The list of 2013 early draft entrants continues to grow and its little surprise – in a weak talent pool, many players who would typically be keeping their fingers crossed in the second round are likely to go in the first and come away with guaranteed contracts. Staying in school and waiting for the 2014 draft doesn't just mean jumping into a tougher draft – it means being a part of one of the best draft classes in years. As March Madness continues, here's a look at today's draft news..
- HoopsWorld's Yannis Koutroupis released his latest mock draft today and still has Ben McLemore at No. 1, despite Kansas' early exit from the tournament. Oklahoma State guard Marcus Smart is slated to go second with injured Kentucky big man Nerlens Noel going third.
- C.J. Leslie is likely to announce his intentions to enter the draft tomorrow, sources tell Jeff Goodman of CBSSports.com (on Twitter). We heard last week that the 6'8" forward was planning to enter the draft like teammate Lorenzo Brown.
- If Michigan big man Mitch McGary were to enter the draft, Goodman (on Twitter) hears from one NBA GM that he would be a late first-round choice. While NBA scouts might be high on the March hero, there's no indication yet that he'll be going pro this summer.
- Chad Ford of ESPN.com (via Twitter) agrees that McGary would go in round one and also sees Louisville's Russ Smith as a guy who could go inside of the first 30 picks. Michigan's Tim Hardaway Jr. and Syracuse's C.J. Fair could also vault themselves up draft boards thanks to strong tournament play.