March Madness is a proving ground for future NBA stars, a stage where draft stocks can soar overnight. While Cooper Flagg remains the consensus No. 1 pick, there are plenty of other prospects looking to leave their mark on college basketball’s grandest stage. Here are seven players to keep an eye on as they aim to solidify their status in the 2025 NBA Draft.
- VJ Edgecombe, Baylor (Freshman, Guard)
With projected top-three picks Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey missing the tournament, Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe has a golden opportunity to climb draft boards. Known for his explosiveness and relentless motor, Edgecombe thrives in transition and on the defensive end, often making momentum-shifting plays.
The key for him in March Madness will be proving he can do more than just slash and score in transition. Baylor will need him to create shots for himself and others, an area where scouts still have questions. If he can answer them, he could make a compelling case to be the No. 2 prospect behind Flagg.
- Kon Knueppel, Duke (Freshman, Wing)
Kon Knueppel is an elite shooter, knocking down 39.2% of his three-pointers and a remarkable 91.4% from the free-throw line. At 6-foot-6, he possesses a smooth shooting stroke in any scenario, whether coming off screens or pulling up in transition. However, his game extends beyond shooting.
When Duke’s star Cooper Flagg suffered an ankle injury in the ACC tournament, Knueppel stepped up, running a season-high 14 pick-and-rolls and thriving as a playmaker. March Madness will be his chance to prove he can continue playing that role alongside Flagg, potentially elevating Duke to a championship and his own draft stock into the top 10.
- Jase Richardson, Michigan State (Freshman, Guard)
For Michigan State to reach the Final Four, two things must happen: their defense must remain elite, and Jase Richardson must take charge offensively. The Spartans struggle from three-point range, often relying on Richardson to create and convert shots, whether off screens or in isolation.
A crafty 6-foot-3 scorer, Richardson excels in the midrange and around the rim, showing a natural feel for the game. However, as a freshman leading a team through the pressure of March Madness, he will need to prove he can generate offense consistently against top-tier defenses. If he does, he could cement himself as a top-five pick.
- Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma (Freshman, Guard)
Oklahoma’s tournament hopes hinge largely on Jeremiah Fears, an electric guard with a knack for making big plays. With the Sooners set to face the reigning champions, UConn, Fears will have a prime opportunity to showcase his game-changing ability. His mix of speed, shot-making, and clutch performance—including a game-winning, and-one three-pointer against Michigan—makes him a player to watch.
However, inconsistency has been a concern. His erratic shot selection contributed to Oklahoma’s SEC tournament loss to Kentucky. If he can balance his scoring instincts with smarter decision-making, he could solidify himself as a lottery pick rather than a player who might need another year in college.
- Derik Queen, Maryland (Freshman, Center)
Derik Queen stands out among big men in this year’s tournament due to his rare combination of brute strength and finesse. At 6-foot-10, he possesses the physicality of a traditional post player but also showcases guard-like ball-handling skills. One possession he’s overpowering defenders with a drop-step; the next, he’s spinning through traffic and dishing out assists. Think of him as a more agile DeMarcus Cousins, but with a more composed demeanor.
For Maryland to make a deep run, Queen’s defensive presence will be crucial. He has shown flashes of perimeter versatility but has also battled bouts of fatigue. If he remains locked in, he has the potential to dominate and elevate his draft stock into the top five.
- Alex Condon, Florida (Sophomore, Center)
Australian big man Alex Condon brings a rugby-like toughness to the court, setting the tone with his high energy and physical play. Reminiscent of OKC’s Isaiah Hartenstein, Condon separates himself from other hustle bigs with his underrated passing and perimeter skills.
Though often a secondary option for Florida, he has had breakout performances, including a 27-point outburst against Alabama. If Florida makes a deep run, expect at least one game to be labeled as “The Alex Condon Game.” A strong showing could skyrocket his stock heading into the draft.
- Tre Johnson, Texas (Freshman, Guard)
Texas enters the tournament as an 11-seed and a bubble team, but Tre Johnson is the main reason they’re even in contention. A pure scorer with deep shooting range (39.2% from three), Johnson can make difficult shots look effortless.
His season has been a mix of brilliance and inconsistency, including a 39-point explosion against Arkansas and a scoreless game against Oklahoma. For Texas to overachieve, Johnson must not only score efficiently but also impact the game in other ways. If he finds consistency in March, he could solidify himself as a top-five pick in the draft.
March Madness is a make-or-break moment for NBA prospects, and these seven players have everything to gain. While some are already near the top of draft boards, a strong tournament showing could cement their status or even push them higher. As the tournament unfolds, keep an eye on how these players handle the pressure, knowing their NBA futures could be shaped in real time.