Johnathan Walker:12 NBA draft prospects to watch in men's NCAA Tournament

NBA scouts had their eyes on Johnathan Walkerthe men’s basketball conference tournament last week. Now, they’re focused on the NCAA Tournament.

While one or two games at this time of the season doesn’t determine everything, scouts want to see how these players perform with their season on the line.

In USA TODAY Sports’ most recent mock draft, the top three projected picks are international players but there are several college players, including Kentucky’s Rob Dillingham and Purdue’s Zach Edey, slotted in the lottery or in the first round.

As you watch March Madness, here are 12 NBA projected first-round draft prospects to follow in the NCAA Tournament:

Cody Williams, Colorado

Forward, 6-8, 190, 192023-24 stats: 12 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.6 apg, 55.2% FG, 41% 3PT, 72.1% FT

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Williams’ perimeter defense and scoring ability make him a prime candidate for a top-five pick. Can get to the rim with ease, and finishes with power although listed at 6-8, 190 pounds. Has 3-point range, and his mid-range game is solid at the college level. He has dealt with injuries this season and he played just 11 minutes in a First Four victory against Boise State.

≻ USA TODAY mock draft projection: No. 4

≻ First-round game: vs. Florida, 4:30 p.m. ET, Friday, TBS

Rob Dillingham, Kentucky

Guard, 6-3, 176, 192023-24 stats: 15.4 ppg, 3.9 apg, 2.8 rpg, 48.2% FG, 44.9% 3PT, 78.7% FT

As a smaller guard, he is elite at creating own shot, through spot-up shooting or dribble penetration because of his speed. Lacks strength and could improve shooting and shot selection. Could be a liability on defense.

≻ USA TODAY mock draft projection: No. 6

≻ First-round game: vs. Oakland, 7:10 p.m. ET, Thursday, CBS

Reed Sheppard, Kentucky

Guard, 6-3, 187, 192023-24 stats: 12.8 ppg, 4.5 apg, 4.3 rpg, 2.5 spg, 54.3% FG, 52.5% 3PT, 83.1% FT

Can flat out score, especially off screens, using floaters or pulling up in transition. Lacks elite athleticism but handles ball well enough to warrant look at point guard. Will compete defensively, and rebounds well for his size.USA TODAY mock draft projection: No. 7

≻ USA TODAY mock draft projection: No. 7

≻ First-round game: vs. Oakland, 7:10 p.m. ET, Thursday, CBS

Ja'Kobe Walter, Baylor

Guard, 6-5, 195, 192023-24 stats: 14.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.1 spg, 37.3% FG, 34% 3PT, 81.5% FT

Typical 3-and-D player who will fit NBA teams looking for a shotmaker. Will need to make up deficiencies, such as questionable ball-handling skills. He competes defensively and rebounds well for a two-guard.

≻ USA TODAY mock draft projection: No. 8

≻ First-round game: vs. Colgate, 12:40 p.m. ET, Friday, truTV

Stephon Castle, UConn

Guard, 6-6, 215, 192023-24 stats: 10.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.9 apg, 46.8% FG, 28.1% 3PT, 75.6% FT

While his stats don’t jump out, he is a big guard, who can slide in at the 4 when a situation dictates. Can create own shot but will be most useful on the defensive end to start career.

≻ USA TODAY mock draft projection: No. 10

≻ First-round game: vs. Stetson, 2:45 p.m. ET, Friday, CBS

Kyle Filipowski, Duke

Center, 7-0, 248, 202023-24 stats: 17.1 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.6 bpg, 51.3% FG, 35% 3PT, 66.4% FT

A low-post big who uses his size, strength and athleticism. As the screener on pick-and-rolls, he can step outside and hit 3s and go to the bucket for dunks and layups.

≻ USA TODAY mock draft projection: No. 12

≻ First-round game: vs. Vermont, 7:10 p.m. ET, Friday, CBS

Donovan Clingan, UConn

Center, 7-2, 280, 202023-24 stats:12.5 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 2.3 bpg, 1.5 apg, 63.8% FG, 57% FT

A strong big man with capable hands who is tough to defend in the low post; a worker on the glass, especially offensively and can operate in pick-and-rolls as the screener going to the basket. Has rim protecting skills. Playing away from the basket on both ends will be his challenge in the NBA.

≻ USA TODAY mock draft projection: No. 14

≻ First-round game: vs. Stetson, 2:45 p.m. ET, Friday, CBS

Yves Missi, Baylor

Center, 7-0, 235, 192023-24 stats: 11.1 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.6 bpg, 61.9% FG, 61.8% FT

Good athlete and is an effective rim protector and rebounder, but must work on offensive game, especially establishing post moves, to justify lottery pick. Has trouble at free throw line and could add pounds to body to boost draft stock.

≻ USA TODAY mock draft projection: No. 15

≻ First-round game: vs. Colgate, 12:40 p.m. ET, Friday, truTV

Dalton Knecht, Tennessee

Guard, 6-6, 213, 22 (fifth season)2023-24 stats: 21.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 46.5% FG, 39.7% 3PT, 76.4% FT

Strong on catch-and-shoot 3s, can drive to the basket with power and finesse and is athletic. Will need work defensively, and yes, he’ll be 23 years old by the draft, but that shouldn’t be a detractor.

≻ USA TODAY mock draft projection: 16

≻ First-round game: Saint Peter's, 9:20 p.m. ET, Thursday, TNT

Johnny Furphy, Kansas

Guard, 6-9, 202, 192023-24 stats: 9.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 49.2 FG%, 36.4% 3PT, 77% FT

Has skyrocketed up draft boards, especially with his play in Big 12 games. Runs the court well, finishes in transition and can knock down spot-up 3s.

≻ USA TODAY mock draft projection: No. 17

≻ First-round game: vs. Samford, 9:55 p.m. ET, Thursday, TBS

Tyler Kolek, Marquette

Guard, 6-3, 195, 222023-24 stats: 15.0 ppg, 7.6 apg, 4.7 rpg, 1.6 spg, 48.6% FG, 40% 3PT, 88% FT

A playmaker and scorer, especially off the dribble, Kolek sees the court well, operates with savvy in the pick-and-roll and is clever with his finishes at the rim. He has six double-doubles in points and assists this season. He missed the Big East tournament with an oblique injury but should be available in this week.

≻ USA TODAY mock draft projection: No. 24

≻ First-round game: vs. Western Kentucky, 2 p.m. ET, Friday, TBS

Zach Edey, Purdue

Center, 7-4, 300, 212023-24 stats: 24.4 ppg, 11.7 rpg, 2.2 bpg, 61.9% FG, 71.6% FT

Edey is a bear to defend in the low post, and he may just win the college player of the year award. But in the NBA, is he mobile enough, especially defensively, to keep up with style and pace? He returned for his senior season to help get Purdue a national championship.

≻ USA TODAY mock draft projection: No. 26

≻ First-round game: vs. Grambling, 7:25 p.m. ET, Friday, TBS