Top 50 NBA Draft Prospects to Watch in the 2025 NCAA March Madness Tournament

The 2025 NCAA March Madness tournament is not just a battleground for college basketball supremacy but also a crucial stage for NBA scouts to evaluate the next generation of basketball talent. Here’s a detailed look at the top 50 prospects who are making waves in this year’s tournament.

1. Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke

• Height: 6-9 | Freshman | Top 100 Rank: 1 | TS%: 60.4%
• First Game: No. 1 Duke vs. TBD, Friday, 2:50 p.m. (CBS) Cooper Flagg, the consensus projected No. 1 pick, has been a cornerstone for Duke, impacting both ends of the court. Despite an ankle injury in the ACC tournament, he’s expected to return for the NCAA tournament, where his performance will be closely watched.

2. VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor

• Height: 6-5 | Freshman | Top 100 Rank: 4 | TS%: 55.8%
• First Game: No. 9 Baylor vs. No. 8 Mississippi State, Friday, 12:15 p.m. (CBS) Edgecombe’s explosive athleticism and defensive prowess have solidified his standing as a likely top-five pick. His development in ballhandling and aggressiveness will be key areas to watch.

3. Tre Johnson, SG, Texas

• Height: 6-6 | Freshman | Top 100 Rank: 5 | TS%: 56.0%
• First Game: No. 11 Texas vs. No. 11 Xavier, Wednesday, 9:10 p.m. (truTV) Johnson’s versatility and dynamic shot creation have been pivotal for Texas. NBA teams are keen to see how he handles the pressure of the tournament.

4. Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke

• Height: 6-7 | Freshman | Top 100 Rank: 8 | TS%: 63.7%
• First Game: No. 1 Duke vs. TBD, Friday, 2:50 p.m. (CBS) Knueppel’s mature style of play and scoring ability make him a reliable option for Duke. His performance in the absence of Flagg will be crucial.

5. Khaman Maluach, C, Duke

• Height: 7-2 | Freshman | Top 100 Rank: 7 | TS%: 72.6%
• First Game: No. 1 Duke vs. TBD, Friday, 2:50 p.m. (CBS) Maluach’s defensive presence and consistent effort have kept him in the spotlight. His ability to stay out of foul trouble will be vital for Duke’s success.

6. Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois

• Height: 6-6 | Freshman | Top 100 Rank: 6 | TS%: 60.5%
• First Game: No. 6 Illinois vs. TBD, Friday, 9:45 p.m. (CBS) Jakucionis’s size and playmaking skills have made him a standout. His recent struggles with shooting will be a key area to monitor.

7. Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma

• Height: 6-4 | Freshman | Top 100 Rank: 9 | TS%: 57.0%
• First Game: No. 9 Oklahoma vs. No. 8 UConn, Friday, 9:25 p.m. (TNT) Fears’s scoring instincts and shot creation have been impressive. His decision-making and defensive consistency will be under scrutiny.

8. Derik Queen, C, Maryland

• Height: 6-10 | Freshman | Top 100 Rank: 11 | TS%: 60.0%
• First Game: No. 4 Maryland vs. No. 13 Grand Canyon, Friday, 4:35 p.m. (TBS) Queen’s offensive skills and ability to attack from different spots make him a unique prospect. His effort on defense will be a focal point.

9. Egor Demin, PG/SG, BYU

• Height: 6-9 | Freshman | Top 100 Rank: 10 | TS%: 50.8%
• First Game: No. 6 BYU vs. No. 11 VCU, Thursday, 4:05 p.m. (TNT) Demin’s passing and defensive improvements have been notable. His shooting struggles and decision-making will be areas to watch.

10. Jase Richardson, PG/SG, Michigan State

• Height: 6-3 | Freshman | Top 100 Rank: 24 | TS%: 64.9%
• First Game: No. 2 Michigan State vs. No. 15 Bryant, Friday, 10 p.m. (TBS) Richardson’s pace and shotmaking have been key for Michigan State. His defensive intensity and slashing ability will be crucial.

This list continues with detailed profiles of each prospect, highlighting their strengths, areas for improvement, and how their performance in the NCAA tournament could impact their draft stock. Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament progresses.