NBA Draft: Prospects To Watch In The NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16

Mar 21, 2015; Louisville, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Willie Cauley-Stein (15) dunks the ball against Cincinnati Bearcats forward Quadri Moore (0) during the first half in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at KFC Yum! Center. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky

7-0, Center (JR)

NBA Draft Projection: Top-10

The second part of Kentucky’s twin tower starting lineup consists of a junior Willie Cauley-Stein. Unlike Towns, Cauley-Stein definitely jumps off the TV screen when watching the Wildcats. Whether it be a huge block, a menacing dunk or his on-ball defensive prowess, Cauley-Stein always finds a way to positively impact the game.

Averaging 9.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, Cauley-Stein has gotten better with each passing year at Kentucky. He’s worked his way to potentially a top-10 pick in this year’s NBA draft. Not exactly sure what his NBA ceiling is, but Cauley-Stein will be able to offer energy and defense off the bench almost immediately in the NBA.

Matchup: Like Towns, Cauley-Stein will be matching up against a physical team in West Virginia that will look to rattle Kentucky’s big men early. Most teams have to figure that’s the best formula to shake the Wildcats. Cut off the head of the snake, with the head being Kentucky’s overwhelming size. 

Next: Jahlil Okafor