College hoops are starting to get into full gear with conference play right around the corner. With the Sixers potentially holding two high lottery picks, it's worthwhile keeping an eye on how some of the top prospects are doing in the NCAA.
Here's a look at Saturday's risers and fallers, starting with a headline performance from Kentucky.
Malik Monk, guard, Kentucky (6-4/185)
Oh my, Malik Monk put on a show on Saturday. In easily the best college basketball game so far this year, Monk went for an insane 47 points, including a game-winning three to help Kentucky beat North Carolina, 103-100.
Monk, who had 27 points at halftime, seemed like he simply couldn't miss, whether evading defenders on his way to the hoop or hoisting threes from the outside.
The moment of the game came with Kentucky down 100-98 with under 30 seconds to go. Monk got the ball behind the arc, pump faked, and put up a three with a hand in his face, making the clutch shot. The freshman guard finished 18 of 28 from the field while making 8 of 12 threes.
Josh Jackson, guard, Kansas (6-8/203)
Jackson actually rates higher than Monk on many experts top lists for next June's draft. The freshman has been quite impressive this year, scoring in double figures in all but his first game. He averages 15 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game, although he hasn't been quite as efficient from three.
Jackson helped the Jayhawks avoid an upset bid by a pesky Davidson squad on Saturday. Making 8 of 17 shots, Jackson had 18 points, eight rebounds and three assists, pretty similar to his season averages. He added two steals and a block in the 89-71 Kansas win.
Philadelphia 76ers
Complete coverage of the Philadelphia 76ers and their rivals in the NBA from NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Lonzo Ball, guard, UCLA (6-6/190)
The Bruins are back near the top of the polls and it has been in large part thanks to a sweet-shooting freshman: Lonzo Ball. The point guard is shooting 55 percent from the field and over 45 percent from three-point range to lead the Bruins.
Before Monk would light up Las Vegas, Ball nearly had himself a triple-double on the same court in an 86-73 win over Ohio State. Ball scored eight points on just eight shots (2 for 5 from three), but he dished out nine assists and had nine rebounds.
De'Aaron Fox, guard, Kentucky (6-4/171)
What would a recent college basketball season be without a few standout Kentucky freshmen? Fox, a freshman point guard with an impressive afro, showed he is a lot more than a man with a solid hairdo on Saturday.
Fox scored 24 points on 21 shots vs. the Tar Heels and dished out 10 assists, many of which were passes to Monk. The freshman point guard averages 15.1 points and 6.9 assists a game, making him one of the most highly sought after guards for 2017's draft.
Tyler Lydon, forward, Syracuse (6-9/205)
Tired of a bunch of freshmen? Here's a sophomore who lit it up on Saturday. Tyler Lydon had some notable moments during the Orange's improbable Final Four run in 2016, but returned in a similar role for this year's team.
Lydon's shooting numbers have been down this season, but it wasn't an issue on Saturday. The 6-foot-9 sophomore went 12 for 13 from the field, making all three of his attempts from three. He also added nine rebounds and two assists, but the Orange lost, 78-72, to rival Georgetown at Syracuse.
Quick hits
Justin Jackson, forward, North Carolina (6-8/210)
Thirty-four points on 10 of 17 shooting, 4 of 7 from three, 10 of 15 on free throws, five rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Jonathan Isaac, forward, Florida St. (6-11/205)
Nine points on 2 of 3 shooting, nine rebounds, four steals, two blocks and four turnovers.
Lauri Markkanen, forward, Arizona (7-0/225)
Seventeen points on 5 of 10 shooting, 3 for 5 from three, seven rebounds and two steals.
