The National Championship game between Big 12 representative Houston and Florida of the SEC is promising to deliver one of the most exciting battles in the game's history. Both squads are top 10 all-time in the KenPom rankings, and have battled through a mostly-chalk bracket on their way to the finale.
That chalk-lined pathway means nobody enjoyed an easy road to the final, and these battle-battered bunches are prepared to put their season -- and even their legacy -- on the line.
But think about that legacy for a moment. For most D-1 hoopers, the final buzzer of their collegiate career marks the finish line of their competitive basketball dreams. For a select few, however, this Promenade will not be their last time under the lights.
The NBA Draft has its sights set on the cream of this collegiate crop. Some of which were featured participants in March, many others will be on the outside looking in, desperately hoping that they'll hear their name on draft night.
For the draft lottery, however, the very finest hoopers (megaphone voice) in all the land will hope to shake the NBA commissioner's hand and step into their glorious pro hoops career.
How will that play out in my mind? I'm so glad you asked.
NBA Mock Draft - Picks 1-10
1. Utah Jazz: Cooper Flagg | F | Duke
It's always been you, Cooper. Anyone who says Flagg will slide past the first selection is delusional -- he's the most complete draft prospect we've seen in years. He's also the youngest player in his class.
A player with essentially zero weaknesses to his skill set, Flagg led the Blue Devils in every major statistical category throughout the season, and broke ACC scoring records with his 42-point outburst earlier this season.
This is not your stereotypical "white hooper", either. Sure, he's got a great jumper, but from elite athleticism and a V8 motor, he will slot seamlessly into any NBA system. It's no secret the Jazz want him badly.
2. Washington Wizards: Dylan Harper | G | Rutgers
Many thought Harper would play second fiddle to Ace Bailey when they each announced their eventual union at Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights' basketball team quickly became the Harper show, however, and he'll go before his running mate in the draft.
A big-bodied and highly physical driver, what Harper lacks in twitchy athleticism he makes up for with an air-tight handle and bottomless creativity. Pass on this point guard at your own peril.
3. Charlotte Hornets: Ace Bailey | F | Rutgers
It's not like I said Ace was going to slide.
Bailey is an elite athlete and has the potential to become one of basketball's most potent scorers under the right direction, and he proved capable of lighting up the box score on any given night. Does he get the proper direction with Charlotte? History suggests likely not, but that's why you play the games, isn't it?
4. New Orleans Pelicans: VJ Edgecombe | G | Baylor
The Pelicans will stuff another athletic wing player onto their already oversaturated roster. Edgecombe is bouncy, dynamic, and has the capability to produce at the NBA level.
I might be a little lower than most when it comes to VJ, however, as his freshman season left me with plenty of unanswered questions. Can he become the primary option on a competitive team? Will his size dwarf him against the beefier NBA defenders he'll be forced to face? He often took a backseat with the Bears, but is more than capable of finding that next gear. I'm excited to see what he can do.
5. Philadelphia 76ers: Tre Johnson | G | Texas
Tre Johnson's game is oh-so-smooth, and he put it on full display during his first season of college hoops. Though his team underdelivered, Johnson showed an exceptional understanding of offense as he was often in the right spots, manipulating the defense, and delivering the killing blow regularly.
Philly isn't ready to quit on Embiid just yet, and Johnson will fill an empty space on their clearly-flawed roster.
6. Brooklyn Nets: Derik Queen | C | Maryland
Queen's heroics in the NCAA Tournament are an indication of just who he is as a player. Driven, elusive, and boasting a killer mentality that suggests to me that he'll never stop viewing himself as an underdog.
Though he lacks a jumper -- of any kind -- Queen is shifty with the ball in his hands, athletic and powerful at the rim, and has a connective feel that could inject life into a stagnant offense. Enter Brooklyn.
7. Toronto Raptors: Khaman Maluach | C | Duke
The Raptors have always salivated at the idea of players with obscene length. Here's where Maluach comes in.
A defensive stalwart, and legthy as any player in the class, Maluach is something of a sure-thing big body that any team would be happy to accept. Think Zach Edey with less offense, but much more to deliver with athleticism and in the intangibles.
8. San Antonio Spurs: Egor Demin | G | BYU
"Hot take alert! The BYU page thinks Demin is going in the top 10, what a surprise!"
Yeah, I get it, and you can let me hear it, but hear me out before you go all "angry mob" on me. Chris Paul is in the twilight of his legendary career, but is still somehow a major factor with the Spurs. What better mentor for the best passer in the draft pool?
Paired with Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox, Demin could become an important lubricant in the Spurs' machine. Perhaps heading more of a secondary playmaker role in his rookie season while he learns from the veteran backcourt, Demin would benefit greatly from that level of tutelage.
9. Portland Trail Blazers: Kasparas Jakucionis | G | Illinois
Jakucionis has been sliding gradually throughout the season with the Illini, as questions about his conversion rate to the NBA may leave some scouts pinching at pennies.
Still, the international guard out of Illinois' system could produce a very strong NBA career, and would be a steal at the 9th selection.
10. Houston Rockets: Kon Knueppel | G | Duke
More shooters in Houston? Yes please!
This Houston team is really working, and picking up a sure-thing sniper like Knueppel would be a brilliant play for the Rockets. Kon has a gift for shooting the rock, and (unlike Reed Sheppard, who has yet to pan out for the moment) possesses real NBA size for his position. Anyone passing up on Knueppel is saying they're good on shooters.