Top 10 future NBA stars to watch during March Madness

Cooper Flagg is the big catch, but these other nine guys are primed for solid careers in the NBA. They’ll show off their talents starting Thursday when the Big Dance (March Madness) really begins.

Danny Wolf (Michigan)

Danny Wolf, a versatile, jack-of-all-trades Michigan player, averages 13.1 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. He excels in playmaking, often handling the ball like a guard, and has developed strong chemistry with teammate Vladislav Goldin. Wolf’s unique skills make him an intriguing prospect for the NBA.

Khaman Maluach (Duke)

Khaman Maluach, a 7-foot-2 center from Duke, is a standout freshman. He was named to the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Top 20 Preseason Watch List and has recorded multiple double-doubles, showcasing his impressive college performance with notable games against Army West Point and Florida State.

Kon Knueppel (Duke)

Kon Knueppel, a Duke freshman, showcased his skills during the 2025 ACC Tournament, earning MVP honors. He averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, demonstrating his ability to adapt and lead, making him a promising future NBA star.

Derik Queen (Maryland)

Derik Queen, the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, showcases a fluid offensive game with impressive defensive capabilities. He averages 15.7 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, demonstrating versatility as a scorer and rebounder, making him a promising NBA prospect.

Jase Richardson (Michigan State)

Jase Richardson is a versatile freshman guard at Michigan State, known for his impressive scoring and defensive skills. He averages 11.6 points per game and has been named Big Ten Freshman of the Week multiple times, making him a promising NBA prospect.

Jeremiah Fears (Oklahoma)

Jeremiah Fears, a freshman guard at Oklahoma, is renowned for his dynamic playmaking skills. Ranked No. 24 in the 2025 ESPN 100, he reclassified to the class of 2024, showcasing impressive stats with 21.2 points per game and a 38% 3-point shot in key tournaments. This kid is someone the Utah Jazz, among many NBA teams, could be eyeing.

Kasparas Jakucionis (Illinois)

Kasparas Jakucionis is a standout 6-foot-6 freshman from Lithuania who is averaging 15.2 points and 4.8 assists for Illinois. His All-Big Ten honors and All-Freshman Team selection highlight his potential as a versatile NBA player with exceptional passing skills and high basketball IQ. He has earned All-Big Ten Third Team honors and is a top prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft, known for his crafty playmaking and scoring abilities.

Tre Johnson (Texas)

Tre Johnson is a standout freshman guard for Texas, leading the SEC in scoring with 19.8 points per game. He recently led the Longhorns to a thrilling win over Texas A&M, showcasing his potential as a future NBA star with his clutch performances in high-pressure games. He was delighted to learn the Longhorns were invited to the Big Dance.

VJ Edgecombe (Baylor)

VJ Edgecombe is a standout shooting guard, recently named Big 12 Freshman of the Year. He averages 15.0 points per game, leading the Big 12 freshmen in scoring. His impressive performance positions him as a promising NBA prospect with significant upside.

Cooper Flagg (Duke)

Cooper Flagg is a standout prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft, showcasing versatility with impressive stats: 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. His consistent performance makes him a key player for Duke in March Madness. His mother gave an update on how he is preparing for the Big Dance.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the impressive performances of these standout freshmen, it’s clear that the future of basketball is bright. Each player brings a unique set of skills and a fresh dynamic to the game, making them exciting prospects for any NBA team. Whether it’s their scoring ability, defensive prowess, or leadership qualities, these young athletes are on a trajectory to leave a lasting impact on the sport. As they continue to develop and refine their talents, fans and scouts will be eagerly anticipating their journey from college standouts to NBA stars.