5 Top NBA Draft Prospects You Can Watch in Smaller Conference Tournaments This Weekend

In a tradition unlike any other in the world of sport, 32 conference tournaments will unfold before this year's NCAA Tournament bracket is unveiled during the annual selection show next weekend.

Before the big puppies -- the Big Ten, Big 12, ACC, Big East, and Pac 12 -- kick off next week, college basketball diehards will have the chance to witness other smaller, but no less captivating, knockout competitions this weekend.

To buy into the hype of this weekend's slate, let's highlight some of the best NBA prospects that will take to the hardwood in conference tourney play.

5. Joel Ayayi, Gonzaga

Gonzaga point guard Joel Ayayi / Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images

At 6-5, the 19-year-old Ayayi will have scouts drooling during conference tournament play. Whether he enters his name in the draft pool is up for debate, but the sophomore guard is certainly poised for a breakout showing this weekend for the Zags.

4. Neemias Queta, Utah State

Utah State center Neemias Queta posting up against New Mexico / Sam Wasson/Getty Images

A rash of lower body injuries stunted what was supposed to be a breakout sophomore campaign for Queta, but he's proven in the second half that he's a genuine NBA prospect. Averaging 12.5 points and 7.9 rebounds on 62% shooting, Queta is a stud on the defensive end, and welcomes physicality in the post on offense. At 7-0 and 245 pounds, the Utah State big will be tough to miss against Wyoming in the semifinals of the Mountain West Tournament on Friday night.

3. Corey Kispert, Gonzaga

Gonzaga small forward Corey Kispert / William Mancebo/Getty Images

Add Kispert to the endless list of players who feels like he's been in college forever. What's working in the junior's favor, however, is the fact that he's only 21 years old. Kispert won't wow you with his athleticism, but he's a reliable catch-and-shoot sniper and willing slasher.

2. Malachi Flynn, San Diego State

San Diego State point guard Malachi Flynn agains UNLV / Ethan Miller/Getty Images

San Diego State wasn't projected to be the powerhouse it morphed into this season, and that is largely due in part to Flynn. The junior facilitator is averaging 17.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game for the Aztecs. He's at the center of everything for head coach Brian Dutcher.

1. Grant Riller, College of Charleston

College of Charleston point guard Grant Riller / Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images

Riller might just be the best mid-major prospect in the country, and many mock drafts have him going late in the first round. If not for his age (23), he'd be higher up on draft boards, but Riller's impressive body of work with the Cougars is undeniable. The senior point guard is averaging 21.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists on 50.1% shooting this season for Charleston. He is definitely somebody to keep an eye on in CAA play this weekend.