The NCAA men’s college basketball landscape is shifting as a new generation of elite freshmen dominates the court. With the rise of NIL deals, coaches are rethinking their recruiting strategies, as young stars prove that age is no longer a barrier to success.
From powerhouse programs like Duke and Baylor to international standouts, this year’s NCAA tournament is loaded with future NBA talent. As NBA scouts and fans focus on March Madness, here are the top 10 NBA draft prospects making an impact in the tournament.
1. Cooper Flagg, Duke
Age: 18 | Height: 6’9” | Weight: 205 lbs | Position: Forward | Projected Draft Pick: #1
Cooper Flagg has cemented himself as the frontrunner for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Despite suffering a minor ankle injury, Flagg’s dominance remains unquestioned. Leading Duke to an ACC title and a No. 1 seed, he excels in every major statistical category. His ability to impact both ends of the floor with elite shot-blocking, scoring, and playmaking makes him a franchise-altering talent. Expect teams to compete in the NBA Draft lottery to “Capture the Flagg.”
2. VJ Edgecombe, Baylor
Age: 19 | Height: 6’5” | Weight: 185 lbs | Position: Guard | Projected Draft Pick: #3-5
Baylor’s explosive freshman VJ Edgecombe has elevated his game during conference play. Averaging 17.1 points per game since January, he showcases elite athleticism, defensive prowess, and a developing perimeter game. His quickness, passing ability, and finishing at the rim make him a potential top-five pick.
3. Kasparas Jakučionis, Illinois
Age: 18 | Height: 6’6” | Weight: 200 lbs | Position: Guard | Projected Draft Pick: #4-8
A former standout for European powerhouse Barcelona, Jakučionis brings international experience to the college stage. He has impressed with his ball-handling, shooting, and decision-making. While not the most explosive athlete, his ability to control the pace of the game and make high-IQ plays has NBA scouts taking notice.
4. Kon Knueppel, Duke
Age: 19 | Height: 6’7” | Weight: 217 lbs | Position: Wing | Projected Draft Pick: #5-12
With Flagg sidelined, Knueppel stepped up in the ACC quarterfinals, dropping 22 second-half points. A lethal shooter with underrated playmaking skills, Knueppel’s ability to attack closeouts and create for teammates has boosted his draft stock. Concerns about his lateral quickness exist, but his size, shooting, and basketball IQ make him a valuable NBA prospect.
5. Derik Queen, Maryland
Age: 20 | Height: 6’10” | Weight: 246 lbs | Position: Center | Projected Draft Pick: #6-14
Queen has been the anchor for Maryland, averaging 15.7 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. While questions remain about his defensive versatility at the next level, his footwork, passing, and soft touch around the rim make him an intriguing offensive weapon in the NBA.
6. Liam McNeeley, UConn
Age: 19 | Height: 6’7” | Weight: 210 lbs | Position: Forward | Projected Draft Pick: #6-14
McNeeley is one of the most consistent perimeter shooters in this draft class. A former Montverde Academy standout, he thrives as a floor-spacer and high-IQ team player. Though he lacks elite shot-creation ability, his reliable three-point shooting and rebounding make him a strong late-lottery selection.
7. Khaman Maluach, Duke
Age: 18 | Height: 7’2” | Weight: 250 lbs | Position: Center | Projected Draft Pick: #6-14
Maluach’s size and defensive potential have NBA teams intrigued. Growing up in Uganda before joining the NBA Academy in Senegal, he has rapidly developed into an elite shot-blocker and rim-runner. While his offensive game is still raw, his mobility and wingspan make him an enticing prospect for teams needing a defensive anchor.
8. Tre Johnson, Texas
Age: 19 | Height: 6’6” | Weight: 190 lbs | Position: Guard | Projected Draft Pick: #5-14
Texas’ offense runs through Tre Johnson, the SEC Freshman of the Year. A dynamic scorer, he has scored 20+ points 14 times this season. However, questions about his ability to finish at the rim and create efficient scoring opportunities persist. Still, his ability to heat up quickly makes him a valuable NBA prospect.
9. Jase Richardson, Michigan State
Age: 19 | Height: 6’3” | Weight: 185 lbs | Position: Guard | Projected Draft Pick: #8-16
Richardson has exceeded expectations, emerging as one of Michigan State’s top players. The son of former NBA player Jason Richardson, he brings a well-rounded offensive skill set and strong perimeter defense. His late-season surge has significantly boosted his draft stock.
10. Egor Demin, BYU
Age: 19 | Height: 6’9” | Weight: 190 lbs | Position: Guard | Projected Draft Pick: #10-20
Once a projected top-five pick, Demin’s stock has fluctuated due to injuries and inconsistency. Despite his shooting struggles, his size, playmaking, and defensive upside still make him an intriguing first-round talent. If a team believes in his offensive potential, he could rise up the draft boards.
Conclusion
As March Madness unfolds, NBA scouts will be watching these top freshmen closely. With elite talent spread across the tournament, this year’s draft class is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent years. Stay tuned as these prospects look to make their mark on college basketball’s biggest stage before heading to the NBA Draft in June.
