Valley of the Suns
Fansided

The Phoenix Suns’ top draft prospects have been on display

By Chad Boyles

HARTFORD, CT - MARCH 23: Murray State Racers guard Ja Morant (12) during the NCAA Division I Men's Championship second round college basketball game between the Florida State Seminoles and the Murray State Racers on March 23, 2019 at XL Center in Hartford, CT. (Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HARTFORD, CT - MARCH 23: Murray State Racers guard Ja Morant (12) during the NCAA Division I Men's Championship second round college basketball game between the Florida State Seminoles and the Murray State Racers on March 23, 2019 at XL Center in Hartford, CT. (Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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HARTFORD, CT – MARCH 23: Murray State Racers guard Ja Morant (12) during the NCAA Division I Men’s Championship second round college basketball game between the Florida State Seminoles and the Murray State Racers on March 23, 2019 at XL Center in Hartford, CT. (Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HARTFORD, CT – MARCH 23: Murray State Racers guard Ja Morant (12) during the NCAA Division I Men’s Championship second round college basketball game between the Florida State Seminoles and the Murray State Racers on March 23, 2019 at XL Center in Hartford, CT. (Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

How are the biggest names in college basketball performing through one weekend in the NCAA tournament? Well, the Phoenix Suns should be watching.

The NBA draft is approaching and college players have their last opportunities to leave impressions with NBA front offices, including that of the Phoenix Suns.

The Suns are destined for another top pick, bringing up the rear of the league alongside the Knicks and Cavaliers.  While currently holding 14% odds at the top pick, there’s always a chance the Suns could fall out of the top three.

Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns /

Phoenix Suns

So, entering the Sweet 16, which players should the Suns watch, how have they performed up to this point, and how has Ja Morant, despite being eliminated in the round of 32, established himself as an option with the top spot in this years draft?

Let’s take a look at players that Phoenix should have been watching.

1. Ja Morant

Though he exited from the tournament after a 90-62 loss, that was no indication of Morant’s performance in the tournament.

After a first round throttling in which Morant recorded a triple double, Murray State and their star point guard were the topic of discussion moving into the round of 32. Ja Morant’s creativity, specifically his ball-handling and passing, was on full display.  Those heckling him about not playing power conference opponents were quickly hushed after witnessing the genius in Morant, and his abilities as a floor general.

People often forget Morant is much more than a scorer.  Leading the nation in assists, the sophomore recorded 16 in the first round win against Marquette.  Although Morant notched 7 turnovers, they were seemingly a product of his own creativity, making it a mystery of how lethal the 19 year old could be once he’s surrounded by professional talent.

Ja finished the tournament averaging 23 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds.  Simply put, any question about Morant’s future in the NBA has been answered.  In a position of need for the Suns, he could be a serious option with any top pick, solidifying himself as a top three player in the upcoming draft.

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