2025-26 Big East Preview
The No Ceilings team continues their annual tradition of Conference Previews, today with the Big East.
The start of the college basketball season is right around the corner, as the NBA preseason is close to wrapping up. While some of the top overseas prospects have already started their seasons internationally, the NCAA players are working through their exhibition games before the 2025-26 season officially begins.
Before that, though, we’re diving deep into the 2026 NBA Draft class with our traditional conference preview roundtables. Without further ado, here is our second conference roundtable on the Big East.
Enjoy, No Ceilings family!
1. Ignore “consensus” boards and Twitter groupthink. Who is the best NBA prospect in this conference?
Rucker: I’m proud to say that Stephen Gillaspie and I started the “Braylon Mullins Fan Club” and we couldn’t be more excited with the amount of sign-ups. On a serious note, I think Mullins has the chance to explode in this draft class. He’s a LETHAL shooter from outside who can hurt defenses with movement shooting or with his quick release as a catch-and-shoot weapon. However, that’s just the beginning of Mullins’s intrigue. He’s extremely active off the ball, showcasing great awareness to give defenders headaches when they are chasing him around. Mullins has the athletic pop you’d want from a 6’6” shooter, and he can get after it on the defensive side of the ball. This UConn team looks to have a very fun balance this year, and Mullins could be one who explodes in the scouting world.
Albert: This is boring as hell, but I have Braylon Mullins at #7 on my preseason big board. What more do you need to hear? I think he’s gonna be terrific.
Maxwell: I’m also on the Braylon Mullins bandwagon. I do worry a little bit about his frame. Outside of that, though, sheesh—he’s an unreal movement shooter with limitless range. I also think he’s been underrated as both a passer and defender. There are just so many ways you can weaponize a guy like that at the next level.
Jam: I’m on the Braylon Mullins train, but for the sake of going against the grain, Acaden Lewis is next up for me. The lefty is just so dynamic with the ball in his hands. He brings the mix of creative multiple-level scoring, slick ball handling, and passing upside that’s coveted in lead guards. Lewis is in an excellent situation at Villanova to grow and learn through mistakes with the ball in his hands and potentially a ton of usage. Lewis might not be one and done, but I’m in long-term on the potential Big East Freshman of the Year.
Metcalf: You’ve already read it all. It’s Braylon Mullins. He’s a Top 10 guy to start the year for me; he’s a lethal shooter, good defender, and versatile off-ball scorer. Given the consensus here, I do start to worry or wonder what we’re missing, but it’s not even close for me to start the year.
Stephen: Some may think that this speaks to the quality of prospects in this conference, but I have been high on Braylon Mullins’s NBA future for months. He is going to draw heavy interest due to his shooting, and rightfully so; he can get his shot off in a phone booth. However, he isn’t just a shooter. Mullins shows some encouraging playmaking. It’s nothing earth-shattering, but Braylon’s film shows a player who can make quick decisions on the move, which forces teams to defend him honestly. His defense is going to be more effort-based, but he isn’t going to be a revolving door. With the recent draft successes of Reed Sheppard and Kon Knueppel (yeah, I did it), I have a hard time believing Mullins won’t be a riser for those who doubt him early.
Corey: Add me to the list of Mullins fans. I have him at #7 on my preseason big board and feel great about it. You can make a pretty strong case that he’s the best shooter in the class. He’s a killer off movement, and not just due to the shot itself; he’s an advanced mover and manipulator who understands angles and pacing to free himself up. Then there’s the lightning-quick release and the very aesthetically pleasing form. He’s no slouch athletically either, having registered 19 dunks in 20 games on the 3SSB circuit. I’m a believer in the defense, too. He can slide his feet and embraces physicality. Young, tall, real-deal shooters have a tendency to land in the Top 10, and if Mullins makes shots with the efficiency I think he will for the Huskies, then he will too.
Jacob: I’d be shocked if the universal answer wasn’t Braylon Mullins. The five-star recruit was one of, if not the best, shooters in his class. Teams will be captivated by his ability to create open looks, as he constantly relocates, coming across screens sharply and utilizing a variety of cuts. Mullins is a dead-eye from any range, with a quick trigger. Dan Hurley is notorious for maximizing his shooters, whether it was Jordan Hawkins or Cam Spencer. He’s also way more than the stereotypical sniper. Mullins finds open lanes to the rim to finish in a variety of ways, all while being a sneaky, creative passer. Add on that he’s a solid team defender who consistently makes hustle plays, and the result is a highly scalable wing.
Rowan: While the Big East’s teams are a formidable pack of contenders this season, the draft talent is a bit more uncertain. With that being said, UCONN’s Braylon Mullins has the best case to go highly in this draft class from the conference. He’s one of the most dangerous freshman shooters in the country, whether off the catch or on the move, and that sort of gravity is highly valued at the NBA level. Adding his burgeoning passing game, some cliche “sneaky” athleticism, and solid finishing chops to the mix paints a clear picture of who the best prospect in the Big East is by a clear margin.
Nathan: There’s no deviation here from the No Ceilings consensus with my answer: Braylon Mullins is heading to UConn with serious momentum as a frosh wing shooter. It’s not just the fact that Mullins can hit open threes, but it’s the types of looks he can get for himself. The NBA is all about versatile shot-making. Rarely are players just assigned to the corner and barely move outside of occasionally lifting up to the wing for a look. Mullins can cut, work off screens, operate a handoff, and pressure the rim downhill. He’s an underrated athlete, a relentless competitor, and an underrated defender. I wish he were a smidge bigger, but his toughness and bounce should make up for it. He’s a real-deal prospect.
Nick: Even with ignoring consensus and groupthink, the answer is pretty clearly Braylon Mullins. His ability to knock down three-pointers from a variety of angles and on a variety of play types makes him exactly the kind of versatile shooter that teams covet.
2. Admittedly, one of the most satisfying parts of analyzing the draft is being able to look back and say, “Psh, about time you guys took notice of him. I’ve been hyping him up for ages.” Who is the prospect that you are irrationally high on?
Rucker: Blake Harper is my guy. I found myself down a rabbit hole last year and somehow ended up watching Howard basketball on Synergy. Before I knew it, I found myself saying, “who the heck is this kid?!” Immediately, Harper became a name I was circling on my watchlist for the foreseeable future. After Harper announced he was entering the transfer portal, I thought he was one of the top prospects available. There’s a chance Creighton can be a bit of a juggernaut this year due to their potential floor spacing upside across the board. Add Harper to the mix, and this is a player I think could really make some noise rather quickly in the scouting world. Harper has great size and versatility on the offensive side of the ball. He knows how to set the table, and he showcases a great recognition of when it’s “time” to create his own. I’ll be fascinated to see how he looks early in the year, because the foundation is legit for him to buzz quickly.
Albert: I’ve been an Oziyah Sellers fan for years. I wrote about him a couple of seasons ago when he was at USC. I think the guy is a deadly shooter who has some real on-ball ability as well. It looks like Coach Pitino is looking to put the ball in his hands quite a bit this season, so I’m excited to see how that goes. This could be the year that he puts everything together.
Maxwell: I’ve been a Tarris Reed guy dating back to his prep days. He’s absolutely massive. He crushes opponents with screens. He’s an awesome finisher who can send home jams or convert with touch. He completely dominates the glass. Defensively, he can anchor a defense in drop, and he’s surprisingly nimble when switched down. I get that older centers with a “basic” skill set aren’t the sexiest proposition, but Tarris Reed is fantastic at the things most big men are asked to do on a consistent basis. I said this in my No Stone Unturned piece, and I’ll say it again here—he’s a first round guy for me.
Jam: Blake Harper. I’ve had the pleasure of watching his incredible journey and growth here in the DMV since his middle school years. He’s more than ready to step into a Creighton squad that’s eyeing a deep March run. Harper is arguably the most versatile wing in the country. Also, as the son of a coach, he possesses many of the vital qualities of an impactful NBA wing: feel, strength, size, ball skills, shooting, and toughness. Don’t be surprised to hear his name in the Big East Player of the Year conversation.
Metcalf: I love a lot of the names mentioned, but to mix it up a bit, I’ll go with Zuby Ejiofor at St. John’s. Going back to Kansas, Ejiofor has always shown flashes and glimpses of impressive stuff, but last year he took his game to a whole new level. The game finally seemed to slow down a ton for him last year, and things really started to click to a whole new level. With another year, and even more offensive infusion into the roster, Ejiofor could have a monster season.
Stephen: I hate to be an echo on here, but…BRAYLON MULLINS. I have him #6 on my board and could easily have him #5. Sheppard was taken third in his class, and Kon was selected with the #4 pick a few months ago. The NBA values floor spacing regardless of what the team’s priorities are. Contenders need them to optimize their star players. Rebuilding teams need them to open the floor up for their budding talent. Mullins is this year’s example of such a player.
Corey: I just can’t quit Marquette’s Chase Ross. I wrote about Chase ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft Cycle as a possible breakout candidate after having been impressed by him in limited minutes when I attended the 2023 Big East Tournament. That breakout didn’t quite occur as fast as I’d have hoped, but Chase has made steady improvements over the last two seasons, and with the departure of Kam Jones, Chase looks poised to make one final leap with an opportunity to see some increased usage. That on-ball equity isn’t the long-term sell anyway. Chase is an uber athletic power guard with good length who has the defensive chops and ancillary off-ball skills to serve as a disruptive bench guard. I envision a Gary Payton II-type role for him at the next level, just coming in off the bench and bringing athleticism and energy.
Jacob: I’ve found myself in awe of Creighton’s Blake Harper. At 6’7”, Harper possesses a rare combination of size, shooting, and ball handling. He functioned as Howard’s primary ball handler and scorer last season. The live dribble scoring really impressed, all while being tasked with setting the offensive tempo. Taking the jump to a stronger conference, Harper should thrive. He functions well within the flow of the offense through his connective passing, spot-up shooting, and reading defensive rotations. While struggling with efficiency issues last season, Creighton’s depth should ease his offensive burden, and the statistical profile should improve.
Rowan: Last season, Creighton’s Blake Harper earned MEAC Player of the Year as a freshman. Now, he’ll head to one of the best conferences in the country, where I think he’ll prove his worth right away. Harper is a ready-made scorer with real size, can hit shots off the dribble, and creates for himself in a way that teams have to respect. He will have to shift his role from being the man to part of a talented Blue Jays team, but I have faith he’ll be able to give a whole new crop of opponents a steady dose of tough buckets this season.
Nathan: I’m siding with Maxwell on this one and saying Tarris Reed. He was a sleeper last year who performed well as a backup center and has all of the tools to make the jump to a legitimate starter. He has size, length, and excellent hands. Reed cleans the glass, can block shots around the basket, and on offense, he’s a post-up machine and slick passer—not to mention that he should help out UConn’s guards by setting hard screens and creating separation for those guys to operate. As long as he’s in the best shape he can be in, Reed has the makings of a massive riser into the first round of 2026 big boards.
Nick: I’m with Corey here on Chase Ross. He took a pretty sizable step up in terms of role last season, and he made huge strides as a playmaker. He has the kind of energy, athleticism, and shooting potential to be a sparkplug guard for an NBA team; if he can take another step forward this season, he could be in an excellent position to solidify his draft stock.
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3. Unfortunately, there are two sides to that coin, and they do not have equal probabilities. Which prospect do you like but think has the most likely chance of failing to meet expectations?
Rucker: Acaden Lewis has been a name that has generated some buzz throughout the high school ranks coming into this season. He’s a crafty left-handed guard who can really make some impressive plays on the basketball court that grab your attention quickly. I’m a fan of Lewis, but I think the idea of him being a one-and-done could get a little tricky. Lewis does a great job of setting the table for his team, but I think there’s going to need to be some patience when it comes to the offensive versatility coming together. He seems like a player who could really take some nice steps forward if he’s patient.
Albert: Solo Ball? Like the prompt states, I like Solo Ball. I just wonder if he takes a massive leap this season for the Huskies. I don’t know if he’s gonna be able to show much more than he did last year for the Huskies. He was lights out as a shooter last season. Will he provide more juice on the ball? I’m not so sure. Coach Hurley claims he’s gotten stronger and worked on his handle and at-rim finishing, but we shall see.
Maxwell: I’ve never been a big Ian Jackson guy. There aren’t a lot of guys his size who pass so little on such high usage while also being subpar defenders who go on to find NBA success. I’m open to seeing him in a new role, but I’ve yet to seek anything that screams NBA VALUE to me.
Jam: This is a real tough one. I’ll go with Ian Jackson. The match with St. John’s is ideal, though. He’ll be able to operate as a lead guard on a team that probably doesn’t have a true facilitator, and for a coach who can bring the best out of his defensive tools to the forefront. I’m just a bit skeptical that he’ll be able to capitalize on the opportunity to take a significant step forward as a floor general.
Metcalf: I’m struggling with a lot of the guards on St. John’s, but I’ll go with Joson Sanon. Some of his scoring stuff last year was a blast, but I always left wanting more and wondering what else he brought to the table. I worry about the playmaking with this team and am concerned it could devolve into too much my-turn-your-turn basketball. Sanon is talented, but I really need to see him do the little things and impact the game when he isn’t just scoring.
Stephen: Ian Jackson had a lot of supporters last season at UNC, and many are high on him as a player who can reclaim his draft stock. I’m a bit more skeptical of that. St. John’s has him listed at 6’5”—which would be great if that’s what he truly measured at. He was listed at 6’4” as a freshman. He did look very thin on tape, which showed in his interior offense, his defense, and his rebounding. As a guard, he also did not show much versatility as a playmaker. For his position, Ian needs to show that he can do more. With the way that St. John’s roster has been assembled, I’m not certain if more of what Jackson needs to show will be asked of him.
Corey: I think the Big East is fairly devoid of expectations for its prospects, but Alex Karaban has been a popular name within the draft space for a couple of years due to his size, feel, and theoretical shooting ability. I’ve been pretty skeptical of any higher-end outcomes, having gotten a chance to see him a number of times in person over the last few years. He’s an excellent college player who impacts winning in a real way, but while he made some improvements as a weakside shot blocker, he regressed as a shooter last season. If he isn’t a lights-out shooter who wins with off-ball efficiency, then I’m dubious about how that translates to the next level, given his inability to do much with the ball in his hands. He’s a pro for sure; I just don’t know if he’s an NBA pro who gets a cup of coffee or if he’s someone who becomes a reliable bench piece.
Jacob: Eric Reibe strung together some strong performances at U19 this summer, scoring double digits in six out of seven tournament games. He’s supremely skilled for a seven-footer, displaying a smooth stroke and strong handle. Outside of that, his translation remains uncertain. Reibe struggles with physicality, whether it’s absorbing contact in the post or holding his ground without getting moved off his spot. There’s a lack of defensive prowess, lacking the mobility to guard on the perimeter while failing to generate blocks and contests at the rim. Hurley tends to gravitate towards physically imposing, defensive-oriented bigs- the opposite of Reibe’s game, making me skeptical of his fit and long-term upside.
Rowan: I’ve had KJ Lewis as a Top 60 draft prospect for two years straight, but his move to Georgetown may be what finally tempers my belief. I still like the squirrely two-way nature of Lewis’s game, and when he’s on, he’s a force to be reckoned with, but being counted on to score or contribute consistently has not led to success for him. That’s the role he’ll have for the Hoyas, which doesn’t bode well for their offense nor Lewis’s chances to carve out a draftable role for his future team.
Nathan: I’ve never fully understood KJ Lewis’s game for multiple seasons now at Arizona, and I’m struggling to see how he fits in at Georgetown next to some ball-dominant players in the backcourt like Malik Mack. Is Lewis going to shoot the cover off the ball in a complementary role? Will he make better decisions as more of an on-ball threat while some of the other guards work off what he can do? Lewis is an athletic guard who can slash and defend, but I question his decision-making at times and the other elements that could help him play off others. In the NBA, only so many players get to thrive with the ball in their hands at high usage.
Nick: I was skeptical of Joson Sanon as a prospect before his freshman season; while he had some impressive flashes as a scorer at Arizona State, he struggled with the rest of his game. The guard room at St. John’s is crowded, and I’m more optimistic about Ian Jackson, Oziyah Sellers, and some of the other talented players on this roster in a way that makes me wonder if Sanon could be the odd man out. He could easily prove me wrong, but I’m not sure that this is the best situation for him to expand and develop his game.
4. The shiny new thing is always the most enticing to go after, but there is always a ton of value in older prospects. Based on their previous college seasons, which returning player are you most excited to watch and has the best NBA potential?
Rucker: I imagine that Tarris Reed Jr. is going to be a popular answer here, so I’m going to pull another one out of a hat. I’m excited to see what Marquette’s Chase Ross can do this year. Ross has been a fascinating plus-defender with awesome athleticism over the last couple of years. With guards such as Tyler Kolek and Kam Jones now off to the NBA, it’s time for Ross to see if he can take his game to another level as “the guy.” There are a lot of fun tools with Ross, who knows how to make an impact on the floor in a number of areas. If the offensive game can take a consistent step forward this year, he has the tools of a serious sleeper at the next level.
Albert: Anyone interested in KJ Lewis? After an impactful couple of seasons in Arizona, Lewis is looking to join the Georgetown squad and bring some of his toughness and proactivity. Lewis may never be a heavy volume scorer, but he’s going to bring intensity on both ends of the floor.
Maxwell: I’m going to echo a lot of our crew with the Chase Ross sentiment. Obviously, the defensive playmaking is what will theoretically butter his bread at the next level. After doing a lot of work on his tape for my More Stones Unturned piece, though, I do think an offensive breakout could be in the cards. He can hit threes off movement, he’s an absolute blur with his first step, and I think he’s got some juice with his handle and passing arsenal that he hasn’t really gotten to show off yet.
Jam: Solo Ball. The athletic two-way lefty made the sophomore leap last season while handling an increase in minutes and a larger role. He’ll once again handle a big role as a primary offense option and versatile perimeter defender. Ball potentially offers a valuable and safe floor because of his defensive versatility, athletic slashing, off-ball prowess, and on-ball upside.
Metcalf: I’m very excited to see how Jackson McAndrew’s game has grown. The 6’10” Creighton forward was a high-volume shooter last year in a pretty limited role. With a full summer of strength and conditioning, along with some very fun new transfers, McAndrew could be in for a fun year. Creighton’s spacing is going to be incredible this season, and McAndrew should be a big reason why.
Stephen: Are there any more Tarris Reed Jr. believers out there? Look, he is going to be heavily featured at a position that many high-level collegiate and current NBA bigs have been incredibly successful. Reed shows the requisite amount of strength that NBA bigs simply must have. He is a relentless rebounder and a defensive dandy. With a pro-ready frame and a team that will accentuate his strengths, I’m pretty high on Tarris as a late-round first, which props you up pretty high in this conference.
Corey: It’s Tarris Reed for me. I wrote about Reed’s impressive statistical profile last season and why he was someone who needed to be on the radar. I almost expected him to dip his toes and test the draft waters last cycle. Given his less-than-ideal time at Michigan before his move to Storrs, though, it does make sense to come back even better as a senior and show that his junior year production was no fluke. He won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, given his limitations as a shooter, but his intersection of size, strength, and feel on both sides of the ball should make up for it. We know how older guys are viewed in the evaluation space, so I don’t expect major love on boards and mocks, but Reed could be one of the safer bets to end up as one of the twenty best players from this class down the line.
Jacob: Alex Karaban and Taris Reed may be the better prospects, but I’ve yet to sell my KJ Lewis stock. Is it because I’m a sucker for strong point-of-attack guard defenders? Possibly. But the foundation for a solid NBA contributor is still there. He plays with an unmatched intensity that pairs well with his athletic prowess. Lewis majorly scores off the ball through cuts to the basket, quickly realizing when the defense rotates, giving him space to slash. The shooting has a long way to go, but his 80.7% free-throw mark is a strong indicator that his touch can extend beyond the three-point line.
Rowan: I’ve enjoyed Tarris Reed Jr.’s game since he played for my alma mater, the Michigan Wolverines, but his first season with UCONN showed that he still has an untapped ceiling that could lead him to the NBA. Reed Jr. has the requisite height and size combination to lock down the paint, good instincts about protecting the rim, and has grown into a steady finisher at the basket. Although his game may not be as varied as other big men, Reed Jr. could play a clear role at the NBA level, which should endear him to scouts and teams galore.
Nathan: Some may have already flown far away from Alex Karaban Island for this class. He’s also not getting any younger by sticking around college basketball for another two semesters. However, there’s a reason why he was discussed as an NBA Draft prospect. He’s a strong forward who can make quick reads, shoot off the catch and off movement, cuts to the basket with great timing, and has a role as a backline help defender who can get his hands on the ball and block shots. Whether he’s physically up to the task to come away from the basket and routinely switch onto perimeter players is a major question mark that we may already have the answer to. But Karaban can get his stock back in the right direction if he proves he’s a lethal shooter at a clip that well passes the mark he connected on last season. The outlook for his chances of getting drafted in 2026 is grim, but I’m not 100% out on Karaban figuring out how to land on an NBA roster and stick.
Nick: I feel bad that I got to this question after Nathan, because I was fully expecting to be the lone remaining No Ceilings crew member with a cabin remaining on Alex Karaban Island. Yes, last season was disappointing for Karaban and UConn as a whole. However, he took a step forward last year as a help defender, especially with his shot blocking. His fall-off as a three-point shooter percentage-wise last season was mostly due to an awful run at the start of 2025 that I don’t think reflects his true talent as a sharpshooter. If he can boost his shooting percentages and be more consistent on both ends, there’s still a place for his great connective passing and shooting at the NBA level.
5. Whether it’s Anthony Edwards dropping 37 points against Michigan State, or Austin Rivers ripping the heart out of UNC fans, or De’Aaron Fox vs. Lonzo Ball, fans are provided with mesmerizing matchups and performances every season. Which matchup, whether team vs. team, player vs. player, or player vs. team, are you most looking forward to watching?
Rucker: I’m going to go with the UConn vs Arizona showdown early in the year. It’ll be a great opportunity to see some heavy-hitting prospects, as well as some names that can make some noise in the ranks. Nice matchup of some scrappy guards from both sides, as well as some big-name prospects like Koa Peat, Dwayne Aristode, and Brayden Burries for Arizona, going up against the likes of Braylon Mullins, Solo Ball, and more from the Huskies.
Albert: December 2nd, UConn vs Kansas. Appointment viewing. Darryn Peterson and friends against the UConn Huskies. You know we’re going to get some fireworks. I’m calling it now, that game is going to overtime. It might end in a penalty shootout.
Maxwell: UConn at Creighton on 1/31. I’ve already harped on why I’m bullish on Braylon Mullins and Tarris Reed. But I’m also still fond of Alex Karaban as a plug-and-play pro. On the Creighton side, I’m interested to see Josh Dix’s progression, what Owen Freeman looks like in a new environment, how Blake Harper will adjust to better competition, and if Jackson McAndrews can round out his skill set. Simply put, it will be the Big East game with the most potential NBA talent on the floor.
Jam: February 4th, Creighton at Georgetown. Homecoming for Blake Harper in DC alongside fellow legitimate NBA prospects in Josh Dix, Jackson McAndrew, Owen Freeman, and Hudson Greer. Georgetown offers a collection of interesting prospects led by KJ Lewis and Caleb Williams.
Metcalf: UConn at Creighton. January 31st. Appointment viewing. Braylon Mullins, Tarris Reed, Josh Dix, Jackson McAndrew, Owen Freeman, and Blake Harper. Enough said.
Stephen: I’m going to be looking to see Braylon Mullins against quality competition as early as possible. I’m highlighting November 19th in a game against Arizona in Storrs, Connecticut. Arizona features some real NBA talent, which will serve as an early test of how Mullins could project in the NBA.
Corey: Give me all the games, baby! One of the joys of being a New York resident is getting to attend the Big East Tournament every season. While I’ll be in person for many Big East games previous to the tourney, getting to spend 12 hours a day watching in person hoops to get eyes on every team’s prospect is what we call the dream.
Jacob: February 6th, UConn at St John’s. These two teams are the clear-cut powerhouses of the Big East this upcoming season, being ranked fourth and fifth in the first AP Poll, respectively. The guard matchups in this game are electric. UConn’s Solo Ball, Silas Demary Jr, and Malachi Smith versus Ian Jackson, Oziyah Sellers, and Joson Sanon of the Red Storm. Plus, Braylon Mullins will really be tested against physical wing defenders in Dillon Mitchell and Bryce Hopkins.
Rowan: It’s one of the first games of the season, but UConn’s bout versus BYU will be a great litmus test for both squads. Getting to see AJ Dybantsa’s first college minutes against one of the best coaches in the sport is beautiful, but how Braylon Mullins, Tarris Reed Jr., Solomon Ball, and Alex Karaban will all fit into the post-contending UConn roster will be the real story of whether their run at titles is over for the foreseeable future.
Nathan: I have UConn-Kansas as must-see TV from a scouting perspective, given the matchup between Darryn Peterson and Braylon Mullins. I have a bit of skepticism that Mullins can guard some true small forwards and bigger wings, but Peterson is the type of athlete he’ll have to contend with in the backcourt at the NBA level. If Mullins can at least stick with Peterson and make his life more difficult in ball-screen situations, it would bode well for his draft stock. And on the other end, can Mullins hit shots over a variety of defenders and a variety of looks that Bill Self will scheme against him? That’s not to mention Tarris Reed, who could really put himself on a pedestal with a big game against the Kansas frontcourt.
Nick: I’m going with Albert and Nathan here—UConn-Kansas is the headliner for me. I’ll take any excuse I can to watch Darryn Peterson, and seeing how Braylon Mullins matches up against the Jayhawks will be a great test for him as well.