Atlanta Hawks: Four Players to Watch For in Conference Tournaments
By Dallin Duffy
Jaden McDaniels and Isaiah Stewart
The freshman duo of McDaniels and Stewart were supposed to do big things for Washington’s basketball team, and while their individual numbers were good, the team struggled to close out games.
The Huskies started the season 10-2, but a 5-13 conference record tanked their March Madness chances. They’ll need to win four straight in the Pac-12 Tourney to dance. Despite their ugly record, higher seeds will still fear playing Washington, who won three of their last four games to end the season.
Whoever faces U-Dub will also have to matchup with Stewart and McDaniels who are both slated to be Lottery picks this Summer.
McDaniels looked like a sure bet to be a top ten pick coming into the season, and while his draft stock has dipped a bit, still provides enough explosive plays to excite late Lottery teams.
Stewart is similar, although he’s less of a ‘project’ and more pro-ready. The rebound and block machine is among the best big men and overall defenders in the Tournament, and could boost his draft stock even above his teammate’s.
What to watch for with Jaden McDaniels:
- Finishing around the rim.
- Aggressive offensive in crunch time.
- Interior and perimeter defense effort.
What to watch for with Isaiah Stewart:
- Smart decisions with ball in hands (turnovers).
- Matchup with Zeke Nnaji in 1st round.
- dominating the paint.
Washington’s two freshmen will hope to extend their season staring on Wednesday when they face off against Arizona team that also features multiple exciting freshmen.
Next. Mock Draft 1.0. dark
Unless one of them absolutely goes off and sky-rockets his stock, the Atlanta Hawks would likely trade down to select one of these in the late Lottery.