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2017 NBA Draft: The Biggest Winners From The NCAA Tournament’s Opening Weekend

By Mason McFee

Feb 26, 2017; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Bonzie Colson (35) celebrates after a basket in the first half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at the Purcell Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2017; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Bonzie Colson (35) celebrates after a basket in the first half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at the Purcell Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 18, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) dunks the ball during the second half of the game against the Iowa State Cyclones in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) dunks the ball during the second half of the game against the Iowa State Cyclones in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Center: Caleb Swanigan

How do you miss a 6-foot-9, 250 lbs man? You go to Purdue.

Okay, that was mean, but Swanigan has really started to make a name for himself this tournament, and for good reason – he’s an animal.

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Swanigan recently broke the record for most double-doubles in a season by a Big-10 player, and is currently leading the NCAA with double-doubles with 28 in 34 games.

It’s not so much the fact that he’s gotten so many double-doubles that’s so impressive (although it’s still impressive…if that make sense), it’s how he’s doing it.

When I was watching Purdue’s game against Vermont, he had 3 boards within the first three minutes, and was always in a position to at least make an attempt to grab another. I don’t use that word lightly folks, he always was in that game, and the same was true in a nail-biter against Iowa State.

If he didn’t get the rebound, it was because there was a missed call, or a foul called. While you may be skeptical, and I’m probably wrong, it certainly felt like it.

For a guy his size, he is surprisingly nimble. He has great footwork in the paint. He can go up-and-under, post-up his defender (an underrated skill honestly), and pass out of the post when he draws a double team once teams remember how much of a threat he is offensively. Oh, and he can hit 3s; although his shot release from 3 is pretty shaky, but coachable.

Must Read: 2017 NBA Draft: Biggest Losers From The NCAA Tournament's Opening Weekend

Regardless, Swanigan is a no-doubt first-rounder in my book. With Purdue still in the tournament, scouts know he’s putting the team on his broad shoulders. He might just gain the nickname of ‘Atlas’ if the Boilermakers continue to gain steam.