Scott Howard-Cooper's post on Basketball | Latest updates on Sulia

One executive, on the growing draft chatter for UNLV power forward Anthony Bennett: "I've had people tell me...

he would be their No. 1 pick." There is the obvious disclaimer. Because someone from another front office says something, especially related to the draft, does not make it so. But honesty-based networking does happen. Players are discussed, especially if the conversation involves scouts and execs from teams that won't be picking in a certain range. It's hard to imagine an undersized power forward going No. 1, and right now Bennett's game only translates to PF at the next level. But the top spot is no longer strictly a Nerlens Noel / Shabazz Muhammad / Ben McLemore conversation. At worst, Bennett has moved into the top half of the lottery and very possibly into the top three. If he has monster games against bigger, physical power forwards and centers, whether the rest of the regular season or especially with the extra pressure of the tournament, all the better for his draft stock, whether he comes out this year or returns to UNLV for his sophomore season.