We’re officially in the throes of NCAA March Madness, which means one thing. No, not that you’re about to win the office pool because of your brackets. It means some of the guys the NCAA has been exploiting are finally close to getting paid to play basketball.
The average NBA first-round pick earns a guaranteed few million bucks for their first two years in the league, so a good tournament showing is crucial for future earnings. Here are 12 March Madness stars set for millions next year if they get drafted.
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Photo: ESPN YouTube screen capture
Jahlil Okafor – Duke
If it were allowed, Okafor would’ve been the first pick right out of high school. Let’s assume this will be a one and done affair at Duke.
Karl-Anthony Towns – Kentucky
KAT is just one of the many Kentucky Wildcats set to cash in this June.
D’Angelo Russell – Ohio State
The scouts are loving D’Angelo Russell, which pretty much confirms his idea to go to Ohio State instead of Kentucky was a smart choice.
Kevon Looney – UCLA
Is Kevon Loone the second coming of Kevin Durant? Probably not, but some team will still draft and pay him with those hopes.
Willie Cauley-Stein – Kentucky
Staying in school for an extra year is about to do wonders for Cauley-Stein’s bank account.
Myles Turner – Texas
While the knock on Turner is his lack of consistency, he doesn’t lack height. Unless he mysteriously shrinks between now and June, being listed as a seven-footer will get him paid in full.
Justise Winslow – Duke
His speed and size make Okafor’s running mate someone who projects to be a fringe lottery pick. That’s a good reason to leave Durham, NC for a terrible NBA team.
Kelly Oubre – Kansas
Since he’s already chilling with Wiz Khalifa, it seems Oubre has this superstar thing down pat already.
Stanley Johnson – Arizona
Hard to knock the 6’7” freshman’s kick game. His on-court potential is equally nice, and he rates as an NBA Lottery pick.
Frank Kaminsky – Wisconsin
When he’s not chilling with Charles Barkley, “Frank The Tank” is the rare inside-outside threat: a seven-footer who can drill the college three-point shot.
Bobby Portis – Arkansas
The SEC Player of the Year should be cashing out as well when June arrives.
Devin Booker – Kentucky
UK’s sharpshooter has an NBA pedigree courtesy of his father, and it looks like he’ll be in the league too.
Trey Lyles – Kentucky
Should Drake try to lobby his fellow Canadian to the Raptors or nah?
