5 upperclassmen to keep an eye on for the 2018 NBA Draft

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 11: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats blocks the shot attempt from Isaiah Zierden #21 of the Creighton Bluejays during the Big East Basketball Tournament - Championship at Madison Square Garden on March 11, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 11: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats blocks the shot attempt from Isaiah Zierden #21 of the Creighton Bluejays during the Big East Basketball Tournament - Championship at Madison Square Garden on March 11, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images /

4. Ethan Happ (Junior) – Wisconsin

Ethan Happ doesn’t get as much love and praise as he should. Going into this season, forget the NBA Draft for a second, he should be a National Player of the Year candidate.

Incredibly efficient, Happ brings a little of everything between his offensive and defensive game. He’s a strong rebounder at power forward, who can pass and finish inside well. He finished 64 percent of his shots at the rim last season, per Hoop-Math. 

He also racks up plenty of blocks and steals, showing his versatility. Now, what will make Happ a first or second round pick will likely come down to his jump shot. There isn’t really a market for power forwards who are neither a shooter nor a unique, defensive talent.

As of last year, he is neither. Word is he worked on shooting this summer, so we’ll see. If that turns into at least slightly below average, he has first round potential because of how well-rounded his game is.