2017 Big East Tournament: 6 Players To Watch For

Justin Patton

When thinking of one-and-done players many people will instantly look at the big named colleges. John Calipari began the trend at Memphis and Kentucky, and other powerhouses such as Kansas, Duke, and UCLA have followed suit. When thinking of Creighton, one-and-done players do not normally come to mind but that may be changing.

Patton has been very impressive as a freshman. He has been a consistent performer in the middle for an explosive Creighton squad

On the season Patton is averaging 13.1 points on a Big East high 69.3 percent shooting as he plays well above the rim. He also averages 6.3 rebounds per game, which leads Creighton and is sixth in the conference.

Patton is also a difference maker defensively, where he averages 1.5 blocks per game, which is fourth in the conference. He also averages just under one steal per game, as he showcases his athletic ability with the skill to hold his own in the perimeter when needed.

Patton is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. He can improve that stock with impressive showings on the big stage of the Big East Tournament and NCAA Tournament. If he plays well he could find himself as a legitimate option in the lottery. He has all the looks of a new age center standing 7-feet tall, weighing 230 pounds and being supremely athletic.