Arizona’s Bennedict Mathurin, Duke’s A.J. Griffin and Wisconsin’s Johnny Davis spent the past season showing off their NBA potential in front of big crowds at the college level, including in the NCAA Tournament.
Shaedon Sharpe ended up taking a different route to next week’s draft.
He never played a second for Kentucky before being a surprise exit for the NBA, yet he could be the first name called among that group of lottery prospects.
Here’s a look at some of the top wing players in the draft:
MATHURIN
The 6-6 sophomore blossomed in his second season to become ESPN’s No. 8 draft prospect.
STRENGTHS: Mathurin was a second-team Associated Press All-American with above-the-rim athleticism and a reliable jumper. He averaged 17.7 points while shooting 38.3% on 3-pointers over two seasons. He had a big March moment, scoring 30 points and coming through in the clutch to help Arizona survive an overtime win against TCU in the NCAA Tournament’s second round.
“I took advantage of March Madness to showcase my talent,” Mathurin said Thursday. “And I felt like there was a great chance for me, for people to see what I’m able to do.”
CONCERNS: While his length offers defensive potential, Mathurin could also use more consistency at that end of the floor, with ESPN college basketball analyst Fran Fraschilla noting earlier this year that Mathurin has room to grow with making reads and handling the pick and roll.
GRIFFIN
The 6-6 small forward, son of former NBA player and current Toronto Raptors assistant coach Adrian Griffin, offers outside shooting, length and defensive potential.
STRENGTHS: Griffin, who turns 19 in August, is ESPN’s No. 9 draft prospect after averaging 10.4 points. His stroke was terrific, with the freshman hitting 44.7% of his 3-pointers and tallying a dozen games with at least three 3s. There were also flashes of ability to take over games, highlighted by his 27 points in a February romp against rival North Carolina.
CONCERNS: There’s a limited sample size to evaluate a player who missed most of his last two prep seasons to injuries. He also must develop off the dribble to complement his range.
DAVIS
The 6-5 sophomore went from role player off the bench to unexpected star for Wisconsin.
STRENGTHS: Davis plays with aggression and toughness at both ends. Ranked as ESPN’s No. 11 draft prospect, Davis averaged 19.7 points and 8.2 rebounds to become an AP first-team All-American while proving capable of creating his own shot or looks for…
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