15 NBA Draft Prospects Who Could Shock the World in March Madness 2025
The expectations bar for the 2025 NCAA Tournament has been set really high for the NBA and scouts. This year’s bracket is a prime scouting ground for breakout talent. Some of these prospects are rising stars you’ve barely heard of—yet.
All in all, every March Madness, there’s a player who goes from under the radar to lottery lock. This year, we’ve got a few who fit the bill.
VJ Edgecombe, Guard, Baylor
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Baylor’s backcourt weapon, Edgecombe, has been cooking since January—dropping 17.1 PPG with elite defensive hustle. His explosive first step and slashing ability make him a sneaky candidate to climb into the top five of the draft. Scouts are taking notes, and so should opponents.
Kasparas Jakučionis, Guard, Illinois
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Kasparas Jakučionis debuted for Barcelona at 16. Now, he’s dazzling in Champaign. Jakučionis brings European flair, court vision, and next-level passing to Illinois. He’s projected as a top-10 pick and a strong March could boost his stock into elite territory.
Derik Queen, Center, Maryland
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Queen owns the paint and redecorates it. As a powerful interior force for Maryland, his footwork and finishing have scouts buzzing. He’s the kind of big you build around. If he dominates in March, his draft position could surge into the lottery.
Tre Johnson, Guard, Texas
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Tre Johnson can score from just about anywhere—including deep threes that make defenders question their life choices. With Texas needing offense, he’s got a chance to be the Longhorns’ go-to guy. He’s a stock-riser waiting to happen.
Jase Richardson, Guard, Michigan State
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Son of NBA vet Jason Richardson, Jase is forging his own path with clutch shooting and mature decision-making. He’s the emotional anchor for the Spartans—and big moments in March could solidify him as more than just a legacy.
Khaman Maluach, Center, Duke
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Maluach has stepped into the spotlight—and he’s loving it. The 7-footer’s rim protection and rebounding have been vital for Duke’s survival. He’s already caught the eye of NBA teams craving elite defense.
Jeremiah Fears, Guard, Oklahoma
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Fears thrives under pressure, but scouts want to see consistency from beyond the arc. A strong shooting stretch in the tournament could elevate him from a second-round projection into a potential first-round steal.
Alex Condon, Center, Florida
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Condon plays like every rebound owes him money. The Australian-born big man brings non-stop energy, tough screens, and hustle plays that don’t show up on stat sheets. If Florida makes a run, Condon’s gritty impact will be front and center.
Julian ‘JuJu’ Reese, Forward, Maryland
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JuJu’s been stacking double-doubles like pancakes—13.1 points and 9.0 boards a game. He’s Maryland’s heartbeat and a matchup nightmare down low. A dominant March could punch his ticket into the late-first-round convo.
Boogie Fland, Guard, Arkansas
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Boogie’s back—and just in time. After a thumb injury sidelined him midseason, the crafty guard has returned with a vengeance. His shiftiness and scoring knack make him Arkansas’s X-factor.
Nolan Traoré, Point Guard, Saint-Quentin
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This French phenom is already making waves in the LNB Pro A. Traoré’s poise, passing, and international seasoning could make him a sleeper pick for teams valuing Euro-league polish. Don’t be surprised if he pulls a “Doncic-lite” on the big stage.
AJ Dybantsa, Small Forward, Utah Prep
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Dybantsa reclassified and committed to BYU, but he might just crash the tourney like a wrecking ball. He is all bounce and buckets—a future star whose athleticism could light up highlight reels.
Isaac Nogués, Guard, Rip City Remix
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From Spain to the G League to March Madness? Nogués’ route has been anything but traditional—but his savvy ball-handling and pick-and-roll game are pro-ready. Scouts love his IQ and growth curve. It could be the international surprise of the tournament.
Mark Sears, Guard, Alabama
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Sears has been closing out games and leading Alabama with cool composure. His versatility, leadership, and shot-making under pressure give him late-first-round upside if he shines in high-stakes moments.
Hunter Dickinson, Center, Kansas
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This is it for Dickinson—his last dance in college hoops. While Kansas hasn’t had a dream season, the 7-foot big man still brings experience, muscle, and a chip on his shoulder. A Cinderella-style run could rewrite his narrative.