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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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BIRMINGHAM, AL – DECEMBER 22: Collin Sexton #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide handles the ball against the Texas Longhorns during a game at Legacy Arena at BJCC on December 22, 2017 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, AL – DECEMBER 22: Collin Sexton #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide handles the ball against the Texas Longhorns during a game at Legacy Arena at BJCC on December 22, 2017 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

5. Collin Sexton – Alabama

The freshman guard has had an impressive first year in college basketball. He leads Alabama in scoring and assists while also being fourth in rebounding and second in three’s made. The Crimson Tide earned a nine seed in the East region of this year’s tournament after finishing the season with a 19-15 record.

Collin averaged 19.0 points per game to go along with 3.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists. He also managed to shoot 44.4% from the field, 34.4% from beyond the arc and 78.2% from the free throw line. Sexton has Kemba Walker-esque take over ability and has shown improved playmaking skills to go along with his scoring output.

NBADraft.net compares him to Eric Bledsoe and most mocks have him being selected in the lottery and as high as the top-10. If the Hornets want to secure a quality backup for Kemba Walker through the draft, Sexton is the pick for them. Although, there is a good chance that he will not be on the board when they select. It’s worth noting that former NBA head coach Avery Johnson has coached Collin this year.

The Crimson Tide will take on the eighth-seeded Virginia Tech in the first round. If they manage to get past the Hokies, Alabama will most likely be up against the No. 1 seed in the Villanova Wildcats. Sexton carries this team and if he could somehow get his side past VT and Villanova, it would secure him as a top-10 pick if he isn’t already.

Next: Re-picking the last five draft for Charlotte

Duke’s Wendell Carter Jr. is another player to watch for this tournament. The only reason he isn’t listed is that he will most likely be gone by the time Charlotte picks but if they do get a little luck in the lottery, he could and should be an option. One thing that is clear is that this draft class is loaded with talent for the Hornets to select.