There was no 47-point performance from Malik Monk this week, but there was plenty to watch on the prospect watch. From Wednesday's Kentucky-Louisville game to Grayson Allen's contagious case of the trippings, some big names highlighted the week before conference play begins in earnest.
Without further ado, here's this week's risers and fallers.
Malik Monk, guard, Kentucky (6-4/185)
Last week, Monk made headlines on the national stage with 47 points against North Carolina. However, against rival Louisville Wednesday, Monk's shot simply wasn't there. In fact, he made more three-pointers vs. UNC than he made total field goals at Louisville, who beat Kentucky, 73-70.
It certainly isn't easy playing in a hostile road environment, but it's also understandable why one would expect more out of Monk after his standout performance Saturday. He was just 6 for 17 against Louisville, including an abysmal 1 for 9 showing from three. He played nine fewer minutes than he did vs. UNC because he was in foul trouble, finishing with 16 points.
Monk's basketball instincts were still in full force despite the absence of his shooting touch. After missing his first seven threes, he still had the confidence to shoot and make a three with the Wildcats down four in the final 15 seconds. His game-tying shot fell short, but Monk showed why he's a top prospect with his willingness to step up even on a down night.
Grayson Allen, guard, Duke (6-4/185)
While Monk's confidence was praiseworthy, Grayson Allen's brazenness was not endearing to the basketball community. Reprising his antics from March's NCAA Tournament run, Allen once again tripped an opponent, although he was rightfully called for a techincal foul this time.
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After his technical, Allen threw what can be described as a temper tantrum after Coach K put him in time out on the bench, forcing assistant coach Jon Scheyer to try and calm him down. To make matters even worse for Allen, the solid shooter was just 1 for 8 from the field, including just 1 for 6 from three. He ended up with just three points and three fouls in Duke's 72-61 win over Elon.
Allen was understandably suspended indefinitely by Duke for his actions and he'll need to get things under control. The junior could be a solid late first round to early second round pick if he comes into the draft, but his on-court antics allow NBA scouts to question his maturity.
Markelle Fultz, guard, Washington (6-4/195)
Monk may have made the biggest headlines thus far in the college basketball season, but Markelle Fultz has been the early favorite for No. 1 overall pick in June. The freshman point guard has dazzled from the Pacific Northwest and shown his strong potential despite the Huskies' middling 7-5 record.
Washington played twice this week, beating Cal Poly, 77-61, and topping Seattle, 94-72. Fultz had 32 points, four rebounds and 11 assists across two games, while picking up two blocks in each game. The scoring was actually down from his averages (22 points, 6.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists). Adding to his impressive resume is a 46.8 percent mark from three-point range, although he was just 2 for 7 this week.
Josh Jackson, guard, Kansas (6-8/203)
Monk had a down game and Allen lost his cool, but Josh Jackson kept on going strong this week in Kansas' easy win at UNLV. Taking to Vegas like the Golden Knights, Jackson easily slipped through the Runnin Rebels' defense and shot 9 for 16 from the field while corralling nine rebounds.
Jackson still is having trouble shooting from distance. He was 1 for 2 from three in the game, but he is just 26.9 percent from deep this year. He is also 54.2 percent from the free throw line, a mild concern.
OG Anunoby, forward, Indiana (6-8/235)
Remember Anunoby? Then a freshman, the forward rose from relative unknown to solid prospect thanks to a sterling NCAA Tournament performance, including his showing in a win over a favored Kentucky squad. The Ringer described Anunoby as having the length of a center yet the quickness of a point guard, which is a lethal combination that makes scouts swoon.
Anunoby has dealt with injuries this season, missing the Hoosiers' first three games of December. However, he's returned for their last three games and was especially efficient in two games this week. Granted, he faced weak competition in blowout wins over Delaware State and Austin Peay, but over 41 minutes, he shot 12 for 15 (2 for 5 from three and 10 for 10 from inside the arc) while pulling in 14 rebounds and five blocks.
Quick Hits
Dennis Smith Jr., guard, NC State (6-3/195)
Twenty-three points on 9 for 12 shooting, 4 for 5 from three, four rebounds, six assists, three steals, two blocks in an 89-57 win over McNeese.
Jayson Tatum, forward, Duke (6-8/204)
Eighteen points on 7 for 22 shooting (0 for 4 from three), eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, four blocks vs. Elon (72-61 win).
Bam Adebayo, center, Kentucky (6-10/250)
Eleven points on 5 of 6 shooting, 1 for 6 on free throws, nine rebounds, one assist, two blocks in a 73-70 loss to Louisville.
