After filling out our March Madness bracket only to second guess ourselves and redo it over and over, we decided it was time for a break. Instead, let's shift our focus to the prospects playing in the tournament this season.
All eyes will be on Duke phenom Cooper Flagg, and rightfully so, as he's having one of the best freshman seasons in collegiate history. Unfortunately, we won't see the two other top prospects, Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, with Rutgers missing the tournament. But the good news is that this is projected to be a strong class beyond just the headliners, with promising NBA talent in several matchups.
For the Blazers, there are a few names in particular they should keep their eye on. And as you will see, all three prospects address one glaring weakness on their roster: their lack of wing depth.
1. Will Riley, F, Illinois
Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman has Will Riley as the No. 21 overall selection in his latest mock draft, but there's a possibility he will become a lottery pick by the time the draft comes around.
"Some have wondered if the growth he's started to show as a playmaker should make Riley worthy of lottery consideration. There will always be interest and patience in a 6'8" scoring wing with his shotmaking skill," Wasserman writes.
His comparison for Riley is Kyshawn George, another player we were high on as both a prospect and potential fit for the Blazers' roster had they kept their No. 14 overall pick in last year's draft. Riley has shown progress as a freshman and is the type of prospect to bet on, given his positional size and expanding offensive arsenal.
He might be too big of a reach for Portland if they wind up selecting inside the top ten. But they need to keep all of their options open, as they could potentially acquire more draft capital by moving someone like Anfernee Simons.
2. Carter Bryant, F, Arizona
When looking at just counting stats, Arizona forward Carter Bryant is the definition of a hidden gem. He's averaging 6.4 points and 4.1 rebounds in 18.9 minutes per game. Still, Bryant is projected to be a first-round pick with lottery upside.
He has physical tools and a skill set that typically translates well as an athletic 6-foot-8 forward shooting 36.6 percent from beyond the arc. Bryant may not possess the high ceiling of turning into a go-to player that the Blazers still lack, but it's easy to see him carving out an impactful NBA role.
The idea of pairing his defensive versatility alongside Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija, and Matisse Thybulle (if he sticks around) should intrigue Portland, which doesn't have many reliable forwards outside of those three players.
3. Adou Thiero, F, Arkansas
Adou Thiero doesn't make sense for the Blazers' first-round pick, given serious concerns surrounding his shooting -- he's connecting on just 26.2 percent of his three-point attempts as a junior. Largely because of this, Wasserman projects Thiero to be a second-round selection.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Portland owes Toronto its second-round pick. There's a possibility they could acquire Atlanta's protected second-round pick if it falls between No. 31-40. But if the season ended today, that wouldn't convey.
Nonetheless, Thiero is someone to keep an eye on as a prospect who could outperform his draft position. He's one of the most athletic prospects in the entire class and possesses a few promising tools that can be polished at the next level. His defense will translate on day one with his frame, athleticism, and effort.
Thiero has shown tremendous growth on the offensive end from his freshman to junior year, but his calling card in the NBA will be as a player who can impact winning without needing the ball in his hands. The Blazers need more of that player archetype on their roster.