Atlanta Hawks: 6 Under-the-Radar Players in 2019 NCAA Tournament

Naz Reid, F/C, LSU

The only freshman and only big man on this list hasn’t officially declared for the draft yet, but all signs point to him doing so.

The 6’10 Reid was ranked among college basketball’s best freshmen to enter the season, and has played into those expectations well, not blowing them away nor disappointing. He gained more and more minutes as the season went along, including 36 in LSU’s one-and-done appearance in the SEC tourney.

After a slow start, Reid turned it on late, and since the start of 2019 averaged just under 15 points and 8 rebounds per game, helping his team to a 15-3 during that stretch.

Despite the hot finish to the year, Reid will be largely looked at as a prospect with potential in the draft. He has the some fundamental skills like athleticism and scoring down, but needs to work on his defense.

In particular, he averaged less than a block per game while picking up over 3 personal fouls on average. Not a great combo for a 6-foot-10 guy with a 7’1 wingspan who can jump out of the gym.

He’ll be on draft boards regardless, but if he can turn it on and show his potential taking greater shape in March, he will see his stock rising fast, especially in a big-man needy draft class.