Atlanta Hawks: 14 Players to Watch in 2019 NCAA Tournament

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Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers Atlanta Hawks (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Markus Howard & Ja Morant

First up is a backcourt duel that likely has little bearing on who the Atlanta Hawks will select in the 2019 NBA Draft. Think of this selection as an honorable mention.

These two incendiary point guards are included due to their impressive scoring ability as well as their killer instinct, which has seen them take over games at various points this season.

Markus Howard of Marquette was first in the Big East in scoring at 25 points per game, which also represented the sixth-highest tally in the country in 2019.

The 5-foot-11 guard from Marquette was a walking bucket, and he logged an incredible 53 points in a comeback win against Creighton in January:

Ja Morant of Murray State, his backcourt foil in this game, was hot on his heels at 24.6 points per game, which was the eighth-highest mark in the country.

In terms of NBA futures, both players will likely play in the NBA at some point as Howard’s 43.6 clip from long-range and Morant’s astonishing athleticism will see both of them drafted at some point. At this juncture, Morant is one of the highest-touted prospects playing in the NCAA Tournament, and he is currently projected by Tankathon to be drafted by the Phoenix Suns 2nd overall.