The 2025 NBA Draft is already being billed as a “juggernaut class of talent,” and for good reason. March Madness is almost here, and with it, a new class of basketball players who have fans captivated. But for hardcore NBA fans, it’s not just about the thrilling excitement of the tournament. It’s about seeing which of these soon-to-be pros are going to step up under the glaring lights. The 2025 NBA Draft class has already been dubbed one of the most stacked in recent memory, and scouts will be watching carefully to see which players are going to produce when it matters most. Let’s take a look at the top 10 prospects to follow this March Madness.

From freshmen phenoms to international players, the 2025 NBA Draft class is filled with depth and potential. In what is viewed as potentially one of the deepest drafts in recent memory, teams will have multiple kicks at a can for players offering franchise-altering upside. However, the real test will come in March Madness, where these prospects can cement their place in the draft conversation.

The Top 10 Prospects to Keep an Eye on in March Madness

What’s interesting is that many of these top prospects are showing off great versatility. With several of them playing multiple positions, showing how the NBA continues to shift toward a positionless league. And that’s why March Madness is such a proving ground. Scouts are watching these players to see how they step up on the biggest moments − especially as they push their teams deep in the tournament.

1. Cooper Flagg (Duke) Height: 6-9 | Age: 18: There hasn’t been much difference in opinion between NBA executives on Cooper Flagg being seen as a generational talent. He possesses elite two-way ability that clearly makes him the #1 prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft by all accounts. Flagg has been highly productive in helping Duke reel off convincing victories all season. He has shown significant impact on both ends of the floor as a passer, decision-maker, shooter, and elite shot-blocker. Flagg remains a strong candidate to be the top pick. He will have plenty of opportunity to show his full array of talent in March Madness, with Duke pushing hard towards postseason play.

2. Dylan Harper (Rutgers) Height: 6-6 | Age: 18: Dylan Harper has made a strong case with a series of masterful performances throughout February and has found himself a spot in the race for the #2 pick. With an innate scoring and shot-creating ability, alongside a willingness to operate offenses, Harper has led the charge for Rutgers. There’s been minimal doubt about his all-around play and leadership ability, backing him to answer more questions surrounding his game during March Madness.

3. Ace Bailey (Rutgers, F) Height: 6-10 | Age: 18: Ace Bailey has been one of the more curious cases of the 2025 class. The tough shot-making ability from all three levels and insane athleticism have made his potential undeniable. His undeniable bag of skills makes him one of the more intriguing players in March Madness. His shot making ability is something that will back Bailey in potentially solidifying himself as a top 5 pick. But before that, he will have to clean up some of the turnovers and inconsistencies.

4. VJ Edgecombe (Baylor) Height: 6-5 | Age: 19: VJ Edgecombe’s stock has been rising in recent weeks. The explosive athletic scoring guard emerged as a legitimate high lottery prospect last year and hasn’t looked back. He shows more skill and better shot-making ability than in the past and is also defending with intensity.

5. Tre Johnson (Texas) Height: 6-6 | Age: 18: Tre Johnson is an elite scorer who has been consistently excellent for Texas. His shot-making from 3pt range to mid-range pushes him as a top 5 pick. His decision-making and defensive consistency are still lagging behind. March Madness would be the perfect stage for him to iron out those shortcomings and solidify a place in the draft.

6. Kasparas Jakucionis (Illinois) Height: 6-6 | Age: 18: Kasparas Jakucionis has been one of the most consistent players all season. He is a shooter and facilitator, but in recent months, games have gone against him, and he hasn’t been able to knock down shots. A big performance in March Madness could reaffirm his top-ten prospects.

7. Khaman Maluach (Duke) Height: 7-2 | Age: 18: Khaman Maluach has seen steady improvement at Duke, providing solid defense and paint protection. At 7-foot-2, he’s got the physical tools to make an impact at the next level. However, his development will be crucial to cementing his standing as a first-round draft player. March Madness will definitely allow him to demonstrate how much he’s grown.

8. Kon Knueppel (Duke) Height: 6-7 | Age: 19: Kon Knueppel has flown a bit under the radar, but his consistent shooting and basketball IQ make him an intriguing prospect. His steady play at Duke has demonstrated his contribution in a variety of ways. While he’s not an exceptional athlete relative to some of the other top prospects, his basketball IQ and shooting will be instrumental during the draft process.

9. Jeremiah Fears (Oklahoma) Height: 6-4 | Age: 18: Jeremiah Fears has emerged among scouts as a top target. He has come under the scouts’ radar after flashing his ability to break down defenses with his speed, ball-handling, and passing. Scouts will be eager to see how consistent his shooting and decision-making are and what he looks like defensively. Also, whether he can produce in March Madness spikes his potential draft stock.

10. Egor Demin (BYU) Height: 6-9 | Age: 18: Egor Demin is a polarizing prospect with God-given passing and vision limited by inconsistencies. Shooting struggles and a high turnover rate have caused him to fall in the rankings. But Egor’s potential lies in passing, giving him unique playmaking ability at 6-9. Scouts are banking on his basketball IQ being enough to draw interest in June. However, some patented March performances could sure help, too.

2025 Draft Class: Comparison to past classes

As March Madness plays out, it’s natural to draw parallels to recent NBA draft classes. The 2025 draft class is already receiving comparisons with the 2024 class. Which scouts considered among the weakest in recent memory. “There was no Cooper Flagg in last year’s draft,” one Western Conference scout noted. “This 2025 class has way more upside and ability to impact the league for years to come.”

This year’s class is full of versatility, athleticism and shooting. With players like Flagg, Bailey, and Edgecombe showing they can be effective in multiple ways, it’s no wonder they’re highly valued by professional teams. There are still questions, however. Players have struggled with inconsistency. Most notably Ace Bailey — which raises questions about their ability to perform on a nightly basis. Alongside the noise of how these younger players will fare against NBA players. There’s no telling whether or not these young prospects will be able to stay above water in the NBA.

For NBA teams and basketball fans, March Madness will be the focus as 2025 NBA Draft prospects try to make their final impression. Whether it’s Cooper Flagg continuing his dominance or Dylan Harper proving the gap isn’t that big. The tournament will likely determine who’s picked at the top of the draft. As these NBA-bound prospects step into the spotlight, it’s sure to be an exciting event that will shift the draft order for the 2025 NBA Draft class.