March Madness NBA Draft Watch: The West Region

Part two previewing the NCAA Tournament through the lens of the 2016 NBA Draft takes us to the West Region.

Top Prospects (average ranking between the Top 100 at CBS Sports and Draft Express)

• Duke freshman forward Brandon Ingram (2nd)

• Oklahoma senior guard Buddy Hield (9.5)

• Duke sophomore guard Grayson Allen (30.5)

• Oregon State senior guard Gary Payton II (45.5)

• Saint Joseph’s junior forward DeAndre’ Bembry (49th)

• Oregon sophomore guard Dillon Brooks (52 — only ranked in CBS)

• Texas senior center Prince Ibeh (71.5)

• Texas A&M senior forward Danuel House (74th)

• Texas junior guard Isaiah Taylor (85th)

Synopsis

The West is not as prospect-heavy compared to the South Region. The West Region only has nine players that are in the CBS and Draft Express top 100. The matchup that really jumps out is potential second-round game between Oklahoma and Oregon State. Gary Payton II versus Buddy Hield would be a ton of fun. It’s a big first two rounds for Payton II in general:

GP2 could make himself a lot of money if he beats VCU press in Round 1 and locks up Hield in Round 2.

— Jonathan Tjarks (@JonathanTjarks) March 13, 2016

Duke’s Brandon Ingram will also continue his push to try and overtake LSU’s Ben Simmons for the top overall pick.