NBA Mock Draft: Ranking 11 best draft prospects in NCAA’s Sweet 16

8. Julian Strawther, Gonzaga

Julian Strawther is another NBA Draft prospect that hasn’t gotten the publicity that he probably should be getting. Strawther is one of the better shooting prospects in this year’s draft class and what makes him even more appealing as a prospect is the fact that he’s continuing to grow as a player – I’m not sure that is something many projected for him even just last season when he started nearly every game for Gonzaga.

The junior guard has averaged 15 points and six rebounds on 42 percent shooting from 3-point range this season for Gonzaga. He’s been a big part of the team’s success this season and will continue to be instrumental in the team’s pursuit of a championship this season, picking up in this weekend’s Sweet 16.

Strawther has already had one big game (28 points and 10 rebounds) in Gonzaga’s NCAA Tournament run and if he continues to play at a consistent level, there’s a good chance that he’s a name that continues to rise up NBA Draft boards. There’s no guarantee that Strawther ends up declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft but a few more big games could cement his status on that front.