Carsen Edwards, Purdue
Stats: 24 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds
If Carsen Edwards was a bit taller, as he only stands at 6-foot-1, he’d probably be higher on NBA Draft Boards. However, due to his size, he’s expected to be a late first-round, early second-round pick. Though, that potentially may have changed after his performance in the NCAA Tournament.
Edwards scored 42 points in the Elite Eight, before his Purdue Boilermakers were eventually eliminated, however it’s hard to see that type of performance and just shrug your shoulders. Which is why I’m concerned that he could shoot up draft boards as we get closer to this year’s event.
And I can’t help but think of past (small) guards that had great performances in the NCAA Tournament, but ended up really struggling at the next level. Perhaps the two most recent examples of that are Jimmer Fredette and Shabazz Napier – and both players were selected in the first-round and both largely disappointed.
Hopefully, Edwards isn’t the same type of player. But the risk will be present for any team that wants to take him at any point in the first round.