Ranking the ten greatest NBA draft prospects in 2025. March Madness: From Duke’s Cooper Flagg to Maryland’s Derik Queen
On Thursday, the NCAA tournament’s Round of 64 began, ushering in a three-week stretch in which all eyes will be on college basketball.
As in previous years, many players who show and prove in March are ticking off boxes on their path to becoming NBA stars. After an influx of overseas talent dominated selection cycles in recent years, the 2025 NCAA Tournament will feature some of the most well-known individuals in the 2025 NBA selection.
Dukes Cooper Flagg, the consensus #1 prospect in this year’s draft, is expected to play on college basketball’s grandest stage, barring any setbacks. While Rutgers’ two potential top-five picks will not be dancing, many of the players who may be selected in the first round will.
As the tournament begins, here’s a look at the top ten prospects who will take the court during March Madness.
Ranking the ten best NBA draft prospects in March Madness.
1. Cooper Flagg, Duke
Age: 18; Freshman
Position: guard/forward
Measurements: 6-9, 205 pounds.
Mock Draft projection: No. 1.
There won’t be many 2025 NBA Draft class rankings without Flagg at No. 1, so this shouldn’t be surprising. Still, it says a lot about what he’s accomplished in just one season at Duke.
Flagg is on track to become the first college player selected first overall since Paolo Banchero in 2022, and he is the most highly anticipated college talent since Zion Williamson in 2019.
If you didn’t already know, the hype is genuine.
Flagg’s extraordinary size, athleticism, and talent have resulted in averages of 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. He’s a game changer on defense as well as offense, and as a result, he’s a generational talent.
2. Tre Johnson ,Texas
Position: Guard
Measurements: 6’6″, 190 pounds.
Mock Draft projection: No. 4.
Johnson has a strong case for being the best scorer in this year’s class, as proven by his SEC-leading 19.8 points per game this season. In a very good year for the league, the wiry Dallas 2-guard leads the way in scoring.
Despite being the focal center of opposition defenses, Johnson found ways to fill it up every night. His scoring skill will translate to the next level, where there is more space and more talented playmakers to set him up.
3. VJ Edgecombe, Baylor, Bahamas
Age: 19
Position: Guard.
Measurements: 6-4, 180 pounds.
Mock Draft projection: No. 3.
Edgecombe is a competitor above all else, and his fire will follow him wherever he goes. Edgecombe is no stranger to high-level competition; at 18, he played for the Bahamas Senior Men’s National team alongside former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton and veteran Eric Gordon.
At times, Edgecombe was the best player on the court.
Edgecombe is averaging 15.0 points and 5.6 rebounds for the Bears this season and boasts great quickness in a strong 6-4 frame. He possesses all of the necessary skills to become an elite NBA defender.
4. Khaman Maluach, Duke South
Age: 18, Freshman.
Position: Center.
7-2, 250 pounds.
Mock Draft projection: No. 6.
Maluach is still new to basketball, having taught himself how to play only a few years ago. Given how far he has come in such a short period of time, Maluach’s potential is infinite.
Maluach’s instinct for the game cannot be taught, and he always finds himself in the right place at the right time. His averages of 8.3 points and 6.8 rebounds may not instantly stand out, but he defends the rim at the NBA level and has the size and quickness to finish above the rim.
5. Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois | Lithuania
Age: 19; Freshman
Position: Guard.
Measurements: 6’6″, 205 pounds.
Mock draft projection: No. 7.
When Jakucionis has the ball, it’s showtime, and he’s been a key contributor to the Fighting Illini’s success this season. At 6-6, he is unusually large for a lead guard and fits the current mold of big guards in today’s game.
He leads his team in both scoring and assists, and if Illinois is to make a comeback, it will be because to his contributions.
6. Kon Knueppel, Duke
Age: 19
Position: guard/forward
Measurements: 6-7, 217 pounds.
Mock draft projection: No. 8.
Knueppel, arguably the finest 3-point shooter in this draft class, has filled it up quickly and has taken up the slack when his teammates are injured or out due to foul trouble.
To be clear, Knueppel is more than simply a shooter; he has demonstrated the ability to make plays and shoot off the dribble when opposing opponents run him off the 3-point line. He’s the type of player who can use his abilities to change the course of a game.
7. Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma
Age: 18; Freshman
Position: Guard.
Measurements: 6-4, 182 pounds.
Mock draft projection: No. 12.
Fears is one of NCAA basketball’s youngest players, but he’s made an upperclassman-like impact for the Sooners this season. He averages 17.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game and has demonstrated calmness in tight situations.
There is room for growth in his shooting, but he is a gamer who will be a popular choice during the tournament and draft.
8. Derik Queen, Maryland.
Age: 20; Freshman
Position: Center.
Measurements: 6-10, 246 pounds.
Mock draft projection: No. 10.
Queen has risen quickly in the rankings, thanks in large part to her great freshman season.
Queen, a member of Maryland’s well-known “Crab Five,” is the modern-day equivalent of the classic big man. This season, he leads the Terps in scoring with 16.3 points per game and averages 9.0 rebounds. Prior to the tournament, the 6-10 rookie recorded 14 double-doubles, including 22 points and 20 rebounds in his college debut and a 19-point, 10-rebound performance in a Big Ten tournament victory over Illinois.
9. Asa Newell, Georgia.
Age: 19; Freshman
Position: Forward
Measurements: 6’11”, 220 pounds.
Mock Draft projection: No. 16
Newell is a lively, 6-foot-11 forward with the ability to expand his repertoire. Georgia’s rookie forward is averaging 15.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, and his explosiveness and quick bounce are evident on television.
When it comes to what professional teams look for in a big man of the future, Newell fits the bill.
10. Jase Richardson, Michigan State
Age: 19; Freshman
Position: Guard.
Measurements: 6-3, 185 pounds.
Mock draft projection: No. 19.
In an era of second-generation NBA players, Richardson has the potential to be the next. Jase Richardson, the son of retired 14-year veteran Jason Richardson, is making his own mark in East Lansing, Michigan.
Richardson’s 12.0 points per game are second on the Spartans, but they don’t fully capture his propensity to take control, such with his 29-point outburst in a comeback victory against Oregon in February. He possesses the “it” factor.
Bonus: Liam McNeeley (UConn)
Age: 19; Freshman
Position: forward.
Measurements: 6-7, 210 pounds.
Mock Draft Projections: No. 15
McNeeley did not perform as well as many predicted, although he came into the year with a reputation as a sharpshooter. The fact that he has found new methods to create demonstrates his versatility as a player.
In a year of ups and downs for the Huskies, McNeeley has made an impact with averages of 14.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. He is a cerebral player who has the potential to contribute to UConn’s track record of producing pro-ready players.
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