NBA Prospects to Watch During the NCAA Tournament’s Opening Rounds
March Madness is upon us, a time for bracket busting, buzzer beaters, and the emergence of college basketball legends. Beyond the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, the NCAA Tournament also serves as a crucial stage for NBA scouts to assess the next generation of professional basketball talent. With dreams of the NBA dancing in their heads, numerous players will be showcasing their skills, hoping to impress and boost their draft stock.
This year’s tournament is brimming with potential NBA prospects, ranging from highly touted freshmen to seasoned veterans. Scouts will be closely analyzing projected lottery picks, potential first-round selections, and intriguing second-round talents hailing from both established powerhouses and smaller mid-major programs. The diversity of talent extends to international players as well, with several foreign-born athletes competing for tournament teams and generating significant NBA buzz.
Notably, V.J. Edgecombe (Baylor), Egor Demin (BYU), Kasparas Jackucionis (Illinois) and Khaman Maluach (Duke) are international players competing in the NCAA Tournament. They are also projected lottery picks in USA TODAY Sports’ latest 2025 NBA mock draft.
As you settle in to enjoy the opening rounds of the NCAA Tournament, keep an eye on these players who could be making waves in the NBA next season. Here’s a glimpse at some of the notable prospects to watch:
[Player Description – Replace with the "Another player who can be…" paragraph]
This player presents a compelling archetype for the modern NBA big man. He possesses the athleticism to run the floor effectively, a valuable asset in today’s fast-paced game. His understanding of the pick-and-roll as the screener allows him to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. He demonstrates versatility on offense, capable of finishing strong at the rim, establishing position in the post when the situation demands, and even stepping out to knock down three-pointers, although his attempts may be limited. Beyond his scoring prowess, he contributes on the boards with offensive rebounds and provides a defensive presence as a solid shot-blocker.
- First-round matchup: No. 8 Louisville vs. No. 9 Creighton, 12:15 p.m. ET, CBS
[Player Name] Broome (Auburn)
Broome is a powerful and physical forward known for consistently delivering double-doubles in points and rebounds. His impact extends beyond scoring and rebounding, as he also demonstrates a knack for playmaking with his assist numbers. He has showcased his potential in pivotal games. Broome’s standout performances have placed him in contention for college player of the year honors, further solidifying his status as a top prospect. His efficiency in the SEC tournament, averaging 23 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 63% from the field, underscores his ability to perform under pressure.
- First-round matchup: No. 1 Auburn vs. No. 16 Alabama State, 2:50 p.m. ET, CBS
Egor Demin (BYU)
Demin, hailing from Russia, is a playmaker with the ability to make rapid decisions and facilitate scoring opportunities for his teammates. His size is comparable to that of a wing player, but he possesses the skills and court vision of a guard. Defensively, he utilizes his length to disrupt opponents, force turnovers, and actively intercept passes. While his offensive potential is evident, his shooting efficiency has been a concern. As the season progressed, Demin faced challenges with his offensive consistency. This inconsistency is worrisome, but Demin has the potential to grow into a more polished player.
- First-round matchup: No. 6 Brigham Young vs. No. 11 Virginia Commonwealth, 4:05 p.m. ET, TNT
[Player Name] Tonge (Wisconsin)
Tonge proved to be a formidable force in the Big Ten conference, leveraging his size, ability to absorb contact, and shooting touch. He showcased his scoring ability with a 32-point performance against Michigan State and 26 points against UCLA in the conference tournament. However, he struggled in the conference tournament championship game against Michigan, scoring only nine points on limited shooting efficiency.
- First-round matchup: No. 3 Wisconsin vs. No. 14 Montana, 1:30 p.m. ET, TNT
[Player Name] Newell (Gonzaga)
Newell’s agility and fluidity defy expectations based on his size, making him an immediate threat in pick-and-roll situations. He was a standout performer for the Bulldogs in a loss against No. 1 Auburn, leading the team in scoring with 20 points. Although his scoring output decreased towards the end of the regular season, he bounced back with a strong performance of 21 points and 17 rebounds in an SEC tournament loss to Oklahoma.
- First-round matchup: No. 8 Gonzaga vs. No. 9 Georgia, 4:35 p.m. ET, TBS
[Player Name] Lanier (Tennessee)
Lanier’s scoring dipped in the SEC tournament, but he demonstrated offensive efficiency down the stretch of the regular season, scoring 30 points on 18 shots against Texas A&M and 23 points on 15 shots against Texas. He shot 41.8% on 3s in Tennessee’s final six regular-season games.
- First-round matchup: No. 2 Tennessee vs. No. 15 Wofford, 6:50 p.m. ET, TNT
[Player Name] Fland (Kansas)
Fland is known as an aggressive defender. He can hit mid-range shots, and makes 3s off the dribble and on catch-and-shoots. He attacks the rim. He is getting more comfortable reading defenses and finding advantages with the pass. Despite his injury, the Razorbacks coach said he has been cleared to play and has resumed full basketball-related activities.
- First-round matchup: No. 7 Kansas vs. No. 10 Arkansas, 7:10 p.m. ET, CBS
[Player Name] Thiero (Kansas)
Thiero hasn’t played since Feb. 22 (hyperextended left knee) and will miss the first game of the NCAA Tournament. He is a quick and athletic leaper who likes to run the court for easy transition buckets. He is solid off the dribble and attacks his defender on the way to the rim. He gets his hands into passing lanes for deflections and steals. He will need to improve his outside shot.
- First-round matchup: No. 7 Kansas vs. No. 10 Arkansas, 7:10 p.m. ET, CBS
[Player Name] Wolf (Michigan)
The Yale transfer is shooting up draft boards thanks to his fluid scoring and play-making portfolio in the package of a 7-foot stretch big. Wolf has played point guard at times this season for the Wolverines just like he’s played center. His handles make him a threat as the initiator in pick-and-roll actions and his range should translate to the NBA.
- First-round matchup: No. 5 Michigan vs. No. 12 UC San Diego, 10 p.m. ET, TBS
[Player Name] Williams (Texas Tech)
Williams has a right leg injury, missed Texas Tech’s Big 12 semifinal game against Arizona and his status is unclear. In the quarterfinals against Baylor, Williams had 14 points (4-for-6 on 3s) and eight rebounds.
- First-round matchup: No. 3 Texas Tech vs. No. 14 UNC Wilmington, 10:10 p.m. ET, truTV
The NCAA Tournament is more than just a battle for college basketball supremacy; it’s a showcase for future NBA stars. Keep a close watch on these prospects as they navigate the challenges of March Madness, and you might just catch a glimpse of the next big thing in professional basketball.
