Dallas Mavericks: 5 Players to Watch in NCAA Tournament

By Isaac Harris

Mar 12, 2017

Mar 11, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) reacts after making a basket during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the SEC Conference Tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Kentucky won 79-74. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 10, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Justin Patton (23) reacts after scoring against Xavier Musketeers during the Big East Conference Tournament Semifinals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

4.) Justin Patton, Creighton

Justin Patton was not on any first round radars a few months ago, but now finds his name on almost every first round big board.

The 7’0″, 230 pound center out of Creighton has led his team to an impressive season by revealing just a bit of the potential he could have in the league. He is a defensive presence in the paint while showing he can step out and hit the three on the offensive side of the ball.

Patton’s name is a staple in the middle of the first round in most mock drafts but could surprise some by moving into the top 10 on draft night. With most people not watching much Creighton games, seeing Patton play for the first time in the tournament will be intriguing.

Patton and Creighton come into the NCAA Tournament as a six seed where they face Rhode Island on Friday.

Next: Miles Bridges