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March Madness: 5 players Pacers should watch in the NCAA tournament

By Madie Chandler

Commissioner of the NBA (National Basketball Association) Adam Silver speaks during a press conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, on February 18, 2023. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
Commissioner of the NBA (National Basketball Association) Adam Silver speaks during a press conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, on February 18, 2023. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Jarace Walker (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Jarace Walker (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

1. Jarace Walker- F, Houston; Projected Top-5

Jarace Walker already has NBA strength and size that propel him into top-5 territory of the 2023 draft.  He’s 6’8″ with a 6’11” wingspan, has elite defensive upside, and has shown a level of offensive promise this season at Houston.  His athleticism allows him to play tough, dynamic defense and scramble after rebounds.  While Walker is still unpolished on offense and doesn’t shoot well from range, he’s been efficient in finishing around the rim.

Walker’s athletic build and defensive promise could carry him to the Pacers’ starting lineup next season.  A pairing of Myles Turner and Jarace Walker in the frontcourt could severely disrupt opposing offenses.

The 1-seeded Houston Cougars are slated to play the 16-seeded Northern Kentucky Norse at 9:20pm Thursday (3/16).

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