Three players for Chicago Bulls fans to watch in the Final Four

Continuing with my breakdown of players in the NCAA Tournament that Bulls fans should keep an eye on with the draft in mind – Here are three players to watch in the Final Four.

Malik Newman – Guard – Kansas

There are questions about whether or not Malik Newman will choose to leave Kansas for the NBA or return for his junior season. But if he chooses to leave, the Chicago Bulls should keep an eye on him in the second round of the draft.

The Mississippi State transfer struggled a little bit at the beginning of his time at Kansas, but March has been a different story for him. Newman looks like one of the best players in the country right now – possibly the best player in the country.

Newman is averaging 22 points per game in the tournament and his sharp-shooting is what helped Kansas get past Duke in the Elite 8.

In the game of his life, Newman scored 32 points and connected on 5 triples to catapult Kansas into the Final Four. He also scored all 13 of their points in overtime, including this clutch three:

Newman can shoot the lights out, which is something the Bulls could use more of off the bench, but he can also score in more ways than just deep jumpers. Check out this hesitation crossover and finish at the basket:

Before March, I would’ve bet that Newman returns to Kansas, but his extremely impressive tournament run might just be enough for him to leave Allen Fieldhouse for bigger things.

Mikal Bridges – Forward – Villanova 

I know I’ve written about Bridges, but there’s a reason for that.

The Bulls need a wing, they will probably be drafting around the 8 spot, and did I mention that they need a wing? Mikal Bridges is a wing, is projected by many to be drafted in the later part of the top-10, and did I mention that he’s a wing?

Seems like a good fit already!

Bridges can space the floor, defend at a high-level, and play extremely well off the ball. I know this is a simple backdoor cut, but don’t overlook the beauty in simplicity. His off-ball movement got Villanova an easy bucket:

Also, check out this video comparing Bridges to current NBA player, Otto Porter. I like the comparison and if the Bulls wind up with a guy like Otto Porter? Well, that would be fantastic.

I’d guess that Bridges is one of the more likely guys that the Bulls will be looking at with their lottery pick. Make sure you keep an eye on him, Bulls fans.

Lagerald Vick – Guard – Kansas

Vick has had a season full of highs and lows for the Jayhawks – but he’s ending on a high. The junior guard has played extremely well in the tournament. He does all the little things to help Kansas pull out wins.

An expert at moving off the ball (especially sneaky baseline cuts) seems to find himself on the receiving end of a ton of alley-oops. His insane athleticism helps with this too, I suppose.

Check out this play from earlier in the season:

He even put his athleticism to use on the offensive glass against Clemson in the Sweet 16 with this savvy put-back:

There’s no doubt in my mind that Vick has what it takes to play at the next level. His athleticism combined with his deep shot (shooting 38 percent from three on the season) give him an excellent skill-set for the NBA.

It also seems like a crime to write about Lagerald Vick and not include this highlight from last year’s tournament. So here you go – enjoy this one:

The biggest question for NBA fans, as well as Jayhawk fans, is if he’ll return for his senior season or go to the draft. If he chooses to forego his senior season with the Jayhawks, Bulls fans should watch him with that second-round pick in mind.