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Seven Sweet 16 players boost NBA draft status


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5. Sam Young, SF, Pitt.
Projected pick range: 15-25

Young's 14 points and 13 rebounds in the opening round were impressive, as was his 4-for-6 shooting from the 3-point line. But against Oklahoma State, he notched 32 points and eight rebounds, logging another good night from the 3-point line (4-for-10).

Young is a senior, and though scouts question his shooting stroke, as long as he keeps dominating with his athleticism, he could push himself into the Top 20.

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6. Tyreke Evans, PG/SG, Memphis.
Projected pick range: 10-20

The jury is very much still- out on Evans, a much-hyped prospect who disappointed early but has played better as the year has gone on, particularly after coach John Calipari put the ball in his hands by making him Memphis' point guard.

At 6-6, it's doubtful that Evans will be a point guard at the NBA level, but the potential is there. Even if he is not a true point guard, he is only 19 and figures to make an outstanding combo guard. He finished with 15 points and five assists in the Tigers' opening-round win, followed by 19 points and five assists in Round 2 against Maryland.

The consensus was that Evans would only enter this year's draft if he was a lottery pick, which seemed like a longshot just a few weeks ago. That's changing.

7. Jonny Flynn, PG, Syracuse.
Projected pick range: 15-25

For scouts, the negatives on Flynn are obvious. His shot is inconsistent, his drives to the basket are often wild, and, playing in Syracuse's zone, no one can be quite sure what to make of his defense.

But Flynn is quick, tough and an outstanding playmaker in a draft that appears long on combo guards but lacking in true point men. Only a sophomore, Flynn said he will return to school, where he'll be able to hone his shot and his decision-making, but a Syracuse tournament run could push him into the top 20, which would be a tough spot to resist. He had seven assists and just two turnovers in the win over Arizona State, but had seven assists and seven turnovers in the Orangemen's opener.

© 2009 Sporting News


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