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Miami Hurricanes Guards Brown and Walker Projected for 2018 NBA Lottery

By Alan Rubenstein

Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Miami Hurricanes guard Bruce Brown (11) dunks ahead of Michigan State Spartans defense during the first half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Miami Hurricanes guard Bruce Brown (11) dunks ahead of Michigan State Spartans defense during the first half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dauster only projects the 2018 NBA Draft first round. Miami Hurricanes point guard Ja’Quan Newton will also be a candidate to be drafted next season. He is likely to go in the second round.

Dauster’s 2018 NBA Draft projcetions went up in barely enough time to let the ink on the 2017 NBA draft dry. Walker is a part of what the consensus says is the best recruiting class in Miami history. Miami is also bringing in four-star recruits point guard Chris Lykes, forward Deng Gak and three-star forward Sam Waardenburg who enrolled in February.

Walker and Brown should be one of the most dynamic duos nationally. Dauster projects the Hurricanes as a national title contender next season. The key to that could be center-forward Dewan Huell who was a five-star signee in 2016.

Walker and Brown will be the players to watch though. It’s surprising that Dauster projects Brown to go first. Most of the earlier 2018 mocks had Walker as a sure lottery pick and Brown seemingly well below that.

With one year in college already under his belt and big games against North Carolina twice and Duke Brown has risen up the draft boards even in the offseason.

"9. Bruce Brown, Miami, So.: I’m all-in on Miami as a national title contender this season, and one of the biggest reasons why is Bruce Brown. He’s a 6-foot-5 combo-guard with long arms and a physical frame, he shoots it well from three and can operate in pick-and-rolls and has a competitive fire about him that cannot be taught. I think there’s a chance that he ends up being the ACC Player of the Year this year, and if Jim Larrañaga can work his point guard magic with him, he’ll be a top ten pick in June."

Walker showed his skills and bright future in the Jordan Brand Classic. The 6’5 guard from Reading, Pennsylanivia shared the Most Valuable Player award with Louisville-bound forward Brian Bowen.

Walker scored 19 points on nine of 14 from the floor. Seventeen of his 19 points came in the second half. He scored seven straight points during a 15-0 third quarter run by Walker’s West team. Walker scored seven in the McDonald’s All-American game.

Related Story: Lonnie Walker Jordan Brand Classic Co-MVP

"13. Lonnie Walker, Miami, Fr.: Another one of the reasons I think that Miami is going to be awesome this season. Walker is a big, long and strong shooting guard than can play with the ball in his hands. He made 40 percent of his threes on the Nike EYBL circuit and he has the tools to be a big time defensive menace. He’s one of my favorite guards in the Class of 2017."

Brown and Walker should thrive together in Larranaga’s guard driven system. The only true point guard on Miami’  roster is Lykes. Newton is more of a combo guard. He played point guard last season out of necessity.

Brown saw time at point guard last season. Larranaga is likely to rely on all four of his guards next season to have ball handling duties.

Next: Ohio State Passes Miami Hurricanes for Top 2018 Recruiting Class

Brown and Walker should become the first tandem in Miami Hurricanes history to be first-round picks in the same draft.

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