2024 NBA Mock Draft 6.0: Projections for every pick following March

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Every season, the NCAA tournament produces stars and propels a few players up NBA Draft boards. This year was no different, with a pair of UConn players solidifying themselves as projected lottery picks during a tournament run that crowned the Huskies as back-to-back champions after they beat Purdue, 75-60, Monday night.

Donovan Clingan proved to be an even match for 7-foot-4 Zach Edey in the paint. He bodied Edey well on the block and made it difficult for him to establish position. The most promising part of Clingan’s game is his footwork in the pick-and-roll and how easily he gets to his spots.

Freshman guard Stephon Castle did not play like a first-year college player in the final two games of the tournament. He was all over the court defensively and stepping into shots with confidence. He had his best game of the year in UConn’s semifinal win over Alabama when he finished with 21 points. In the title game, Castle scored 15 points and added three assists and one steal. His size at the guard position, and how well he can defend off the switch, translates well to the NBA.

Edey was the best player in college basketball this season and the best big in the tournament. In the final three games, he averaged 32.3 points per game, and he attempted 100 more free throws than any other player in college basketball this season. He is strong with the ball and finishes through contact. The biggest area of concern is how he will defend the pick-and-roll in the NBA as teams will extend him out of the paint. Edey is currently projected just outside the first round and is a player who the Toronto Raptors could be targeting, with Edey originally from Canada and able to bring in immediate size in the paint.

Here’s a look at Yahoo Sports’ projections for both rounds of the 2024 NBA Draft.

(Draft order is from Tankathon as of April 8.)

Ht./Wt.: 7-1, 205 pounds | Perth Wildcats (Australia)

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