Six potential future Mavericks to watch Saturday

A few weeks ago, we took a look at a trio of Kentucky Wildcats who have the potential to be high draft picks come June. As we move through the rest of the season, I’ll be handpicking college games that will give you a preview of other potential future Mavericks.

Here are two games and six players to watch on Saturday, January 14, which, conveniently, is a Mavs off day.

Game 1: No. 14 Louisville vs. No. 7 Duke | 11:00am CT | ESPN

The guy to watch

Jayson Tatum | Duke | 6’ 8”, 205 lbs | SF

Tatum has burst onto the scene in the past nine games for Duke, averaging 17.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. The freshman from St. Louis has great athleticism and size for a small forward, and he’s capable of getting out and scoring in transition.

His ball-handling ability is great, and his ability to score around the rim is fantastic. He rebounds incredibly well for his position and could even flex down to the power forward spot in small rotation situations.

Others to keep an eye on

Frank Jackson | Duke | 6’ 3”, 215 lbs | PG/SG

Jackson has good size for a potential point guard, and he’s shooting pretty well from three this season (37.5 percent). He’s averaging 11.6 points per game and is a capable passer. But despite his passing ability, he tends to be a shoot-first guy.

Luke Kennard | Duke | 6’6”, 202 lbs | SG

Kennard is Duke’s leading scorer, averaging over 20 points per game while also pulling down 5.5 rebounds. He’s lights out from deep, shooting over 44 percent from three this season.

While his size (particularly his wingspan) is somewhat lacking, his ball skills and shooting ability are almost unmatched. He’ll be in the national player of the year conversation when things are all said and done.

Game 2: No. 11 North Carolina vs. No. 9 Florida State | 1:00pm CST | ESPN

The guy to watch

Jonathan Isaac | FSU | 6’10”, 210 lbs | SF/PF

Isaac has launched himself into the lottery pick conversation with a stellar beginning to his freshman season. He’s averaging 12.1 points and 7.2 rebounds per game on 51.8 percent shooting from the floor and 34.9 percent from deep.

Isaac is a phenomenal athlete for his size, showing great quickness and a nice vertical, and he’s surprisingly smooth. He moves like a smaller guard or forward and is capable of playing away from the rim. While he still needs to work on his defensive game, his offensive ability is clearly an asset.

Others to keep an eye on

Dwayne Bacon | FSU | 6’7”, 220 lbs | SG/SF

Beyond having an awesome last name, Bacon is the leading scorer for the Seminoles this season, averaging almost 18 points per game. The sophomore notched 13 points, six rebounds, and five assists in Florida State’s upset win over Duke on January 10, although he did turn the ball over seven times.

Bacon’s strength and solid build give him a leg up when he drives to the basket, and he has the ability to finish through contact around the rim. He’s definitely not afraid to mix things up, and he’s a decent rebounder for his height.

Tony Bradley | UNC | 6’10”, 240 lbs | C

Bradley is a freshman center who is only averaging 15 minutes per game for the Tar Heels, but he has some serious potential. In those 15 minutes, he averages 8.1 points and 5.7 rebounds. He’s already well on his way to having an NBA body, and his skill set, while somewhat raw, clearly has a high ceiling.