The NCAA tournament kicked off with a surprising upset as No. 14 seed Oakland defeated No. 3 seed Kentucky 80-76. The game was highlighted by an outstanding shooting performance from Jack Gohlke, who scored 32 points, including 10 three-pointers. This unexpected result had a significant impact on NBA scouting, as Kentucky boasted some of the top prospects in the tournament.
Kentucky's defensive struggles were evident throughout the game, as they failed to make necessary adjustments to contain Oakland's offense. The Wildcats' inability to match Oakland's scoring output was compounded by their lineup choices, which limited their offensive spacing and hindered their guards' effectiveness against Oakland's zone defense.
Despite the upset, two prospects who stood out in the tournament were Tennessee's Dalton Knecht and Purdue's Zach Edey. Knecht's clutch free throws helped Tennessee advance, while Edey dominated with impressive performances, averaging 26.5 points and 17.5 rebounds in two games.
The ESPN NBA draft insiders provided an updated mock draft following the tournament's first weekend. The draft order reflected ESPN's projections and the current state of picks owed and owned by NBA teams.
The tournament showcased the talents and weaknesses of top prospects like Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard. Dillingham's struggles in the game raised concerns about his defensive abilities and decision-making under pressure. Sheppard, despite a lackluster performance in the tournament, remains highly regarded by NBA teams for his overall productivity and efficiency.
Overall, the NCAA tournament's first weekend provided a mix of surprises and standout performances, setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the competition and offering valuable insights for NBA scouts and draft analysts.
