2025 NCAA Tournament: Top NBA Draft Prospects to Watch
March Madness isn’t just about brackets—it’s a goldmine for spotting future NBA stars. Here’s who to keep an eye on this year.
The Unmissable Headliner: Cooper Flagg (Duke)
Why He’s #1:
- Stats: 18.9 PPG | 7.5 RPG | 4.1 APG
- Skills: Elite defense, playmaking, and leadership. Scouts compare him to a young Jayson Tatum with better passing.
- Draft Projection: Locked as the 2025 No. 1 pick.
Flagg isn’t just Duke’s star—he’s the face of this draft class. His two-way dominance and basketball IQ have NBA teams drooling.
Duke’s Supporting Cast: More Lottery Talent
The Blue Devils aren’t a one-man show. Two more future first-rounders round out their roster:
- Kon Knueppel (Guard)
- Strengths: Lights-out shooter (45% from three), improved defense.
- Draft Range: Top-10 pick.
- Khaman Maluach (Center)
- Strengths: 7’2” frame, elite rim protection, surprising mobility.
- Draft Range: Rising into the lottery.
Tournament Sleepers: Prospects Poised to Shine
Kasparas Jakucionis (Illinois)
- Profile: 6’5” Lithuanian guard with Chauncey Billups-like poise.
- Why Watch Him: Clutch scorer, elite passer. A strong March could cement his top-10 status.
Tre Johnson (Texas)
- Profile: 6’6” scoring machine with a lethal iso game.
- Draft Ceiling: Top-5 pick. Think Devin Booker 2.0.
Big Names Missing the Madness
Two projected top-3 picks won’t be dancing:
- Dylan Harper (Rutgers): Playmaking guard with NBA pedigree (son of Ron Harper).
- Ace Bailey (Rutgers): High-flying wing with superstar potential.
Their absence opens the door for tournament standouts to climb draft boards.
March Madness = Draft Auditions
Pressure makes diamonds. These players can boost their stock with standout performances:
- Billy Richmond (Kentucky): Scoring guard needing a breakout to crack the lottery.
- Ismaila Diagne (Gonzaga): Versatile forward out to prove he dominates against top competition.
