What NBA storylines we'll be watching in the NCAA tournament

With the majority of NBA teams electing to have the front office not do any in-person scouting during the college basketball regular season, this year's NCAA tournament was set to take on added importance.

The NCAA simplified the lives of NBA personnel significantly by putting the entire three-week tournament in and around Indianapolis. It also allowed the league office to reserve one or two tickets per NBA team in two of the six venues: Indy's Lucas Oil Stadium and Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

However, it does not appear that the tournament is going to be any kind of scouting bonanza due to the poor seating situation most NBA executives have been told to expect. Scouts who attended Lucas Oil Stadium (normally a football venue) for the Big Ten tournament last week said they were given nosebleed seats that immediately caused them to turn around and head for the exits.

Teams also will not be able to live-scout any games at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indiana, which is not allowing entry for the general public, meaning some of the most interesting first-round games will be off limits altogether.

That aspect combined with the fact that teams will need to fight for upper-deck tickets available on the secondary market from the pool available for the general public in three venues (Indiana Farmers Coliseum and Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis and Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Indiana) means the majority of NBA execs will likely be staying at home, relegating them to watching the games on TV like most fans.

Still, there will be plenty to watch, starting with the stars at the top of the draft board.

-- Jonathan Givony

MORE: What to know about every team in the bracket

The potential No. 1 picks

Cade Cunningham, PG, Oklahoma State
(First round: Friday vs. Liberty)

While Cunningham's status as the No. 1 prospect in the draft was never in real doubt, some up-and-down showings in the early part of the season at least opened up the possibility of another player claiming the mantle as the top pick.

Cunningham appeared to slam that door completely shut with an outstanding performance in the Big 12 tournament, especially in the semifinals and championship game, posting 54 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists in the two contests while leading his team to the brink of a conference tournament title. Cunningham has "figured out" college basketball defenses in an expert manner and has really hit his stride over the past 10 games, especially with his ability to create offense efficiently inside the arc. Add that to his outstanding playmaking ability as a 6-foot-8 point guard, the defensive versatility to check guards, wings and big men alike, and the winning intangibles he brings every time he steps on the floor and it's difficult to see him not being the first name called on draft night.

None of Cunningham's teammates was considered a consensus top-100 high school recruit, but he has led this group to a No. 4 seed. Two wins this weekend and a trip to the Sweet 16 would likely go a long way in cementing his legacy at the college level.

Evan Mobley, C, USC
(First round: Saturday vs. Drake/Wichita State)

After hitting a bit of a lull at the conclusion of Pac-12 play, Mobley delivered perhaps his two best games of the season in the conference tournament under the watchful eyes of NBA decision-makers in Las Vegas -- registering 52 points, 18 rebounds, 10 blocks and 5 assists in 76 minutes.

Southern California received a relatively favorable draw for the NCAA tournament's opening weekend. If the Trojans win their first game, they'll play either Kansas or Eastern Washington in the Round of 32. Kansas' frontcourt is currently in disarray due to COVID-19 issues, with both their starting power forward and center (as well as backup big man Tristan Enaruna) question marks to play this weekend. Mobley and USC could be clear beneficiaries.

Jalen Suggs, PG, Gonzaga
(First round: Saturday vs. Norfolk State/Appalachian State)

Suggs reminded the many NBA executives in attendance in Las Vegas why he skyrocketed to the top of NBA draft boards in the first month of the season with an outstanding showing in the WCC tournament. He put the team on his back on both ends of the floor to help erase a 14-point deficit en route to a double-digit win in the final against BYU.

While Cunningham and Mobley are relatively locked in at the top of the draft, Suggs is still fighting for position in the top five, alongside Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga, both of whom had strong showings in the G League bubble. NBA teams love Suggs' physical tools, competitiveness, defensive versatility and all-around winning intangibles.

Detractors point to the ideal situation he is in at Gonzaga, where he is surrounded by a bevy of smart shooters and veterans who know their roles and are coached to perfection. Suggs will have a chance to quiet the critics with a deep tournament run.

-- Givony

Other one-and-dones with something to prove

Keon Johnson, SG, Tennessee
(First round: Friday vs. Oregon State)

While the explosive guard showed his merits as a slasher, cutter, offensive rebounder and open-court facilitator at the SEC tournament, he'll still have to flash enough skill potential to warrant his No. 6 ranking. The 6-foot-5 Johnson has the tools of a point guard but isn't a most polished ball handler or 3-point shooter (26%) at this stage. He does a lot of his damage in midrange areas or the post, simply rising over the top of smaller guards for turnarounds or dropping in floaters. But Johnson impacts winning all over the court with his energy and instincts. He is arguably the most explosive leaper in the draft, is an underrated facilitator and is just scratching the surface for what he can become in the future. A strong performance against Cunningham in the second round could go a long way in backing up his ranking.

Scottie Barnes, SF, Florida State
(First round: Saturday vs. UNC Greensboro)

Currently No. 7 in the top 100, Barnes is hitting his stride at the right time (13.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.2 steals per game over the past five outings) and could move up if he can help Florida State to a deep tournament run. At 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, Barnes regularly defends point guards and brings the ball up as the lead facilitator. Although not a consistent half-court scorer, he has looked less like a non-shooter than expected over the past few weeks, and he continues to impact the game in all other areas. If teams view Barnes as a small-ball big in the Draymond Green mold, he could make a lot of sense in the top six of this draft.

Moses Moody, SG, Arkansas
(First round: Friday vs. Colgate)

The 18-year-old wing turned in an uneven two-game performance in the SEC tournament, scoring just five points on six shots in a win over Missouri, before posting 28 points on 16 shots in a narrow loss to LSU. Despite the up-and-down production, Moody impressed talent evaluators with his shooting stroke, defensive instincts (7-foot-1 wingspan) and overall feel for the game. Moody has a chance to cement himself as a top-10 pick and one of the best two-way wings in the draft with a strong tournament performance. More of a complimentary piece alongside Cunningham and Barnes in high school, Moody can go long stretches without having an impact offensively. Scouts will have a close eye on his assertiveness and whether Moody can be more than a 3-and-D wing.

Cameron Thomas, SG, LSU
(First round: Saturday vs. St. Bonaventure)

The LSU scoring machine is one of the more polarizing prospects in the draft. Thomas is an NBA-caliber bucket-getter yet leaves much to be desired as a defender and a decision-maker, often playing a catch-and-hold style that doesn't always fit when paired with NBA talent. That said, Thomas, who ranks fifth in the NCAA in scoring at 22.6 PPG, could score 15 points in an NBA game tomorrow thanks to his shot-making ability and unwavering confidence. He'll have his hands full with a top-20 defense in St. Bonaventure. Should the Tigers get past the Bonnies, a signature performance against Michigan could elevate Thomas into the lottery discussion.

Jaden Springer, PG, Tennessee
(First round: Friday vs. Oregon State)

The 18-year-old, 6-foot-4 power guard was unable to back up his potential top-20 pick status during the SEC tournament, and he will have to continue proving himself as a shooter, finisher and decision-maker. A strong showing against Cunningham in the second round could go a long way in helping that process, especially if Springer is able to string together a few impressive stops versus the presumptive top pick. Springer is a sturdy, on-ball defender with a powerful first step in straight-line situations and the mechanics to make an open, standstill 3, but he plays a bully-ball style with a lot of jump stops, two-foot finishes and contested midrange pull-ups.

Greg Brown, PF, Texas
(First round: Saturday vs. Abilene Christian)

Brown was removed from the starting lineup for the first time all season against Oklahoma State in the Big 12 tournament, leaving him with as much to prove as any projected one-and-done playing in the Big Dance. At 6-foot-9, Brown plays with good energy, He is shooting just 11% from 3 over his past five games, has totaled 10 assists to 60 turnovers on the season and is trending closer toward an early second-round flier than a surefire first-round pick.

-- Mike Schmitz

Sophomores who need to step up

Franz Wagner, SF, Michigan
(First round: Saturday vs. Mount St. Mary's/Texas Southern)

With his teammate Isaiah Livers likely out for the NCAA tournament, all eyes are on Wagner to pick up the scoring load. Wagner has been a star in his role up until this point, shooting an efficient 56% from 2 and 38% from 3, adding value as a spot shooter, cutter and secondary shot-creator in the pick-and-roll. But if he can help replace Livers' 13.1 points per game while embracing more volume offensively, Wagner could emerge as a top-10 prospect thanks to his already impressive positional size, offensive versatility and defensive motor that gives him clear NBA starter potential.

James Bouknight, SG, Connecticut
(First round: Saturday vs. Maryland)

Bouknight has dipped to 30% from 3, with more turnovers than assists this season. As we saw during his 40-point outburst against Creighton, however, he is more than capable of catching fire from all three levels. We would learn a lot about Bouknight's toughness if both UConn and Alabama advance and the 6-foot-5 guard is tasked with taking on arguably the best defense in the nation and Swiss Army knife forward Herbert Jones. NBA evaluators are wondering if Bouknight projects as a bucket-getting sixth man in the Jordan Clarkson role or if he has the upside of guards such as Bradley Beal and Jamal Murray.

Tre Mann, PG, Florida
(First round: Friday vs. Virginia Tech)

The Florida guard helped himself as much as any other prospect to play in the SEC tournament, averaging 25.5 points while shooting 6-of-14 from distance against Vanderbilt and Tennessee. Now standing around 6-foot-5 with an improved frame, the 20-year-old late bloomer is a shifty guard who has the ball on a string and is a natural at creating space to get to his pull-up. Mann still has to prove himself as a decision-maker and a defender, but a big game against Virginia Tech and potentially Ohio State could help him emerge as a late lottery option.

Kai Jones, PF, Texas
(First round: Saturday vs. Abilene Christian)

The Texas big man is hitting stride at the perfect time, starting his first game in almost two months against Oklahoma State and reaching double-digit scoring in all three Big 12 tournament games. While still very green as a decision-maker on both ends, no other player in the country moves as well as the 6-foot-10 Jones. His energy and shooting potential make him one of the most interesting long-term prospects projected outside the top 10. There's an argument to be made that Jones is the most intriguing big in the draft after Mobley.

Terrence Shannon Jr., SG, Texas Tech
(First round: Friday vs. Utah State)

With every NBA team looking for a defensive-minded wing with the potential to make an open 3, a lot of eyes will be on Shannon. A potential matchup with top-10 prospect Moody and Arkansas in the second round could go a long way in helping the 20-year-old solidify himself as a top-30 selection. Evaluators will have a close eye on Shannon's shooting (34% from 3), as his jumper is his clear swing skill at the next level.

-- Schmitz

Upperclassmen vying for consideration

Corey Kispert, SF, Gonzaga
(First round: Saturday vs. Norfolk State/Appalachian State)

Kispert rocketed into the lottery portion of the draft board of many NBA teams thanks to his excellent size, outstanding scoring efficiency (65% on 2-pointers, 44% on 3s), solid defense and plug-and-play nature, drawing comparisons to the likes of Joe Harris and Bojan Bogdanovic. Playing in the WCC, where Gonzaga won by an average of 24 points per contest, puts an added importance on Kispert's performance in the tournament. A run to the Final Four could very well solidify Kispert's standing as a lottery pick and might have him knocking on the door of the top 10.

Ayo Dosunmu, PG/SG, Illinois
(First round: Friday vs. Drexel)

Dosunmu got a cold shoulder from the NBA when he entered last year's draft, but he has looked every bit the part of a first-round pick in what's been a dream season for Illinois. Multiple triple-doubles speak to the versatility he offers as a big guard who has significantly improved his perimeter shooting, playmaking ability and defense. A meeting in the Sweet 16 with Cunningham and Oklahoma State would be a scout's dream if both teams can win out this weekend.

Jared Butler, PG/SG, Baylor
(First round: Friday vs. Hartford)

Butler would have likely heard his name called had he stayed in last year's draft, but he instead elected to withdraw, and he has since improved his standing significantly. He is one of the best ball handlers and shot-makers in the country and could solidify his standing as a first-round pick by continuing to make good decisions with the ball and not allowing his lean frame to be too much of a detriment defensively.

Davion Mitchell, PG, Baylor
(First round: Friday vs. Hartford)

Butler's backcourt mate wasn't really on NBA radar screens in a meaningful way prior to this season, when he took a huge jump offensively and emerged as a real weapon from the perimeter for the first time. Mitchell also is one of the best defenders in the college game as a strong-framed, hard-nosed bully who can defend guards and wings alike. Mitchell's sudden improvement as a scorer and playmaker might leave some NBA teams skeptical considering he is already 22 years old, as players in this mold don't have the best track record.

Chris Duarte, SG/SF, Oregon
(First round: Saturday vs. VCU)

Duarte turned himself into one of the best shooters in the college game as a senior, hitting 43% of his 3-pointers while making the right play more often than not offensively and becoming a real playmaker defensively. Turning 24 in June is the biggest thing holding back Duarte's draft stock, but the fact that he played in a weak Pac-12 this season might put added importance on the NCAA tournament, as well.

Luka Garza, C, Iowa
(First round: Saturday vs. Grand Canyon)

The presumptive favorite for the Wooden Award trophy, Garza had one of the most productive seasons in the past decade of college basketball in terms of scoring efficiency. He hit a bit of a wall as Big Ten play moved on, though. A lumbering big with limited defensive potential, Garza's ticket to being an NBA draft pick hinges on his ability to put up big numbers while winning important games. A dream scouting matchup with Mobley and USC in the Sweet 16 looms if both teams are able to win two games this weekend.

Herbert Jones, SF, Alabama
(First round: Saturday vs. Iona)

The SEC's player of the year and defensive player of the year, Jones has been on NBA radars for some time. While not the most prolific or efficient scorer, Jones' ability to defend guards, wings and big men alike and then bring the ball up and play point guard on the other end of the floor is what makes him interesting when paired with his 6-foot-8 frame and 7-foot wingspan.

Aaron Henry, SG, Michigan State
(First Four: Thursday vs. UCLA)

Henry has long intrigued NBA scouts with his physical tools, defensive versatility and passing ability, but he was viewed as somewhat of an underachiever for much of his college career. That changed in a major way over the past six weeks. He significantly improved his aggressiveness offensively, taking on more ballhandling responsibilities while continuing to show the same playmaking ability and lockdown defense that earned him interest in the first place. If he continues to play efficient basketball on both ends of the floor in the First Four game against UCLA (and then a potential first-round matchup against BYU), it could bolster his case as a first-round prospect.

-- Givony

Mid-major prospects

Jason Preston, G, Ohio
(First round: Saturday vs. Virginia)

The 6-foot-5 pick-and-roll maestro is the exact type of guard who could thrust himself onto the NBA radar by showcasing his skill level against a program like Virginia. Preston is one of the best ball-screen facilitators in college basketball. Although a bit slow with the ball, Preston was able to use his size and smarts to get to his spots in the MAC, converting 58% of his 2s and regularly dropping in floaters. If Preston can make enough shots to keep Virginia's defense honest, don't be surprised to see him flirt with a triple-double like he did in a narrow loss to Illinois (31 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists) early in the season.

Nah'Shon Hyland, G, VCU
(First round: Saturday vs. Oregon)

The Atlantic 10 player of the year is one of the most electric shot-makers in the country, with range well beyond the NBA 3-point line. Scouts will have a close eye on how Hyland, a wiry 6-foot-3 guard with high shoulders, long arms and a 170-pound frame, looks physically alongside Oregon guards such as Duarte. The 20-year-old didn't do himself any favors with a forgettable performance against St. Bonaventure in the A-10 title game, and he is shooting just 26% from 3 over his past five games.

Neemias Queta, C, Utah State
(First round: Friday vs. Texas Tech)

The only player in the country to average at least 20 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 blocks per 40 minutes, Queta has reemerged as an NBA prospect this season with his rim protection, rebounding and improved passing. Although he still has questions to answer about his lateral mobility, if Queta can prove that his 9-foot-3.5 standing reach, shot-blocking ability and passing translates against a hard-nosed team such as Texas Tech -- and an up-tempo team like Arkansas in the second-round -- he could gain traction in the second round.

Matt Mitchell, F, San Diego State
(First round: Friday vs. Syracuse)

The Mountain West Conference player of the year and a four-year starter, Mitchell does a little bit of everything on both ends of the floor for SDSU. At 6-foot-6 and 235 pounds, he is a thick-framed wing who is comfortable with the ball in his hands both in transition and all over the floor in the half court. Playing for one of the best defensive teams in the country, Mitchell is an uncompromising defender whom NBA teams could view in a P.J. Tucker type of role -- if he can show enough potential in his 3 ball (36% career).

JaQuori McLaughlin, G, UC Santa Barbara
(First round: Saturday vs. Creighton)

The former Oregon State transfer turned in an incredibly efficient senior season for UCSB, shooting 54% from 2 and 39% from 3 and posting a 2.5-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio as the leader of a Gauchos team many think could make some noise against Creighton. McLaughlin's game isn't flashy, but at 6-foot-4 with a solid overall feel for the game and a reliable shooting stroke, he is able to add value both on and off the ball.

Isaiah Miller, G, UNC Greensboro
(First round: Saturday vs. Florida State)

One of the most explosive guards in the country, Miller is must-see TV with his lightning quick first step and ability to finish above the rim emphatically at 6-foot-1. While not a perimeter threat (21% from 3), Miller's best chance of making it at the next level would be as a defensive stopper in the mold of Jevon Carter or Patrick Beverley. His quick feet, high motor and 6-foot-7 wingspan have helped him average more than 2.5 steals per game over of the past two seasons.

Quentin Grimes, G, Houston
(First round: Friday vs. Cleveland State)

While his disappointing freshman season with Kansas still lingers in the minds of NBA scouts, the 20-year-old Grimes has turned himself into one of the better shot-makers in the country (41% on eight 3-point attempts per game). At 6-foot-5 with a versatile shooting stroke, Grimes could emerge as a legitimate draft pick if he leads Houston deep into March. During his time at Kansas, Grimes often shied away from shots during big moments, so scouts will have a close eye on how he approaches pressure-packed possessions as the go-to guy for Kelvin Sampson's group.

Tyson Etienne, G, Wichita State
(First Four: Thursday vs. Drake)

The 21-year-old Shockers guard is the type of microwave shot-maker who could get hot in Wichita State's First Four game against Drake and garner interest among NBA front offices. Quick and powerful at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Etienne is a dynamic player who is excellent at shooting off of movement. Only a sophomore, Etienne could garner draft momentum heading into his junior season with a strong tournament run.

Max Abmas, G, Oral Roberts
(First round: Friday vs. Ohio State)

The nation's leading scorer (25.4 PPG) is putting together one of the more productive seasons we've seen from a 19-year-old. A slender, 160-pound, bucket-getting guard and the only player in the NCAA knocking down at least 3.8 treys per game at over 40%, Abmas already has a 36-point, 6-rebound, 9-assist game against Oklahoma State on his résumé and can continue building out his NBA profile by going for 35 points or more for the sixth time this season against Ohio State.

-- Schmitz

Juwan Howard's college swan song?

Despite being in just his second year as Michigan's head coach, Howard has long been viewed as a leading candidate for NBA head-coaching jobs, dating to his time as an assistant with the Miami Heat. Last summer, he put out a statement saying he is not "exploring, seeking or listening" in regard to NBA opportunities, but many NBA executives feel Howard will be in high demand once again this offseason.

Howard guided Michigan to a surprising 20-4 record and No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, which has done nothing to quell the NBA's interest, and several teams are expected to have openings on their bench.

Will Howard listen? That remains to be seen, especially considering the fact that he has the No. 1 recruiting class in the country coming in, as well as several key players expected to return.

Howard has wowed onlookers in the basketball industry with the level of preparation, discipline and execution his team displays, as well as the strong relationship he has built with his players. He has been highly innovative in the X's and O's department. He is clearly beloved by everyone he has worked with through the years. And he has empowered his players to step out of their comfort zones and develop the skill sets needed to succeed at the NBA level, including helping Wagner rocket into lottery conversations and Livers develop some first-round buzz prior to his unfortunate injury.

If Howard can overcome a difficult draw to lead Michigan to the Final Four -- and likely even if he doesn't -- there's a good chance the NBA will come calling again, this time with an offer he might not be able to refuse.

-- Givony

Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service utilized by NBA, NCAA and international teams.

Mike Schmitz is an NBA draft expert and a contributor to DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service utilized by NBA, NCAA and international teams.