It may seem improbable, but at this point, who in their right mind is going to bet against him?
Hield is legitimizing his Top 10 draft stock with every passing game.
Next: Lottery Bound?