The Ultimate 2025 NCAA Tournament NBA Draft Prospect Guide
Every team. All of the 2025 NBA Draft prospects. Your ultimate draft prospect guide for the NCAA Tournament!
It’s finally here! March Madness! You know the deal—the stakes, the drama, etc. Because this is No Ceilings, and we cover the NBA Draft, I’m going to take you through an NBA Draft prospect-centered preview of THE ENTIRE NCAA TOURNAMENT FIELD. Yes, I’ve dedicated film time to the entirety of the field to make this happen. If you appreciate this type of content, make sure you’re subscribed to No Ceilings + and following me on Twitter/X! Let’s get down to business!
SOUTH REGION
#1 Auburn vs. #16, Winner of Alabama State vs. Saint Francis
Johni Broome ranked 23rd on our most recent consensus big board. The 6’9”, 240-pound big man has been one of the most dominant players in college basketball this season. He’s a stat-sheet stuffer. Broome can score inside and out. He’ll feast on easy looks inside as a roller and cutter, and he’s stellar on the offensive glass. While he might not be a true stretch big quite yet, it’s on the table for him. He’s made 32.3% of his threes over the past two seasons on a hair under five attempts per 100 possessions. What makes him uniquely special, though, is his passing. His 21.0 AST% is an otherworldly mark for a college big man, and it’s even better contrasted with his measly 7.5 TOV%. He can make every pass required of an NBA big man—short roll slings, face up dimes, wires to cutters from the top of the key, you name it. Broome’s feel, creativity, and execution make him one of the most polished playmaking big men to enter the draft in recent years.
Broome has been an impactful defender, too. His 8.1 BLK% is a strong mark by itself, but it’s all the more impressive considering his context. While Broome does anchor the Auburn defense from time to time, he’s also spent a lot of his minutes at the four this season. He has excellent instincts around the basket. Broome does a fantastic job of staying vertical to avoid fouling while pinpointing the ball for rejections. He’s not the bounciest dude in the world, but his timing and precision are elite. Broome slides his feet pretty well on an island, too, so it’s not like he’s toast when he has to guard in space.
There are reasonable concerns about Broome. He’s an older prospect who will turn 23 before the start of his rookie season. He doesn’t quite have center measurements, nor is he as agile as most NBA forwards. Offensively, he’s not really a lob target, but he’s not a floor spacer either. He doesn’t fit neatly into any one box. Still, I’m personally bullish on Broome. He’s an exceptional passer, a hard-nosed rebounder, and a crafty defender. He’s added new dimensions to his game every year, and he competes with an edge that’s tough to match. In my eyes, his well-roundedness, feel, and upward trajectory differentiate him from other older prospects.
The 6’1” Tahaad Pettiford ranked 53rd on our most recent consensus board. Personally, I’m lower on Pettiford than the rest of our crew and would imagine he returns to school based on the NBA’s reduced appetite for smaller guards. That said, the freshman has given reason to be excited about him in the long term. The dude is quicker than a hiccup, which enables him to generate space in a variety of directions. He has deep range and has made 37.6% of his threes on high volume this season. Pettiford is also a trustworthy decision-maker with a near 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. He’s a heads-up defender who generates a ton of steals (2.4 STL%). Pettiford’s lack of size, struggles to generate rim pressure, and poor finishing will be areas of development for him going forward.
I’m quite fond of Auburn’s older prospects as draft sleepers. First, we’ve got Chad Baker-Mazara. The 6’7” senior is already 25 years old, and he only weighs 180 pounds. Still, I think he’s got a real chance at the NBA. For starters, he’s a knockdown shooter who’s made over 40% of his career threes. He’s also a slippery downhill driver with a slick handle who sees the floor well (2.7 APG to 1.4 TOV). Defensively, he uses his long arms, quickness, and bounce to act as a disruptive force (1.2 SPG, 0.6 BPG). I’m also a big fan of Dylan Cardwell. Don’t let the counting numbers fool you. He’s 6’11” with an NBA frame and NBA athleticism. He’s an electric lob finisher, fantastic shot blocker, and he has more skill than most with those traits. Cardwell is a smart passer, and he’s light on his feet in space defensively. I think he’ll really surprise people during the pre-draft process. The big wart here is his dreadful free throw shooting, as he’s below 50% for his college career. 6’4” sniper Miles Kelly has some fans. He’s a dynamic threat from long range and a solid decision-maker. His skinny frame and lack of wing size make his defensive projection problematic, though. I’d imagine 6’4” guard Denver Jones will get some looks, too. He’s well built, can shoot threes (career 38.6% from deep on 9.4 attempts per 100 possessions), and has improved as a decision-maker over the years. His poor finishing and iffy defensive production make him more of a Summer League-tier guy. 6’6” freshman Jahki Howard is of interest to me in the long run. He’s an absolute skywalker who has made over 60% of his twos and has made his threes this year, albeit on low volume. He’s a super high-end athlete, so if the shot sticks in a bigger role, he’ll be worth monitoring.
Alabama State has a trio of good guards. Amarr Knox struggles from deep (31.6% 3FG), but he gets a ton of steals (3.5 STL%). TJ Madlock is also a poor shooter (30% from deep), but he’s a phenomenal rebounder for a guard who grabbed 7.0 RPG. 6’2” CJ Hines is a bomber, though. He’s made just under 38% of his threes on high volume this year. All three can score and are good decision-makers, giving the squad a slew of polished initiators.
The best pro prospect at Saint Francis is one for down the road—freshman guard Juan Cranford Jr. He just won the NEC Freshman of the Year Award. At 6’3” and 205 pounds, he’s got a well-developed frame, which is uncommon among young ball-handlers at the mid-major level. That serves him well in a number of areas. He's great around the basket, making 71.1% of his halfcourt rim attempts and holding up well against contact. Defensively, he holds up well at the point of attack, and he’s a good rebounder for a guard. Cranford also hit 37.9% of his threes on high volume, so he’s not just a brute. He needs to come along as an athlete and decision-maker, but keep an eye on him for the future. 6’2” junior and Australia native Riley Parker can also score inside-out while setting the table.
#8 Louisville vs. #9 Creighton
6’2” senior guard Chucky Hepburn had a phenomenal breakout season for the Louisville Cardinals. He was pretty much off of NBA radars prior to the year, but now, he could find himself on a two-way deal come June. He’s a stellar passer with an excellent ability to read the defense, and he leaves nothing on the table from an execution standpoint. He’s a willing pull-up shooter from deep, and his strong frame helps him finish inside. Hepburn is tough as nails and gets to the line a lot, too. Defensively, he plays like he has the other team’s playbook. He consistently gets into their passing lanes (4.1 STL%). His inconsistent scoring from the field over the years has been an issue. 6’6” wing Terrence Edwards is a slick, slippery driver who is tough to stay in front of. He also sees the floor well and takes some tough defensive assignments. His skinny frame and middling results from three have him on the outside looking in currently. 6’11” center James Scott lives above the rim. He’s also shown he can pass a little bit this season. Defensively, his agility and bounce give him an impressive level of versatility. The sophomore still needs to develop his body, though, as he’s thin by NBA standards and finds himself overpowered quite frequently.
For Creighton, 7’0” big man Ryan Kalkbrenner is the 38th-ranked prospect on our latest board. He does the big man stuff exceptionally well. His intelligence, length, and positioning make him a tremendous defensive anchor in drop coverage. Offensively, his catch radius makes him the most prolific dunker in college basketball. But even on non-dunks, his soft touch with both hands has enabled him to take his efficiency to an extremely high level. Plus, he’s started to take and make the occasional three this year. The hangup here is that he’s not particularly strong. Drivers get through his chest, he can struggle to hold position, and he doesn’t rebound that well. He’s also sort of a robotic mover. However, we’ve seen time and time again that the older, productive, “boring” prospects can tend to be undervalued in favor of theoretical younger prospects. He might not be the sexiest name in this draft class, but that doesn’t mean he’s anything other than a damn good prospect.
I’m really into Jackson McAndrew as a long-term prospect. He’s a 6’10” freshman, and he’s a laser from deep. Though still thin, he rebounded better than I expected this year, demonstrating that he’s got some dog in him. His defense and decision-making need to come along, but it’s tough to come by young players his size who shoot like he does. 6’6” guard Jamiya Neal might get some NBA looks. He competes on the glass, sees the floor well for his size, and his length goes a long way on defense. The elephant in the room is that he’s a sub-30% shooter for his college career. 6’1” Steven Ashworth can really shoot it and knows how to run an offense, but he’s way behind the curve from a body and physicality standpoint.
#5 Michigan vs. #12 UC San Diego
Danny Wolf has been one of the biggest surprises in college basketball this year. I covered him for my No Stone Unturned series highlighting under-the-radar prospects this offseason, but even I didn’t think he’d rank 18th on our board heading into the 2025 NCAA tournament. The 7’0” junior is uncanny. He’s an impressive shooter for a big man (35.0% on 3.0 threes per game), and he can orchestrate offense from the top of the key. What makes him unique, though, is his handle and on-the-go passing game. Per Synergy, his most common play type is acting as a pick-and-roll ball-handler. That’s right: he’s basically Michigan’s point guard. He has slick dribble moves and can use his length to create advantageous passing angles. He’s made strides defensively, too. Wolf transformed his body, making him much lighter on his feet and enabling him to get off the floor better. He uses his frame well in space and does a decent job of sliding his feet. He’s always been a great rebounder, too.
So, what’s the issue? Well, for starters, there’s some skepticism about the translatability of his jumper, as it is a bit hitchy. Some also wonder about his overall role since he won’t run pick-and-roll at the NBA level. And while Wolf does make some incredible passes, he’s prone to some really bad ones, too. He’ll occasionally send a ball sailing into the third row. He’s a below-the-rim leaper who has only dunked six times this year. Defensively, he’s still a bit unclear positionally. His bounce is better, but still suboptimal for a defensive anchor, and he covers ground slowly on the perimeter.
Personally, I’m a Wolf optimist. I think the offensive role can be scaled back into NBA functional elements (catch-and-shoot threes, occasional closeout attacks, DHOs, delay action, short-roll playmaking, etc.). While he’ll always be offensively tilted, I think he has enough strength and feel to stay above board on defense. The athleticism concerns, defensive shortcomings, and turnover issues are all valid, though. If we can see Wolf in a few more big games, it’ll provide helpful insights into how his game looks against the best competition.
Fellow big man Vladislav Goldin will draw NBA interest as a “garbage man big.” At 7’1” with a hulking frame, he’s a fantastic interior finisher. He’s also expanded his range out this year and has started to knock down the occasional triple. Goldin sets nasty screens and can clean up on the offensive glass. His size allows him to act as a rim deterrent in drop coverage. His ball skills (1.2 APG vs. 2.2 TOV) leave something to be desired.
The UC-San Diego Tritons are spearheaded by 6’6” senior Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones. He’s a highly skilled stat sheet stuffer. Tait-Jones has a smooth face-up game and slick handle, creating looks for himself en route to averaging 19.7 PPG. He’s also a sharp processor of the game who can pick apart defenses from the elbow and nail as a passer (3.6 APG to 2.0 TOV). He also shows a high level of effort defensively and on the glass. At his size, he’ll need to be more of a shooter to get NBA looks (32.6% from deep on low volume). 6’4” Hayden Gray is a 3-and-D combo guard. The long-range sniper has hit 40.6% of his threes this season, and he can spot up from deep behind the line. He’s a heads-up passer, too. Defensively, he has magnets for hands, racking up 3.4 SPG and posting a preposterous 6.0 STL%. He has sublime off-ball instincts, knowing when to gamble for digs and where to play in gaps to get to balls in passing lanes. It remains a bit of a question as to how scalable his play style is given his run-of-the-mill physical traits. 6’5” Tyler McGhie is also a deadeye bomber (39.1% 3FG on 8.8 attempts per game), but he lacks Gray's defensive punch.
The storyline to watch here is how well the turnover-prone Wolf deals with a bevy of guys who like to pick off passes.
#4 Texas A&M vs. #13 Yale
Texas A&M might be the funkiest team in the field from an NBA standpoint. None of their players have ranked in our Top 60 at any point this cycle. They’re led by Wade Taylor IV, a 6’0” guard who has never shot over 40% from the field but really knows how to set the table. 6’3” senior Zhuric Phelps gets buckets, but he’s similarly inefficient and turnover-prone. 6’9” junior Pharrel Payne is an undersized center, but he does a great job of protecting the rim (7.6 BLK%) and he’s as tough as they come. 6’7” wing Andersson Garcia has never topped 6.0 PPG, but he’s a Swiss Army knife who can make plays for others, clean up on the glass, and defend a variety of positions. 6’7” Solomon Washington is an excellent point-of-attack defender with an NBA-ready frame, but the junior struggled mightily from a scoring standpoint this year. Given his measurables, tools, and outstanding defensive production (2.2 STL%, 7.6 BLK%), he’s probably my favorite NBA bet long-term. While they might not have a prospect to get super excited about for 2026, they’re still worth watching for the matchups they create against other prospects. Texas A&M is a nightmare to play against, and it’s always interesting to see how opponents handle their smashmouth playstyle.
The Aggies will make for a particularly interesting matchup against Yale’s John Poulakidas. The 6’5” senior guard is an elite shooter who made 40.2% of his threes this year. He has NBA range, deep range, and a quick lefty release. He’s also got a bail-out mid-range shot-making bag. He can play low with the ball, rock defenders with counters, and generate space with speed changes. Defensively, he’s an engaged player but a poor mover by NBA standards. This is a great test for Poulakidas, who is on the fringe of two-way range. If he can get to his spots against bigger, better athletes while hanging on defense, it could do wonders for his stock.
6’4” combo guard Bez Mbeng might get some looks, too. He’s skinny, but he’s put the clamps on guys like current NBA player Dillon Jones and future pro Xaivian Lee at points during his college career. His 5.7 APG demonstrates his playmaking prowess, and he also finally got his shot right this year, hitting 36.4% from deep. His past inconsistencies from long range remain a concern.
#6 Ole Miss vs. #11, Winner of Texas vs. Xavier
Ole Miss has a few interesting players on the margins. 6’4” guard Matthew Murrell has gotten plenty of NBA looks over the years. The graduate is a good athlete, which really manifests itself defensively. He covers ground well, can stick with anybody, and is always a threat to make plays (3.4 STL%, 0.9 BLK% this year). While he hasn’t been great from three this year, he’s improved his shot diet, and has gotten all the way to the rim much more consistently. He does make some good passes, but he’s not a true lead guard, slotting him into the tricky “not quite wing” mold given his size. 6’9” junior Malik Dia is a tough nut to crack for me. He gets to his spots with funky movement patterns, he rebounds, he causes chaos on defense, and he’s reeled in some of his frustrating playmaking tendencies. Still, he’s not a blow-away athlete or shooter (33.3% from three), so the NBA role isn’t quite clear yet. 6’8” grad Jaemyn Brakefield has a strong build, competes hard on the glass, and really knows how to play. From an NBA standpoint, he’s still a little behind the athletic curve and not quite reliable enough as a shooter. I’m a Small Guard Skeptic, but I think Sean Pedulla has a puncher’s chance. The 6’1” senior has a fantastic frame despite his lack of length. He’s a super sharp passer, a great shooter (38.8% from three on 10.7 per 100 possessions), and a nasty defender (3.2 STL%). Pedulla is a poor finisher, and it will likely be difficult for him to contain the ball at the NBA level, given his suboptimal length.
Texas’s Tre Johnson is the seventh-ranked player on our board. The 6’6” freshman guard is an excellent bucket-getter. He can get his own shot in the mid-range and from beyond the arc. He hit 39.2% of his threes this year on 6.8 attempts per game. That’s particularly impressive given the shot difficulty. He rarely got clean looks, took a ton of pull-ups, and took many from deep behind the line. Even better, Johnson improved his playmaking process as the year went along. The game slowed down for him, and he made better decisions against heavy pressure (2.8 APG vs. 1.8 TOV). Defensively, he can use his body well at the point of attack, and he doesn’t get burned much off the ball.
There are some issues that could be upside inhibitors here. For starters, he’s not a great athlete. He struggles to create separation off the bounce. While his tough shot making is impressive, there’s a reason he has to take a lot of tough shots. He’s not quick, shifty, or powerful. Per Synergy, only 16.6% of his shots in the halfcourt were at the rim, and he only made 47.1%. Defensively, while he’s sound, he’s not disruptive. His passive approach led to muted steal and block rates.
On one hand, Johnson is an excellent shot maker. At his best, he looks like a Buddy Hield type shooter and scorer. Tyler Herro is another comparison he gets a lot (though I personally think Herro was quicker in college, although he had worse measurements). The issue is that his subpar athleticism, lack of rim pressure, and bland defensive output could make him more of a Gary Trent Jr. type. Texas got a second chance at life with this bid, and for Johnson, it’s an extra chance to bolster his stock.
The other Longhorn to watch is Arthur Kaluma. The 6’7” forward was a popular breakout pick a few years back, but a singular breakout year never came. That said, he quietly made massive improvements this off-season. He shot 36.7% from three and posted a positive assist-to-turnover ratio. His big body, love of physicality, and elite pump fake get him to the rim often. Defensively, it felt like his output finally matched his tools (1.9 STL%, 3.5 BLK%). I think a lot of people look at him as a guy who didn’t pan out, but the thing is—he has! People just stopped paying attention to him. There’s a real chance he ends up in the second round.
For Xavier, Dailyn Swain has been a buzzy name as of late. The 6’7” sophomore wing has an uncommon smoothness and a wicked handle that you don’t typically see from guys with his size and athleticism. He’s a smart passer (17.3 AST%) and a pick-six threat on defense (3.0 STL%). Swain’s blend of length, skill, and intelligence make him an intriguing proposition. The issue here is that he almost never shoots threes, and he’s made 16.7% of them through two seasons. Still, he’s made over 80% of his free throws during both college seasons, so it’s reasonable to think that’s fixable.
I’m also a big fan of Ryan Conwell, a 6’4” junior guard who is built like a football player at 215 pounds. He’s an unbelievable shooter who made 41.8% of his threes this year. He has great simple recognition out of ball screens, he can punch above his weight on the glass, and he showed more of an edge defensively this year. He’ll need to prove he can be more of a lead playmaker to win over NBA decision-makers. Personally, I think as long as he hits combo-guard thresholds, his exceptional shooting and huge frame will get him over the hump.
#3 Iowa State vs. #14 Lipscomb
Iowa State is one of those teams where you could ask five different scouts who their best prospect is, and you might get five different answers. None of them ranked in the Top 60 of our most recent board, but I think many of them have a claim at a potential long-term NBA career.
My personal favorite is Joshua Jefferson. The 6’8” junior forward brings an incredible combination of size, strength, savvy, and skill to the table. He’s got a big 220-pound frame, but he moves well, enabling him to guard a variety of positions. His feel is off the charts on defense, allowing him to rotate effectively and consistently stifle advantages. His 4.1 STL% and 3.0 BLK% demonstrate his disruptiveness. Offensively, his signature skill is his passing. He loves to sling cross-court water polo-style passes with one hand. He sees everything and is able to execute with a deep bag of deliveries. The swing skill is his shot. He’s always been a tentative shooter, though he’s made 33.3% of his triples this year. If he can be a knockdown shooter, he’s a surefire Top 20 guy next year. Everything else is there.
Leading scorer Curtis Jones often comes off the bench. The 6’5” senior is a microwave perimeter scorer who makes the occasional slick pass and can time steals well on defense. He’s not much of a rim pressure guy, though, and he’s a poor finisher. Plus, his skinny frame and iffy lateral agility can bite him on defense. 6’4” senior Keshon Gilbert is absolutely a rim pressure guy. He’s a hard-charging driver who gets deep into the paint at will, thanks to his blend of speed and power. From there, he can finish, make dump-off passes, or spray the ball out to shooters. Defensively, his strength and quickness enable him to force opposing ball handlers into mistakes time and time again. His career 3.7 STL% is outstanding. The issue here is that Gilbert is a particularly unwilling shooter for a guard. He shoots a moonball and sits at 33.3% from deep on low volume for the year. Milan Momcilovic stands 6’8” with one clearly bankable skill—he’s made 40.6% of his threes on 5.5 attempts per game this year. The sophomore has also taken a few steps forward athletically and is a solid decision-maker. Still, he’s not particularly strong or quick. He doesn’t have much to offer inside the arc, on the glass, or defensively. He’s a work in progress, but one worth monitoring. The 6’1” Tamin Lipsey is a defensive menace. He’s an elite defensive playmaker with a career 4.5 STL%. Offensively, his quickness and floor vision help him to initiate the offense. He also has the thick, sturdy frame common among smaller guards who find NBA success. Where it gets dicey for Lipsey is with his three-ball, as he’s a career 34.8% from deep on low volume for a guard. If the shot gets there, he could make a run at it during his senior season next year.
Lipscomb is headlined by Jacob Ognacevic. The 6’8” Sheboygan, Wisconsin native is an absolute bucket. He scored 20.1 PPG on 57.3/40.2/79.8 splits this season. He has a superb jump shot with a really high release point. He uses that to stroke it over opponents beyond the arc, in the mid-range, and beyond the arc. His combination of size and shooting will likely be enough to get him NBA looks during the pre-draft process. He’s a good rebounder, too. The concern here is his athleticism. He’s a rigid mover, which has limited his defensive counting numbers over the years.
#7 Marquette vs. #10 New Mexico
6’4” senior guard Kam Jones ranked 27th on our most recent big board. Jones had been on the radar in recent years due to his efficient scoring alongside the likes of Tyler Kolek and Oso Ighodaro. This year, he’s led the show, and he’s done a tremendous job of it. His transition from off-guard to lead guard saw his assist rate soar from 16.6% to 38.5%. He does a great job of keeping his dribble alive for prolonged periods of time and makes the simple reads at warp speed. In particular, his pass placement and ability to lead teammates with the ball stand out. He has great touch at the rim, making 64.5% of his halfcourt rim attempts. His wiggle and speed changes get him there often, too. Defensively, he works hard to cover ground, sticks to guys well off the ball, and knows where to go.
Still, it’s hard to know exactly how well all of this will scale to the next level. Jones isn’t much of an athlete. Defensively, his lack of quickness and size will put him behind the curve. His subpar bounce may force him to rely on even tougher rim angles inside than he already does. Jones also lacks a pull-up jumper, having gone 14-for-70 from beyond the arc off the bounce this year. He made over 40% of his threes as an off-ball player last year, but off-ball NBA players typically have better physical traits than Jones. March will give Kam Jones an additional chance to move the needle and push back against these concerns.
6’7” senior David Joplin is a guy who feels like he’s been on the brink for a while. He’s a physically strong wing who can guard multiple positions and make plays away from the ball (2.0 STL%, 3.5 BLK%). At his best, he can get microwave hot as a scorer. His inconsistency from deep and shaky on-ball decision-making have prevented him from making a Top 60 push. I’m bullish on 6’4” junior guard Chase Ross. He is an absolute terror on defense, always flying around and getting his hands on the ball (3.5 STL%, 2.6 BLK%). He’s gotten to show more on the ball as a passer, and he’s always been solid from deep. NBA teams will want to see more offensive firepower from him before they buy in, but I think he makes a Kam Jones-style leap next year.
The Lobos aren’t short on NBA upside. 6’2” junior Donovan Dent has been a popular sleeper name over the years. Let’s get the knocks out of the way—he’s short, he’s slim, and he’s not the most willing three-point shooter. The rest of his game is awesome. He lives in the paint. He’s bursty, slithery, and crafty. Plus, he has outstanding vision. He throws accurate and creative passes to set up clean looks for teammates time and time again. The man is a playmaking wizard. And while he might not take a lot of threes, he’s made them at a respectable clip each of the past two years. His 35.8 AST% is an elite mark. He makes plays like mad on defense, too. His career 2.5 STL% and 2.9 BLK% are stellar indicators for a guard. His feel is such that he knows where to be at all times, and his tools allow him to act on that. His size and shooting are serious, legitimate concerns, but there’s a lot of TJ McConnell, Jose Alvarado, and Craig Porter Jr. going on here.
6’9” big man Nelly Junior Joseph should be a Portsmouth invite. He’s an outstanding rebounder and versatile defender who made the Mountain West All-Defense team. He can swat shots or slide his feet. His lackluster scoring efficiency and subpar passing remain an issue. 6’4” sophomore Tru Washington is an awesome defender (4.1 STL, 1.3 BLK%) who has shown growth as a shooter this year (35.3% from three on decent volume). If he can evolve into more of a true point guard, I’d be head over heels for him.
#2 Michigan State vs. #15 Bryant
Michigan State will be led by 6’3” freshman guard Jase Richardson, who was the 20th-ranked player on our most recent board. He’s an absolute bucket. He has shifty footwork and an excellent handle. That enables him to create advantages, weave through traffic, and get to his spots. His touch is stellar, too. He’s great at the rim, making 64% of his shots there in the halfcourt, per Synergy. Richardson also has a reliable mid-range pull-up. He’s also a 43.9% catch-and-shoot three-point shooter who gets the ball out in a hurry. Plus, he’s produced well as a playmaker, limiting his mistakes and operating with a sense of poise. Defensively, Richardson covers ground well for his size. He has good lateral quickness and springs well to contest.
Where it gets tricky for Richardson is with his frame. Shorter guards face a steep uphill battle at the NBA level. He feels a little too easy to get around defensively at some points, and his lack of height will always make him something of a target. In conference play, he has had a bit of a harder time reading the floor on the go against bigger, longer, and more athletic opponents. He’s also been a lower usage player throughout the year, coming off the bench and feasting on second units for a good portion of the schedule.
Richardson could give front offices fits come June. On one hand, he’s a smaller guard who isn’t a stellar athlete, is a lower-volume shooter, and is an average defensive producer. Conversely, he’s scored everywhere on the floor and shown he can run the show for an excellent college team. The fact that he comes from a pro bloodline should help, too—this isn’t a guy who is going to come into the league without an understanding of what that entails. A rough March could hurt his stock. But if he continues to piece teams up through his cerebral, effective style, he could continue to his ascent up boards.
6’4” senior combo guard Jaden Akins leads the Spartans in scoring. He’s become a steadier playmaker over the years, and he can junk it up on defense, too. His inconsistent efficiency likely makes him more of a Summer League type, though. I can’t quit sophomores Coen Carr and Xavier Booker, either. The 6’6” Carr is built like a tank, and he’s one of the most explosive dunkers in college basketball. Defensively, his blend of power and speed enables him to make plays at a high clip (2.0 STL%, 4.6 BLK% through two seasons). He’ll need to become a better shooter or passer to get over the hump, though. The 6’11” Booker is light on his feet, blocks shots, and has shown potential as a shooter. His lack of rebounding and shaky decision-making have limited his playing time thus far, though.
I wouldn’t sleep on the Bryant Bulldogs. They possess way more firepower and athleticism than a standard America East Conference squad, making them more appealing from an NBA perspective than most teams in their league. Their most well-known commodity is Earl Timberlake. The 6’6” graduate was very much on NBA radars a few years back after a great freshman year at Miami. He stumbled in his next stop at Memphis, but he has really clicked these past two years. He’s got NBA physical tools. He feasts on the glass (8.4 RPG), and he’s a gifted passer who led his conference with 4.7 APG to only 2.4 TOV. He’s able to make a ton of plays on defense, both by virtue of his knack for locking down opponents and making plays off the ball. The issue here has always been his shot. He’s averaged 0.5 threes per game and made only 24.6% of his attempts from long distance over his college career. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets some looks pre-draft, as there are pieces of an interesting gadget player here.
6’6” senior Rafael Pinzon sits at the opposite end of the spectrum. He’s not much of a defender or playmaker, but he can shoot the cover off the ball. He’s made 39.1% of his threes on 7.1 attempts per game this year. I’m very enamored with 6’8” junior Barry Evans. He looks and moves like a pro. Evans has an impressive dribble game and can sling some impressive passes (2.7 APG). He can also create his own shot and finish well above the rim. Plus, he’s made 36.1% of his threes this season. His defensive playmaking numbers are solid, but he makes some frustrating gambles at times. 6’11” sophomore Keyshawn Mitchell also caught my eye as a high-motor rebounder who can shoot a little bit.
How well Jase Richardson deals with the big, physical guard that Bryant plays with makes for one of the more interesting matchups in the first round that features a giant seeding disparity.
WEST REGION
#1 Florida vs. #16 Norfolk State
On paper, the Florida Gators may not have one big, blow-away name, but they are one of the deepest prospect teams out there.
Walter Clayton Jr. ranked 49th on our most recent big board. Even as our resident Small Guard Skeptic, I’m a big fan of Walter Clayton Jr. The 6’2” senior does everything you need to do to stick in the NBA as a smaller guard. For starters, he’s a great defensive playmaker. He has a bulky frame that helps him to get physical at the point of attack. He has great hands digging in on the ball and gets up well for blocks. Offensively, his signature skill is his excellent jump shooting. Though he’s a hair over 38% from three over the course of his college career, don’t let the raw percentage fool you. He has absurd range both pulling up and shooting off the catch, his volume is off the charts, and he’s a career 87.5% free throw shooter. Eyes will be on Clayton’s playmaking for others during tournament play. He’s made tremendous strides as a creator for others and throws more accurate passes on the go than in the past. Still, he’s relatively inexperienced as a lead guard, having played alongside another initiator for most of his college career. His handle may not be where it needs to be at the NBA level. He can take over and score at all three levels, but how well he manages the game in big moments will be worth monitoring, too.
6’11” sophomore Alex Condon was 50th on our latest board. Personally, I’m bullish on the Australian native. He plays with a relentless motor at a frenetic pace. Defensively, he’s a disruptive force who is all over the place in the best way, posting a 6.1 BLK% and 1.7 STL% from the four-spot. He’s a great rebounder on both ends of the floor, competing with a relentless physicality on the glass. Where scouts split on Condon is projecting his offensive output to the next level. He’s a tough downhill attacker and a clever passer. Still, he’s a bit skinny to be a five. At the four, he’s not quite a willing enough shooter. He’s made 34.0% of his threes, but he’s only taking 1.6 per game. Ultimately, Condon is the type of bet I like to make. He’s tall, athletic, smart, and tenacious. His desirable attributes could help him fly up boards in a big way with a deep tournament run.
Several other Florida prospects will get NBA looks as well, both this year and down the road. 6’2” graduate Alijah Martin has a strong frame and competes with an unrelenting passion. He’s a guy you can go to war with. He’s a good rebounder for a guard, a tenacious defender, and a high-volume three-point shooter (though his percentages are run of the mill). Whether or not he can be enough of a lead guard remains a question. 6’5” wing Will Richard also has a pro-ready frame. That bodes him well at the point of attack. He, too, is a willing shooter and solid connective passer. He’s a bit of a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none, which has inhibited his buzz a bit over the years. Still, he’s really solid where it counts. 6’9” sophomore Thomas Haugh brings a lot to the table. He has good size, he’s a solid shooter, he’s great on the glass, he defends multiple positions, and he’s super sharp as a passer. I’m a big fan of him long term. I don’t know if the buzz is there for him to be a “this year” guy, but if he were to test the waters, he’d be a lot more interesting than most players projected to be in this class, at least in my book. 7’1” Micah Handlogten is another favorite of mine. The 7’1” center has heaps of length, and he knows how to use it. He’s hyper-efficient inside with nice touch on non-dunks, a disruptive defender, and a great per-minute rebounder.
Norfolk State is led by graduate guard Brian Moore Jr. He’s a shifty mover with a fantastic dribble game to get to his spots. Moore’s bounce and touch make him a great finisher, as he’s made 62.3% of his halfcourt rim attempts on the year. He’s also a reliable, creative passer who utilizes smart angles to deliver the ball to his teammates. His athleticism bodes him well defensively, where he registered a 2.4 STL% and 1.1 BLK%. While he made 41.2% of his threes on the year, the volume was low, which makes it tough to buy him as a shooter. I’m also intrigued by Chris Fields Jr., a big-bodied sophomore forward who makes a ton of plays on defense (3.2 STL%, 2.1 BLK%).
#8 UConn vs. #9 Oklahoma
The Huskies have heaps of NBA prospects. 6’7” freshman Liam McNeeley is the ninth-ranked prospect on our most recent board. It’s easy to see the appeal here. He’s got a strong build, he has a great reputation as a shooter, and he knows how to play within the flow of the offense. While he’s only made 33.3% of his threes this year, he’s taken over 10 per 100 possessions. He also drained 46.4% of his threes during his senior season at Monteverde. McNeeley is a sharp “hot potato” passer, and his recognition on the go has seen development throughout the season. He competes with a rugged physicality, which gets him to the free-throw line a lot. It shows up on the glass, too, as he’s a good defensive rebounder.
Where it gets dicey with McNeeley is his athleticism. He’s not quick, and he’s not bouncy. He’s made only 43.2% of his halfcourt rim attempts and registered only three dunks this season. His gather footwork is clunky, and he doesn’t get up well at the cup. On defense, his lack of stop-start burst and functional leaping tools has muted his off-ball capabilities. His 1.0 STL% and 0.9 BLK% are both red flag marks, particularly in conjunction with one another.
Personally, I’m lower on McNeeley than our consensus. I worry about his finishing and defense, particularly during stretches where his shot isn’t falling. Still, I buy him as a guy with a translatable role who can stick around for a long time. He can shoot, he can move the ball, and he’s big. Those guys tend to stick around.
6’8” redshirt junior Alex Karaban slotted 29th on our board. There’s some overlap between him and McNeeley. He’s also a big-bodied shooter who makes smart passes within the flow of the offense. I’m a bit more optimistic about Karaban’s defensive translation, though. He’s developed athletically to the point that he moves better and changes directions more seamlessly in space than he did in years past. He has long arms and uses his chest well, both on the ball and as a helper. That’s helped him accrue an impressive 5.0 BLK% on the year.
The reason many analysts favor McNeeley is that Karaban is much older, turning 23 in the fall. Additionally, Karaban is still an awkward mover. He’s slow attacking closeouts and doesn’t get to the rim much by his own accord. When he’s there, he’s not a great finisher, either. He is a stiff lateral mover and also has a red flag steal rate (0.9%). Perhaps most worryingly, Karaban has struggled against good competition this year, posting a lower BPM and TS% against Top 50 opponents.
I’m more optimistic on Karaban than most. I get it—he’s older, not athletic, and has a pretty firm ceiling on his game. Still, what he does translates to the NBA. He’s big and strong, has a tremendous shooting track record, plays selflessly, and defends well within a team construct. I think he’s a great bet to make for a team that needs reliable role players.
A bunch of other dudes here will get NBA looks. Personally, my favorite among them is Tarris Reed Jr. He’s big, strong, and long. He does the classic center stuff well. He’s a reliable finisher (67.7% from the field) and has made tremendous growth as a passer (10.7 AST%). Plus, he’s an excellent shot blocker (9.5 BLK%) and possibly the best rebounder in college basketball (17.6 ORB%, 27.4 DRB%). He can be foul-prone and could stand to play with more defensive discipline. Still, though, I think he’s been one of the most underrated players out there this year. I believe he’s an NBA player who has been hiding in plain sight because he comes off the bench (though he won Big East Sixth Man of the Year). Fellow center Samson Johnson improved quite a bit this year, too. He’s super agile for a 6’10” guy, enabling him to finish above the rim, switch on defense, and block a ton of shots. He’s still thin, which shows up on the glass, where he’s a very poor rebounder. He’s always finding himself in foul trouble, too. 6’3” sophomore Solomon Ball is the team’s top bucket-getter. He’s an outstanding, versatile, and high-volume three-point shooter (42.2% from three on 6.8 per game). His defense can be frustrating, his passing is more solid than good, and he doesn’t offer much inside the arc. Still, there’s a great foundation here with his shooting. 6’7” sophomore Jaylin Stewart had a lot of buzz coming into the year. He’s been a better three-point shooter, and he’s awesome on the interior (73.3% at the rim). Still, his ball skills need to come along, and it feels like he underperforms his physical tools on defense.
The Sooners have a lottery-level dude, too. 6’4” freshman guard Jeremiah Fears is the 14th-ranked prospect on our latest board. He’s a bit of a polarizing prospect. Let’s start with the good stuff. The 6’4” guard will be one of the youngest players in this class, as he just turned 18 in October. He has an awesome handle. He utilizes breakneck speed changes, operates comfortably in tight spaces, and has a deep bag of counters. When he keeps his head up, he can sling out of his live dribble and display fluidity as a decision-maker. His hard-nosed approach gets him to the free-throw line often (.516 FTr). Fears puts a lot of pressure on the rim and has shown an important level of comfortability as a pull-up shooter. Defensively, he knows how to use his hands (3.1 STL%), and he gets after it at the point of attack.
There are some real concerns here, though. For starters, Fears isn’t a three-point shooter yet. He’s made only 27.5% of his threes on the year. He can also get tunnel vision looking to create his own shot, leading to forced looks. Fears struggled to score against good competition, going 38.3% from the field and 23.4% from deep in conference play. He’s a bit more turnover-prone than you’d like, as he’ll try to fit balls through too tight of windows or fail to account for help. His off-ball defense has to come a long way, and he gets really lost at times. While he was Oklahoma’s leading man, the on/off data doesn’t show that the team was much better when he was in the game.
On one hand, Fears’s red flags are extremely concerning. He’s an on-ball player who struggled to score efficiently against good teams and has a lot of work to do as a playmaker. Defensively, he’s going to need to take serious steps forward as an off-ball player. On the other hand, we’re talking about a guy who should be in high school right now. He took over and dominated against SEC competition at times this year. Plus, we’ve seen a lot of guards who struggle with turnovers in college remedy that situation pretty quickly in the pros. His self-creation traits, physical toughness, and competitiveness aren’t easy to come by. He’s a risky predicament—but an enticing one.
The other Oklahoma name that pops up in NBA circles is Jalon Moore. He’s a 6’6” forward with a huge body who can score inside and out (39.8% from three over the past two seasons). Moore’s frame and physicality make him a good rebounder and stout defender. The issue is that he’s a frustrating decision-maker with a microscopic assist rate (3.9 AST% on 25.4 USG%).
#5 Memphis vs. #12 Colorado State
Memphis has a fun mix of players. Their most highly touted prospect is PJ Haggerty, a 6’3” guard who established a permanent residence at the free throw line. His career .654 free throw rate is otherworldly. He uses his size, handle, and deceleration to get into the paint and bait opponents into fouls time and time again. He’s tough at the rim, and he’s finally hitting threes (38.8% from deep), albeit on low volume. Defensively, his length and grit allow him to smother the ball. He fights around screens and plays with an aggressive mentality. The legitimacy of his jumper and inconsistent nature of his decision making (3.8 APG vs. 3.3 TOV) remain questions, but there’s a lot to like about the redshirt sophomore.
6’0” senior Tyrese Hunter is a dogged defender who has quietly become a good three-point shooter. His size and inconsistent decision-making mean he will face an uphill battle from an NBA perspective. 6’5” Colby Rogers is a deadeye shooter who reliably keeps the ball moving, but he doesn’t offer much beyond that. 6’9” Dain Dainja is an exceptionally long and strong player who is nimbler than his frame would suggest. He can bully his way to the bucket inside and make a wide variety of opponents uncomfortable on defense. He’s from a funky archetype as a non-shooter who isn’t a great passer and doesn’t block a lot of shots, though. Moussa Cisse could get some looks. He’s 6’10”, can rim run, and block a ton of shots, but he’s quite mistake-prone. 6’8” graduate Nick Jourdain is a great athlete and multi-positional defender. Offensively, he lives off cuts and putbacks. He can pass a little bit, too. Unfortunately, he’s a bad shooter, which makes for a tricky pro translation.
It’s actually the 12-seeded Rams that NBA evaluators will be paying the closest attention to in this one. Nique Clifford was the 19th-ranked prospect on our most recent board, and he’s a personal favorite of mine. The 6’5” graduate wing does everything. He made 39% of his threes on good volume as a lead option this year. He’s also a fantastic downhill driver. He’s slithery on his way to the cup, and he has the ability to convert through contact. Even better, he’s a fluid processor of the game who can punish collapsing defenses with well-executed passes (4.3 APG vs. 2.6 TOV). Despite a huge workload for the Rams this season, he still played exceptionally hard, registering nearly 10 rebounds per game while keeping his steal and block rates above two. Clifford is a savvy off-ball defender who finds unexpected playmaking opportunities.
The tricky thing for Clifford is that he doesn’t have a ton of margin for error. He’s going to turn 24 during his rookie season, so if things don’t click out of the gate, it could get ugly. He didn’t measure well at the combine last year, registering a 6’8” wingspan and tipping the scales at 200 pounds. Another criticism is that while he was an incredible producer this year, he didn’t play against a lot of high-level wings. It was basically just Miles Byrd as far as projected draft picks go.
Sure, I wish Clifford was younger and bigger. I also wish we got to see him against better competition more often. That said, I appreciate that he beat the absolute tar out of the competition he did face. We also saw him punk Virginia in the play-in round one year ago. Clifford does it all. He’s hyper-productive and well-rounded. I buy the character and work ethic stuff, too. He improved tremendously as a shooter from both a volume and efficiency standpoint this year, quelling the most common criticism of him. I think he’s a plug-and-play NBA contributor who is ready to go right now.
I’m also interested in Jaylen Crocker-Johnson longer term. The 6’8” sophomore can score inside-out and act as a disruptive defender. His ball skills have a ways to go, though.
#4 Maryland vs. #13 Grand Canyon
Maryland’s 6’10” freshman Derik Queen ranked sixth on our latest big board. At 246 pounds, Queen brings a unique blend of size and skill to the table. He has an exceptionally intriguing face-up game. He can sling every pass in the book. He can whip it from the short roll, top of the key, or post. His creativity knows no bounds when it comes to his deliveries, too. What differentiates him from many big men, though, is his face-up game. He has a polished handle and a deep counter bag to work his way to spots from the perimeter. And while he’s often knocked for his lack of traditional run-jump athleticism, he’s registered 23 dunks in the halfcourt this season. He’s got great hands, which is evident on the glass (9.2 ORB%, 24.7 DRB% while typically playing alongside another big man). Defensively, he’s surprisingly light on his feet when switched down, and he knows how to use his body to make opponents uncomfortable. He’s also better at getting steals off pocket passes than any prospect I’ve ever scouted. His hands are always getting into the pocket. He lives in the pocket. Don’t think you’re going to beat him by getting through the pocket. I hope I have made my point.
Where it gets tricky, though, is with regard to Queen’s archetype. The skilled but undersized, non-bouncy big is a precarious player to build around. For instance, Domantas Sabonis is an All-Star, and onlookers still quibble about how good a team can be with him as a leading man. Right now, Queen is not a floor spacer. He’s shooting 14.3% from deep. Mechanically, the ball is really far away from his body as he brings it up. He’s slow getting up and down the floor. Defensively, his lack of effortless bounce inhibits him as a rim protector, and he’s not always quick to spring into position as the low man.
To Queen’s credit, he’s made real fitness improvements over the past year. He’s much slimmer now than he was a few years ago. He will need to continue to grow athletically in order to maximize his potential at the next level. Naysayers see a small center who can’t shoot or protect the rim. However, his advocates see a uniquely skilled and productive prospect who has won at every level. Plus, he continues to get better. Queen is one of the most polarizing and exciting prospects in the 2025 class, and a must-watch player during the big dance.
6’0” guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie may be short, but don’t write off the junior point guard. He’s super speedy with an excellent nose for the ball on defense (3.3 STL%). Plus, he’s a smart passer with deep range and a hyper-accurate three-ball (41.2% this season). 6’4” combo guard Rodney Rice emerged as an impressive microwave scoring combo-guard this season. He can get his own shot and make solid decision. He leaves a lot to be desired defensively, though. 6’4” shooting specialist Selton Miguel will likely get NBA looks due to his long-range accuracy (40.2% over the past two seasons). He’s got a super strong build, too. Still, the rest of his game isn’t much to write home about. 6’9” Julian Reese could potentially push into the two-way contract conversation. He moves really well defensively, competes hard on the glass, and has grown as a decision-maker this season. Still, he’s a bit undersized for an NBA five without a reliable jump shot or high-end ball skills.
Grand Canyon has a fun mix of players. 6’7” graduate forward JaKobe Coles has been great for them this year. He’s a crafty operator who gets to his spots, has soft touch in the mid-range, and makes savvy passes. Defensively, his blend of power and burst makes him a threat all over the floor. The only thing missing is a jumper (30.3% from deep). 6’7” wing Tyon Grant-Foster is genuinely an elite-level athlete. He’s exceptionally fast, strong, and bouncy. It manifests on defense, where he averaged 1.8 SPG and 1.6 BPG. Unfortunately, his shot betrayed him this year, as he posted 39.9/21.7/68.4 shooting splits. He also averaged 2.0 APG to 2.6 TOV. Given his age, he’ll be facing an uphill battle, but his tools and defensive prowess are probably enough to get him on a G League roster next year.
#6 Missouri vs. #11 Drake
None of Missouri’s players ranked in the Top 60 of our most recent board. Let’s start with their auto-eligible guys. 6’5” senior Tamar Bates is also an excellent shooter. He’s flirted with 40% from deep over the past two years and has a gorgeous lefty stroke. Plus, he can attack closeouts and made 77.1% of his halfcourt rim attempts this year. Bates has also taken strides as a defender. The only real issue here is that he’s not much of a ball mover, creator, or connective passer. He had a negative assist-to-turnover mark and only an 8.0 AST%. Still, there’s a real 3-and-D skill set here. Caleb Grill will be knocked for his age (he turns 25 before the draft) and lack of size (6’3”). He’s cut from a similar cloth to Bates. He’s made 40.5% of his threes on 15.0 attempts per 100 possessions this year. That’s truly an elite pairing of volume and efficiency. He’s also a super-engaged off-ball defender. Grill is always pointing, talking, and racking up steals (3.5 STL%). He’s stuck in the precarious “not quite wing” mold as a subpar playmaker for his size, though.
6’2” guard Anthony Robinson II is an analytics darling with a lot of fans. He’s smart, long, and tough. Offensively, he consistently finds ways to get deep into the paint, operating with a high degree of poise. He throws some really sharp whips on the go. His signature skill may be his foul drawing, as he has an outstanding .784 FTr and routinely baits opponents into mistakes. Defensively, his super-fast hands allow him to strip the ball from opposing ball handlers (5.0 STL%). His lack of size can still make him a mismatch target, and questions remain about the validity of his shot given his low volume (3.8 threes per 100 possessions). I’ve still got some Mark Mitchell stock. The 6’8” junior forward is a rugged defender and smart decision-maker. The knock on him has always been his shooting, as he’s below the 30% mark for his college career. If he can figure that out, everything else is there.
For Drake, 6’4” junior guard Bennett Stirtz is one of the best players in college basketball. Not mid-major college basketball—just college basketball in general. He’s a playmaking wizard who slung 5.7 APG to only 2.0 TOV, leading the complex offense for the Bulldogs. Offensively, he finds ways to get into the paint. From there, he has great touch (66.9% on halfcourt rim attempts) and underrated bounce (13 dunks on the year). He can play off the ball, too. He’s drilled 44.2% of his catch-and-shoot threes this year. Defensively, his nastiness and feel allowed him to post a monstrous 3.6 STL%. There are fair questions to be asked about Stirtz’s level of competition. He hasn’t faced much in the way of high-level rim protection. Defensively, his ground coverage can leave something to be desired. Still, I’m bullish on him as one of the most underrated prospects in college basketball. I think he’s a legitimate NBA point guard.
Stirtz vs. Robinson will be a must-watch match-up in round one.
#3 Texas Tech vs. #14 UNC Wilmington
JT Toppin slotted 37th on our latest board. He’s an interesting prospect who can make for a tricky evaluation. Toppin is an extremely productive player. He’s a high-motor hustler who feasts on the glass. His 14.5 ORB% is absurd, and his 26.1 DRB% is fantastic, too. He gets a bunch of high-percentage looks on put-backs and can finish above the rim as a roller. Defensively, his timing, athleticism, and effort enable him to be a disruptive force across the positional spectrum. He’s long, agile, and bouncy, which works wonders both on and off the ball. Where it gets tricky is his measurements. He’s basically an Energy Four, but at 6’7” barefoot and with a 7’0.5” wingspan, he’s a hair undersized for that. His 32.0% mark from three on low volume and his poor assist-to-turnover ratio throw his overall offensive skill level into question. In order to achieve a higher-end outcome, he’ll need to improve there. But his overall productivity, tools, and effort level make him an intriguing bet.
Darrion Williams was the 46th-ranked prospect on our board. He’s 6’6”, hyper-intelligent, and hyper-productive. He stuffs the stat sheet with 14.3PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, and 0.4 BPG. Williams is a cerebral offensive operator who reads the floor exceptionally well for his size. Plus, he’s been a 39.2% three-point shooter over the course of his three college seasons. Defensively, his razor-sharp instincts allow him to be in the right spots at the right times to disrupt the flow of the opposing offense. The question often boils down to whether or not Williams’s feel and intellect can overcome his lack of physical tools. He’s a ground-bound, slow-footed player who will be a step behind the athletic curve at the next level. A series of strong showings against higher-end athletes during a deep tournament run could do wonders for him.
6’2” guard Chance McMillian should get looks, too. He’s an awesome shooter (43.4% from three). What makes him interesting, though, is that he’s much quicker and bouncier than most guard-sized shooting specialists. His iffy defensive and playmaking metrics will likely mean he has to take a longer path to the NBA, though. Freshman guard Christian Anderson is one to watch long-term, too. He’ll be facing an uphill size battle at 6’2”, but he’s an excellent marksman (40.7% from three on high volume) and an intelligent playmaker. It doesn’t feel like the demand is there for him yet, but he’s a better bet than most shorter guards in the long run.
UNC Wilmington is tough to decipher from an NBA standpoint. They play a spread-the-wealth, up-tempo system with a deep rotation. 6’8” senior Khamari McGriff doesn’t shoot, but he’s a great shot blocker and finisher. 6’1” graduate Donovan Newby is their leading scorer and their most constant presence on the floor, playing 32.0 MPG. You might remember him as one of Patrick Baldwin Jr.’s teammates back at Milwaukee. He has a strong build, he’s a solid shooter on volume (35.7% from three on 6.2 attempts per game), and he’s a smart table setter (3.5 APG vs. 1.5 TOV). If I were in an NBA front office and had to bring in one of their guys for a workout, it would probably be 7’0” junior Harlan Obioha. At 280 pounds, he has a rare blend of size and power for a mid-major player. He’s a force on the offensive glass and protects the rim. If he can get his fitness levels up and show some more bounce, there could be something to work with here.
#7 Kansas vs. #10 Arkansas
Freshman Flory Bidunga came in at 47th on our latest board. The 6’9” big man incites havoc on defense. His 10.8 BLK% is a big-time mark. Bidunga has serious bounce and sharp instincts. He has fast reaction time both in the sense that he recognizes things quickly and moves in a hurry, getting into position quickly before flying off the floor. His agility also gives him a real degree of switchability on the perimeter. Offensively, he’s mostly just a play finisher and putback guy right now, but he tends to do that way above the rim. He still needs to fill out his frame, and I’m not clear how much offensive value he can provide outside of his finishing, but he’s one to watch for the future.
6’3” guard Zeke Mayo has been on the radar for a while now. He’s an excellent shooter with deep range both off the bounce and pulling up. While he is strong, he’s not athletic by NBA standards, which limits him defensively. He’s also more of a combo guard than a true point guard. Still, shooting always has value, and Mayo can take over a game at a moment’s notice. 7’1” graduate Hunter Dickinson’s years of productivity will get him looks. He’s a good rebounder and an impressive passer for his size. His lack of bounce and poor foot speed defensively have prevented him from ever climbing too high on boards. 6’7” senior KJ Adams has an NBA body and NBA physical tools. He can guard anybody, finish above the rim, and pass out of the short roll. But at his size, his 0-7 from deep over four college seasons has hurt his NBA buzz. AJ Storr was an NBA combine invite last year, but the 6’7” junior has been limited to spot minutes after posting poor shooting splits and lackluster production elsewhere. His strong frame and ability to self-create could get him back in the mix next year.
On the Arkansas side of things, Adou Thiero ranked 30th on our most recent big board. The 6’8” junior is a late bloomer and a dynamite athlete. The man can finish way above the rim. He thrives as a roller, cutter, and transition threat. Plus, he’s a slick passer who makes some sweet on-the-go passes deep in the paint. Defensively, he can guard a variety of positions thanks to his length, speed, and lift. Off the ball, he can wreak havoc thanks to his stellar ground coverage and timing as a playmaker (3.4 STL%, 3.0 BLK).
The issue for Thiero is that he’s a non-shooter at this point. He’s a career 28.8% shooter on low volume. Every year, we’ve hoped the shot would come, and it just hasn’t happened. That makes it tough to envision him becoming a knockdown guy and achieving a super high-end outcome. Still, he’s a quick thinker with unreal athleticism who can impact the game in a variety of ways as a low-maintenance player. I think he’ll have a long career based on those traits.
Boogie Fland slotted 34th on our board. He will be coming back after missing a long stretch due to injury. The 6’2” guard can bomb threes, and he’s a great decision-maker (5.7 APG vs. 1.6 TOV). He also mirrors opponents well when guarding the ball. At 175 pounds, he’s very thin by NBA standards. This shows up around the basket, as he’s gone 9-for-34 on halfcourt rim attempts this year. Defensively, it’s hard to imagine him being NBA-ready in the immediate future. He’ll face an interesting stay-or-go decision, and how he looks upon his return could be what tips the scale.
There are a ton of other guys on the radar to various extents here. 7’2” sophomore big man Zvonimir Ivisic should be a plug-and-play 3-and-D big. He made 37.9% of his threes on excellent volume for a big man and swatted 2.0 shots per game. Unfortunately, he’s a clunky mover and frustrating decision-maker, which often saw him get benched for prolonged stretches. If he can iron out the consistency, he’d be a surefire role player. 6’9” senior Trevon Brazile has prototypical NBA physical traits. He’s got long arms, and he moves really well. He can finish above the rim and knock down threes (career 37% on lower volume). Defensively, his length, quickness, and lift make him a potent shot blocker with a career 6.5 BLK%. He’s always felt theoretical, though. He doesn’t take enough threes to truly space the floor, he’s a bad free throw shooter, and he’s a poor decision-maker. Still, I’d imagine his traits and production will get him a two-way deal. 6’6” freshman Karter Knox produced in a variety of ways this year. He looked better physically than he did in high school. There’s some shot-making in there, and he’s a solid decision-maker. He doesn’t have any severe flaws; he just has to keep “turning the dial” across the board. 6’4” graduate Johnell Davis has been on the radar for ages. He’s a physically stout wing who can pressure the rim and make opponents uncomfortable on defense. His playmaking has long been lackluster, and he shot below 40% from the field this year, so he’s relegated to the margins for now. 6’3” sophomore D.J. Wagner was a top recruit coming out of high school. His speed and tenacity make him intriguing, but he still lacks a signature skill to hang his hat on.
#2 St. John’s vs. #15 Omaha
The Red Storm are headlined by RJ Luis, who ranked 51st on our latest board. The 6’7” junior is exceptionally well-rounded. He’s a smooth on-ball operator who can create looks for himself at all three levels. Luis can finish above the rim or pull up from the mid-range and beyond. Plus, he’s a selfless operator who sees the floor well. Defensively, his long arms, agility, and bounce make him a hassle to deal with anywhere on the floor. Where it gets tricky is that he’s a poor catch-and-shoot player, having made only 31.7% of those looks from distance on the year. In that sense, he’s a classic “if he shoots it” guy. Personally, I’m bullish on Luis. He’s a great athlete with great measurables who really knows how to play. From an NBA standpoint, I’d love to take that bet and see if I can fix the only real problem area in his game. Otherwise, he’s got everything you’d want in a modern player.
6’9” junior big man Zuby Ejiofor is a joy to watch, and he is someone who should absolutely be on 2026 radars. He’s strong and moves well, giving him a nice degree of defensive versatility. Offensively, he’s a force on the glass who relishes contact. He’s started to take the occasional three-ball, too. If he can become a reliable shooter or better passer, there’s a path for him next year. 6’6” graduate guard Kadary Richmond has been on the radar for what feels like an eternity. He’s a paint-touch guard with excellent burst and fantastic floor vision. Defensively, he’s an excellent point-of-attack defender who constantly creates chaos (career 4.0 STL%, 2.2 BLK%). He has an NBA brain and NBA physical tools. The question is whether or not he has an NBA offensive role. He’s long been a poor shooter (career 31.3% from deep on exceptionally low volume for a guard). 6’7” senior Aaron Scott is another one of the Red Storm’s defensive playmakers with great physical traits. After going 37% from distance last year, his jumper betrayed him this season (29.6%). Still, he’ll probably get some looks pre-draft. 6’1” graduate guard Deivon Smith was a persistent triple-double threat at Utah last year. This season, he took a more reduced role, but he improved as a defender, particularly when covering the ball. He’ll also be a guy who pops up a lot on the pre-draft workout circuit, I’d imagine.
Omaha is led by Marquel Sutton. The 6’7” senior has developed a degree of NBA buzz in recent weeks and was recently named Summit League player of the year. He’s built like a ‘90s NBA player, and I mean that as a compliment. He’s huge, and he looks different than his mid-major peers. He can bully his way to his spots, but he does have a genuinely slick dribble game. He can win with finesse, too. Sutton is a force on the boards. The question is how his game translates to the NBA. He’s not a floor spacer yet (29.2% from deep), he’s not much of a passer (8.0 AST%, negative ATO), and it felt like he underproduced his physical tools defensively. If he can knock down some jumpers (and I think the form looks fine, for what it’s worth) and lock in on defense, it could help continue his momentum.
EAST REGION
#1 Duke vs. #16, Winner of American University vs. Mount St. Mary’s
You may have heard of this Cooper Flagg fellow, who ranked #1 overall on our most recent big board. The 6’9” phenom is one of the most highly touted prospects of this millennium, and for good reason. Coming into college, much of the appeal had to do with his defensive output. Flagg has met expectations there. Both his 4.6 BLK% and 3.0 STL% grade out exceptionally well for a forward. His instincts are off the charts, and he recognizes everything at warp speed. That’s where his physical tools come into play. Flagg covers ground exceptionally well and flies off the floor. As a result, he’s been one of the best defensive playmaking freshmen in recent history. He’s good on the ball, too. His long arms and physicality make it tough to get around him.
Where Flagg has blown expectations out of the water is on the offensive end. He was seen as a great offensive prospect, but one who was still a work in progress. Not anymore. Flagg has carried a massive usage burden for the Blue Devils this year and worn it exceptionally well. He can finish above the rim, bail out his team late in the clock with mid-range jumpers, and knock down threes. He’s a genuine three-level self-creator, but he doesn’t just create for himself. He’s averaging 4.1 APG to 2.2 TOV thanks to his selfless approach and ability to make advanced reads on the go. There’s really nothing he can’t do on that side of the ball.
There are always areas where players can improve. Offensively, he’d be best served continuing to develop his counter bag and polish up his handle. On defense, he needs to stay longer in his stance more consistently while making a more concerted effort to stay in front, as opposed to being content chasing from behind. But these are great flaws for a 6’9” freshman dynamo to have. Flagg’s BPM is the third highest among freshmen since 2008, per BartTorvik, trailing only Zion Williamson and Anthony Davis. Flagg’s two-way production has cemented him in that tier of prospects. If you’re not eyeing Cooper Flagg during March Madness, you’re missing out.
Khaman Maluach ranked eighth on our most recent big board. The 7’2” freshman immediately stands out on film due to his incredible size and frame. He’s tall, but he’s well-developed and has long arms. As a result, he can feel inescapable defensively. His imposing presence deters looks at the rim. He’s also improved his timing on the defensive glass throughout the season. Maluach’s not the nimblest dude in the world, but he is a fluid enough mover at his size that he can hold up well enough in space. Plus, his motor runs hot. He’s always working to recover, get into position, or make a play.
On offense, he thrives at the simple stuff. He’s an absolute force on the offensive glass, posting an absurd 17.9 ORB%. He goes up exceptionally strong and looks to rip the rim off the basket. Perhaps more interestingly, though, is his soft touch. He’s good on non-dunks and takes the occasional triple. Though he’s 3-for-15 from deep on the year, he’s made 74.6% of his free throws and found success from long range at prior stops in his basketball journey.
Where Maluach becomes a more polarizing evaluation has to do with his upside. He’s still pretty raw in some respects. He doesn’t have the best hands, bobbling rebounds and lobs. Defensively, he gets whistled for goaltending more than any prospect in recent memory. Duke doesn’t let him do much outside of dunking, and it’s hard to know how much of that is simply the team construct or an indictment of the coaching staff’s level of trust in him. Personally, I think Maluach is a safe bet to be a good NBA player at worst. He’s enormous, moves well, plays hard, protects the rim, rebounds, and finishes with outstanding efficiency. That gives him a really safe floor, at least in my book. The question then turns to whether or not you believe he can improve his defensive timing, consistently knock down threes, and show some more juice as a creator. If so, he’s worth betting on quite high.
Kon Knueppel is our third Duke prospect in the first round, ranking 12th on our recent board. The sell here is simple—Knueppel is an outstanding three-point shooter with a strong 6’7” frame. He’s drained nearly 40% of his threes this year while launching 11.0 attempts per 100 possessions. That puts him in elite company from both a volume and efficiency standpoint. He gets his shot off at warp speed and has deep range, which is encouraging from an NBA functionality standpoint. Plus, he can do other stuff when teams chase him off the line! He has a great mid-range pull-up game, and his strength helps him to finish against contact at the rim better than most in his archetype. Knueppel is also a savvy downhill passer who reads the floor and executes deliveries well on the go, contributing to his near 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio.
Where it gets dicey for Knueppel is his athleticism and two-way value. Defensively, he very much knows where to be, and he does a good job of using his body to overwhelm opponents at the point of attack. Still, he can be slow to cover ground and heavy-footed when closing out. His balance, quick-twitch reaction time, and recovery tools leave something to be desired. Offensively, while he has finished well this year, there are concerns about that at the next level. He’s pretty ground-bound and has only registered two dunks on the year.
Knueppel might not be the sexiest pick. He doesn’t have a ton of defensive upside, and it will be harder for him to create at the next level. But what he does have is an incredibly valuable combination of size, strength, shooting, skill, and savvy. He’s a “5S” player, and those dudes tend to find a spot. The question is just where teams will feel comfortable drafting that type of player.
Isaiah Evans ranked 39th on our board. He’s going to be a fascinating one to watch, as he could find himself in one of the trickier, “should I stay or should I go?” predicaments out there if he finishes the year hot. At 6’6”, few players on earth can stroke it like Evans. He’s sunk 43.9% of his threes while launching 18.3 triples per 100 possessions. Those numbers, particularly in conjunction, border on unbelievable. He has deep range, a quick release, and he can launch it off movement. He’s also a solid decision-maker with long arms. Where it gets dicey is the remainder of his output. He’s a subpar off-ball defender who doesn’t rebound with a rail-thin physique, which would be problematic at the next level. My gut says that Evans is a guy who stays put and continues to develop, but it’s worth getting eyes on him now.
Tyrese Proctor slotted 54th on our most recent board. After a slow and somewhat uninspired start to the year, the 6’4” guard has heated up down the stretch. He’s long been a steady, reliable playmaker. This year, though, he’s gone nuclear from deep. He’s hit 38.2% of his threes on a career-high 5.8 attempts per game. While his defensive playmaking marks leave something to be desired, he does a good job of getting up on the ball at the point of attack. He’ll have an interesting decision to make when the year comes to an end. Proctor has been on the cusp for what feels like forever, and he’ll have to weigh NBA demand against what should be a hefty NIL bag. But if Proctor can play with an aggressive, takeover mentality, it could move the needle in a significant way. He’s quietly improved in important areas, has good size for a point guard, and is a trustworthy initiator.
While he missed our last big board, I’m also going to give Sion James a shout. I love his game. The 6’5” wing is exceptionally strong and smart. He’s an outstanding downhill driver who can finish through contact and sees the entirety of the floor. Long knocked for his lack of shooting, James has knocked down 39.5% of his threes over the past two years. He’s cleaned up his release from a mechanical standpoint and is showing much more urgency off the catch. Defensively, his feel and tools enable him to make plays off the ball and lock guys down on it. He’s always been a lower usage player, which historically doesn’t bode well. But James has an NBA-ready frame and an NBA-ready brain. The question is just whether or not his tertiary role can scale up to the next level.
For American, keep an eye on 6’9” forward Matt Rogers, who is coming off back-to-back All-Patriot League selections. He’s an inside-out scorer who made 39.9% of his threes on 4.4 attempts per game and 72.6% of his halfcourt rim attempts. While he’s not the fastest dude in the world when chased off the line, he attacks closeouts with long strides and has the ups off one foot to finish above the rim. He’s a bit turnover-prone. Defensively, he uses his length well, but his balance is shaky, as his footwork is a bit jittery. Still, his consistent year-over-year output, size, and ability to score from the two most important areas of the floor should get him looks. He feels like a Portsmouth invite. I’m also interested in 6’6” sophomore Greg Jones. Although the volume was low, he made 45.1% of his threes and made the Horizon League All-Defense team this year.
On the Mount St. Mary’s side of the coin, watch for Dola Adebayo. The 6’8” junior is a rangy defender with a career 2.1 STL% and 4.4 BLK%. He’s super light on his feet, and he gets off the floor with the greatest of ease. On offense, he can finish above the rim, and he’s willing to get to the free-throw line (.436 FTr). A career 32.7% from deep and an iffy offensive playmaker, he’ll need to round out his offensive skill set to drum up NBA interest.
#8 Mississippi State vs. #9 Baylor
Mississippi State isn’t a buzzy prospect program, but they have a sleeper I’m quite fond of in KeShawn Murphy. The 6’10” junior is skilled and smart. Offensively, he does a great job of handling the rock and using his length to make clever passing deliveries. He can create his own shot on DHO keepers and thread needles when he needs to move the ball. He’s a good rebounder on both ends, too. Defensively, he moves well in space. His rotational instincts are great, and he routinely gets into the right spots to prevent easy looks inside. I’d feel better about him if he was either stronger (think Day’Ron Sharpe body type) or had a more reliable jumper (15.4% from three and 61.1% at the free-throw line). But if you liked Oso Ighodaro, you’ll like KeShawn Murphy. He’s one of the coolest players out there, and he doesn’t get talked about much from a draft standpoint.
I also have a degree of interest in Cameron Matthews in the Exhibit-10 range. The 6’7” graduate is a physical powerhouse who can lock down anybody and has an excellent level of feel. Defensively, that leads to a 4.9 STL% and 3.1 BLK%). Offensively, it means slinging passes effectively from all over the court. Matthews has never been a floor spacer (career 20% from three). The hope is that he can maybe find a spot in the Jonathan Mogbo-type role, though he’s not quite that bouncy or fluid. 6’5” junior Riley Kugel’s meteoric rise during the latter part of his freshman year feels like it happened an eternity ago. Still, he has an excellent frame, and he’s made defensive improvements. At 32.2% from deep, his shot remains an issue. 5’10” sophomore guard Josh Hubbard is probably too small for the association, but he can get buckets from deep, and he does a great job of orchestrating the offense.
Baylor’s most exciting prospect is also one of the most exciting prospects in the entire 2025 NBA Draft—6’3” freshman guard VJ Edgecombe, who ranked fourth on our most recent consensus board. He’s a hyper-athletic force with sharp instincts, making him an intriguing switchblade guard. Offensively, he’s a willing shooter with smooth mechanics off the catch. He’s made 34.5% of his threes on 8.5 attempts per 100 possessions this year. His speed and bounce enable him to posterize opponents at the rim. He’s a solid passer, too, having averaged 3.3 APG to 2.0 TOV. Defensively, the man is a terror. He’s excellent in passing lanes and is an outstanding rim helper for a guard. Edgecombe also has one of my favorite microskills in this class, which is his knack for ripping away defensive rebounds from opposing big men. His 4.0 STL% and 2.3 BLK% are tremendous marks for a guard. He’s also an above-average rebounder for his position on both sides of the ball.
He is a bit of a positional tweener. He’s not quite a point guard, as he can lack spatial awareness and has poor command over the ball, particularly with his left hand. From a two-guard standpoint, he’s a bit undersized and thin. A few teams have actually mismatch hunted him at the college level due to his lack of size. Edgecombe also needs to improve as a finisher, as he can get a bit out of control at top speed. He’s only made 47.6% of his halfcourt rim attempts this season.
Personally, I loved Edgecombe. It’s actually pretty common for super athletic young players to struggle with their rim touch in the halfcourt. One thing we’ve seen routinely over the years is guards managing to cut their turnovers as they scale up to the NBA level and continue to read the floor better as they develop experience. If Edgecombe does those things, his ceiling could be quite high. But even in lower-end outcomes, there’s a lot to like. He’s much further ahead than players like Keon Ellis or Alex Caruso were at the same age, and those guys are valuable NBA players.
There are a bunch of names on the margins to watch here, too. Norchad Omier is a former G League Elite Camp invite who feasts on the glass. He averaged 10.9 RPG last year. Defensively, his power and quickness make him a versatile player. Unfortunately, he’s undersized for the big man spot at 6’7” without the shooting or ball skills to compensate. 6’1” freshman Robert Wright III has work to do as a defender, and his size will always be an issue. Still, he’s an extremely mature and composed playmaker. His intelligence and calm always stand out. I’ve also long favored 6’4” senior Jayden Nunn over other guards in that Exhibit-10 range. He’s an intense defender who picks guys up full court and has shot over 40% from deep through his four college seasons. Still, he’s never been a lead playmaker, and he can struggle inside, both of which are cause for concern.
#5 Oregon vs. #12 Liberty
The Ducks don’t have a prospect in our Top 60, but they still have some intriguing names from an NBA standpoint. Namely, 7’0” big man Nathan Bittle. He’s a senior who was recently granted an extra year of eligibility after only playing five games as a junior. He moves well for his size and blocks a ton of shots (8.6 BLK%). He’s impactful as a rim protector, but he’s not a total sloth, either. There’s some interesting stuff on offense here, too. Bittle has long been a willing shooter, hitting a career 33.1% of his threes on 6.4 attempts per 100 possessions. He’s a reliable passer, too. If you squint, you get something resembling Jay Huff, though Huff was a more efficient shooter and better shot blocker. Still, a 3-and-D center will always have a degree of appeal.
6’0” sophomore Jackson Shelstad lacks size, but he’s a slippery mover with deep range. 6’2” graduate guard Keeshawn Barthelemy is a perimeter-oriented guard who can really shoot it and sees the floor well, but he’s small and doesn’t pressure the rim much at all. 6’9” sophomore Kwame Evans Jr. was a favorite of mine coming into the year, but he hit a slump after a well-rounded freshman season. Still, I’m holding a bit of stock. He has good ball skills for his size, can move the ball well, and uses his length to act as a defensive playmaker. If he can get his shot going (28.0% from three), he could play himself back onto the radar in time.
The Liberty Flames have a funky roster construction, but there’s plenty of talent here. I think Owen Aquino could have a real breakout campaign next season. The 6’8” junior is a bit of a 4/5 tweener, which is always precarious. He doesn’t space the floor or have center height/rebounding capabilities. Still, he’s hard-nosed, nimble, and smart. Defensively, he’s an engaged, in-tune off-ball defender who can guard multiple positions. Offensively, he can clean up inside and make sharp passes (16.3 AST%). 6’4” senior Taelon Peter is also worth keeping an eye on. He won Conference USA Sixth Man of the Year. He comes off the bench, gets buckets (13.7 PPG on 57.5/45.0/77.4 splits), competes on the defensive glass, and makes solid decisions. The fact that he’s both a lights-out shooter and above-the-rim finisher (32 dunks) should raise eyebrows.
#4 Arizona vs. #13 Akron
Arizona’s Carter Bryant ranked 26th on our most recent big board. It’s easy to see why evaluators are enamored with him. At 6’8” and 225 pounds, he has a pro-ready frame. He’s a willing catch-and-shoot player, launching 8.3 threes per 100 possessions while knocking down 36.6% of his attempts. He has a positive assist-to-turnover ratio and does a good job of moving the ball within the flow of the offense. Defensively, he brings an impressive blend of power and instincts to the table. His 2.7 STL% and 5.8 BLK% make him one of the most potent defensive playmakers in the freshman class.
Still, his role makes him a tricky evaluation. He plays less than 20 minutes per game and operates in a low usage capacity, so he hasn’t had to shoulder the same workload as most draft prospects. This shows up when he has to attack the basket. He’s not a super-bursty driver, and he can get panicky in traffic (16.7 TOV%). Bryant is also a sub-70% free throw shooter, throwing his shooting potential into a bit of question. Defensively, he’s a solid, smooth mover, but he’s not a Tari Eason-esque athlete, so it’s fair to wonder how well his event creation will scale up.
Bryant will present NBA front offices with quite the conundrum should he stay in the draft. On one hand, he played a small role, and he wasn’t anything close to a dominant offensive player in the way most one-and-done prospects are. Conversely, there’s a beautiful connective skill set here, which is extremely enticing at 6’8”, 225 pounds, and 19 years old. Teams will be keeping a close eye on how he performs when the lights are brightest.
Arizona has a bunch of other names worth monitoring on the margins now and down the road for later. 6’4” microwave scorer Caleb Love has gotten NBA looks in the past, but he’s coming off his fourth sub-40 FG% college season in five years. Still, he’s made improvements as a decision-maker and defender over the years. 6’3” junior Jaden Bradley is a hard-nosed paint-touch guard who reads the floor well (3.7 APG vs. 1.9 TOV). He’s a handful at the point of attack, too. He’s below 30% from deep on low volume and will need to get his jumper going in order to generate more buzz. I have a big soft spot for KJ Lewis, a 6’4” defensive menace with a strong build. His 3.0 STL% and 3.5 BLK% demonstrate how disruptive he can be. He’s fast, powerful, and smart, enabling him to constantly make plays on the ball. He’s a great passer, too. The issue here is that he’s been brutal from deep, making only 17.5% of his threes on low volume. He’s still got two years of eligibility left after this one, though. 7’0” redshirt sophomore Henri Veesaar has been a pleasant surprise this year. He’s an agile big man who can catch lobs, protect the rim, and hold his own in space. He’s also a clever passer who has started to knock down the occasional three. Veesaar is still thin, though, and needs to get stronger. Right now, he struggles to hold position inside and rebound. That said, I like him a lot long term. 6’6” junior Anthony Dell’Orso scaled up well after moving over from Campbell. He’s skinny but feisty and plays tough. He’s a great shooter who made real strides as a decision-maker this year. Improving his defense and taking on a larger role next year could get him in the mix. 7’2” Motiejus Krivas won’t play, as he’s been out due to injury, but he moves really well for his size.
The Zips have a guard-heavy rotation. The star of the show is 6’3” redshirt junior Nate Johnson. He’s 6’3” with a strong build. This leads to him rebounding above his weight for a guard (14.5 DRB%). Throw in his feel, and you’ve got a nasty defender (3.3 STL%, 1.9 BLK%). He covers ground well and has some of the most potent closeouts for a guard I’ve seen this year. Johnson can hound opponents at the point of attack, too. Offensively, he’s a smart decision-maker who gets into the paint consistently. His frame and bounce bode well for him as a finisher. A jumper is the only missing piece; he’s 30.5% shooter from deep on the year.
#6 BYU vs. #11 VCU
BYU stars Egor Demin, who ranked 15th on our most recent big board. The 6’9” freshman has been one of the most polarizing prospects this cycle. The sell with Demin is that he has otherworldly feel as an offensive playmaker. His 34.9 AST% is an extraordinary mark for someone with his size. He has tremendous vision and makes advanced reads consistently. Even when he doesn’t get an assist, he does a stellar job of tipping the domino to get defenses rotating and scrambling. He’s showcased creative deliveries and impressive pass placement at times throughout the year. Demin is good at the rim, too. He’s made 62% of his halfcourt rim attempts, and he has the bounce to finish above the rim. Defensively, his feel carries over. He occasionally outsmarts opponents by picking off their passes (2.4 STL%). He covers ground well and can use his frame effectively at the point of attack.
The issue for Demin is that he’s struggled mightily to put the ball in the basket. He’s a super willing shooter, launching 9.3 threes per 100 possessions, but he’s only made 27.6% of his attempts. He’s posted a dire 47.1 TS% in Big 12 play this year. If he’s going to be an on-ball guy, he has to be able to keep defenses honest. He’s not strong or quick enough to get to the rim super easily. His handle gets a bit wide, and when opponents smother him at the point of attack, he can’t get where he wants. Defensively, he makes some ill-advised gambles while hunting playmaking opportunities. He’s also not much of a rebounder for his size.
It’s easy to see why front offices could be infatuated with Demin. Players with his combination of size and that level of feel are rare. Plus, he’s a pretty good athlete. Conversely, it’s easy to see the potential disaster scenarios of drafting an offensively tilted, pass-first player who struggles to score. If you’re ready for a jump scare, check out what Nikola Djurisic is doing in the G League this season. Demin’s positives make him extremely intriguing. A hot stretch in March could restore confidence in his higher-end outcomes and push him back up the board.
His fellow freshman, 6’9” forward Kanon Catchings, sits at 53rd on our board. There are some really intriguing 3-and-D traits here. Catching has made 35.5% of his threes while launching 13.5 attempts per 100 possessions this year. Defensively, his quickness, fluidity, and lift make him a potent defensive playmaker (2.0 STL%, 3.1 BLK%). He covers ground well and has the potential to guard multiple positions. There’s some connective tissue missing here. Catchings is skinny, doesn’t pressure the rim at all, and can get caught ball-watching on defense. He could make for an interesting upside play in the second round or go back to school and continue to round out his game. How he plays in the tournament could tip the scales one way or another. That said, he has been dealing with an injury lately, so there’s a chance we might not see him, or will see less of him.
I also like 6’5” Richie Saunders as a deep-cut name. He’s their leading scorer, but he doesn’t have much draft buzz, in part due to his age (23 as a junior). Still, I wouldn’t overlook him. Defensively, he uses his length to get into everything. Offensively, he’s a knockdown shooter (43.7% from deep on 5.3 attempts per game) who also has the tools to finish at the rim. I’d like to see progress for him in terms of his passing and floor vision. Still, his defense and shooting shouldn’t go overlooked.
For VCU, the name to watch is Max Shulga, the 56th-ranked player on our board. The 6’4” graduate sniper is a career 39.3% shooter from deep. He has the steady leading man chops required of a player that size, averaging 4.0 APG to only 1.6 TOV. Additionally, his stocky build helps him to finish through contact and draw fouls inside. He’s always been a good rebounder for a guard, and he’s improved considerably as an on-ball defender this year. He’s a lesser athlete (slow-footed and not that bouncy). The hope is that he can carve out a Sam Merrill type role.
6’4” guard Joseph Bamisile is a dynamite athlete and defensive playmaker who could get some looks. He’s an uneven shooter and passer, though. Long-term, I’ve got eyes on Luke Bamgboye, a 6’10” freshman who made the AAC All-Defensive team. He’s a bouncy shot blocker, but he’s still really rough around the edges on offense.
#3 Wisconsin vs. #14 Montana
When it comes to the Badgers, 6’11” forward Nolan Winter is really intriguing. He’s made over 70% of his twos on the year, his jumper looks clean (37.2% from deep), and he’s a nimble, switchable defender. There’s a lot to work with here if the three-ball is legit. He’s my favorite long-term proposition for the Badgers. It doesn’t seem like the buzz is there for 2025, but he’s a favorite to be on 2026 pre-season boards. 6’5” wing John Tonje has been one of the most pleasant surprises in college basketball this year. He’s an outstanding scorer who can drain deep threes, hit tough shots in the mid-range, or bully his way to the rim. Given that he’s in his sixth college season and doesn’t offer much outside of his scoring, there is a bit of a cap on his stock. Still, he’s a guy who’s likely in the Portsmouth Invitational mix. 6’4” sophomore John Blackwell is an impressive bucket-getter, too. He’s quicker than a hiccup, which enables him to get into the paint consistently. He’s a good finisher and mid-range shooter. Finding consistency from deep, growing as a playmaker for others, and improving defensively will get him into the NBA mix.
Montana is headlined by Money Williams, a popular sleeper name in Sicko Circles. He’s a 6’4”, 200-pound sophomore with an NBA combo guard physique. He can use his physicality to get where he wants on the floor. Still, he has the craft to manipulate ball screens, he uses fake passes well, and he has a deep counter bag. After shooting below 30% from deep last year, he made 34.8% of his threes on high volume this year, and he readily pulls the trigger when defenders go under ball screens. His tools also help him to rebound better than most guards and hold up well defensively. He’s a below-the-rim athlete who struggles inside, and he can be too upright on defense. Still, there’s a lot to like in the long term. 6’5” combo guard Malik Moore has fans, too. He’s an excellent movement shooter who’s made 41.1% of his threes on five attempts per game this year. Plus, he had a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. His defensive effort is lacking, though, leading to poor counting numbers (particularly for a mid-major prospect) on that end.
#7 Saint Mary’s vs. #10 Vanderbilt
Saint Mary’s might not have one blow-away prospect, but there are guys to monitor on the margins now and players to keep an eye on for down the road. 6’4” point guard Augustas Marciulionis is an absolute maestro. He gets into the paint time and time again, thanks to his polished handle and unorthodox movement patterns that make it tough to stay in front of him. He’s an exceptional downhill manipulator. Even better, he’s an incredibly sharp and creative passer who registered 6.1 APG to only 2.1 TOV. Marciulionis has improved year over year as a scorer, too. His 14.3 PPG was a career high, and his 44.9/34.8/79.6 saw efficiency leaps from both two- and three-point range. The real issue here is his defense. He’s a clunky lateral mover who can’t cover ground that well. The big dance will give him one more data point to show that he can stay above board on that front.
6’10” big man Mitchell Saxen does a great job cleaning up inside on the offense glass. Defensively, he does a great job of anchoring their defense, posting 1.3 SPG and 1.3 BPG. He always knows where to be and prevents teams from getting anything easy inside. His lack of bounce and range likely limits his offensive output from an NBA perspective. 6’8” sophomore Paulius Murauskas found his footing after a quiet freshman year at Arizona. He has a pretty stroke, moves the ball well, and gets after it on the boards. Still, his percentage from deep was only 30.5%, and he’s a poor mover. 6’3” freshman guard Mikey Lewis had one of the top BPM marks in the country among first-year players. He’s a deadly shooter who made 38.8% of his threes on super-high volume. Lewis is also an active, pesky defender who posted a 2.6 STL% and 1.4 BLK%. His assist-to-turnover mark was under water, but his speed and playmaking flashes have me excited about what he could develop into down the road.
The Commodores don’t have a clear-cut NBA prospect, but they’ve got heaps of fascinating guys. My favorite among them is 6’7” junior Tyler Nickel. He’s an awesome shooter who hit 40.6% of his threes this year. He’s also a solid connective passer and a decent defender. If he can show more outside of his shot, he’ll definitely get looks next year. I also wouldn’t count out Devin McGlockton. He’s a 6’7” junior with a pro frame, a good defender, and a solid shooter. If he gets his volume up from deep and shows more ball skills next year, he could get into the mix. 6’5” graduate Chris Manon shot a dreadful 24.2% from deep this year, but he’s got real juice as a passer. The real signature skill is his defensive playmaking, though. He averaged 1.7 SPG and 1.0 BPG in only 17.8 MPG. That absurd productivity, paired with his size and feel, could get him some looks pre-draft. 6’3” graduate A.J. Hoggard was a Portsmouth invitee last year. He’s an awesome defender and a trustworthy decision-maker, but he’s not a threat to score, especially from deep (career 29.3 3FG%). 6’1” Jason Edwards is an unreal scorer, but he’s a negative on defense with an under-water assist-to-turnover ratio. 6’0” guard Tyler Tanner is undersized and struggles from deep, but seemingly never makes mistakes.
#2 Alabama vs. #15 Robert Morris
6’4” freshman guard Labaron Philon has been one of the best “pleasant surprises” in college basketball this year. He’s an exceptionally smart and crafty player. He does a great job of getting into the paint with his speed changes, handle, and craft. Once there, he can finish with touch or make a wide variety of reads to find open teammates (24.2 AST%). The fact that he’s been able to generate so many on-ball reps for a veteran-laden team speaks volumes about how intelligent and trustworthy of an operator he is. Plus, he brings it on defense. He has excellent hands at the point of attack, and he’s a surprisingly potent rim helper for his size. Lastly, I love his body language. He carries himself like a leader and seems to thoroughly enjoy the experience of eating another player’s lunch. He’s a dog of the highest order.
Where it gets dicey for Philon is with his jump shot and his frame. He’s only made 30.1% of his threes on moderate volume for a guard. It’s tough for guards to stick at the NBA level when they can’t generate respect from defenders on the perimeter. Philon is also really skinny. He can get bumped off his line downhill on offense. Defensively, he’ll be a hunting target early on. He has a really hard time dealing with screens, both on and off the ball. Teams will have to be patient with Philon as he develops his jumper and body. Still, his height for the guard spot, well-rounded production, savvy, toughness, and “it factor” make him an extremely enticing potential one-and-done prospect.
6’10” graduate Grant Nelson took the world by storm after his viral mixtape during his time at North Dakota State. Since then, he’s made steady improvements to his game. He’s become a better ball screen defender and a more willing attacker. Still, he’s not quite center-sized and struggles to protect the rim. On offense, his jumper has always been more theoretical than actualized. At his size and with elite athleticism, though, he’ll likely be in the two-way mix. 6’1” graduate Mark Sears flirted with first-round buzz last year. This year, his three-ball and interior finishing came back down to earth. Given his stubby frame, that’s likely relegated him to the two-way contract range. Still, Sears brings real juice to the table. He can drain threes from the logo, he’s a trustworthy operator, and he finds ways to collect steals defensively. 6’11” graduate Clifford Omoruyi is likely in that range of the draft. His game is fundamentally unsexy. He’s a dunks-and-blocks big man who moves really well and has super long arms. Omoruyi has never shown much in terms of ball skills, though. I’m highly intrigued by Mouhamed Dioubate long term. The 6’7” sophomore leaves his fingerprints all over the game. He’s a hustler on offense who draws fouls and cleans up on the glass, but he’s also had some intriguing moments as a passer. Defensively, he reads the game well and makes plays off the ball consistently. He’s skinny and not a reliable shooter yet, but I love his length, athleticism, and feel. 6’11” sophomore Jarin Stevenson had a lot of buzz coming into the year, but his run-of-the-mill production saw his hype die down. Still, he moves well for his size, and he’s a willing shooter, so don’t write him off.
Don’t sleep on the Colonials! They have one of my favorite under-the-radar prospects in college basketball. That’s 6’9” sophomore forward Alvaro Folgueiras. He’s got heaps of size and feel. Offensively, he’s a threat to score both inside and out. He made 66.7% of his halfcourt rim attempts. He also knocked down 42.3% of his threes on 6.1 threes per 100 possessions, which is good volume for his position. He’s also a savvy passer who slung 3.1 assists to 2.3 TOV. Folgueiras is an impactful defender, too. While he’s not an otherworldly athlete, he moves with a real fluidity, which is often all that’s needed at his size. His instincts and timing allowed him to average 1.4 SPG and 1.2 BPG. Plus, he competes on the glass, grabbing 9.1 RPG. There’s a lot to like here. The recent prospect he reminds me of the most is Jake LaRavia, who has really started to find his footing in the NBA this year, thanks to his size and smarts. 6’7” Amarion Dickerson could break out next year, too. The junior won Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year, posting an 8.8 BLK% and 2.0 STL%. He’s a good run-jump athlete. The swing skill is his shot, as he only made 29.4% of his threes on two attempts per game.
MIDWEST REGION
#1 Houston vs. #16 SIU Edwardsville
Houston didn’t have a single player rank in the Top 60 in our latest big board, but that doesn’t mean they won’t have anyone there come draft night. Their prospect with the most long-term buzz is sophomore Joseph “JoJo” Tugler. If you haven’t watched him yet, you are missing out. The entire Tugler experience feels uncanny. He’s 6’7” with a reported 7’6” wingspan. That is not a typo. If you ever need someone to sit in the backseat of your car and open both doors at the same time, Tugler is your dude. He’s super strong at 230 pounds, but he’s also exceptionally light on his feet. He’s agile laterally and gets off the floor with ease. As a result, he’s what I call “an everything deterrent.” Guys don’t want to test him at the rim, they don’t want to drive against him, and they don’t want to have to move the ball in his vicinity. His 13.1 BLK% and 2.7 STL% are a testament to his defensive greatness. Offensively, there’s a lot of work to be done. He’s a bit jittery with the ball in his hands, he’s a poor shooter, and he’s basically relegated to garbage man work inside. On defense, he’ll also need to foul less often. Given how much of an impact he creates defensively, though, the offensive threshold for playability is always going to be quite low for him. If Tugler can show some offensive juice in March, it might actually get him over the hump as a “this year” guy.
Milos Uzan, a 6’4” junior point guard, is in the midst of a tremendous bounce-back season. He had draft buzz going into his sophomore year at Oklahoma but hit a road bump. He’s now refound his footing in Houston. He is an exceptionally crafty ball screen operator and offensive orchestrator. He’s also shooting over 40% from three. Uzan’s reluctance to play with and through physicality will be something to watch. Still, his positional size and fantastic understanding of the game make him a name to watch. 6’5” wing Terrance Arceneaux similarly lost steam (albeit for injury reasons) before re-establishing himself this season. He’s a tremendous defender (3.0 STL%, 2.3 BLK%) with long arms who covers ground well. He’s also up to 33.3% from three. There’s an intriguing 3-and-D framework here that could allow him to climb back onto radars next season. 6’3” junior guard Emanuel Sharp has popped on analytical models. He’s sort of an undersized 3-and-D wing. While he hasn’t shown much of a playmaking wrinkle, he’s made over 40% of his threes while posting a gaudy 3.4 STL% on the year. 6’7” redshirt graduate J’Wan Roberts may be an undersized big man, but he’s exceptionally tough and has some real feel. He can guard a variety of positions on defense. Offensively, his wiggle, handle, and passing give him something beyond basic play finishing. 6’1” guard LJ Cryer is a shooting specialist who has drilled over 40% of his threes on high volume over the course of his five college seasons. His size, run-of-the-mill playmaking, and lackluster defense put a cap on him, but he’ll get some looks.
For SIU Edwardsville, Ray’Sean Taylor is a rarity in this age—a four-year player at the same mid-major program despite strong year-over-year production. It paid off, as he’s led the Cougars to their first NCAA tournament appearance. The 6’1” senior is known for his scoring. He posted 19.3 PPG and launched 8.0 threes per game this year. Still, he’s a great rebounder for a guard, he’s improved as a passer, and he gets after it defensively (2.0 SPG). His lack of size and poor finishing hurt him from an NBA standpoint. 6’4” junior guard Brian Taylor is more interior-oriented. He’s a mid-range assassin with a strong build. An increased willingness to shoot threes and better defense could get him onto the radar next year. I’m also intrigued by Ring Malith. He’s 6’9”, rail thin, and he wasn’t efficient this year. But he’s got length for days, he moves really well, and he stuffs the stat sheet. I’m hoping to see him back with a stronger frame and a more consistent scoring arsenal next year.
#8 Gonzaga vs. #9 Georgia
Gonzaga may not be as prospect-rich as they have been in years past, but a number of their players will get NBA looks. Ryan Nembhard is the name that comes up most in NBA circles. At 6’0”, he does lack the size most teams look for in a modern guard, but the dude can hoop. He’s a playmaking wizard who can lead an up-tempo offense, find the open man, and deliver some mesmerizing feeds. His 41.6 AST% is a testament to his passing chops. A career 34.4% three-point shooter, his iffy shooting, skinny frame, and okay defensive output remain questions. 6’9” senior big man Graham Ike is their leading scorer. He’s a physically strong interior force who overwhelms opponents for easy buckets and dominates on the glass. He’s ground-bound athletically, which mutes his defensive output, so front offices will want to see more from him as a rim protector. 6’5” Khalif Battle is a slippery mover who can get his own looks. He’s improved defensively this year, too, showing a real level of off-ball attentiveness that had been lacking in the past. His age (as a six-year college player), skinny frame, and singular output will likely mean he has to work his way up from Summer League-ish range. 6’10” sophomore Braden Huff has generated some intrigue. He’s thin for a big man and not quite a threat from deep yet, but he does have some touch and skill, which could get him into the mix down the road. 6’2” senior Nolan Hickman had a fantastically efficient season, posting 47.5/43.6/92.3 scoring splits. His 2.3 APG to 0.9 TOV was a career-best ratio. He’s still thin, shaky defensively, and has never proven himself as a takeover guy. Michael Ajayi received an NBA combine invite after a strong year at Pepperdine last season. The 6’7” senior has league-ready physical tools, feasts on the boards, and can smother the ball defensively. Unfortunately, his jumper betrayed him this year, and he shot 18.6% from deep, meaning an NBA future would likely require a more circuitous path.
The opposing Bulldogs are headlined by Asa Newell, a modern 6’10” hybrid big man who finished 10th on our most recent board. Where Newell shines most offensively is on the glass. He’s posted an excellent 13.8 ORB% on the year. His toughness, bounce, and light second jump all bode well for him inside. He’s been one of the most frequent dunkers in the country. He’s also willing to shoot. While he’s only made 29.9% of his threes, his 5.5 attempts per 100 possessions is a tremendous indicator for a young guy with his size. Defensively, he brings a genuine versatility to the table. He posted a 3.9 BLK% thanks to his weakside recognition. On the perimeter, he can get long and force opponents into mistakes or dribble pickups thanks to his agility.
Where Newell can get confusing is that it’s tough to pin down a clear, translatable NBA skill right now. While he’s a great offensive rebounder, he didn’t show that same effort on defense, ending up with a 13.7 DRB%. If he’s a five, he’s a bit skinny and not consistent enough as a rim protector. If he’s a four, he’s not a reliable enough shooter or decision-maker yet, as he posted a negative assist-to-turnover ratio on the year. He feels a bit theoretical, and he’s probably a player who will need time to develop.
Still, the appeal of Newell is difficult to shake. He’s a selfless, high-motor player with great athleticism. His finishing, potential to shoot, and defensive versatility could make him one of the most coveted hybrid big men in the league if it all comes together. It may require some patience, but the idea of Newell will make some teams think the juice is worth the squeeze. If he can pop as a decision-maker and show consistency in that area during a Cinderella run, it could help catapult his stock.
6’5” sophomore guard Silas Demary Jr. is interesting, too. Offensively, he can really shoot it from deep. He made 42% of his catch-and-shoot threes and 33.3% of his 81 pull-up threes this year, per Synergy. He’s got a unique shiftiness, gets to the line a ton, and sees the floor pretty well. Defensively, he hounds his man and plays tight on the ball. Plus, he knows how to pick his spots off the ball (3.1 STL%). His iffy bounce limits his finishing (42.4% on halfcourt rim attempts), and he needs to show more consistency as a passer (3.1 APG to 2.3 TOV). I’m also into Somto Cyril. He’s a super big and long freshman center who swats everything around the rim (13.0 BLK%) and can finish with fury. He’s still raw in terms of decision-making, and he fouls a lot. But dudes with his measurements, movement ability, and prowess at the basics tend to get onto NBA radars eventually.
#5 Clemson vs. #12 McNeese
Clemson doesn’t currently have a prospect in our Top 60, but they have a few interesting names on the margins. 6’3” graduate guard Chase Hunter is their leading scorer. He’s a physically strong combo who can launch it from three. He’s a terror in the mid-range, a solid playmaker for others, and a dogged defender. His age and lack of a signature skill will hold him back. 6’8” senior Ian Schieffelin is an odd-ball super-producer. He’s extremely strong, which shows up most on the glass. He’s an excellent rebounder. Offensively, he’s a solid clean-up man, but he’s also become a solid jump shooter and savvy passer. On defense, he uses his body well, but his lack of foot speed is concerning. He’ll need to show that he can keep up with quicker guys to help his draft stock. 6’11” senior Viktor Lakhin is an older prospect, but he’s always gotten better. His length, timing, and discipline have made him one of the best defensive anchors in college hoops. His 7.6 BLK% and 2.7 STL% are both great marks for a big man prospect. Offensively, he’s evolved in a big way over the years. Previously, he was an interior-oriented black hole who rarely looked to pass. Now, he can knock down the occasional three, and he’s posted a strong 14.3 AST% over the past two years. He’s still far from consistent offensively, but he’s come a long way. 6’2” guard Jaeden Zackery has a strong build, which helps him to get into the paint on offense and body up defenders on defense. He’s a really smart player. Still, he doesn’t have a “wow factor” that’s helped him generate NBA buzz. 6’10” junior Chauncey Wiggins might not have the most eye-catching stats, but NBA teams are interested in him. He moves really well for a player with his length, and he’s made 37% of his threes this year. Still, the physical tools need to manifest into more well-rounded production, particularly on defense.
McNeese has a bevy of talented and funky players. I’ve long been intrigued by Christian Shumate. He’s a 6’6”, hard-charging forward who registers a ton of dunks, rebounds like a maniac, and makes a ton of plays on defense (1.5 STL%, 6.3 BLK%). He’s a classic, “wait, what’s this guy doing at a mid-major?!” level athlete. The issue for him is that he’s lacking ball skills and he only made 30.2% of his threes on low volume. 6’2” guard Javohn Garcia is a reliable decision maker and super impactful defender (3.3 STL%, 2.3 BLK%), but he’s never been consistent from deep. 6’6” junior Quadir Copeland is a non-shooter, but he does everything else. His 38.7 AST% is outrageous for a player his size, and his 3.7 STL%/1.5 BLK% combo shows how disruptive he can be defensively.
#4 Purdue vs. #13 High Point
The departure of Zach Edey has put Purdue out of sight and out of mind for some draft observers. That’s a shame because Braden Smith has been unreal this year. Let’s get the obvious out of the way—the junior is 6’0” and not super athletic. But he’s an unbelievable processor of the game who is always in complete control of the floor (8.7 APG to 2.9 TOV). He has an absurd 44.3 AST% on the year. Plus, he’s a career 39.6% shooter from deep with logo range. Defensively, his long arms and tenaciousness have enabled him to collect 2.2 SPG. He’s also a great rebounder for a guard. I’m always skeptical of small guards, but I’m convinced Smith will earn himself an NBA cup of coffee at worst whenever the time comes.
6’9” junior Trey Kaufman-Renn brings an intriguing blend of size and skill to the table. He’s a great passer for his size. Still, he’s yet to prove himself as a three-point shooter, and his lack of athleticism doesn’t give him a clear NBA position defensively. 6’4” junior Fletcher Loyer is an unreal bucket-getter, but he’s likely on the wrong side of the athletic cliff. He didn’t break out how I’d hoped this year, but I’m still interested in 6’7” sophomore Camden Heide long-term. He’s super athletic and there’s a semblance of a 3-and-D role player in there. 7’4” big man Daniel Jacobsen got injured early in the season and is out for the year, but I’ll give him a shout here, too. I love his size and feel long term.
High Point is far more loaded from an NBA prospect standpoint than your standard mid-major. I’m partial to Kimani Hamilton and Juslin Bodo Bodo, who I covered during my No Stone Unturned series this off-season. Hamilton is built like a pro at 6’7” and 215 pounds. He can guard up and down the lineup defensively. Offensively, he’s a smooth on-ball operator who can create his own shot or generate good looks for others. His three-ball (32.9% this year) remains his biggest swing skill as he heads into his senior season. Bodo Bodo doesn’t produce splashy counting numbers, but he’s integral to what the Panthers do. The 7’0” sophomore is an excellent paint deterrent and shot blocker. He’s awesome on the glass on both ends. His offense is pretty much limited to rim-running. He’ll need to show he can do more with the ball and reliably sink free throws before he goes pro. 6’2” guard Kezza Giffa is their leading scorer. He’s a talented bucket-getter and solid playmaker, but he doesn’t do much defensively. 6’5” combo guard D’maurian Williams has been one of the best feel-good stories in college hoops this year. After two great years with Gardner-Webb, he largely rode the pine for two years at Texas Tech. He returned to the SoCon and re-found his footing. He’s a potent shooter (career 38.7% from deep) and solid creator. NBA teams will question his physicality and wonder why he struggled in the Big 12. Nonetheless, Williams may have played himself back onto the radar this year, and a big upset in the NCAA tournament would only help further his cause.
#6 Illinois vs. #11, Winner of San Diego State vs. North Carolina
The Illini enter the big dance with a talent-rich roster. They’re headlined by Kasparas Jakucionis, a 6’5” point guard and the fifth-ranked prospect on our most recent collective board. He does a fantastic job of getting into the paint. He’s slippery, slithery, herky-jerky: you name it. The bottom line is that he finds ways to bend defenses and get inside. Once there, he’s got great touch, making 61.6% of his halfcourt rim attempts, per Synergy. He’s also capable of making some incredible passes on the go. He has great vision and operates with an impressive level of mental fluidity as he weaves through traffic. Additionally, he’s shown a lot of comfort pulling up from both the mid-range and behind the arc. That accentuates everything he does, as defenses have no choice but to respect him at all times. Plus, he’s a good rebounder for a guard. Defensively, he’s not the most disruptive force, but he knows what’s going on and navigates screens well.
Jakucionis’s athleticism and physicality leave something to be desired. He’s yet to register a halfcourt dunk this season. He can have a hard time holding his line or fighting his way to spots against contact. His lack of burst doesn’t always allow him to slam the door shut once he’s created an advantage, either. As a result, he’s forced to settle for a lot of tough shots. Defensively, it’s pretty easy to turn the corner on him, and stronger players are able to get through him. He also has a 22.2 TOV%, which is way higher than you’d like to see for a lead initiator. His execution as a passer can be lacking, and his handle can get out of control at top speed. And while he’s been willing to shoot a variety of shots, his 32.9% mark from long range isn’t ideal.
There is some risk here. Jakucionis is going to be behind the curve physically and athletically. If he struggles to shoot and can’t get his turnovers under control, there’s a world where things could get ugly. Still, he’s an efficient interior scorer who constantly finds ways to get deep into the paint, and he’s made some of the most impressive passes I’ve seen yet this year. A composed final stretch from Jakucionis where he hits his threes could do a lot to quell concerns.
Fellow freshman Will Riley slotted 35th on our last board. At 6’8”, he brings an intriguing blend of shot-making and playmaking to the table. Riley can get his own looks in the mid-range and beyond, thanks to his handle and footwork. At his best, he has parking lot range from three. He also keeps his eyes up throughout his process, registering a 17.0 AST% on the year. Conversely, he struggles immensely with physicality at the moment. He can have a hard time getting to his spots on offense, and on defense, opponents can get through him. His 0.6 STL% and 0.8 BLK% are both red flag-level bad. Also, for an offensively tilted player, his 42.9/32.1/73.5 shooting splits leave something to be desired. Still, given that he’s tall, skilled, and just turned 19 in February, he’s been able to keep his buzz throughout the entirety of the draft cycle. His “stay or go” decision could be formulated by how things go in the big dance.
Big man Tomislav Ivisic is a favorite of mine. He ranked 55th on our group board, but personally, I have him much higher. At 7’1”, he’s taking 9.2 threes per 100 possessions and making 34.6% of them, which is outstanding for a college big man. It’s really hard to find big guys who let it fly like that. Plus, he has a quick, functional, pure release. Even better, he’s a tremendously skilled passer and a good finisher. Defensively, there’s work to be done. His 3.7 BLK% is really bad by center standards. At times, he does a good job of using his length and angles to prevent clean looks inside, and he forces opponents into a poor shooting percentage at the rim. The hope is that there’s enough low-hanging fruit at his size that he can reach an acceptable level while providing a high level of offensive value. If not, though, he could fall into the classic “offensive big man who gets destroyed defensively” bucket, which is far from ideal. Front offices will want to see him successfully anchor the defense when the lights are bright.
6’7” junior wing Tre White is someone I’ve always had a degree of interest in. He’s a hard-charging rebounder who guards the ball well. A career 29.9% shooter from deep, he needs the jumper to come along to get in the mix. 6’2” junior Kylan Boswell has been on the radar for years. He has a strong body and demonstrates impressive craftiness as a playmaker. His lack of lift and poor shooting efficiency this year will likely require him to spend another year in school. 6’9” graduate Ben Humrichous had some real buzz coming into the year but dwindled when he struggled to score efficiently. His fast release and decision-making at his size will make him a pro somewhere, but his defense and shooting consistency leave something to be desired.
San Diego State is led by Miles Byrd, a 6’7” defensive playmaker who ranked 28th on our latest board. He is an outrageous off-ball defender. His 2.1 SPG and 1.1 BPG are elite marks. He has excellent timing in passing lanes and a great nose for digs. He has the effortless lift to swat shots on the perimeter or block rim attempts after sharp rotations. He’s a savvy passer, too. The concern here is his scoring ability. Byrd has made under 40% of his shots and only hit 30.8% of his threes this year. Personally, I’m more optimistic about the shot, given his volume (11.8 threes per 100 possessions), and I tend to give leeway to guys playing in San Diego State’s meatgrinder offense.
Longer-term, I’m infatuated with 7’0” Magoon Gwath. The issues with him are clear—he’s got a rail-thin body that might not hold up against NBA bodies, and he struggles on the glass. But he’s a genuinely elite shot blocker (14.7 BLK%) who moves with an impressive fluidity on defense. Offensively, he’s rough around the edges, but he’s hit 37.2% of his threes on the year. Yes, there’s work to be done. But you can’t teach his combination of length, rim protection, agility, and shooting.
For North Carolina, Ian Jackson is the hot name. The 6’4” freshman guard ranked 31st on our board. He’s a walking bucket. Jackson is a shifty guard who changes directions at breakneck speed and stops on a dime. He creates for himself efficiently, posting 12.4 ppg on 46.4/39.6/72.8 splits. The issue is that he doesn’t do a whole lot else yet. He posted poor defensive playmaking metrics and had a negative assist-to-turnover ratio. Personally, I think he’d be best going back to school and playing a bigger role next year. Front offices like him, though, and if he slings dimes while leading the Tar Heels on a Cinderella run, it would move people.
6’5” freshman wing Drake Powell is the 41st-ranked prospect on our board. I’m more into him of the newcomers, personally. He has a long, strong body that helps him lock down opponents at the point of attack. While he didn’t take a ton of threes this year, he made 37.1% of them. The outline of a 3-and-D player is clear here. Still, his ball skills need to come along, and he can be frustrating as a decision-maker.
6’0” guard RJ Davis is a quick-twitch guard with deep range who received All-American honors last year. His lack of size and defensive projection probably make him more of a Summer League guy, but he’ll get looks.
#3 Kentucky vs. #14 Troy
Kentucky didn’t have a single prospect in our most recent Top 60, but they have a slew of prospects right on the cusp. For that reason, the tournament presents a high-stakes proposition for many Wildcats.
My favorite “this year” prospect on their team is a long-time favorite of mine, Amari Williams. He’s built like an NBA center at 6’11” and 262 pounds, and he moves like one, too. He’s a big-time lob target and a high-end rim protector. He cleans up on the glass, too. What makes Williams special, though, is his agility and feel. He has a north-south quickness that enables him to jump passing lanes and switch down the positional spectrum. Offensively, his passing talents make him an offensive hub from the high post and short roll (3.1 APG, 24.1 AST%). I feel that he’s long been undervalued as an NBA prospect, and I’m hoping that changes after the tournament.
6’5” junior Otega Oweh was quietly one of the most improved players in college basketball this year. He’s a high-motor ball of energy who can finish above the rim and disrupt plays on defense. He’s shown more confidence as a shooter and ball handler, though he’s still inconsistent from long range and as a passer. I’d imagine he goes back for another year, and I think he could really explode then. 6’7” Jaxson Robinson is a safe bet for a two-way contract at worst. He’s a high-volume three-point shooter with deep range who’s made 37.6% of his threes this year. Plus, he has long arms, and he’s a reliable decision-maker. His skinny frame can cause problems for his interior finishing and defense, though. Lamont Butler is undersized at 6’2” with a suspect jumper. Still, he has an awesome frame and he’s a pest on defense. Plus, he’s as reliable of a table-setter as you’ll find anywhere. 6’6” graduate wing Koby Brea is one of the best shooters on Planet Earth. He’s drained 46.9% of his threes over the past two years on high volume. That is not a typo. Plus, he knows how to keep the flow of the offense going with his connective passing. Unfortunately, he’s had a hard time sustaining hype due to his subpar athleticism and inconsistent effort on the defensive end. The 6’9” Andrew Carr is a safe bet to get looks due to his size and skill, but he’s not quite a willing enough shooter or much of an athlete. 6’11” sophomore Brandon Garrison is cut from the Amari Williams “Maxwell Guy” cloth as a facilitating big man. He’s light on his feet defensively, and he’s also started to knock down the occasional three. Unlike Williams, though, he’s on the thin side and doesn’t make much of a mark on the glass. Filling out his frame and showing more consistency in the traditional big man areas should be his focus going forward. Still, I love his length and feel long-term.
The Troy Trojans have found a lot of success under Scott Cross. I covered 6’5” wing Myles Rigsby during my No Stone Unturned this off-season. He’s a good athlete who finishes above the rim and makes a ton of plays on defense (3.1 STL%, 2.5 BLK%). You never forget that he’s on the court. Offensively, though, there’s work to be done. He shot 26.4% from deep and had a negative assist-to-turnover ratio this year, though he did improve on both of those fronts to a degree during conference play. 6’3” senior guard Tayton Conerway is an interesting sleeper. He’s an awesome offensive rebounder for a guard (7.1 ORB%), a great passer (35.6 AST%), and an unbelievable defensive playmaker (5.9 STL%, 1.6 BLK%). He might be the best dig-guy in college hoops. He’s elite at sneaking up behind guys, whether it be an inattentive ball handler on the perimeter or a big man who doesn’t anticipate Conerway getting ready to swat his shot. The wart on his record is his 27.9% mark from distance and a sub-70 free-throw percentage. Ultimately, Rigsby and Conerway embody what Troy has built—a team full of dudes who love to ruin your day.
#7 UCLA vs. #10 Utah State
UCLA doesn’t have a prospect in our Top 60 at the moment, but 6’8” junior forward Eric Dailey Jr. is there on my personal board. He’s got a strong frame that he uses to impose his will on both ends of the floor. Dailey is a smart player who can make good passing reads and pick his spots to nab steals defensively. His frame and instincts enable him to guard a variety of positions. The swing skill was always his shot, but he’s made 40% of his threes on good volume for his position this year. He’s a ground-bound athlete and not the fastest downhill, which could lead to issues at the next level. Still, his size, savvy, strength, skill, and shooting make him a “5S” prospect, and I love betting on those types of guys.
7’3” sophomore Aday Mara entered last season with a ton of hype but failed to meet expectations. This year, he’s started to revive his stock. His sheer size opens up so much for him. He easily blocks shots (16.2 BLK%), lives at the rim on offense, and can use his length to generate good passing angles. Mara is still lacking physical strength. His poor cardio only allows him to play in short spurts, and he’s still quite inconsistent overall. I’ve still got some real estate on Kobe Johnson island. The 6’5” senior is a great connective decision-maker and a super disruptive defender (career 4.0 STL%, 1.9 BLK%). He’s always leaving his fingerprints on the game. However, his lack of consistency as a shooter and scorer has long held him back. 6’9” senior Tyler Bilodeau is a strong interior power forward. Still, his game is modern enough that he should get some NBA looks. He made 40.2% of his threes on solid volume, he makes some nice passes, and his toughness goes a long way on defense. His lack of positive athletic traits and the old-school nature of his game have prevented him from generating a ton of buzz. I also wouldn’t give up on William Kyle III. The 6’9” junior big man has barely gotten any run this season, but he’s a good “blocks and dunks” guy who showed growth as a passer last year at South Dakota State.
Utah State is a tough team with a nasty backcourt. Their two best players (and pro prospects) are Mason Falslev and Ian Martinez. The 6’3” junior Falslev is an ultra-crafty operator. He uses fancy footwork to get to his spots inside. He lives at the rim, and his strong frame has helped him to make 58.7% of his halfcourt rim attempts on the year. He’s also a savvy passer who places his feeds well. Falslev racks up a ton of steals, too (2.3 SPG). While he’s made 40% of his threes on the year, the volume is low, and his release is funky. Defensively, his shaky lateral agility often gets to hide within the confines of a zone defense. Martinez is a 6’3” graduate who plays bigger than his listed height. He can get above the rim to swat shots, and he’s got a great motor on transition defense. He’s also made 37.9% of his threes on high volume this year. He’s more of a connective playmaker than lead guard, which means he’ll likely have to grind his way to the NBA if he can get there. I’m also still interested in 6’9” sophomore Tucker Anderson. He went cold from deep this year, but he’s got a super functional jumper, and he makes good decisions with the ball.
#2 Tennessee vs. #15 Wofford
Volunteer Chaz Lanier ranked 58th on our latest board. If you like dunks and threes, the 6’4” graduate is your guy. After three quiet seasons at North Florida, he burst onto the scene last year. He then moved over to Tennessee, where it’s been more of the same. Lanier is an exceptionally dynamic scorer from long range. He’s made 42.1% of his threes over the past two years on high volume. He can move into his shot, which is incredibly valuable given how quick and sudden he is as a mover. It’s easy for him to generate off-ball separation, and he’s deadly when open. He’s got some real juice on the ball, too. He’s shifty with the rock, changes speeds well, and has a nice mid-range pull-up. Lanier has real limitations, though. He doesn’t see the floor well or have much of a passing arsenal, with an even assist-to-turnover ratio that you don’t commonly see among players his size who stick in the NBA. And while his physical tools lend themselves well to defense, he can get lost off the ball. The biggest way for him to improve his stock in March would be to show more of a playmaking punch and a more potent defensive output.
Though he didn’t make our last board, I’m still an ardent Igor Milicic Jr. believer. The 6’10” senior might not be shooting the best percentage from long range, but his volume, mechanics, and flashes off movement are all stellar for a guy with his length. Everything else is there. He’s a polished passer who can operate DHOs. He can attack closeouts and finish inside. Milicic is an awesome rebounder on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he’s a smart player and uses his length well to contain the ball. His game can be lacking a degree of assertiveness at times. But if Milicic can get his three to fall at the right time and play with more of an edge, he could really boost his stock.
6’11” junior Felix Okpara is bound to get looks when he goes pro. He’s not a floor spacer or a playmaker, but he does the simple things well. He finishes plays effectively and blocks a ton of shots (career 9.3 BLK%). His combination of length, agility, and bounce is intriguing. 5’9” senior Zakai Zeigler will look to make a big push a la Markquis Nowell a few years ago. Zeigler is a classic table-setting point guard who led the SEC in assists this year. Still, he possesses the necessary defensive nastiness required of small guards. His speed and instincts have led to him posting a career 3.7 STL%, a stellar mark. His size and inconsistent shooting likely cap his stock, but I’m hoping he puts together a big run and makes teams think twice about him.
Wofford is led by Corey Tripp. He’s a 6’2” guard with that enviable Fred Van Vleet body type that helps him to cover more positions than the traditional short guard. He can create his own shot at all three levels. His iffy athletic traits and run-of-the-mill passing will likely relegate him to the margins, though. Also, keep an eye out for Kyler Filewich. He’s a skilled big man who slung 3.1 APG. He also feasts on the glass and cleans up inside. The real kicker: he shoots his free throws Granny style. We respect a man who makes necessary adjustments around here, even if they don’t make him look cool.
If you made it this far, congratulations, and I love you.
Amazing work, the depth and scope was a great read. I will also say you are spot on with a very high percentage your evalutions. Tremendous job, I look forward to reading more of your work.
Man this is an incredible piece, must have been a huge labour. Thanks for all your effort, helping me pick some good games to watch atm