Charlotte Hornets: 3 NBA Draft prospects to watch during March Madness

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Dayton Obi Toppin. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

3. Obi Toppin – Dayton

I’m not sure if Obi Toppin is talked about enough, but he’s been a major reason why his team has the record that they have. His impressive play has helped to lead his team to a 28-2 season so far. Dayton is currently the #1 team in the Atlantic 10, and they could make a run in March.

Toppin is a 6’9 forward that can play both forward positions and some at the center spot. What he may lack in size, he makes up for it with his impressive offensive play. So far this season, Toppin has averaged 19.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.

Since his freshman season, Toppin has done nothing but continue to improve and produce for his team. One of his biggest improvements has been his three-point shooting, as he’s made three times the amount of threes that he made as a freshman.

The Hornets have become a three-point shooting team, and they may be looking for a versatile prospect that scores in the paint, while also being able to stroke it from deep.

Toppin has also proved that he can play defense, as he’s averaging 1.3 blocks per game. The Hornets do not currently have a consistent shot-blocker on the roster, so Toppin could be a prospect that could assist the Hornets in rim protection.

As Toppin is a projected lottery prospect heading into this year’s draft, all eyes will be on him as his team looks to win their conference title. Toppin will need to continue to step up his play in order for his team to be successful in March.