Four first round NCAA Tournament games to watch for Chicago Bulls prospects
2. Friday at 2:10 p.m: Virginia vs Gardner Webb
Prospect to watch: De’Andre Hunter, wing, Virginia
Projected draft position: 6 (Tankathon), 4 (The Athletic),11 (Draft Site)
Speaking of lengthy wings, De’Andre Hunter is 6’8” with a 7’2” wingspan who serves as the fulcrum of the Cavaliers stingy defense. Hunter might not be the most attractive prospect as a redshirt sophomore playing within the constraints of Virginia’s system, but his potential to be a seamless fit for the NBA is undeniable.
Averaging 15 points, two assists and five rebounds, Hunter’s offensive game is still blooming. He’s a proven scorer inside and can use his size to bully mismatches in the low post, as well as finish around the rim.
He can shoot off the catch and has improved from a 38.2% season from deep his first year to 45.7% this season. Chicago will need that shooting to translate for him to reach his potential, but all signs seem to point to that transition happening.
His versatility on defense is undeniable. He’ll be a three position defender at worst in the NBA and a four position defender with the ability to switch onto centers in his best case scenario. His raw defensive numbers within Virginia’s scheme are muffled, but he’ll get a chance to become more of a defensive playmaker in the NBA.
The Bulls are still terrible on defense and Hunter would help them improve immediately on that front. It’s not hard to imagine Hunter and Otto Porter Jr. causing absolute chaos on defense, and he’s arguably the easiest fit for Chicago in this draft class.
Prospect to watch: Ty Jerome, guard, Virginia
Projected draft position: 35 (Tankathon), 33 (The Athletic), 46 (Draft Site)
Ty Jerome is a key piece in one-seed Virginia’s hopes for a deep run in the tournament. The junior is bigger for a guard at 6’5” and projects to be a combo guard at the next level.
He’s a smart and capable ball handler who can initiate a half court offense, and could shine more with a longer leash in the NBA. Even if he’s doesn’t turn into an NBA-level playmaker, his shooting turns the playmaking he does have into a bonus rather than a pitfall. Jerome is a knockdown shooter at a 39% average for his college career and is more than capable of hitting contested shots from NBA range.
He’s not a defensive stopper at the next level, but Jerome is smart when it comes to positioning, and can use his size to corral ball handlers. His negative wingspan is a significant knock against him, but he does know how to get his hands into a play. But pay attention to how Virginia’s defense helps him on recoveries and it’s easy to see some of the concerns teams might have.
He’s worked on his body and athleticism a lot in college, which has paid dividends in his development. It’s not unreasonable to think NBA conditioning could push his inside game and defense to the next level and make him a steal. Chicago could use a backup combo guard to go with Denzel Valentine, and Jerome could be a cheap pickup late in the first round or early in the second.