The Bucks are slogging through the final quarter of somewhat meaningless basketball. A trip to the play-in seems less and less likely with each passing game, and Bucks fans have their eye trained on the latest shifts in lottery order rather than actual playoff standings. With March Madness merely five days away, there are several prospects worth your time that could join the Bucks in June.
Note: Mikel Brown Jr. may be on the Bucks’ shortlist but will sit out the remainder of the ACC tournament. Brown and
Louisville ruled out a return as the projected lottery pick focuses on rehabbing a persistent back injury. Brown targeted a return to the court by Louisville’s first-round tournament matchup in about a week.
Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky)
Sophomore center Jayden Quaintance is a prospect to watch for a Bucks squad sorely lacking in frontcourt depth. Weighing in at 6’10” and 255 pounds, Quaintance is a gifted athlete with a wide wingspan, high bounce, and game instincts. He’s a gritty rebounder who’s shown flashes of finesse, scoring, and shooting throughout the season.
The only issue? Quaintance has struggled with injuries throughout the season. Rebounding from a torn ACL and meniscus during his freshman year, Quaintance has missed 17 straight games due to continued knee soreness. Injury history for a big man whose draft stock is tied to his mobility is never a good sign, and it’s looking unlikely that Quaintance will suit up at all this season, let alone today.
Quaintance and the 20-11 Kentucky Wildcats face the Missouri Tigers in the second round of the SEC tournament. Kentucky is a more or less a lock to make the tournament, so a loss won’t affect their chances of making the Big Dance. However, they could move up from their projected seventh seed, while playing spoiler to a Mizzou team teetering on the edge. Beating Missouri on Thursday would take them to a Friday afternoon matchup against top-seeded Florida.
Watch: 11:30 a.m. CDT on SEC Network.
Hannes Steinbach (Washington)
Washington forward Hannes Steinbach has emerged as the 2026 draft class’ X-factor. An imposing big man and a gifted rebounder, the German boasts a thick 6’11” frame that allows him to physically outmatch opponents. He shows levels of finesse and footwork around the rim, and his basketball IQ and maturity show in his lethality off the pick-and-roll. He’s an adequate shooter (he shoots 35.6% from three), but he faces several questions as the draft rolls around.
For one, he has significant holes on defense: he doesn’t show the dominant defensive presence you would expect from him. There are moments he’s hesitated in the paint and been torched for it. Additionally, his limited mobility and athleticism raise warning signals. Despite this, Steinbach is one of the most exciting prospects on the draft and could be a great big to pair with Giannis in the frontcourt.
Washington has virtually no possibility of earning an at-large bid, so they’ll have to win four straight in four days to keep their season alive. Helped by Steinbach’s 10 points and 11 boards in an overtime dub over USC, they’ll face nationally ranked Wisconsin to move on in the season. Thursday could very well be the last game Steinbach plays in a Huskies jersey.
Watch: 1:30 p.m. CDT on Big Ten Network
Nate Ament (Tennessee)
Ament has been a polarizing pick for draft analysts nationwide. The wiry Tennessee forward has been solid throughout the season: terrific at moments (Alabama home) and putrid in others (Syracuse at the Players’ Tournament). He’s certainly an intriguing talent; he pairs a 6’10” frame with guard-like mobility and athleticism to run the floor and space out defenses. He has the defensive tools and length to be really frustrating, and his versatility has seen him play anywhere from the two to the four.
His shooting has been the biggest question mark on his profile. Despite fluid mechanics and form, Ament shoots just over 30% from deep, hampering his efficiency. His inconsistent shooting goes hand in hand with his season-long on-and-off offensive production. Additionally, Ament must get stronger before the NBA season, or he will struggle in his preferred forward slot.
Ament is questionable for Tennessee’s conference tournament game against Auburn. Although Tennessee is a lock for the tournament, getting Ament back from an ankle sprain could help him ease back into the offense and regain his shot. He’ll likely get some form of playing time during the tournament, whether it’s against a struggling Auburn or later in the conference tournament.
Watch: 2:00 p.m. CDT on SEC Network
Braylon Mullins (UConn)
Braylon Mullins of UConn has drawn comparisons to Kon Kneuppel and Reed Sheppard (cliché, I get it) for his sharpshooting. He has a quick release and consistent shooting form, and, in an offense known for its constant catch-and-shoot opportunities, he has thrived. Pairing that with his off-the-ball movement and ability to hit a variety of jumpers has led many scouts to believe he will be a high-level two-way guard.
His shooting isn’t the only aspect of his profile. He’s an incredibly intelligent guard who uses his tight dribble and feel for the game to create separation for himself and shots for teammates. He’s a competitor and a gritty defender, and he fits right into Dan Hurley’s high-octane offense. There are questions about how his athleticism fits in at the next level and whether his thin 6’5” build will weather the NBA physicality, but his consistency has landed him in the low lottery range.
Mullins and UConn will face a struggling Xavier side in the Big East quarterfinals as they seek to support their case for a #1-seed in March Madness.
Watch: 6 p.m. CDT on FS1.
Keaton Wagler (Illinois)
Wagler, Illinois’ breakout freshman, could rise as high as no. 4 or drop to as low as no. 8 or no. 9, depending on his performances for Illinois in the postseason. He’s amazed scouts because of his scoring; he’s a knock-down shooter (41% from range) and consistently gets separation through his dribble. His height (6’6”) allows him to see over the defense and make plays for teammates, and he pairs active hands, a lengthy wingspan, and a high IQ to blow up plays on defense. He proved that he was for real with a historic 46-point outburst against Purdue.
There is still uncertainty about whether Wagler is truly ready for the NBA because of his limited strength and relatively low athleticism. He has the highest ceiling, but a pretty low floor as well. If he wants to succeed in the league as a Shai-like guard, he needs to continue developing physically. There’s no question that Wagler, a leader in the Illinois locker room, will take the right steps to do so.
Wagler and no. 9 Illinois will face the winner of Northwestern-Purdue in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament. Continuing to play into Wagler’s on-ball skills will be vital to Illinois’ tournament schedule
Watch: Friday at 5:30 p.m. CDT on Big Ten Network
Labaron Philon (Alabama)
Labaron Philon weighs in as one of the best guards in the draft and one of the best players in Division One basketball. The sophomore guard averages 21.5 points and 4.8 assists per game on .507/.389/.785 splits. He has the burst and pace of a perennial All-Star, and his vision and feel for the game are shown in his role as Alabama’s chief playmaker. His aggressive, Rambo-style play has helped him drop 35-point games in overtime wins. He’s also shone on the other side of the ball, pairing active hands and length to stop star players in their tracks. Plus, he’s the only player on the list to get a Rylo Rodriguez shoutout.
His hesitancy in decision-making, along with potential concerns over his shooting form and strength, has analysts picking Philon at the low end of the lottery. However, Philon is poised, refined, and has incredible potential as an explosive scorer and solid playmaker.
Philon’s high-scoring Crimson Tide earned a bid to the SEC’s quarterfinals. Alabama will play the winner of Georgia-Ole Miss on Friday.
Watch: 6:00 p.m. CDT on SEC Network
