Who to look out for in the March Madness Tournament
- dbuckley757
- Mar 18
- 3 min read
March Madness 2025: Real NBA Prospects Shine in March
The NCAA Tournament will be in swing March 18,and fans are glued to the upsets and buzzer-beaters, but for NBA scouts, this is prime time to evaluate the next wave of talent. This year, the storyline’s flipped: Duke’s Cooper Flagg, the projected No. 1 pick, is sidelined with an injury, and Rutgers’ dynamic duo, Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, failed to drag their 14-16 Scarlet Knights into the Big Dance. With the headliners out, other prospects are stepping up, fighting for their schools and their NBA futures. Here are five real NCAA players making waves in the early rounds of the 2025 tournament—watch them closely as the stakes rise.
1. Kon Knueppel, Duke (SG/SF)
6’6”, 217 lbs, Age 19
With Flagg out, Duke’s offense has leaned on freshman Kon Knueppel, and he’s delivering. At 6’6”, Knueppel’s a sharpshooting wing with a quick release, averaging 13.5 points per game and hitting 41% of his threes this season. He’s not just a standstill shooter—Knueppel moves well off the ball, cuts smartly, and has shown a knack for scoring in bunches, like his 25-point outburst against Miami earlier this year.
Defensively, he’s solid, using his size to bother wings, though he’s not an elite stopper on defense. His basketball IQ and versatility make him a plug-and-play NBA prospect. If Duke goes deep, Knueppel could climb from a mid-first-round projection into the lottery.
Comparison : Gordon Hayward
2. Liam McNeeley, UConn (SF)
6’7”, 210 lbs, Age 19
UConn’s chasing a three-peat, and freshman Liam McNeeley is a big reason why. At 6’7”, he’s a smooth-scoring wing averaging 13.3 points and 5.7 rebounds, with a silky 35.3% from three and an 81.6% clip from the line (stats before a recent ankle injury sidelined him). McNeeley’s got a natural feel for scoring—midrange pull-ups, spot-up threes, you name it—and he’s a willing passer, dishing 2.8 assists per game.
He’s not a lockdown defender, but his size and instincts keep him competitive. If he returns for the tournament and shines, McNeeley could jump from a late-first-round grade to a lottery lock. UConn’s pedigree only helps his case.
Comparison: Cam Johnson
3. V.J. Edgecombe, Baylor (SG)
6’4”, 190 lbs, Age 19
Baylor’s V.J. Edgecombe is a human highlight reel, and the tournament’s his stage. At 6’4”, he’s an explosive guard averaging 16.2 points per game, with a first step that leaves defenders in the dust. His 24-point outburst against Arizona showed his rim-attacking prowess—lefty finger rolls, Eurosteps, and dunks galore. His three-point shot started shaky but has settled at 35%.
Defensively, Edgecombe’s a terror, using his 6’9” wingspan to rack up steals (1.8 per game). He’s raw as a creator, but his athleticism and two-way potential have him mocked in the top five. A big March could cement that.
Comparison: Victor Oladipo (pre injury)
4. Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois (PG/SG)
6’6”, 205 lbs, Age 19
Illinois freshman Kasparas Jakucionis is a name to know. At 6’6”, he’s a jumbo guard averaging 16.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists, shooting 41.4% from three. Jakucionis is crafty—step-back threes, hesitation moves, and pinpoint passes make him a nightmare to guard. His 21-point, five-assist game against Indiana showcased his poise under pressure.
Defensively, he’s solid but not elite, relying on size over quickness. Still, his skill set screams NBA combo guard. He’s projected late lottery now, but a deep Illinois run could push him into the top 10.
Comparison: Josh Giddey with a jump shot.
5. Drake Powell, North Carolina (SF)
6’6”, 195 lbs, Age 19
North Carolina’s Drake Powell is a toolsy wing starting to put it together. At 6’6”, he’s averaging 11.8 points and 4.5 rebounds, with athleticism that pops—think transition dunks and chase-down blocks. His three-point shot is a work in progress (32%), but his midrange game and slashing ability keep him dangerous.
Powell’s defense is his calling card—he’s got the length and motor to guard multiple spots, averaging 1.5 steals. He’s a late-first-round prospect now, but a breakout tournament could vault him higher, especially with UNC’s platform.
Comparison: Derrick Jones Jr
The Draft Landscape
With Flagg on the mend and Bailey and Harper sitting out, the 2025 NCAA Tournament is a golden chance for these real prospects to reshape the draft. Knueppel’s shooting, McNeeley’s versatility, Edgecombe’s explosiveness, Jakucionis’ craftiness, and Powell’s two-way upside are all on display. They’re not just playing for a title—they’re auditioning for the NBA. As March Madness rolls on, their stocks could soar. Who’s your pick to rise the highest?
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