The players to watch in the 2019 NCAA Tournament that are potential FOUR's at the next level should be scrutinized with a critical eye. The "four" position in the NBA has changed dramatically in recent years. No longer are four's strictly power forwards who specialize in rebounding. The modern NBA four-man can stretch the floor with three-point shooting skill. The average size of a NBA starting FOUR on a Playoffs caliber team is 6'9", 232 lbs.
None of the players at the FOUR spot, in the NCAA Tournament, are projected to be NBA superstars. However, there are some good players that will wear NBA jerseys soon. Here is a list of the 15 big forwards in the 2019 NCAA Men's basketball tournament that we are most intrigued by...
Cam Jackson - Wofford. 6'8", 250 lbs Senior. ...Jackson is a difference maker on both ends of the floor. When a smaller school like Wofford is succeeding at a level they have never before achieved, there is usually a very talented player that is propelling that success. In our estimation, Jackson, rather than the more hyped Fletcher McGee, is that guy. The 23 year-old Jackson was a state champion in high school (Virginia), and his combination of power and skill led the Wofford Terriers to a record of 29-4. Jackson is averaging 14.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, while shooting 58.1% FG, and 38.9% from three-point range. He is the rare PF with a positive assist-to-turnover ratio as well. You may not have heard of Jackson. He is not on any NBA Draft lists, and he plays in the seldom nationally televised Southern Conference. But trust us, Jackson is the real deal. The Terriers are 8.8 points per 100 possessions better on defense with Jackson on the floor. He could certainly be in better shape. He is a heavy 250 lbs, and his free throw shooting is just 63% (career). (See Cam Jackson highlight below)
Dedric Lawson - Kansas 6'8" 225 PF jr. ...Lawson is the best Kansas player available (with Udoka Azubuike out). Lawson played two seasons at Memphis before a transfer to Jayhawk-land. He sat out last season. Lawson is a smooth forward that is capable of making plays for himself or others. He won't wow anyone with his running and jumping ability but his skill level is high. Lawson has a feel for the game that is noticeable. This season, Lawson is averaging 19.1 points, and 10.3 rebounds per game. He shoots the three-ball at 37%, and he backs that up with a nice touch at the foul line (80.4% FT). Lawson is a "plus defender", meaning his team allows less points per 100 possessions when he is on the floor. (Lawson highlights below)
Nick Ward - Michigan St. 6'8" 250 junior ...Nick Ward has played limited minutes off the bench in his last three games. He suffered a hairline fracture in his hand that required surgery (February 17th). After missing five games, Ward returned in the Big Ten Tournament but he played only eleven minutes per game. The junior, left-handed, BIG is connecting on 61% of his field goal attempts (career). Ward has the body and ability to carve space in the paint. He is quick to the ball, and, as such, he is excellent on the offensive glass. He draws fouls at a high rate. Ward has consistently ranked in the top-ten in the Big Ten in free throw attempts. He is an underrated shot blocker as well. Ward's defensive rating is 3.5 points better than the Michigan St. team DEFRTG. He has improved his free throw percentage with each season. While nothing to write home about, Ward is now making 64.8% of his foul shots. Ward has only attempted three shots from beyond the arc in his college career, but he has nailed each one.
The others we will watch closely include:
Jay Huff - Virginia. 7'1" 232 sophomore.
Grant Williams - Tennessee. 6'5", 234 lbs. Junior
Mfiondu Kabengele - Florida St. 6'9" 235 sophomore.
Kaleb Wesson - Ohio St. 6'9" 270 sophomore.
Neemias Queta - Utah St. 6'11" 225 freshman.
Rui Hachimura - Gonzaga 6'8" 225 junior.
Nick Muszynski - Belmont. 6'11" 235 frosh. ...Muszynski averaged 14.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in the regular season and he shot nearly 61 percent from the field. He is a factor in the low post and he is a plus defender for Belmont. Muszynski led the Ohio Valley Conference in defensive box score plus/minus. He is shooting 41% from 3-pt. range, and 77.9% FT.
Drew McDonald - Northern Kentucky. 6'8" 250 Senior. ...McDonald is a force on the boards and he led the Horizon League in both offensive AND defensive rating in 2018-19. He is averaging 19.1 points, and 9.5 rebounds. He hits 40.9% of his 3-pt. attempts, and nets 80% FT.
Steven Enoch - Louisville. 6'10" 260 Senior.
Aric Holman - Mississippi St. 6'10" 195 Senior.
Kerry Blackshear Jr. - Virginia Tech. 6'10" 240, junior.
Jordan Bruner - Yale. 6'9" 205 junior.