March Madness Showcases NBA Draft Hopefuls in First-Round Games
The NCAA men’s basketball tournament, commonly known as March Madness, isn’t just a battle for collegiate supremacy; it’s also a high-stakes audition for future NBA stars. This year’s tournament is brimming with potential draft picks, offering scouts and fans alike a glimpse of the talent that could be shaping the professional league for years to come.
Duke University, the top-seeded Blue Devils, headlines the list of teams loaded with NBA-caliber prospects. With three players projected to be lottery picks – including freshman sensation Cooper Flagg, a strong contender for the No. 1 overall selection – and several others potentially hearing their names called in June’s draft, Duke is a focal point for NBA scouts.
However, Duke is far from the only team with multiple draftable players. Powerhouse programs like Connecticut, Tennessee, Florida, Illinois, and North Carolina also boast rosters with at least two players each who could transition to the NBA level. As the tournament progresses, these players will be under intense scrutiny, their performances potentially impacting their draft stock significantly.
Let’s delve into some of the projected draft picks who participated in the first-round games on Friday, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and recent performances:
Ja’Kobe Walter (Baylor)
Walter, a Bahamian native, brings a captivating blend of athleticism and explosiveness to the court. His elite knack for steals highlights his defensive potential, suggesting he can contribute at the NBA level with his aggressive point-of-attack defense. Offensively, the freshman excels as an off-ball scorer, capable of finding open looks and capitalizing. However, his on-ball scoring needs further refinement to elevate his offensive game. Walter’s late-season performance provided glimpses of his potential, exemplified by a standout showing in a Big 12 tournament victory against Kansas State, where he recorded 19 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and three steals in 36 minutes. He followed that with a solid performance in a loss to Texas Tech, posting 11 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block.
Mark Sears (Alabama)
Sears thrives in transition, utilizing his speed and ability to finish strong at the rim. While capable on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers, this aspect of his game requires more consistent development. A heady defender, Sears disrupts opponents with his knack for generating steals. His recent performances showcase his potential to impact games on both ends of the floor. Against top-ranked Auburn, he tallied 15 points in an overtime victory. In an SEC tournament win against Kentucky, Sears led the team with 21 points, four assists, and three steals. However, he struggled in the conference tournament semifinals, managing only three points on 1-for-9 shooting against Florida.
Joel Scott (Colorado State)
Scott is a versatile wing player who contributes across various facets of the game, excelling in scoring, rebounding, passing, and defending. He possesses a quick burst on drives to the basket, demonstrating the ability to finish with both power and finesse. Scott logged significant minutes for Colorado State, showcasing exceptional form in the Rams’ final six games before the NCAA Tournament. During that stretch, he averaged an impressive 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.5 steals, while shooting a remarkable 60% from the field, including 54.8% from 3-point range. Notably, he erupted for 36 points against Boise State and recorded two double-doubles in the Mountain West tournament.
Cooper Flagg (Duke)
Flagg, the do-it-all freshman sensation, leads the Blue Devils in scoring, rebounding, assists, and steals. His exceptional footwork, particularly in the low post, sets him apart. He is adept at using either hand on shots in the paint, possesses a keen understanding of playmaking, and can consistently hit catch-and-shoot 3-pointers. Moreover, Flagg is an active weakside defender, adding another dimension to his defensive prowess. Having added muscle since the start of the year, Flagg is a physical player who initiates contact, exudes confidence, and plays with force when necessary. He guided Duke to an impressive season, securing both the ACC regular-season title and the ACC tournament title. A sprained left ankle sidelined him for part of the ACC tournament, but he was deemed fit to play on Friday.
Kon Knueppel (Duke)
Knueppel can ignite an offense with his reliable 3-point shot, thanks to an efficient motion that allows him to always be ready to receive the ball in his shooting pocket. He can also hit shots from midrange, take care of the ball, and is reliable from the free-throw line. In the ACC tournament, Knueppel averaged 21 points (including 28 against Georgia Tech) and shot 48.6% from the field, stepping up when Flagg was injured.
Khaman Maluach (Duke)
Maluach, playing around 20 minutes per game, is a mobile big man who shines in pick-and-roll situations, showcasing excellent hands for catching lobs and converting them into easy dunks. He possesses a soft touch around the rim and serves as a shot-blocker and rim protector. Active on the offensive glass, Maluach demonstrates a great aptitude for the game, learning concepts quickly. He represented South Sudan at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Derik Queen (Maryland)
Queen, an active and physical big man, possesses a soft touch around the rim with either hand, while also possessing a power game. He runs the court well and handles the basketball effectively for a power forward-center. A potential first-round pick, Queen boasts good hands and footwork, and has the mechanics to develop into a shooter who can stretch the floor. He had 23 points and 10 rebounds against Illinois and 31 points against Michigan, shooting 56.7% from the field in Big Ten tournament games.
Tyler Kolek (Marquette)
Kolek, an All-Big East first-team selection, is a strong and physical guard who finishes drives to the rim effectively, exhibiting solid footwork and an aversion to contact. He has improved as a playmaker and passer this season and rebounds well. In the Big East tournament, Kolek contributed 28 points, five assists, and four rebounds in a victory against Xavier, and 24 points and seven rebounds in a loss to St. John’s.
Motiejus Krivas (Arizona)
Krivas is an athletic forward who combines strength and fluidity. He displays lateral quickness to stay in front of the ball and possesses the ability to block shots. While he can refine his technique as a finisher and improve his scoring efficiency, Krivas’ athleticism makes him an interesting prospect.
Liam McNeeley (UConn)
What McNeeley might lack in fluid athleticism, he compensates for with a smooth, natural shot and a knack for drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line. He also has a quick release and plenty of range to suggest that he should get early minutes. He has struggled with his shot at times.
Alex Karaban (UConn)
After initially declaring for the 2024 draft, Karaban withdrew and opted to return to UConn. He is more of a complimentary player, with a knack for finding open gaps in a defense. His ability to catch and shoot should translate instantly.
T.J. Fears (Oklahoma)
Fears had a solid start to his freshman season. Quick on the dribble and has strength going to the rim and can finish; operates well in the pick-and-roll as a scorer and passer.
Dain Dainja (Illinois)
Dainja possesses great size for a shooting guard who can make 3s and find open teammates. He looks for offensive rebounds. Like many young players, he needs to improve his shot.
A.J. Hoggard (Michigan State)
Hoggard is an active on both ends of the court as a shot-blocker and physical and versatile defender, and as a player who likes to run the court, launch catch-and-shoot 3s and go one-on-one in the halfcourt.
Harrison Ingram (North Carolina)
Ingram is an athletic scoring guard, having a jump shot, likes getting to the rim and uses his quickness in the open court. Has strength and initiates contact. Crafty at the rim in tight spaces.
Tyrese Proctor (Duke)
Proctor struggled with his 3-point shot late in the season but he was good in ACC title game.
Ryan Young (Duke)
James, who played four seasons at Tulane before joining Duke, is another one of the Blue Devils’ strong shooters who makes the most of his offensive opportunities.
David Jones (Memphis)
Haggerty, who led Memphis in scoring and was the American Athletic Conference player of the year, had 23 games with at least 20 points, including 42 against Wichita State in the AAC tournament.
Augustas Marciulionis (Saint Mary’s)
Marciulionis is the son of Basketball Hall of Famer Sarunas Marciulionis. He was named West Coast Conference player of the year for the second consecutive season.
Riley Kugel (Florida)
Kugel provides scoring and rebounding with eight double-doubles this season, including 27 points and 10 rebounds in a late-season victory against Alabama.
Walter Clayton Jr. (Florida)
Clayton led the Gators in scoring and averaged 20.7 points and shot 50% on 3s in the SEC tournament, scoring 22 points against Tennessee in the championship game.
The tournament is not just about wins and losses for these players; it’s about showcasing their abilities on a national stage, demonstrating their potential to thrive in the NBA, and ultimately, improving their chances of achieving their dreams of playing at the highest level. Their performances in March Madness will undoubtedly shape their future careers.
