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College basketball is into its conference schedule, and the prospects that will populate the 2019 NBA Draft are bolstering their professional resumes. With a full slate of action underway, contributor Steve Dewald delivers his prospect-centered viewing schedule for the upcoming weekend of games.
Instead of focusing on the obvious matchups each week, we are going to deliver a few under-the-radar games worth keeping an eye on. Here are the games that will feature a handful of prospects that could make some serious noise on draft night.
Indiana vs Maryland
Date: Friday, January 11
Time: 7:00 PM (EST)
Viewing Options: FS1
Freshman Romeo Langford played a huge role in the Hoosiers’ recently-snapped seven-game winning streak. Prior to falling to Michigan, Langford put together a stellar 28-point outing against Illinois. Led by Bruno Fernando, Maryland has a NBA-ready post rotation. It will be an interesting test for Langford and Indiana against a sturdy Terrapins frontcourt.
Tennessee vs Florida
Date: Saturday, January 12
Time: 6:00 PM (EST)
Viewing Options: ESPN
Grant Williams and Admiral Schofield lead the red-hot Volunteers into Florida to face the Gators. Both forwards have been impressive, and they could easily parlay that success into favorable draft positions later this year. Williams will be looking to bounce back from a 1-8 shooting performance against Missouri. Florida freshman Andrew Nembhard is the prospect to watch across from Tennessee. He is a crafty point guard that is poised to make some noise in the NBA down the road.
Vanderbilt vs Kentucky
Date: Saturday, January 12
Time: 8:30 PM (EST)
Viewing Options: SECN
We’ll keep it in the SEC for this matchup between Vanderbilt and Kentucky. Without Darius Garland in the mix, Simisola Shittu has captured the spotlight for the Commodores. He is a versatile forward that will be put to the test against Kentucky’s usual cast of bright young stars. After a solid two-game shooting stretch in December, Wildcats freshman Keldon Johnson has cooled off from beyond the arc. There is still plenty to like from Johnson, and he is close to a guaranteed lottery selection if he bolts after this year.