Sacramento will have some intriguing draft options come June, regardless of where the Kings land. But now it's time to look closer at the Arizona star.
Were the Sacramento Kings watching the action inside San Diego State's Viejas Arena Friday?
Darryn Peterson of Kansas hands the franchise a great reason to watch. Peterson is part of the nightcap action of March Madness Day Two. Peterson's name remains highly coveted across NBA circles and has Kings fans envisioning him wearing their gameday attire next season.
But there's another prized freshmen down in the 619 region who's worth a look. Especially after beating a Rod Strickland-led Long Island University team on Friday.
Here's why Koa Peat of Arizona is now deserving of a look from general manager Scott Perry and head coach Doug Christie.
Peat is an inside pounder
Arizona clearly loves feeding the 6-foot-8 talent down low. And for good reason.
Peat looks more like an oversized tight end going for the red zone lob. But he brings the power of a downhill running back in getting his baskets.
Too many opposing teams have worn down the Kings on the interior. Obviously it doesn't help when there's a litany of injuries. Rookie Maxim Raynaud has impressed in his league debut...but he needs help down the road on the interior.
Peat brings a mean streak who can set a tone. He did just that for Arizona to start its March Madness run on Friday.
Peat is humble
Christie will want some selfless players for his future roster.
Peat fits this bill. He's one who's downplaying having a spotlight, or even being in the shadow of fellow heralded freshmen AJ Dybantsa (BYU), Cameron Boozer (Duke) and Houston's Kingston Flemings.
"I'm just trying to play my game here. I'm not worried about what's in the media and all that," Peat told Roundtable after leading the 92-58 rout of Long Island.
He also praised the way LIU played even as a low No. 16 seed.
"They're a very well coached team. We knew they were going to play base and try to get downhill. They have a lot of really talented players," Peat added.
Peat can be late round find
Again, Peat isn't likely to fall into the top three, let alone the top 10.
But he looks like someone who can spark the bench when Sacramento needs an inside scorer.
Peat's power is one big strength. But his swift feet puts him at an advantage against defenders, even the ones taller and more physical than him.
He and Raynaud together could draw intrigue and light the beam up more.
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