NCAA Tournament Round-Up: Wolves Top Draft Candidates

Mar 19, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Stanley Johnson (5) shoots the basketball against Texas Southern Tigers forward Jason Carter (23) during the first half in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Stanley Johnson (Arizona)

NCAA Tournament Game Log:

vs. Texas Southern: 29 minutes, 22 points (8-11 FG, 4-5 3FG, 2-2 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists

vs. Ohio State: 31 minutes, 4 points (1-12 FG, 0-4 3FG, 2-2 FT), 10 rebounds, 1 assist

vs. Xavier: 32 minutes, 12 points (4-10 FG, 2-5 3FG, 2-2 FT), 6 rebounds, 1 assist

vs. Wisconsin: 25 minutes, 6 points (2-4 FG, 0-1 3FG, 2-2 FT), 2 rebounds

Johnson’s NCAA Tournament performance was very up-and-down, as he was able to put together a couple of good games and then a couple of duds. He has some offensive ability, but it’s pretty inconsistent and that showed in the tournament.

The physical build and athleticism of Johnson is probably his best strength as he will be able to use his solid 6-foot-7 frame to defend nearly anybody in the NBA and match up with him physically. Johnson also has a high basketball IQ and he never seems to take bad shots. Johnson is a strong finisher at the rim with either hand, although this is about the only past of his offensive game that will translate to the NBA.

If Johnson is going to be a big-time player in the NBA, he’ll have to improve his ability to score the basketball consistently. He will have a major adjustment to go through when playing against bigger and faster defenders in the NBA. Johnson doesn’t seem like a much of a fit for the Timberwolves, again relating to all of the talent at the wing positions on this roster. However, Johnson is a very talented and athletic player that could help the Timberwolves for sure.

Next: Wrap-Up