March Madness is here, spotlighting college basketball`s best as they enter the NCAA tournament. NBA scouts are keenly observing these 2025 draft prospects before the spring combines.
Cooper Flagg from Duke has been the top prospect all season and is projected to be the No. 1 pick in June.
Besides Flagg, which tournament players are catching the eyes of NBA scouts?
ESPN NBA draft experts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo present their top 50 prospects to monitor over the next few weeks. This list focuses solely on players in the NCAA tournament, distinct from ESPN`s Top 100 rankings. Notable omissions include Rutgers freshmen Dylan Harper (No. 2 in Top 100) and Ace Bailey (No. 3) because their team didn`t qualify for the tournament.
Note: True shooting percentage (TS%) is a comprehensive metric combining field goal, free throw, and 3-point shooting efficiency.
NBA draft coverage: Scouting Rutgers` Harper, Bailey | 15 questions 2025 mock draft | Top 100 rankings Debut of 2026 mock | More draft news
50. Augustas Marciulionis, PG, Saint Mary`s
Height: 6-4 | Senior | TS%: 55.5%
Augustas Marciulionis, son of Hall of Famer Sarunas Marciulionis, has established himself, earning back-to-back West Coast Conference Player of the Year awards. This 6-foot-4 point guard is a skilled ball handler with excellent pace and court awareness. He dictates tempo, uses ball screens effectively, and is a selfless passer.
Marciulionis is a competitive, intelligent defender, crucial to Saint Mary`s top-ranked defense. While not exceptionally explosive or a dominant scorer, his perimeter shooting and finishing will be tested. — Givony
49. Tomislav Ivisic, C, Illinois
Height: 7-1 | Sophomore | TS%: 60.1%
Ivisic emerged as a notable big man this season after joining Illinois from the Adriatic League, following his twin brother Zvonimir (at Arkansas) to the U.S. He brings valuable passing skills from the center position and plays a consistent game.
While not a guaranteed draft pick this year, another college year could refine his offense. However, NBA teams are attracted to his size and skill as a center. A strong tournament run for Illinois could boost Ivisic`s visibility. — Woo
48. Jalon Moore, SF/PF, Oklahoma
Height: 6-7 | Senior | TS%: 60.4%
Moore significantly improved in his final college season, utilizing his physical gifts to score across the court for Oklahoma. He`s powerful in transition, attacks directly, and draws fouls with his physique. He shot well from three (39%), though on limited attempts (43 in 33 games).
Defensively and in rebounding, Moore isn`t as impactful as expected given his size and athleticism. His defensive awareness and passing are areas for improvement. He might be undersized for a power forward in the NBA and needs to enhance his defensive contributions. — Givony
47. Grant Nelson, PF, Alabama
Height: 6-11 | Super senior | TS%: 60.4%
Nelson, who began at North Dakota State, has developed into a more versatile player at Alabama and could secure a late-roster spot in the NBA.
Despite average shooting (29% from 3 over college), Nelson shows perimeter skills for his size and has improved his rebounding and defense. His combination of size and skills for a 6-foot-11 player will attract NBA interest. — Woo
46. Amari Williams, C, Kentucky
Height: 6-10 | Super senior | TS%: 61.9%
Williams, joining Kentucky after three Defensive Player of the Year awards in the Coastal Athletic Association at Drexel, has been a reliable performer with NBA-ready size and reach. While not a refined scorer, he demonstrates good passing for his position.
Williams is in contention for a two-way NBA contract, as teams constantly seek center depth, which might be limited in this draft. His physical attributes, rebounding, and defensive potential should earn him a place on an NBA roster. — Woo
45. Dailyn Swain, SF, Xavier
Height: 6-8 | Sophomore | TS%: 60.8%
Swain looks like a future NBA wing with a strong build (220 pounds). His primary value is on defense, contributing rebounds, steals, and blocks. He`s versatile defensively within Xavier`s switching scheme. Swain improved offensively this season, especially in transition and pick-and-roll, but needs to develop his jump shot (4-for-22 from 3 this season, but 83% on free throws).
Matching up against a top-five projected pick from Texas presents a significant opportunity. Many scouts view Swain as a 2026 prospect, but showing his defensive ability against elite scorers now can enhance his draft profile. — Givony
44. Igor Milicic Jr., PF, Tennessee
Height: 6-10 | Senior | TS%: 58.4%
Milicic, transferring from Charlotte, immediately became a key player for Tennessee, offering versatile inside-out skills uncommon in college. Though not a high-volume scorer, he effectively complements Tennessee`s guards, showing good feel and skill for his size, and can hit occasional threes (35% career).
Milicic might not excel in one NBA area, but his size and defensive flashes make him a potential two-way contract option. — Woo
43. PJ Haggerty, PG, Memphis
Height: 6-3 | Sophomore | TS%: 60.1%
Haggerty, the American Athletic Conference player of the year, is a top college scorer, pressuring defenses with his ballhandling and quickness. He`s dangerous in isolation and transition, frequently drawing fouls. With a slight build, a low jump shot release (few 3s compared to 2s), and inconsistent defense and decision-making, questions exist about his NBA scoring translation.
However, players with his scoring instincts and aggression are valued, and his winning play style is a positive sign. His tournament performance will help scouts assess his NBA readiness or if another college year is best, potentially as a top-earning college guard. — Givony
42. Walter Clayton Jr., PG, Florida
Height: 6-4 | Junior | TS%: 59.1%
Clayton, an All-SEC and All-American player, led Florida in scoring and offense, helping them to a No. 1 NCAA seed and SEC title run. He`s a top shot-creator in college, known for his speed and unpredictability. Despite average size and physicality, and inconsistent defense and passing, his decision-making in crucial tournament moments will be closely watched by NBA teams.
Smaller combo guards aren`t highly sought after, but Clayton`s scoring talent, productivity, and impact on winning shouldn`t be overlooked. — Givony
41. Koby Brea, SG/SF, Kentucky
Height: 6-7 | Super senior | TS%: 64.0%
Three-point shooting (43% career) is Brea`s standout skill over five college seasons, which continued after transferring from Dayton to Kentucky. While it`s his main NBA skill, it`s valuable, and his wing size allows him to get shots off and potentially be a shooting specialist.
This skill should be enough for a two-way contract as he aims for an NBA bench role. — Woo
40. RJ Luis Jr., SF/PF, St. John`s
Height: 6-7 | Junior | TS%: 53.5%
Luis, the Big East Player of the Year, contributed across the board for St. John`s, helping coach Rick Pitino secure a No. 2 seed and conference titles. He`s active in rebounds, steals, and blocks, playing hard and drawing fouls with his aggressive, contact-seeking style. He`s made crucial plays for St. John`s with his fearlessness, embodying their physical play style.
Luis` shooting, with unconventional mechanics and 31% career 3-point accuracy, raises questions about higher levels, as does his decision-making inside. At 22, with eligibility remaining, his team`s success and individual awards make his future decisions complex. — Givony
39. Zvonimir Ivisic, PF/C, Arkansas
Height: 7-2 | Sophomore | TS%: 60.5%
Ivisic has been on NBA radars for years, entering and withdrawing from the draft in 2022 and 2023 before college. He intrigues scouts with his potential as a 7-foot-2 stretch big who can shoot threes, block shots, and occasionally dominate games.
However, Ivisic has been inconsistent, with fluctuating performances, struggles with physicality, and lapses in awareness. He`s likely to return to college, but his talent as a stretch big will be closely watched. — Givony
38. Braden Smith, PG, Purdue
Height: 6-0 | Junior | TS%: 55.7%
Smith, the Big Ten Player of the Year, has impressed NBA scouts despite size limitations (6-0, 170 pounds). He excelled this season with a more guard-centric Purdue offense, shooting nearly 40% from 3 and leading the conference in assists.
As a tough, smart floor leader, Smith could earn more money returning to college but has made NBA scouts consider him as a potential depth player. — Woo
37. John Tonje, SF, Wisconsin
Height: 6-6 | Super senior | TS%: 65.0%
Playing at his third school in six years, Tonje emerged as an All-American for Wisconsin, improving his NBA prospects despite his age (24 next month). His size, strength, aggression, and scoring ability are tough to match in college, especially when he`s hitting perimeter shots. He`s effective driving to the basket, drawing fouls and scoring efficiently.
Tonje is an average passer and lacks off-ball defensive awareness. Questions remain about his NBA translation, as older players with his style haven`t always succeeded in the NBA. — Givony
36. Joseph Tugler, PF/C, Houston
Height: 6-8 | Sophomore | TS%: 55.3%
Tugler, the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, offers exceptional length (7-foot-6 wingspan), mobility, and versatility, leading draft prospects in block percentage (13%). His defensive role in Houston`s system is incredibly demanding, requiring immense energy.
Offensively, Tugler is developing, not a high scorer (5.6 PPG in 22 MPG), struggles with free throws (54%), and can be prone to mistakes due to his aggressive style. At 19, another college year could refine his skills, but a strong tournament could boost his draft stock. — Givony
35. Sion James, SF, Duke
Height: 6-6 | Super senior | TS%: 65.8%
James, a transfer from Tulane, became a key role player for Duke, providing versatility as a ball handler, defender, and energy source, along with experience. His skills and strength make him an intriguing late-roster NBA candidate, if he maintains his 3-point shooting (35.9% college career) for floor spacing.
He should attract interest for a two-way contract, with his Duke exposure helping his cause. — Woo
34. Ian Jackson, SG, North Carolina
Height: 6-4 | Freshman | TS%: 58.4%
Jackson`s role and playing time decreased from February, making him a borderline 2025 prospect who might benefit from more college experience. He`s a natural scorer but can be inconsistent due to shot selection and isn`t a major playmaker. With reduced minutes, his tournament impact for UNC is uncertain. — Woo
33. Tyrese Proctor, PG, Duke
Height: 6-6 | Junior | TS%: 56.6%
Proctor`s Duke tenure has been longer than expected, showing gradual improvement as a three-year starter. He`s played a supportive role for Duke, shooting 37% from 3 and limiting turnovers. NBA teams have always liked his size and offensive potential, but his development has plateaued, lacking the playmaking for a full-time NBA point guard and not fully living up to early hype.
He`ll be important for Duke`s tournament success and might benefit from another college year before turning pro. — Woo
32. Darrion Williams, SF/PF, Texas Tech
Height: 6-6 | Junior | TS%: 55.0%
Williams displays rare versatility and game feel, playing both point guard and power forward. He facilitates well, moving the ball, running pick-and-rolls, finding cutters, making skip passes, and attacking closeouts. He balances scoring and playmaking, often making clutch plays.
Williams shoots 39% from 3 (low volume, 121 in 95 games) and 85% on free throws. However, his shooting mechanics are questioned. He lacks elite athleticism and ideal physique, and NBA teams will assess this, as he`s not a lockdown defender either. His intelligence and competitiveness are positives, but his team`s defense struggles, and he plays a part. His recent health is a concern. — Givony
31. Miles Byrd, SG, San Diego State
Height: 6-7 | Sophomore | TS%: 52.6%
Byrd is an analytics favorite who impressed scouts in November at the Players Era tournament, where San Diego State beat Creighton and Houston. Byrd shows strong instincts on both ends; his assist/block/steal rate is historically rare, comparing defensively to Tari Eason and Matisse Thybulle.
Byrd`s inconsistent 3-point shooting (31%), basic ballhandling, thin build, and weight gain challenges are concerns for scouts. He cooled off late in the season and has an interesting matchup with defensive wing prospect Drake Powell. — Givony
30. Bennett Stirtz, PG/SG, Drake
Height: 6-4 | Junior | TS%: 60.8%
Stirtz, the Missouri Valley Conference player of the year, leads Division I in minutes per game. His size, game feel, unselfishness, and competitiveness are appealing, along with his playmaking in pick-and-roll. Analytics models favor his stats. His production and efficiency are notable, especially considering Drake`s slow pace, highlighting his per-possession stats in points, assists, rebounds, steals, and free throws (39% from 3, 79% on free throws).
Having faced only one NCAA tournament team (Vanderbilt), teams want to assess Stirtz against tougher, more athletic opponents, as he struggles to create separation and finish in traffic, and defensively with his slight frame. — Givony
29. Boogie Fland, PG, Arkansas
Height: 6-2 | Freshman | TS%: 51.5%
Fland has been inactive since January 18 due to a thumb injury requiring surgery. Arkansas struggled initially but improved significantly without him. Fland is now practicing and expected to play, adding scoring to their backcourt. He offers shot creation, shot-making, and playmaking, but had efficiency issues inside and was targeted defensively due to his size.
Fland has little to lose now, as returning to college seemed likely due to his injury and team performance without him. His role will be interesting to watch with veteran Johnell Davis now leading the team. — Givony
28. Isaiah Evans, SG/SF, Duke
Height: 6-6 | Freshman | TS%: 65.1%
Evans` role has varied throughout the season, providing scoring bursts for Duke but lacking defensive and decision-making consistency to become a primary option. As a highly-rated high school recruit, his shooting ability keeps him on NBA radars, but he`s still a developing prospect.
NBA scouts remain interested in Evans long-term and will watch his March opportunities, though another college year might be best for him. — Woo
27. Kam Jones, PG/SG, Marquette
Height: 6-4 | Senior | TS%: 55.6%
Jones became a first-team All-Big East player, taking over point guard duties after Tyler Kolek went to the NBA. After shooting 40% from 3 as a junior, his increased usage this season attracted NBA attention, though with some efficiency drop-off.
Despite average size and a basic off-dribble game limiting his ceiling, Jones has had a strong senior year and is appealing as a potential NBA bench player. — Woo
26. JT Toppin, PF, Texas Tech
Height: 6-8 | Sophomore | TS%: 59.9%
Toppin, the Big 12 Player of the Year, had a productive season on a top conference team. At 19, he`s a top pick-and-roll big man in college, effective at setting screens, finishing left-handed, drawing fouls, and offensive rebounding. He`s undersized for center, lacks consistent jump shot range, isn`t a great passer, and is defensively between positions. Still, he`s improved significantly, has natural scoring instincts, and is productive, likely getting drafted.
The question is if another college year could elevate him to first-round consideration, depending on his season finish, as he`s faced challenges against top teams. — Givony
25. Labaron Philon, PG/SG, Alabama
Height: 6-4 | Freshman | TS%: 55.1%
Philon has played his best basketball since rejoining Alabama`s starting lineup in February, reminding scouts of his early-season potential. His versatility, competitiveness, and improved consistency have been key for Alabama.
While questions remain about his shooting consistency and top-tier physical traits for a combo guard, he`ll attract workout interest if he enters the draft, making his decision to stay or go interesting if he can play into the first round. March could solidify his draft standing. — Woo
24. Milos Uzan, PG, Houston
Height: 6-4 | Junior | TS%: 56.4%
Uzan improved significantly this season, playing a vital role in Houston`s strong run in the Big 12. While not exceptionally athletic, he has good size for a point guard and has improved his defensive intensity, toughness, and technique, crucial for coach Kelvin Sampson.
Uzan has also improved his shooting, hitting 43% from 3 on limited attempts, and uses midrange shots and floaters effectively. A versatile player, his tournament play could decide if he enters the draft or returns for his final college year. — Givony
23. Johni Broome, C, Auburn
Height: 6-10 | Super senior | TS%: 56.1%
Broome, the SEC Player of the Year, is a traditional college big man, using strength and physicality. He`s been key for Auburn, expected to make a deep March run, giving him further opportunity to show his skills.
NBA scouts will question his NBA fit, as he`s not highly skilled, doesn`t stretch the floor, and isn`t an elite athlete. However, some NBA teams will value his roster depth contributions. — Woo
22. Chaz Lanier, SG, Tennessee
Height: 6-5 | Super senior | TS%: 56.6%
Lanier transitioned well into a key role at Tennessee after transferring from North Florida, maintaining his high 3-point shooting (40.4%) and leading Tennessee in scoring (17.9 PPG). While his offensive skills aren`t diverse, his shooting ability makes him a potential NBA role player, despite defensive challenges.
At 23, Lanier`s late development is intriguing and should make him a second-round pick for teams needing shooters. — Woo
21. Alex Karaban, PF, UConn
Height: 6-8 | Junior | TS%: 57.8%
After roles in UConn`s 2023 and 2024 championships, Karaban is well-known to NBA teams as a likely solid bench player. He`s a reliable shooter, passer, and cutter who can contribute offensively early in his NBA career but likely won`t be a primary scorer.
Karaban`s NBA defense is more questionable due to athletic limitations, though his instincts have helped in college. His decorated UConn career should make him appealing in the late first or second round. — Woo
20. Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton
Height: 7-2 | Super senior | TS%: 69.3%
Kalkbrenner and Patrick Ewing are the only players to win Big East Defensive Player of the Year four times. He improved his scoring, rebounding, and efficiency this season but is well-known to NBA scouts as a 23-year-old in his fifth college season.
Kalkbrenner`s consistent intensity, rim protection, pick-and-roll finishing, and mistake-free style give him a high floor as a solid NBA backup. While not particularly exciting, his reliability could appeal to playoff teams due to his cost-controlled contract. — Givony
19. Nique Clifford, SG, Colorado State
Height: 6-6 | Super senior | TS%: 62.0%
Clifford surged late in the season, leading Colorado State to the NCAA tournament with 10 wins, posting All-American numbers: 22.1 PPG, 9 RPG, 5.1 APG, shooting well from two (57%) and three (56%). Likely to have a smaller NBA role, his 3-point shooting at his size and all-around stats are intriguing. He`s a competitive rebounder and defender with high energy.
Clifford has historically struggled against top competition, notably at the G League Elite Camp. He needs to prove his recent high-level play is consistent, making the NCAA tournament a key opportunity. — Givony
18. Adou Thiero, PF, Arkansas
Height: 6-8 | Junior | TS%: 62.0%
Thiero`s knee injury in February will likely keep him out of the NCAA tournament. He offers NBA potential with his physique and unique blend of speed, power, and athleticism at power forward. Defensively, he can be impressive one-on-one, generating steals and blocks.
Thiero`s perimeter shooting (few 3s, 69% FT%) and off-ball defense need improvement to fit the 3-and-D NBA role he projects for. — Givony
17. Drake Powell, SG/SF, North Carolina
Height: 6-6 | Freshman | TS%: 59.6%
North Carolina narrowly made the tournament, entering a First Four with several prospects, including Powell. A challenging team situation and limited offense made his freshman season somewhat unremarkable—and th