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There may be only eight teams remaining in the 2017 NCAA tournament, but there are a bevy of first-round NBA draft prospects still in action. That gives us a lot of important information to digest in our newest mock draft.
Before getting to the picks and predictions, though, it's worth noting that there have been a handful of key developments since last week's mock. The most important, and perhaps most surprising, among them: Robert Williams, a dynamic rim-protector and improving offensive player who was looking like a guaranteed lottery pick, has decided to return to Texas A&M for his sophomore season. His departure from the player pool helps other bigs such as Miles Bridges--who also helped himself against Kansas--and Lauri Markannen.
Additionally, big performances in the NCAA tournament have helped out an abundance of players. The often enigmatic DJ Wilson was a two-way force during Michigan's Sweet 16 run, averaging 16.0 points, 2.0 threes and 3.0 blocks in the Wolverines' three tourney games. Jordan Bell was all over the place in Oregon's win over Michigan, tallying 16 points, 13 rebounds, two blocks and a steal. Florida's Devin Robinson has always had defensive potential, but going for a combined 38 points on 25 shots against East Tennessee State and Virginia--two of the most efficient defenses in the country--was huge. None of the aforementioned players are guarantees to enter June's draft, but all have proved during March that they deserve first-round consideration should they opt to leave school.
Ultimately, it's a reminder that things change quickly this time of the year--and with more tourney games to be played, more decisions on declaring for the NBA or staying in college to be made, and the draft order yet to be nailed down, there will be a lot more that changes between now and June. Nevertheless, with the Elite Eight upon us and several of the brightest prospects taking center stage, there is no better time to take a closer look at the landscape of the of the first round.
You can click through the gallery for my updated NBA mock draft. Note that order is based on standings as of March 24, 2017. (Getty)