After an incredible performance by Jalen Slawson, No. 13 seed Furman began March Madness with a massive upset over No. 4 seed Virginia.
Slawson finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block during the game. Especially after his teammate and Furman leading scorer Mike Bothwell fouled out, Slawson looked like the best player on the court throughout the game.
The fifth-year senior, who couldn’t believe Virginia’s crucial turnover, showcased his remarkable athleticism with a monster dunk during the first half of the victory.
JALEN SLAWSON PUT EM' ON A POSTER 👀#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/xFC3980aIN
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 16, 2023
It was one of many highlights from the forward, who was recently named the 2023 Southern Conference Player of the Year.
But this wasn’t just a random, fluky performance. In fact, as we noted last offseason, the 6-foot-7 forward is one of the most versatile prospects in the nation.
He has reached impressive thresholds for efficient shot selection, added value beyond scoring, and defensive playmaking. His shot chart shows he is one of the best finishers in this draft class:
Slawson was his conference leader in effective field goal percentage and was one of the leaders in free throw rate as well.
But he is also an impressive shooter he proved as much when he shockingly went on a personal 9-0 run against Virginia during the second half:
JALEN SLAWSON GIVES FURMAN THE LEAD WITH BACK-TO-BACK THREE AND AND-1 🔥
Watch the final 5 minutes here: https://t.co/pXE9BMunnT pic.twitter.com/cWgzN8P4Ph
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 16, 2023
Slawson was one of just eight players in the nation to record at least 35 dunks and 3-pointers in 2022-23.
He is also one of just eight players since 2008 to record more than 100 dunks and 3-pointers while in college. But no other player was able to do so with a higher true shooting percentage than Slawson.
Few NBA players have a college season with this stat profile.
FT% > 80
Block% > 3
Steal% > 2
Assist% >12
BPM > 6.5Who hit those numbers?
Star wings like Jayson Tatum, Paul George, Mikal Bridges and Franz Wagner.
The only player in this draft class?
Furman’s Jalen Slawson pic.twitter.com/9IOGZ3Ja2S
— Matt Lawson (@NBADynastyADP) March 16, 2023
As he continues playing into the second round of March Madness, he can continue to improve his draft stock.
While he is one of the oldest prospects eligible to hear his name called in the 2023 NBA Draft, it is worth considering using a draft pick on Slawson for his unique two-way potential.
