The 2014 NBA draft stocks of Creighton forward Doug McDermott, N.C. State forward T.J. Warren and Wichita State forward Cleanthony Early have risen after strong seasons and strong performances in the NCAA Tournament.
McDermott had his college career ended by Baylor on Sunday in the third round of the NCAA Tournament. The senior, who averaged 26.7 points and 7.0 rebounds last season, improved his draft stock well enough to be a potential lottery pick in June.
"Yes," ESPN's Chad Ford said Wednesday when asked if McDermott could be a top 10 pick. "He's such a great shooter and such a heady scorer, someone could roll the dice on him that high. His jump shot isn't going anywhere. The big question around McDermott is who does he guard at the next level. If he can figure that out, there will be a place for him."
Warren, a sophomore, also finished the season on a strong enough note to be considered a potential lottery pick. ESPN's Jeff Goodman believes Warren will be lottery pick, and Ford said Warren moved from a "bubble first rounder to someone who might get looks in the late lottery to mid first round."
Charlote and Utah both could be interested in him, according to ESPN's Joe Kaiser.
Warren, who averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 per game, finished with 28 points in N.C. State's second-round loss to St. Louis.
Early went off in Sunday's loss to Kentucky and finished with 31 points, which could have him off the board by the middle of the first round.
"He helped himself more than any other prospect this weekend. Was terrific for Wichita State," Ford wrote. "Looked like a prototypical NBA small forward with size, athleticism, the ability to take his defender off the dribble and a polished three point jump shot.
"He hasn't been as good as he was against Kentucky all season, but the fact that he scored 31 against UK in the tournament gave him a major boost. I think he's firmly in the first round right now and could go as high as the teens. If he was 2 years (younger), he'd go even higher."
Anthony finished the 2013 with 16.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
The NBA draft is on Thursday, June 26.
