Welcome back to The Long Forecast on NetsDaily.
Another week of college basketball is in the books, which means we are back for another roundup as we get a closer look at this year’s incoming draft class.
Where do the Nets’ picks sit?
Since last week’s column, the Nets are 0-3 and own the league’s fifth-worst record at 12-32. As for their second round selections, they’re currently slotted at No. 35, 42 and 44 overall.
Here are the latest mock drafts from Tankathonand Bleacher Report.
Nate Ament, Tennessee
Following a rocky start to the NCAA season, Ament has heated up in recent games.
Against Alabama on Saturday, the Virginia native scored 29 points to complement seven rebounds and three assists while shooting a stellar 47.1% from the field and knocking down two of his three 3-point tries (66.7%).
Standing at 6’10’ and 207 pounds, Ament has great length and can guard multiple positions on defense.
If he continues to play at this rate, he has a strong chance of becoming a top pick in June. However, the 19-year-old must stay at this rate to make up for his rough start to the season
Cayden Boozer, Duke
Entering the season, there was a widespread expectation that Boozer would be a surefire first-round selection. However, unlike his brother Cameron, Cayden has not lived up to the hype thus far.
In 19 games this year and just three starts, Boozer has averaged just 6.5 points per game and three assists while shooting 46.5% from the field and knocking down 32.4% of his three-point shots in 20.5 minutes.
He is playing behind Caleb Foster, who is a veteran at Duke, so he is splitting minutes, and while he is on the floor, there hasn’t been much to write home about.
His shot hasn’t been that impressive, and he currently looks like a mediocre facilitator for the Blue Devils, and nothing more than that.
Spotlight of the week
Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas
In 20 games this season, Acuff Jr. has been a dominant force for the Razorbacks.
Over 33.2 minutes, he averages 20.2 points per game, 6.2 assists, and 2.9 rebounds, while shooting 42% from three-point range and 50% from the field.
At 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, Acuff Jr. is a physical guard with great length who has a knack for getting downhill quickly. He is very confident and is able to make very tough shots off the dribble.
The 19-year-old has forced his name into the upper echelon of draft conversation, and the numbers, along with his traits, speak for themselves.
Flory Budinga, Kansas
After an uninspiring start to the year, Budinga has scored over 20 points in two of his last three games.
Against Kansas State on Saturday, the Congo native poured in 21 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, dished an assist, and blocked three shots.
Currently in his second NCAA season, the 20-year-old has continued to improve, flashing tremendous upside.
Highly explosive with solid length, Budinga could force himself into consideration for a late first-round selection in June’s draft.
This week’s watch guide
Here is a list of NCAA games fans should tune in to this week.
January 27, 7:00 PM tip-off: Nebraska @ Michigan
January 31, 12:00 PM tip-off: Duke @ Virginia Tech
January 31, 4:30 PM tip-off: BYU @ Kansas
February 1, 4:00 PM tip-off: Illinois @ Nebraska
February 2, 9:00 PM tip-off: Kansas @ Texas Tech