As March Madness kicks off, college basketball fans are eagerly anticipating the performances of top NBA draft prospects during the NCAA tournament. NBA scouts will be closely monitoring the players as they compete on the national stage, providing a final opportunity for many prospects to showcase their skills before the draft combines.
Among the standout prospects in the 2024 draft class are international players Alex Sarr and Zacharie Rischessier, who have dominated the top spots throughout the season. However, the NCAA tournament will offer a platform for players like Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham from Kentucky to shine and attract the attention of NBA teams.
ESPN NBA draft insiders have compiled a list of the top 50 prospects to watch during the tournament, highlighting key players to keep an eye on:
- 6-4 | Age: 22.8 | Senior - Florida Atlantic's Davis, known for his offensive spark and improved shooting, is poised to make an impact in the tournament.
- 6-4 | Age: 22.4 | Senior - Arizona's Love, a seasoned player with a history of clutch performances, aims to overcome a recent shooting slump and impress scouts.
- 6-5 | Age: 22.8 | Senior - UConn's Newton, a versatile scorer and playmaker, is expected to play a crucial role in his team's tournament run.
- 6-10 | Age: 21.6 | Senior - Auburn's Broome, a productive rim protector with offensive skills, seeks to demonstrate his unique playing style on the national stage.
- 6-0 | Age: 23.3 | Senior - Colorado State's Stevens, an undersized but reliable point guard, aims to showcase his playmaking abilities in the tournament.
- 6-0 | Age: 22.4 | Senior - North Carolina's Davis, a prolific scorer and sharpshooter, looks to solidify his NBA prospects with a strong tournament performance.
- 6-8 | Age: 22.8 | Senior - Baylor's Bridges, a wing player with improved shooting, hopes to prove his value as a 3-and-D prospect in the NBA.
- 6-4 | Age: 22.0 | Junior - Marquette's Jones, a skilled shooter and scorer, aims to attract NBA interest with his performance in the tournament.
- 6-10 | Age: 22.2 | Senior - Illinois' Hawkins, a versatile big man with NBA potential, seeks to showcase his skills and consistency in the tournament.
- 7-2 | Age: 22.1 | Senior - Creighton's Kalkbrenner, a dominant defensive player, aims to demonstrate his shot-blocking prowess and potential as an NBA center.
- 6-8 | Age: 20.4 | Sophomore - Texas' Mitchell, an athletic forward with defensive abilities, looks to enhance his offensive game and solidify his NBA draft stock.
- 6-5 | Age: 19.9 | Sophomore - Duke's Proctor, a talented prospect with room for growth, aims to regain his early-season form and impress NBA scouts.
- 6-9 | Age: 19.4 | Freshman - Iowa State's Momcilovic, a promising shooter, seeks to make a name for himself in the tournament and attract NBA attention.
These players will have the opportunity to showcase their talents and compete against the best in college basketball, with the hopes of catching the eye of NBA teams and solidifying their draft prospects. The NCAA tournament provides a high-pressure environment for these prospects to shine and make a lasting impression as they look to take the next step in their basketball careers.
