March Madness is finally here, and college basketball’s best players are stepping into the NCAA tournament spotlight. This is a crucial time for NBA scouts to get a final look at the many 2025 draft hopefuls before the spring combines.
Duke’s Cooper Flagg has been the projected top pick for the entire season and is expected to remain at the No. 1 spot in June’s draft.
Besides Flagg, which tournament players are catching the eyes of NBA scouts?
ESPN NBA draft experts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo have compiled a list of the top 50 prospects to watch over the next few weeks. This list focuses only on players participating in the NCAA tournament and is separate from ESPN’s Top 100 rankings. Notable omissions due to their teams not qualifying include Rutgers freshmen Dylan Harper (No. 2 in the Top 100) and Ace Bailey (No. 3).
Notes: All times are Eastern Time. True shooting percentage (TS%) combines field goal, free throw, and 3-point shooting efficiency into one ratio.
50. Augustas Marciulionis, PG, Saint Mary’s
Height: 6-4 | Senior | TS%: 55.5%
First game: No. 7 Saint Mary’s vs. No. 10 Vanderbilt, Friday, 3:15 PM (truTV)
Augustas, son of Basketball Hall of Famer Sarunas Marciulionis, has made a name for himself, earning West Coast Conference Player of the Year twice. This 6-foot-4 point guard is a skilled ball handler with excellent pace and court awareness. He dictates the game’s tempo, effectively uses ball screens, and finds teammates with sharp passes.
Marciulionis is a tough defender with high intensity and basketball IQ, playing a key role in Saint Mary’s top-10 defense. While not exceptionally athletic or a high-volume scorer, his inconsistent shooting and finishing will be tested against Vanderbilt. — Givony
49. Tomislav Ivisic, C, Illinois
Height: 7-1 | Sophomore | TS%: 60.1%
First game: No. 6 Illinois vs. TBD, Friday, 9:45 PM (CBS)
Ivisic has emerged as a highly underrated big man this season after joining Illinois from the Adriatic League, following his twin brother Zvonimir (playing for Arkansas) to the US. He provides excellent passing from the center position and plays a dependable game.
While not a guaranteed draft pick this year, another college season could refine his skills and showcase his offense better. However, NBA teams are already attracted to his size and skill. A strong tournament run for Illinois could increase Ivisic’s visibility. — Woo
48. Jalon Moore, SF/PF, Oklahoma
Height: 6-7 | Senior | TS%: 60.4%
First game: No. 9 Oklahoma vs. No. 8 UConn, Friday, 9:25 PM (TNT)
Moore had a breakout final college season, effectively using his physical gifts to score from various spots for Oklahoma. He’s powerful in transition, drives directly to the basket, and draws fouls with his strong build. He shot a solid 39% from 3-point range, although on limited attempts (43 in 33 games).
Despite his physical tools, Moore isn’t as impactful defensively or as a rebounder as expected. His defensive awareness and passing ability are areas for improvement. He might be undersized for a power forward and needs to enhance his defensive consistency at the professional level. — Givony
47. Grant Nelson, PF, Alabama
Height: 6-11 | Super senior | TS%: 60.4%
First game: No. 2 Alabama vs. No. 15 Robert Morris, Friday, 12:40 PM (truTV)
After starting at North Dakota State, Nelson has developed into a more complete player over two seasons at Alabama and could secure a roster spot in the NBA.
While not a great shooter (29% from 3 over five years), Nelson shows perimeter skills for his size and has improved his rebounding and defensive effort. The scarcity of 6-foot-11 players with his skillset will attract NBA teams. — Woo
46. Amari Williams, C, Kentucky
Height: 6-10 | Super senior | TS%: 61.9%
First game: No. 3 Kentucky vs. No. 14 Troy, Friday, 7:10 PM (CBS)
Williams joined Kentucky after three consecutive Coastal Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year awards at Drexel. He’s been a reliable player with NBA-ready size and length. Although not a refined scorer, he’s shown good passing for his position.
Williams is in contention for a two-way contract, as NBA teams constantly seek center depth, which might be limited in this draft. His physical attributes, rebounding, and potential as a defender should help him make an NBA roster. — Woo
45. Dailyn Swain, SF, Xavier
Height: 6-8 | Sophomore | TS%: 60.8%
First game: No. 11 Xavier 86, No. 11 Texas 80
Swain looks like a future NBA wing with an appealing build (220 pounds). His primary value is on defense, where he accumulates rebounds, steals, and blocks. He’s versatile defensively, guarding multiple positions in Xavier’s switching scheme. Swain improved this season, particularly in transition and pick-and-roll, but his jump shot needs work, hitting only 4 of 22 three-pointers this season (though 83% on free throws).
His matchup against a projected top-five pick, Tre Johnson of Texas, in the First Four game is a big opportunity. Most scouts view Swain as a 2026 prospect, but a strong showing against Johnson could boost his draft stock. — Givony
44. Igor Milicic Jr., PF, Tennessee
Height: 6-10 | Senior | TS%: 58.4%
First game: No. 2 Tennessee 77, No. 15 Wofford 62
Milicic transferred from Charlotte and quickly became a starter at Tennessee, offering rare inside-out versatility at the college level. While not a high scorer, he complements Tennessee’s guards effectively and has good feel and skill for his size, occasionally hitting from long range (35% career 3-point shooter).
Milicic doesn’t excel in one specific NBA skill, 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%
First game: No. 5 Memphis vs. No. 12 Colorado State, Friday, 2 PM (TBS)
Haggerty, the American Athletic Conference player of the year, is a top scorer in college basketball, pressuring defenses with his dribbling and quickness. He excels in one-on-one situations and transition, drawing fouls frequently. With a slender build, a low jumper release, and inconsistent defense and decision-making, questions remain about his NBA translation.
However, there’s demand for players with his scoring instincts and aggression, and his winning style is a positive sign. His tournament performance will help scouts assess his pro readiness or if he should return for his senior year, likely as a highly paid college guard. — Givony
42. Walter Clayton Jr., PG, Florida
Height: 6-4 | Junior | TS%: 59.1%
First game: No 1 Florida vs. No. 16 Norfolk State, Friday, 6:50 PM (TNT)
Clayton, an All-SEC and All-American selection, was Florida’s leading scorer and offensive leader during their SEC championship and No. 1 tournament seed run. As a top shot-maker, he thrives on creating offensive disruption with his speed and unpredictability. Despite average size and inconsistent defense and passing, NBA teams will scrutinize his decision-making in crucial tournament moments.
While scouts aren’t heavily seeking smaller combo guards, Clayton’s scoring ability, production, and impact on winning shouldn’t be overlooked. — Givony
41. Koby Brea, SG/SF, Kentucky
Height: 6-7 | Super senior | TS%: 64.0%
First game: No. 3 Kentucky vs. No. 14 Troy, Friday, 7:10 PM (CBS)
Three-point shooting (43% career) is Brea’s defining skill over five college seasons, continuing after transferring from Dayton to Kentucky. Though it’s his main NBA-level skill, it’s valuable, and his size on the wing allows him to get his shot off and potentially defend as a specialist.
This skill set could earn him a two-way contract as he aims for a spot on an NBA bench. — Woo
40. RJ Luis Jr., SF/PF, St. John’s
Height: 6-7 | Junior | TS%: 53.5%
First game: No. 2 St. John’s 83, No. 15 Omaha 53
Luis, the Big East Player of the Year, contributed across the board, helping coach Rick Pitino secure a No. 2 seed and conference titles. He’s a strong rebounder, generates steals and blocks, plays hard, and earns frequent free throws through his aggressiveness. His fearlessness has led to big plays for St. John’s, embodying their physical style.
However, Luis’s shooting (31% career 3-point, unconventional mechanics) and inside-the-arc decision-making raise concerns for higher levels. At 22, with another year of eligibility, he faces a tough decision considering his team’s success and personal awards. — Givony
39. Zvonimir Ivisic, PF/C, Arkansas
Height: 7-2 | Sophomore | TS%: 60.5%
First game: No. 10 Arkansas 79, No. 7 Kansas 72
Ivisic has been on NBA radars for years, entering and withdrawing from drafts before Kentucky and then Arkansas. Scouts are intrigued by his “unicorn” potential: 3-point shooting, shot-blocking, and occasional dominant performances.
However, Ivisic is also inconsistent, with fluctuating production, 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%
First game: No. 4 Purdue 75, No. 13 High Point 63
Smith, Big Ten Player of the Year, has impressed NBA scouts despite size limitations (6-0, 170 pounds). He excelled this season with Zach Edey gone, Purdue playing a more guard-centric style. He shoots near 40% from 3 and led the conference in assists.
As a tough and smart floor leader, Smith could earn more by 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%
First game: No. 3 Wisconsin 85, No. 14 Montana 66
Playing at his third college in six years, Tonje became an All-American for Wisconsin, improving his NBA prospects despite being nearly 24. His size, strength, aggression, and scoring are tough to handle in college, especially when his perimeter shots are falling. He’s strong driving to the basket, attacking closeouts, and drawing fouls, scoring efficiently.
Tonje is an average passer and lacks off-ball defensive awareness. Questions remain about his NBA translation, as older players in his mold haven’t always succeeded in the NBA. — Givony
36. Joseph Tugler, PF/C, Houston
Height: 6-8 | Sophomore | TS%: 55.3%
First game: No. 1 Houston 78, No. 16 SIU Edwardsville 40
Tugler, Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, has exceptional length (7-6 wingspan), mobility, and defensive versatility. He leads draft prospects with a 13% block rate. Houston’s defensive system asks him to aggressively defend ball screens far from the basket and then recover to block shots, requiring immense energy.
Offensively, Tugler is developing, averaging 5.6 points in 22 minutes and struggling with free throws (54%). His aggressive style can lead to mistakes. At 19, another college year could refine his skills, but a strong tournament could elevate his draft stock. — Givony
35. Sion James, SF, Duke
Height: 6-6 | Super senior | TS%: 65.8%
First game: No. 1 Duke vs. Mount Saint Mary’s, Friday, 2:50 PM (CBS)
James transferred from Tulane and became a key role player for Duke, providing versatile ball-handling, defense, and energy, along with experience on a young team. His skillset and strength make him an intriguing NBA roster candidate if he can consistently shoot 3s (35.9% career) to space the floor.
He could be a two-way contract player, and his Duke exposure helps his case. — Woo
34. Ian Jackson, SG, North Carolina
Height: 6-4 | Freshman | TS%: 58.4%
First game: No. 11 North Carolina 95, No. 11 San Diego State 68
Jackson’s role and minutes decreased from February onward, making him a borderline 2025 prospect who might benefit from more college time. He’s a natural scorer but can be inconsistent due to shot selection and is not a strong playmaker. With reduced minutes, his tournament impact for UNC is uncertain. — Woo
33. Tyrese Proctor, PG, Duke
Height: 6-6 | Junior | TS%: 56.6%
First game: No. 1 Duke vs. Mount Saint Mary’s, Friday, 2:50 PM (CBS)
Proctor’s Duke tenure has lasted longer than expected, but he’s shown steady improvement as a three-year starter. He’s a useful complementary player for Duke, shooting 37% from 3 and limiting turnovers. NBA teams have always liked his size and offensive potential, but his development has somewhat stalled. He lacks the playmaking to be a full-time NBA point guard and hasn’t fully lived up to his early hype.
He’ll be crucial to Duke’s tournament success and might consider another college year before going pro. — Woo
32. Darrion Williams, SF/PF, Texas Tech
Height: 6-6 | Junior | TS%: 55.0%
First game: No. 3 Texas Tech 82, No. 14 UNC Wilmington 72
Williams is exceptionally versatile, playing point guard to power forward. He facilitates well, moving the ball, finding cutters, making skip passes, and operating in the post. He balances scoring and playmaking, making clutch plays.
He shoots 39% from 3 for his career (low volume) and 85% on free throws, but his shooting mechanics are questionable. He lacks elite athleticism and ideal physique, and NBA teams will want to assess his shooting and defense better. His intelligence and competitiveness are positives, but his team’s defense struggles, and he plays a role in that. His recent health issues are a concern. — Givony
31. Miles Byrd, SG, San Diego State
Height: 6-7 | Sophomore | TS%: 52.6%
First game: No. 11 North Carolina 95, No. 11 San Diego State 68
Byrd is statistically impressive and caught NBA scouts’ attention at the Players Era tournament in Las Vegas. He has strong instincts on both ends. His defensive stats are comparable to Tari Eason and Matisse Thybulle.
Byrd’s inconsistent shooting (31% 3P%), basic ball-handling, and slight build are areas scouts want to investigate. He struggled late in the season and has an interesting matchup against defensive wing prospect Drake Powell. — Givony
30. Bennett Stirtz, PG/SG, Drake
Height: 6-4 | Junior | TS%: 60.8%
First game: No. 11 Drake 67, No. 6 Missouri 57
Stirtz, Missouri Valley Conference player of the year, leads Division I in minutes per game (over 40). His size, feel, unselfishness, and playmaking in pick-and-roll are appealing. Analytics models favor his stats. His efficiency is notable, especially considering Drake’s slow pace, making his per-possession stats for points, assists, rebounds, steals, and free throws (39% 3P, 79% FT) stand out.
Having faced only one tournament team all season (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 thin frame. — Givony
29. Boogie Fland, PG, Arkansas
Height: 6-2 | Freshman | TS%: 51.5%
First game: No. 10 Arkansas 79, No. 7 Kansas 72
Fland has been inactive since mid-January due to a thumb injury. Arkansas improved significantly without him, earning a tournament bid. Fland has returned to practice and is expected to play, adding scoring depth to the team. He provides shot creation and playmaking but struggled with inside scoring efficiency and was defensively targeted due to his size.
Returning to college seemed likely for Fland before his injury and team’s improvement. It’s uncertain how he’ll be used as the team’s hierarchy has shifted towards veteran guard Johnell Davis. — Givony
28. Isaiah Evans, SG/SF, Duke
Height: 6-6 | Freshman | TS%: 65.1%
First game: No. 1 Duke vs. Mount Saint Mary’s, Friday, 2:50 PM (CBS)
Evans’ role has varied this season. He provides instant offense for Duke but lacks defensive consistency and decision-making to be a primary option on a deep team. As a highly-rated recruit, his strong shooting will keep him on NBA radars.
