Saint Peter’s has officially taken over March Madness. The Peacocks took down the Purdue Boilermakers on Friday night to become the first-ever 15-seed to advance to the Elite Eight.
They are now one of eight teams remaining, having gone through Kentucky, Murray State, and Purdue in the process. It’s been an incredible run, and with how the nation is rallying behind them, who’s to say it’s going to end in the Elite Eight?
Even if the Peacocks lose (which they probably will), that doesn’t mean their story is over. Could there be a place in the NBA for their players? If so, which ones?
Does anyone from Saint Peter’s have a chance to make the NBA?
First and foremost, it’s important to mention Doug Edert. The sharpshooting phenom has captured the hearts of basketball fans everywhere, and we actually discussed his NBA chances in an article on Friday.
But the other major name that needs to be mentioned is Daryl Banks III. Edert may be the sparkplug scorer off the bench, but Banks is the Peacocks’ go-to guy when they need a bucket.
Banks is a 6’3” guard that just knows how to work with the basketball in his hands. He’s a very capable three-point shooter, although he usually prefers to take the ball inside the three-point line.
If he continues to turn heads in the tournament, there’s no reason for him not to get an invite to the NBA’s pro day or even the draft combine. It’s more likely for Edert because of his great shooting, but Banks has a shot, too.
The only other player that deserves a mention on the Peacosks’ roster is KC Ndefo. He’s a 6’7” forward who showed out in their win over Murray State in the second round.
He’s shown some defensive chops, but before even getting a chance at the NBA, Ndefo would probably have to leverage an offer from a better Division 1 school where he could get more reps.
But lastly, the coach of Saint Peter’s, Shaheen Holloway, deserves a shoutout, too. He’s a former professional basketball player who played in various leagues around the world.
With how well he’s coached this team to victory, expect him to get some offers from other major colleges. And maybe one day he could even work his way up to be an assistant coach in the NBA (or better).
Saint Peter’s has made it crystal clear that they are the real deal. Keep an eye on their personnel, because there’s always a slight chance you could see them on the NBA stage one day.