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Charlotte Hornets: Five draft prospects to watch for in the NCAA Tournament

By Jerry Stephens

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 14: Michigan State Spartans guard Miles Bridges (22) battles with Duke Blue Devils forward Wendell Carter Jr (34) for a loose ball during the State Farm Classic Champions Classic game between the Duke Blue Devils and the Michigan State Spartans on November 14, 2017, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 14: Michigan State Spartans guard Miles Bridges (22) battles with Duke Blue Devils forward Wendell Carter Jr (34) for a loose ball during the State Farm Classic Champions Classic game between the Duke Blue Devils and the Michigan State Spartans on November 14, 2017, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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FAYETTEVILLE, AR – FEBRUARY 17: Daniel Gafford #10 of the Arkansas Razorbacks makes a pass during a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Bud Walton Arena on February 17, 2018 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Aggies 94-75. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – FEBRUARY 17: Daniel Gafford #10 of the Arkansas Razorbacks makes a pass during a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Bud Walton Arena on February 17, 2018 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Aggies 94-75. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

4. Daniel Gafford – Arkansas

While Texas A&M’s Robert Williams is the higher ranked big man, he is also a year older and two inches shorter than Gafford. The 6’11 freshman is third on his team in scoring, first in rebounds, first in blocks and first in field goal percentage. The Razorbacks finished the year with a 23-11 record and earned a No. 7 seed in the East Region.

The 19-year old averaged 11.9 points per game, 6.2 rebounds and 2.1 blocks this season while shooting 61.8% from the field and 52.2% from the free throw line. He recorded three double-double’s, four 10+ rebound games, 22 games of 10+ points and seven outings with at least four blocks.

Most mock drafts have Gafford as a fringe lottery pick this year. He is an athletic player who has a great defensive upside and a strong pre-draft workout/combine could easily put him higher in the draft. The only way Charlotte would take Daniel is if they decide to not only trade Dwight Howard but also decide that Cody Zeller isn’t their center of the future.

Arkansas will have their work cut out for them as they face off against the Butler Bulldogs in the first round. They are also in the same region as Villanova, Purdue, Texas Tech, Wichita State, West Virginia and Florida. A strong showing versus (potentially) Purdue in the second round should boost Gafford’s draft stock. Still, he may be a bit of a reach if the Hornets take him in the lottery.