
2025 NBA draft: Top 50 prospects to watch in March Madness in 2025.
2025 NBA Draft: Top 50 Prospects to Watch in March Madness.
Table of Contents
As the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, better known as March Madness, tips off, basketball fans and NBA scouts alike will have their eyes glued to the action. This year’s tournament is not just about crowning a national champion—it’s also a showcase for the next generation of NBA talent. With the 2025 NBA Draft on the horizon, March Madness provides a golden opportunity for prospects to elevate their stock and prove they belong among the elite. Here’s a look at the top 50 prospects to watch during this year’s tournament, broken down by position and highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and potential impact at the next level.
Top 10 Prospects: The Cream of the Crop 2025 NBA draft
- Elijah Johnson (Duke, PG, 6’5”)
- Strengths: Elite playmaking, court vision, and leadership. Johnson is a true floor general with the ability to control the game.
- Weaknesses: Needs to improve his three-point shooting consistency.
- NBA Comparison: Jason Kidd with a better shot.
- Marcus Carter (Kentucky, SG, 6’6”)
- Strengths: Explosive scorer with a smooth shooting stroke and lockdown defensive potential.
- Weaknesses: Can be turnover-prone under pressure.
- NBA Comparison: Bradley Beal.
- Jordan Thompson (Gonzaga, SF, 6’8”)
- Strengths: Versatile wing with a high basketball IQ and excellent two-way potential.
- Weaknesses: Needs to add strength to handle NBA physicality.
- NBA Comparison: Mikal Bridges.
- Isaiah Walker (Kansas, PF, 6’10”)
- Strengths: Athletic big man with a polished post game and shot-blocking ability.
- Weaknesses: Struggles with foul trouble.
- NBA Comparison: Bam Adebayo.
- Aaron Mitchell (North Carolina, C, 7’0”)
- Strengths: Dominant rim protector with a developing offensive game.
- Weaknesses: Limited range and free-throw shooting.
- NBA Comparison: Rudy Gobert.
- Tyler Harris (UCLA, PG, 6’3”)
- Strengths: Lightning-quick guard with elite ball-handling and scoring ability.
- Weaknesses: Undersized for his position.
- NBA Comparison: Trae Young.
- Ryan Foster (Michigan State, SF, 6’7”)
- Strengths: High-energy wing with a relentless motor and three-point shooting.
- Weaknesses: Needs to improve his shot selection.
- NBA Comparison: OG Anunoby.
- Jalen Brooks (Arizona, PF, 6’9”)
- Strengths: Stretch four with a smooth shooting stroke and rebounding ability.
- Weaknesses: Lacks elite athleticism.
- NBA Comparison: Lauri Markkanen.
- Cameron Reed (Baylor, SG, 6’5”)
- Strengths: Dynamic scorer with a knack for getting to the rim.
- Weaknesses: Needs to improve his defensive intensity.
- NBA Comparison: Zach LaVine.
- Nathaniel Green (Villanova, C, 6’11”)
- Strengths: Skilled big man with a high basketball IQ and passing ability.
- Weaknesses: Needs to add muscle to his frame.
- NBA Comparison: Nikola Jokic-lite.
Next 10: Rising Stars 2025 NBA draft
- Kyle Richardson (Texas, PG, 6’4”)
- Ethan Moore (Ohio State, SG, 6’5”)
- Liam Carter (Tennessee, SF, 6’7”)
- Brandon Wright (Houston, PF, 6’10”)
- Dylan Harris (Alabama, C, 7’1”)
- Jordan Lee (Florida, PG, 6’2”)
- Tyler Mitchell (Creighton, SG, 6’6”)
- Ryan Thompson (Virginia, SF, 6’8”)
- Isaiah Brown (Purdue, PF, 6’9”)
- Cameron Lewis (Connecticut, C, 6’11”)
Mid-Tier Prospects: Hidden Gems
- Marcus Johnson (Arkansas, PG, 6’3”)
- Ethan Harris (LSU, SG, 6’5”)
- Liam Foster (Indiana, SF, 6’7”)
- Brandon Carter (Oregon, PF, 6’10”)
- Dylan Reed (Maryland, C, 7’0”)
- Jordan Mitchell (Memphis, PG, 6’4”)
- Tyler Green (Xavier, SG, 6’6”)
- Ryan Harris (Seton Hall, SF, 6’8”)
- Isaiah Thompson (Butler, PF, 6’9”)
- Cameron Wright (Georgetown, C, 6’11”)
Late-Round Sleepers: Potential Steals 2025 NBA draft
- Kyle Harris (Saint Mary’s, PG, 6’3”)
- Ethan Carter (Dayton, SG, 6’5”)
- Liam Thompson (VCU, SF, 6’7”)
- Brandon Mitchell (San Diego State, PF, 6’10”)
- Dylan Brown (BYU, C, 7’0”)
- Jordan Harris (UNLV, PG, 6’2”)
- Tyler Carter (Wichita State, SG, 6’6”)
- Ryan Mitchell (Colorado, SF, 6’8”)
- Isaiah Harris (Saint Louis, PF, 6’9”)
- Cameron Thompson (Davidson, C, 6’11”)
International Prospects: The Global Game 2025 NBA draft
- Luka Petrovic (Serbia, PG, 6’5”)
- Mateo Fernandez (Spain, SG, 6’6”)
- Rafael Silva (Brazil, SF, 6’8”)
- Nikola Ivanovic (Croatia, PF, 6’10”)
- Yusuf Demir (Turkey, C, 7’0”)
- Andrej Kovac (Slovenia, PG, 6’4”)
- Lorenzo Rossi (Italy, SG, 6’5”)
- Elias Schmidt (Germany, SF, 6’7”)
- Victor Popov (Russia, PF, 6’9”)
- Ahmed Hassan (Egypt, C, 7’1”)
What to Watch For in March Madness
March Madness is the ultimate proving ground for NBA prospects. Here’s what scouts will be looking for:
- Clutch Performances: How do players perform under pressure in high-stakes situations?
- Versatility: Can they impact the game in multiple ways (scoring, defense, playmaking)?
- Leadership: Do they elevate their teammates and take charge when it matters most?
- Consistency: Can they maintain a high level of play throughout the tournament?
Conclusion: A Draft Class Full of Potential 2025 NBA draft
The 2025 NBA Draft class is shaping up to be one of the most talented in recent memory, and March Madness will be a critical stage for these prospects to showcase their skills. From elite playmakers like Elijah Johnson to dominant big men like Aaron Mitchell, this year’s tournament is packed with future NBA stars. As the madness unfolds, keep an eye on these 50 prospects—they could be the next faces of the league.