Chicago Bulls: 3 prospects to watch in the National Championship Game

Joel Ayai, G

Gonzaga has a very strong backcourt rotation, but it was one that got tested by the Bruins in the Final Four. Few and the Bulldogs had a mostly smooth run through the NCAA Tournament before facing the rolling Bruins in the Final Four last weekend. One of the driving forces for Gonzaga to beat the Bruins over the weekend was the 6-foot-5 junior guard Joel Ayayi.

In their overtime win over UCLA, Ayayi registered 22 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals, and no blocks. And he shot 9-of-12 from the field, 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, and 2-of-3 from the free-throw line.

The length and overall gifted physical tools of Ayayi are starting to get him some real traction as a potential late first round pick or early second round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Ayayi started out the season with potential to work his way into the draft conversation, but he’s definitely climbed up big boards of late with his play in the NCAA Tournament.

The West Coast Conference Tournament MVP and All-WCC honoree Ayayi is entering the National Championship Game very much on a high note. He can put his versatile offensive skill set on display in a dynamic backcourt. But showing off his grit and defensive ability will be the real test for Ayayi against this tough Baylor squad.

Ayayi was a decent defender in the last two years, averaging slightly more than one steal per game with a defensive rating of 93. If he can show that he can be a solid two-way guard, along with his ability as an improving shooter from deep, and someone who is quick off the dribble, it could make him a very hot commodity in this draft class.