Scouting Underrated Prospects From Thursday’s Sweet Sixteen Games
With so much draft coverage focused on the likely lottery picks many of the lesser-known prospects fly too far under the radar. But the NCAA tournament tends to bring out unexpected stars, with lesser known players stepping into the spotlight, leading their teams to March Madness glory and lifted their own individual draft stock in the process. Here are some lesser known NBA prospects who stepped up big in the Sweet Sixteen.
David Mirkovic – PF – Illinois (Montenegro) – Mirkovic is playing himself into being a “this year” guy. For most of the season I’ve had him as a projected 2027 draftee but with the way he’s been playing over the past month he’s looking more and more like a guy who could come out this year. He’s a ground-bound, big-bodied forward who is a load to handle with his mix of power and skill. He’s an excellent 3pt shooter, has a high feel for the game and always seems to be mixing it up and involved in the play. He doesn’t always look like a NBA player or move like a NBA player but he is just so strong and so talented that I think he can be effective at the next level. It’ll be very interesting to see what he decides to do after the Illinois season is over.
Matas Vokietaitis – C – Texas – Big V is one of my favorite very early sleepers for next draft cycle. While there’s a chance he tests the waters this year I think he’ll be back in school for one more year and could be a major name in the 2027 draft. The 7-footer from Lithuania is a tough and physical post player who isn’t afraid to mix it up inside. He does most of his damage in the lane and knows his role and doesn’t try to do too much. Any improvements he makes with his mid range and outside shot will only enhance his draft value.
Dailyn Swain – SF – Texas – I’ve been so impressed with Swain all season and he’s just continued to get better and better. He’s always been an impressive athlete but the improvements he’s made with his shooting and especially his handle have elevated him into first round territory in my book (although he does need to cut down on the turnovers and continue to refine his decision making). I think he has plenty of upside left to develop and is just starting to figure out how good he can be. He had a monster 3pt play to tie the game late in the match-up with Purdue last night, showing his ability to impose his will on the game when it counts. The Boilermakers ended up winning the game on a last second tip-in but that doesn’t take away from Swain’s play and the great run he had with the Longhorns.
Pryce Sandfort – SF – Nebraska – Sandfort is one of the elite 3pt shooters in the country with good size at a sturdy 6-7, 215. Only a junior, Sandfort will have a really interesting stay/go decision coming up. I have him as a potential late second rounder this year but could see him rising into the late first/early second with another strong year in school. I hope he returns.
Fletcher Loyer – SG – Purdue – I wrote about Loyer last week and he’s continued to light it up in the tournament and has really helped his draft stock. It’ll be hard for a NBA team to pass on him in the mid second round. He’s about as NBA-ready as it gets and, even though he’s probably not a starter or on his way to being a NBA star, he could provide great value as a mid second round pick.
Bennett Stirtz – PG/SG – Iowa – Stirtz has been solid but honestly gets some mixed reviews in my eyes. I was very high on him to start the season but he’s been slowly moving down my board. I had Stirtz in the lottery to start the season, now I’m seeing him as more of a late first to early second round pick. I think he can be a solid NBA player but I don’t think he’s a starter and might be more of a third or fourth guard on a good team. That’s still a valuable player but in a strong draft like this one it’s hard to pick that player in the top 20.
Meleek Thomas – SG – Arkansas – His teammate Acuff Jr. gets most of the national attention (and rightfully so) but Thomas has been playing great ball recently and his draft stock is pointing up. He’s always been a talented offensive player who can fill it up from outside but I’ve been really impressed with his all around contributions and his effort on defense in recent weeks and during Arkansas’ Sweet Sixteen run. He’s got quick hands and can be disruptive in the passing lanes. If he can add some more strength to his wiry frame it’ll help his defense even more. I like him in the early twenties or as a second round steal.
Billy Richmond – SG – Arkansas – Richmond has also been impressive down the stretch for the Razorbacks and could be line for a monster year next year if he returns. His athletic ability really stands out and he’s got tools you can’t teach. As he refines and develops his game I think he can become a guy who will earn a spot in the NBA. He should definitely return next season.