Every year we see some big time performances in March and some new stars emerge onto the scene but standout play in the tournament doesn’t necessarily lead to a player getting drafted in June. Here’s a look at some of this year’s March Madness Heroes and some thoughts about their NBA Draft potential:
Walter Clayton Jr. Is A G. The veteran guard from Florida has been on a heater, leading the Gators to the Final Four. He has definitely helped his draft stock. I saw him as a late second rounder before the tournament but it’s easy to see him going higher than that in June, after this run in tournament. I’d put his draft stock in the 25-45 range.
Tyrese Proctor has had an up and down career at Duke but the junior guard has had a stretch of really strong play for the top ranked Blue Devils, shooting the ball well from deep and impacting all aspects of the game. I think he’ll test the draft waters this year and it’s a coin flip on whether he stays in the draft or not. He’d be a likely mid second rounder.
Caleb Love wraps up a long and stellar college career with some high level play and great leadership during Arizona’s run to the sweet sixteen. The undersized shooting guard might not be drafted and it remains to be seen if he can work his way onto a NBA roster but he’s been really fun to watch at Arizona and at UNC before that.
Sean Pedulla is a warrior on the court. The senior guard from Ole Miss is undersized at 6-1 but plays bigger than that and is a play-maker on both ends. He’s not likely to be drafted but could be a nice addition to a Summer League roster.
Kon Knueppel is special. He’s as talented of a shot-maker as you’ll find and is lethal on the catch and shoot. He’s super crafty with the ball, uses his size/bulk very well to create room for his jumper and has elite feel for the game. He’s looking like a lottery lock.
Sion James has been a steady and effective player all season for Duke and has continued his solid play in March. It’s easy to see him in a first guard off the bench type of role at the NBA level and should be drafted accordingly.
Tahaad Pettiford is electric with the ball in his hands and looks like one of those rare players who will make it in the NBA despite being about 6-feet tall. He’s an elite ball-handler and dynamic scorer who can get his shot whenever he wants. I hope he stays another year but after this great run with Auburn he could declare for the 2025 draft and be one of the more fascinating prospects this year.
Bennett Stirtz introduced himself to the basketball world in March and looks the part of a future NBA player. The 6-5 guard just announced that he’s transferring from Drake to Iowa, so most likely won’t be in this draft, but if he does declare he’d be a fringe first rounder/sure-fire draft pick.
Coan Carr probably isn’t a “this year” guy but he’s really helped his draft stock during Michigan State’s run to the Elite Eight. He’s a rare athlete and awesome above the rim player and he’s starting to put it all together on the court. He’s got big upside as a defender, is a nightmare in transition and has started to show flashes of shot-making and off the dribble scoring.
Jase Richardson is another Spartan who helped himself in March. The freshman guard is widely considered a first rounder but might have lifted his draft stock into the lottery territory. He’s hyper-efficient with his shots and has a great feel for the game on both ends. He’s not the biggest guard out there and isn’t an elite athlete like his old man but he’s a big time talent.
Derek Queen put up some big numbers for Maryland and hit one of the biggest shots of the tournament in the final seconds to beat Colorado State. Queen is a unique prospect; a big-bodied PF/C with an elite skill level for a such a big guy. He’s a lottery lock.
Milos Uzan has been really good during Houston’s run to the Final Four. The junior guard is likely a next year guy but has certainly helped his draft stock in the eyes of NBA scouts.
Thomas Haugh has shown some really good stuff for Florida. The 6-9 forward has great versatility, can hit the open 3 and is the type of high energy big-wing that has a lot of value at the NBA level. He won’t be in the draft this year but is one to watch for in the future.
Henry Veesaar was one of the standout big men in the tournament, helping to lead Arizona to the Sweet Sixteen. He’s added a lot of good weight/strength over the past few years while maintaining his impressive athleticism. I think he’ll be back next year and could be one of the best centers in college basketball next year.
Karter Knox and Billy Richmond both stepped up big filling in for the injured Abou Theiro during Arkansas’ tournament run. Both look like potential 2026 draft picks.
Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State) is a baller. The 6-9 junior will probably be back in school next year and will be on the 2026 NBA Draft radar.
Thanks for reading!