With the start of the New Year comes the action-packed conference season in college basketball. Most of the NCAA's top prospects were in action this week and some shone brighter than others. Here's a look at this week's risers and fallers.
Lonzo Ball, guard, UCLA (6-6/190)
Even in defeat, Ball showed why he's the real deal as a projected top-three pick. On the road at No. 21 Oregon on Wednesday, Ball had one of his worst first halves of the season, scoring just three points. But then he took over the game, plain and simple. He hit three consecutive threes and brought UCLA from a deficit to the lead late in the game.
Ball also had the choice defensive assignment of Dillon Brooks, who he held to just nine for 20 shooting. However, Brooks made the game-winning shot over Ball. The UCLA freshman still finished with 14 points and six assists despite a poor start to the game. He was involved in every part of the Bruins' offense in the second half, pushing the ball in transition and putting pressure on the Ducks' defense.
Ball and the Bruins rebounded Friday. On 7 for 14 shooting (4 for 8 from three), Ball had a career-high 23 points to go with seven rebounds and six assists in a win at Oregon State, 76-63. While he has a very unconventional three-point motion, it works quite well and makes him a threat from all over the court, maybe even halfcourt like his brother.
Malik Monk, guard, Kentucky (6-4/185)
Ho hum, another week, another impressive game from the Kentucky freshman. Travelling to Ole Miss, Monk and the Wildcats went off in a 99-76 win. Monk was electric. He pumped in 34 points, going 11 for 16 from the field and 5 of 7 from three. He also had six rebounds and three steals.
Unfortunately for Monk, it wasn't even the most impressive performance for the Wildcats. Sophomore Isaiah Briscoe put together a triple-double with 19 points, 11 assists and 10 boards. It's easy to rack up assists with a player like Monk beside you, but a college triple-double is still quite impressive, even when you see games like that every other day from Russell Westbrook or James Harden.
Lauri Markkanen, forward, Arizona (7-0/225)
The Finnish freshman forward (say that 10 times fast!) and the Wildcats began conference play with a comeback win at Cal. Fellow projected lottery pick Ivan Rabb had a strong game for the Golden Bears with 16 points and 16 rebounds, but Markkanen and Co. were able to pick up the win.
Markkanen wasn't quite as sharp from the field as he normally is, going 5 of 12 and 1 of 5 from three. He's a strong stretch-4, but he's allowed an off-night every once in a while, particularly when he's scored in double-figures for No. 18 Arizona in all but one game this year. His 13 points and 10 rebounds amounted to his second double-double of the year and was key to a conference-opening win.
Jayson Tatum, forward, Duke (6-8/204)
Tatum is expected to be a top-10 pick in June and he's shown flashes of brilliance for the No. 5 Blue Devils. However, he hasn't quite been the dominant force many expected while fellow prospect Harry Giles has toiled away on the bench since returning from a knee injury.
With Grayson Allen out with a suspension Saturday, Tatum and the Blue Devils fell on the road at Virginia Tech, 89-75. Tatum played nearly the entire game (38 minutes), the most minutes he's had in six games this year. He was 6 for 14 from the field, making 2 of 5 from three while corralling seven rebounds. His 18 points were nowhere near enough for Duke, which succombed to an upset bid by the Hokies.
Josh Jackson, guard, Kansas (6-8/203)
Jackson had unequivocally his worst game of the season to close out 2016. After nearing a season-high with 21 points at UNLV, he was held to just four points Friday night at TCU. Kansas, with its firm grip on the Big 12, still came away with the win, 86-80, to begin its title defense.
Jackson played just 13 minutes due to foul trouble and eventually fouled out. He had two rebounds, three assists and shot 2 for 8 from the field. A strong shooter in high school, he didn't attempt a three in the game and is below 30 percent for the year. Shooting isn't a prerequisite to being a top pick (see: Simmons, Ben), but Jackson needs to be able to show a bit more of a shooting stroke to improve his elite scoring.
Quick Hits
OG Anunoby, forward, Indiana (6-8/235)
Fourteen points on 6 for 10 shooting, 0 for 3 from three, three rebounds, one assist, two steals in a 77-62 loss to No. 6 Louisville.
Jonathan Isaac, forward, Florida St. (6-11/205)
Five points on 1 for 6 shooting, nine rebounds, two blocks, one turnover in a 60-58 win over No. 12 Virginia.
Jaron Blossomgame, forward, Clemson (6-7/214)
Fourteen points on 6 for 12 shooting, 0 for 2 from three, three rebounds, one assist and one block in a 73-68 win over Wake Forest.