Masai Ujiri and the rest of the Toronto Raptors front office, like the rest of us before our bracket got busted by that one crazy upset (looking at you, Purdue), were locked into the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Ujiri had to be overseeing these games with the goal of plucking out the next star that could come right in and make an impact.
With Jakob Poeltl expected to hang around for a while and some of the younger frontcourt players like Christian Koloko getting constant support from the team, the Raptors’ team needs have been laid bare for all to see. Without Gary Trent Jr. in the lineup, Toronto’s lack of perimeter scoring has been painful.
The Raptors will look for players that can create for themselves without being complete slouches on the defensive end. This tournament is the perfect crucible for players with that skillset to show all the NBA scouts in attendance that they can answer the call.
These three players have shown that they can perform their best when the chips are down. Be it through a small trade down or staying wherever they end up choosing and picking another ace contributor, Ujiri and the front office could end up stealing a long-term piece that first shone brightest this March.
Toronto Raptors draft: 3 March Madness stars to consider.
3. Jaime Jaquez, UCLA
The Bruins are one of the favorites after an early round of upsets, and the performance of Jaquez has been arguably the main reason why Mick Cronin’s team has been able to stay together after injuries to center Adem Bona and star wing Jaylen Clark. If Toronto trades down, Jaquez could be interesting.
A record-setting 6-7 four-year starter who has increased his productivity in every subsequent year, Jaquez has averaged 17.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game this season. Jaquez put up a tidy 17 points against UNC-Asheville before dominating Northwestern to the tune of 24 points on 11-19 shooting. Jaquez can fill it up with ease.
Toronto Raptors draft: Jaime Jaquez brings experience, versatility.
What Jaquez lacks at this point is a 3-point shot that is going to make NBA defenders cower in fear. While Toronto hasn’t had the best luck of late when it comes to developing shooters, that likely won’t stop them from grabbing a rebounder, defender, and leader like Jaquez.
Jaquez is considered a borderline first-round pick that is going to be in the 20s in all likelihood, meaning that Toronto might need to trade down to get him. This course of action might not be too absurd, as they could and a terrific wing and recoup some of the capital the team traded away in the Jakob Poeltl deal.