Gonzaga, the No. 1 seed in the West, has cruised into the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
Former Arizona high school standout Brandon Clarke has been a big reason why.
The big man, who attended Phoenix Desert Vista High, is making his presence felt in the tournament.
He scored 36 points in his team’s 83-71 win over No. 9 seed Baylor in the second round.
He had 12 points and eight rebounds in an 87-49 win over No. 16 Fairleigh Dickinson in the first round.
The performances have Clarke soaring up NBA draft boards for the 2019 NBA draft.
Clarke, a junior who is averaging 17 points and 8.4 rebounds while shooting a remarkable 69.9 percent from the field this season, is now projected to go as high as No. 7 in recent NFL mock draft projections.
MORE: Arizonans in NCAA Tournament in 2019 season
What NBA draft pundits are saying about Brandon Clarke’s NBA prospects:
CBS Sports: Clarke goes to Nets at No. 27
Reid Forgrave writes: “Clarke has the potential to become a modern small-ball NBA big man — an elite shot blocker who can guard on the perimeter as well.”
Bleacher Report: Clarke picked by Jazz at No. 20
Lonzo Wire: Clarke lands with Lakers at No. 10
Jacob Rude writes: “One of the most under-the-radar prospects in the draft, Clarke is a high-IQ player that, despite being a bit undersized, could fill the Lakers’ need for a big moving forward.”
NBAdraft.net: Clark selected by Suns at No. 32
NBC Sports: Clarke taken by Spurs at No. 20
It writes: “The hard-nosed Clarke, who turns 23 in September, is one of the prospects in this class likely capable of offering immediate help to a contender. Though not a threat currently from distance, the 6-foot-8 forward is shooting 70 percent from the field while averaging 17 and 8.”
tankathon.com: Clarke picked by Pelicans at No. 9
Sporting News: Clarke selected by Timberwolves at No. 12
Chris Stone writes: “Clarke, like Hachimura, is on the older end of the spectrum for a lottery prospect, but the 22-year-old checks virtually all of the statistical boxes. In Minnesota, he could provide cover for Karl-Anthony Towns on the defensive end while fitting in as a complementary offensive piece that doesn’t need the ball in his hands. It’s a perfect marriage.”
draftsite.com: Clark picked by Hawks at No. 7
nbadraftroom.com: Clarke goes to Nets at No. 17
It writes: “A big time athlete and great shot-blocker who is undersized to play the 5 but makes up for it with great leaping ability, strength and good instincts.”
mynbadraft.net: Clarke goes to Pacers at No. 23
Memorable March Madness photos
Be the first to comment