With the 2022 NCAA Tournament right around the corner, it's time
for conference tournaments to begin so teams can begin punching
their ticket to The Big Dance in March.
Mid-major tournaments have already gotten underway, on
Wednesday, five Power Five tournaments will have begun theirs to
join the club.
(Editor's note: Check out our breakdowns of the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC.)
Since everyone will have their eyes on the best players in these
conferences over the next few weeks, BasketballNews.com has
highlighted each Power Five and its top 2022 NBA Draft
prospects.
Class: Sophomore
Draft Day Age: 20
Nationality: Canada
After a strong freshman campaign for the Arizona Wildcats,
Bennedict Mathurin has made a jump in his second year in Tucson.
Mathurin's size, athleticism, defense and shot-making ability make
him an intriguing NBA prospect. Standing at 6-foot-6 and 210
pounds, he is an explosive athlete and a capable slasher and
finisher. Mathurin has solidified himself as one of the best wings
in the 2022 NBA Draft, and continues to make his case as a top-10
selection.
Class: Freshman
Draft Day Age: 19.6
Nationality: USA
At 6-foot-8, Harrison Ingram projects as a versatile
point-forward at the next level. He is a capable scorer both inside
and out, and is comfortable as a pick-and-roll ball-handler. Ingram
is also an intelligent defender with an excellent feel for the
game. With positional size, basketball IQ and versatility on both
ends, Ingram has made a name for himself, and will continue to make
his case as a potential first-round pick this June.
Class: Junior
Draft Day Age: 22
Nationality: Cameroon
One of the best rim-protectors in the country, Christian Koloko
can anchor a defense in the half-court. As much as his 7-foot-4
wingspan helps on defense, it also allows him to be effective on
the other end. His hands, post moves and awareness continue to
improve, and he is an efficient finisher in the dunker spot. While
his role won't ever be to carry a large load on offense, his impact
as a rebounder, shot-blocker and rim-runner remains
special.
Class: Sophomore
Draft Day Age: 20.1
Nationality: USA
At 6-foot-9, Jabari Walker was a reliable shooter from
three-point range last year, although on low volume (23 of 44).
While he has been consistent in that area this season, he has also
shown promise as a floor stretcher — both on the move and
standstill. Walker is also a solid rebounder and adequate defender
with a high basketball IQ. If he shoots the way he is capable of
and makes the next steps in his development, he could be a
highly-coveted prospect in the 2022 NBA Draft. Also worth noting,
Jabari is the son of former NBA player Samaki Walker.
Class: Junior
Draft Day Age: 21.3
Nationality: USA
After a stellar NCAA Tournament run last season, Johnny Juzang
tested the NBA Draft waters, but ultimately returned to UCLA for
his junior season. At 6-foot-7, Juzang is an exceptional outside
shooter, especially off the dribble in the half-court. He has
continued his efficient scoring as a shot-creator and cutter this
season. He projects as a wing shooter and capable facilitator at
the next level, and will be considered a solid option for teams
picking in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Class: Junior
Draft Day Age: 21.3
Nationality: Mexico, USA
Jaime Jaquez Jr. is intelligent and crafty, using defensive
manipulation and footwork to create for himself and others. He
excels in the post against smaller defenders, and can stretch the
floor as a reliable shooter from three-point range. In addition,
Jaquez is a hard-nosed competitor, and is an adequate defender and
rebounder. He continues to build on the momentum he established
last March during UCLA's impressive tournament run, is proving to
be a consistent three-level scorer and is a viable option in the
2022 NBA Draft.
Class: Junior
Draft Day Age: 22.7
Nationality: USA
An intelligent player, Isaiah Mobley is a strong rebounder at
6-foot-10, and has shown the ability to score the ball effectively
— both inside and out — with tremendous touch at the rim. He
flashed the ability to stretch the floor last season, and has
continued to do so in '21-22. Mobley lacks elite athleticism and
will be close to 23 years old on Draft Day, but his promise as a
passer and floor-spacer make him an intriguing prospect
nonetheless.
Others worth
noting:
Boogie Ellis | USC
Kerr Kriisa | Arizona
Will Richardson | Oregon
Azuolas Tubelis | Arizona
Peyton Watson | UCLA
Looking to go to the hottest
concerts, sports, theater & family shows near you? Get 100%
guaranteed tickets to more than 125,000 live events from
TicketSmarter, the official ticket marketplace of
BasketballNews.com. Order online
now!