March Insanity’ 50 finest gamers, ranked for 2025 males’s NCAA match

Faculty basketball is in a state of transition, and so too is the thought of the fashionable school basketball star. The defining gamers within the 2025 males’s NCAA match don’t slot in any specific field. They arrive from each nook of the world, in all sizes and shapes, every with their very own idiosyncratic strengths and weaknesses. There’s by no means been extra variety in school hoops, and this 12 months’s version of March Insanity proves it.

I’ve been rating the 50 finest gamers within the males’s NCAA match for years. Learn my earlier lists from 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2023, and 2024 right here. This was probably the most difficult set of rankings but to place collectively. Take a look at my on the spot bracket predictions for extra March Insanity protection.

The gamers on our checklist vary from true freshmen to sixth-year seniors. A lot of the gamers on this checklist have transferred at the very least as soon as, and quite a lot of have transferred twice. They arrive from probably the most distant components of the basketball universe: Ukraine, New Zealand, Australia, Estonia, Russia, the Bahamas, the state of Maine, and lots of extra.

March Insanity is right here. Meet the 50 finest gamers within the 2025 males’s NCAA match.

50. Nate Johnson, G, Akron

Akron dominated the MAC all 12 months, and Nate Johnson has been their signature star the complete method. The 6’3 junior gained each MAC Participant of the 12 months and Defensive Participant of the 12 months as a gritty off-guard who can rating the ball on the rim, draw fouls, and defend a number of positions. Johnson was a stud within the MAC match by going off for 31 factors in a semifinals win over Toledo, then scoring 22 factors to beat Miami (OH) and clinch the auto-bid. Akron is within the NCAA match for the third time within the final 4 years beneath head coach John Groce, and now they’re able to lastly win a sport.

49. Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones, G/F, UC San Diego

UC San Diego enters March Insanity of their first 12 months of postseason eligibility after making the soar from DII, and this system’s speedy rise mirrors the ascent of their star participant. Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones arrived within the U.S. by way of New Zealand when he dedicated to DII Hawaii–Hilo. Now in his second season with UC San Diego, Tait-Jones has emerged because the Huge West Participant of the 12 months and the convention match Most Excellent Participant. The 6’6 ball handler led UC San Diego in factors (19.5 factors per sport), rebounds, assists, and blocks. The Tritons’ 15-game successful streak is the nation’s longest heading into March Insanity, and so they’re prepared to point out the world they’ll compete towards anybody.

Photograph by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photos

48. Earl Timberlake, G, Bryant

Timberlake has taken an extended and winding street in school basketball that noticed him enter Miami as a five-star recruit, switch to Memphis, endure a lot of accidents, and eventually emerge as a low-major star at Bryant. He carried his staff by the America East convention match, dropping 21 factors on 10-of-13 capturing on Albany within the semifinals and clinching the auto-bid within the championship sport towards Maine with 17 factors, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, and two blocks. Timberlake has by no means been often known as a shooter, however the 6’6, 220-pound wing has a well-rounded sport and sufficient athletic flashes to remind you why he was as soon as extremely regarded sufficient to point out up in our NBA mock drafts method again in 2021.

47. RJ Davis, G, North Carolina

Davis got here again to UNC for his super-senior 12 months, and discovered life because the true main possibility is much more tough once you don’t have Armando Bacot to fall again on. The 6-foot guard noticed each his numbers and effectivity drop throughout the board this season, however he’s nonetheless clearly the very best offensive participant on the Tar Heels. Davis confirmed he can nonetheless takeover a sport when he drilled 5-of-6 three-pointers towards Wake Forest within the ACC match. The Heels want him to get scorching and keep scorching to justify their inclusion within the bracket.

46. Henri Veesaar, C, Arizona

Henri Veesaar rode the bench in his first 12 months at Arizona after coming to the U.S. from Estonia. He redshirted his sophomore 12 months. Veesaar wasn’t positive what his position would appear to be in his third 12 months of faculty ball, however after teammate Motiejus Krivas went down with a season-ending damage, the massive man was thrust right into a starring position and by no means appeared again. The cellular 7-footer has been hammering dunks on the rim all 12 months as a roll man and as a cutter, giving Arizona an ace play-finisher within the halfcourt. Veesaar has been a worthy defensive anchor, too, with a virtually seven p.c block price. There are additionally actual flashes of capturing contact from mid-range and past the three-point line, giving him a shot at an NBA future. For now, Arizona is thrilled to reap the rewards of his growth.

45. Anthony Robinson II, G, Missouri

Robinson was nowhere to be discovered on the recruiting rankings when he dedicated to Missouri. After simply two years, he’s morphed into the most effective guards within the SEC and somebody who might garner future NBA consideration. Robinson performs larger than his listed dimension of 6’3 because of his 6’7 wingspan that has helped him turn into a menace at forcing turnovers. His 5.1 p.c steal price ranks top-10 within the nation. He’s a a lot improved if nonetheless reticent shooter, canning 41 p.c of his threes on low quantity this 12 months. Nobody anticipated Mizzou to do a lot this season after being picked thirteenth within the SEC preseason ballot, however as a substitute they’ve been within the AP top-25 for a lot of the 12 months. The Tigers have Robinson’s growth to thank.

44. Asa Newell, F, Georgia

Newell seems like an NBA lottery decide when he walks into the health club. The Georgia freshman has aced the transition to varsity by being a monster rim finisher, an improved three-point shooter, and an athletic menace who could make vitality performs everywhere in the flooring. He will be one thing of a black gap on offense with underdeveloped passing imaginative and prescient, but it surely’s laborious to discover a higher play-finisher among the many freshman class outdoors of his previous highschool teammate enjoying for Duke who you would possibly discover later on this checklist.

43. Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma

Fears didn’t flip 18 years previous till the center of Oct., making him the second youngest participant on this checklist. His youth didn’t cease Oklahoma from placing the ball in his palms and letting him run the present round a veteran roster. Fears posted a sky-high utilization price for a freshman guard and had some ups-and-downs that include it, however the Sooners will hope being thrown into the SEC gauntlet pays off in March. The freshman guard has particular creation potential with a complicated deal with and slippery driving potential going to the rim. His three-point shot comes and goes, however his potential to get to the foul line generates constant offense.

Photograph by Stew Milne/Getty Photos

42. Grant Nelson, F, Alabama

Nelson is likely one of the finest success tales of the switch portal, going from a low-major star within the Summit League at North Dakota State to a crucial starter for Alabama’s nationwide title contender. He began each sport on the way in which to the Remaining 4 for the Crimson Tide final season, and has once more discovered methods to slot in and elevate his sport on a good deeper roster this 12 months. Nelson can play everywhere in the flooring at 6’11, firing away from three (even when he’s not all the time correct) whereas often flashing some enjoyable ball dealing with strikes, but it surely’s his toughness inside that has impressed most towards the very best competitors. Nelson dunked on Donovan Clingan within the Remaining 4 final 12 months, and threw down one other traditional poster towards Auburn within the common season finale this 12 months. His potential to play both entrance courtroom spot helps unlock the lineup versatility that makes Alabama so robust to take care of.

41. Emanuel Sharp, G, Houston

Sharp was an missed three-star recruit popping out of the Tampa Bay space, however he’s been a hand-in-glove slot in Kelvin Sampson’s system since arriving at Houston. Sharp entered the Cougars’ beginning lineup as a sophomore, and he’s taken one other leap this season as a junior, turning into probably the most environment friendly gamers within the sport. Sharp knocks down almost 43 p.c of three-pointers and gives key flooring spacing for his teammates. He’s additionally a crucial member of Houston’s elite protection that ranks No. 2 within the nation. Sharp is within the top-5 of BPM within the nation by being a star in his position. Teammates Milos Uzan and Jojo Tugler earned consideration for Houston’s second decide on this checklist as effectively.

40. Tahaad Pettiford, G, Auburn

Auburn is so deep this 12 months that there have been a lot of choices to decide on for his or her second participant on this checklist. Dylan Cardwell is likely one of the finest inside defenders within the nation, Chad Baker-Mazara is an elite 3-and-D wing, however the freshman Pettiford seems like the important thing to their nationwide championship hopes. The 6’1 lefty guard is a harmful pull-up shooter who can present on the spot offense off the dribble. It seems like he’s enjoying his finest ball late within the season, giving the Tigers a fringe shot creation complement to Johni Broome’s bruising inside sport. The Tigers play staff basketball within the truest sense of the phrase, however they want Pettiford to maintain rising as a younger star.

39. Trey Kaufman-Renn, C, Purdue

It could be not possible for anybody to fill the Zach Edey-sized gap left at Purdue this season, however Kaufman-Renn has completed an admirable job attempting. After enjoying a supporting position on the Boilermakers’ nationwide runner-up final season, Kaufman-Renn has grown right into a high-usage put up presence offering inside scoring within the absence of Edey. The 6’9 junior combines spectacular energy with mushy contact within the paint, posting a improbable 62.8 true capturing share. Kaufman-Renn can also be a gifted playmaker within the high-post, hitting Purdue’s staff of shooters and cutters with passes that hold defenses sincere. The Indiana native is providing an old-fashioned growth story of staying at one faculty and rising into a big position for a terrific staff over time.

38. Wade Taylor IV, G, Texas A&M

Wade Taylor IV has carried an enormous utilization load throughout his 4 years at Texas A&M, and this 12 months it lastly seems like he has some actual assist. Taylor has turn into extra environment friendly in his senior season because the Aggies made a leap within the SEC because of an elite protection that ranks top-10 within the nation. Taylor continues to be one of many higher playmakers and shot creators amongst SEC guards, however getting a participant like Zhuric Phelps to switch in from SMU has made his life just a little simpler. Texas A&M is No. 1 within the nation at offensive rebounding, and Taylor continues to be nice at getting pictures up that may flip into putbacks. The Aggies hardly ever look fairly on offense, but it surely’s a system that works for them.

Photograph by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photos

37. Danny Wolf, F, Michigan

Wolf is likely one of the most original gamers within the sport as a 7-foot level guard orchestrating Michigan’s offense all season. Following a productive 12 months at Yale, Wolf transferred to Michigan and proved his sport might translate to one of many hardest conferences within the nation. Wolf can get sloppy with the ball at instances with an astronomical turnover price, however his mixture of jumbo playmaking, strong protection, and regular three-point stroke has made him a school star. The supersized pick-and-roll between Wolf and teammate Vlad Goldin is likely one of the most enjoyable actions within the nation this 12 months.

36. Amari Williams, C, Kentucky

Mark Pope needed to change Kentucky’s whole roster after inheriting this system from John Calipari, and luring Amari Williams from Drexel might need been his finest transfer. The highly effective 6’10 middle is likely one of the finest playmaking bigs in America, and his passing keys so a lot of Kentucky’s off-ball actions within the halfcourt. His 24 p.c help price is a quantity often reserved for a guard, and he does a lot greater than that. Williams is a superb rebounder, a stout rim protector, and a talented inside scorer.

35. Ian Schieffelin, F, Clemson

Ian Schieffelin by no means stops working. The 6’8 ahead is likely one of the craftiest paint scorers within the nation, utilizing old skool put up strikes to create area and end inside. Schieffelin is a monster on the boards as effectively, rating top-5 within the nation in rebounds per sport, and utilizing his grit on the offensive glass to land so many second probability scoring performs for the Tigers. Did we point out he’s a strong passer, too? Clemson gained’t sneak up on anybody this 12 months after their Elite Eight run final season, and Schieffelin’s decided offensive sport is an enormous a part of what makes the Tigers go.

34. Augustas Marciulionis, G, Saint Mary’s

The son of former Golden State Warriors guard Šarūnas Marčiulionis, Augustas Marčiulionis has carved out a terrific profession for himself throughout his 4 years at Saint Mary’s. The 6’4 Lithuanian guard is the two-time WCC Participant of the 12 months because of his great playmaking imaginative and prescient, his improved mid-range scoring punch, and the truth that he helped carry the Gaels to the highest of the convention over Gonzaga. Marčiulionis is an attacking guard who can get downhill and kick out to shooters. Saint Mary’s has made the match in all 4 years of his profession, however they haven’t superior out of the primary weekend but. This is likely to be the 12 months.

33. Max Shulga, G, VCU

Shulga got here to the USA from Ukraine, and spent his first three years of faculty enjoying for Utah State. When VCU employed Aggies coach Ryan Odom, Shulga adopted him, and have become Atlantic-10 Participant of the 12 months this season. The 6’5 guard lacks above-the-rim bounce, however makes use of his energy to get to his spots and kick out the ball to teammates when he doesn’t have a scoring alternative himself. Shulga can stroke threes as a spot-up shooter, and has a knack for attending to the foul line as a ball handler. VCU was the very best staff in a tricky A-10 convention all 12 months, and Shulga has been their engine.

32. Richie Saunders, G, BYU

Saunders moved into the beginning lineup in his third season at BYU, and instantly took an enormous leap in manufacturing. The 6’5 off-guard is likely one of the deadliest shooters within the nation, combining a fast set off with NBA vary and probably the most correct deep balls (43.4 p.c) within the nation. The Cougars’ whirling offense ranks top-10 within the nation largely because of Saunders’ gravity on the perimeter. Saunders’ great-grandpa reportedly invented tater-tots (!), and he’s writing his personal legacy at BYU.

31. Chaz Lanier, G, Tennessee

Rick Barnes found a successful system at Tennessee final 12 months by holding his elite defensive core in place and going out to the switch portal to discover a scorer. Whereas Chaz Lanier isn’t as dynamic as Dalton Knecht (who was No. 2 on this checklist a 12 months in the past), he has been a knockdown shooter and important go-to scorer whereas surrounded by the nation’s No. 1 protection. The North Florida switch doesn’t create a lot with the ball in his palms, however he can end performs from the skin with the very best of them. Lanier is succesful rim finisher, a extremely good mid-range shooter, and a lethal spot-up risk from three. Barnes is now 70 years previous, and if he’s ever getting again to a different Remaining 4, he wants Lanier to remain pink scorching in March.

Photograph by Sam Wasson/Getty Photos

30. Donovan Dent, G, New Mexico

Donovan Dent might have pursued larger alternatives within the switch portal after he helped lead New Mexico to the NCAA match a 12 months in the past, however he selected to stay with head coach Richard Pitino and the Lobos. New Mexico is each bit nearly as good as they have been final 12 months with Dent main a breakneck offense that ranks among the many nation’s leaders in tempo. Dent has masterfully carried an enormous creation burden, mixing in speedy drives to the rim with a clutch mid-range sport, and extra confidence in his three-point capturing. It’s uncommon to see a mid-major star stick along with his program within the NIL period, however Dent has completed that, and it’s put the Lobos again within the discipline of 68.

29. Eric Dailey, F, UCLA

Dailey left a pitiful Oklahoma State staff after his freshman 12 months and located a terrific residence at UCLA as a sophomore. The 6’8 ahead is a robust inside scorer who also can step out and knockdown a 3. Dailey is ending higher than 71 p.c of his pictures on the rim, a improbable quantity, and he’s making 41 p.c of his threes. He makes use of his long-and-strong body on the defensive finish, too, the place he’s contributed to creating UCLA one of many nation’s higher groups at forcing turnovers. It could be fascinating to see what Dailey might do with extra utilization after some intriguing shot-creation flashes and environment friendly manufacturing, however he’s performed his position very effectively for the Bruins.

28. Kon Knueppel, G, Duke

Cooper Flagg rightfully will get all the eye for Duke, however the Blue Devils have three different superior freshmen, too. Knueppel has emerged as a possible lottery decide himself for his poised halfcourt creation and knockdown capturing potential. The thick 6’7 wing can deal with the ball like a guard and stroke pictures from deep even when he’s not the fleetest of foot. He’ll need to be a crucial secondary scorer and playmaker behind Flagg if Duke is notice its desires of successful the nationwide title.

27. Chucky Hepburn, G, Louisville

Hepburn was a strong participant for 3 years at Wisconsin, however few might have seen his star flip coming after he transferred to Louisville over the summer time. The 6’2 guard leads the Cardinals in factors, assists, and steals this 12 months, serving to resuscitate this system in Pat Kelsey’s first season after the disastrous Kenny Payne period. Hepburn’s shot creation has carried Louisville’s offense from the soar, mixing environment friendly scoring (61 p.c true capturing) with excellent playmaking (32 p.c help price). He’s additionally turn into a demon on the defensive finish by main the ACC in steals. The Playing cards have been one of many feel-good tales of the season, and Hepburn is an enormous purpose why.

26. Vladislav Goldin, C, Michigan

The important thing items from Dusty Might’s 2023 Remaining 4 staff at Florida Atlantic are nonetheless making contributions everywhere in the nation, however he introduced his greatest participant together with him when he was employed by Michigan. Goldin is a bruising 7’1 middle with mushy contact who has been hammering Huge Ten offenses all season. The pick-and-roll between 7-foot ball handler Danny Wolf and Goldin is a sight to behold, with Goldin establishing himself as one of many nation’s finest inside finishes with an unlimited 68 true capturing share. Michigan’s turnovers issues haven’t actually been solved this season, however their dimension and inside scoring offers them an opportunity to hold in Might’s first season.

25. Alex Condon, C, Florida

Condon’s breakout sophomore season has helped mint Florida as one of many nationwide championship favorites coming into the NCAA match. The 6’11 Australian is likely one of the most well-rounded huge males within the nation: he’s a monster on putbacks on the offensive glass, he’s comfy stepping out and hitting a 3, and he could make performs as a passer. Condon runs the ground extraordinarily effectively for somebody his dimension, and it makes Florida a scary staff in transition. He’s probably the most proficient offensive participant among the many Gators’ secure of bigs, and his rim safety gives the spine of an excellent defensive unit. Condon has been so good recently that he’s beginning to get some actual NBA buzz. He might make himself some huge cash with run by the bracket.

24. Ryan Nembhard, G, Gonzaga

It’s simple to take Ryan Nembhard without any consideration after such regular manufacturing over his improbable four-year school profession. As a senior with Gonzaga, Nembhard is the orchestrator of a top-10 offense within the nation, mixing unimaginable playmaking potential (41 p.c help price) with dependable outdoors capturing. He isn’t fairly as huge or athletic as his older brother Andrew, a guard for the Indiana Pacers, however there are few school level guards which have earned this a lot belief with the ball of their palms. Gonzaga hasn’t lived as much as their preseason hype this season, however they appear to be peaking on the proper time after successful the WCC convention match. With Nembhard on the controls, one other match run for the Zags can’t be dominated out.

Photograph by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Photos

23. Alex Karaban, F, UConn

Karaban has gotten a crash course in what it’s wish to go from position participant to star in his junior 12 months. The 6’7 ahead performed a crucial position on UConn’s back-to-back nationwide championship groups, however he was by no means anticipated to hold the load with so many NBA caliber gamers round him. This 12 months, Karaban has been the primary title on the scouting report for opposing groups, and it’s made him much less environment friendly offensively than he’s been previously. That’s okay: Dan Hurley and his elite teaching workers know easy methods to scheme up seems for his or her prime gamers when it issues, and Karaban is as battle-tested as anybody within the nation in huge video games. The Huskies most likely gained’t be the primary staff to three-peat since John Picket’s UCLA days, however nobody desires to see them within the bracket with Karaban in tow.

22. Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois

The NIL has opened up a pathway to get proficient European prospects on school campuses, and Kasparas Jakucionis is a premium instance. Already a professional for Barcelona, Jakucionis came to visit to Illinois this 12 months and instantly emerged as each the very best participant on the staff and a probable NBA lottery decide. The 6’5 guard has good playmaking imaginative and prescient and a lethal step-back jumper — particularly when an enormous switches onto him. He’s been stricken by turnover issues at instances, however his potential to hit the ground operating for an Illini staff that misplaced virtually everybody from final 12 months’s Elite Eight squad has saved this system afloat. Illinois has been maddeningly inconsistent this 12 months, however Jakucionis’ shot-making and playmaking provide hope for one more instance March run.

21. Zakai Zeigler, G, Tennessee

Zeigler has been the heart-and-soul of a golden period of Tennessee basketball beneath Rick Barnes. The 5’9 level guard is the top of the snake for the nation’s No. 1 protection, sticking to opposing ball handlers like a gnat and refusing to offer them an inch to breathe. The fifth-year senior can also be one of many nation’s finest playmakers with a blistering 41 p.c help price that has been round top-five in DI all 12 months. Opposing defenses would possibly dare Zeigler to shoot, however he’s often good for a pair triples per sport. The Vols have nonetheless by no means been the Remaining 4, and it will be becoming if Zeigler helped them get there in his closing 12 months of eligibility.

20. Hunter Dickinson, C, Kansas

The faculty basketball world nonetheless has another NCAA match run earlier than it’s lastly completed with Hunter Dickinson. Kansas began the 12 months at No. 1 within the preseason polls with a staff constructed across the tremendous senior’s expert inside scoring. The Jayhawks have fallen method wanting these expectations in a uncommon down 12 months for Invoice Self, however Dickinson has nonetheless put up huge numbers because the fulcrum of the offense. He’s been so productive for therefore lengthy that he’s flirting with scoring extra profession factors than Larry Fowl and Tyler Hansbrough. Kansas has struggled to make the items round him match all 12 months, however the 7’1 middle has another probability to point out the game how a lot of a headache he’s been.

19. Nate Bittle, C, Oregon

Bittle is likely one of the finest two-way bigs within the nation. The 7-foot senior middle anchored Oregon on the defensive finish with a monstrous 9 p.c block price that ranked top-30 in America. Offensively, Bittle continued to be a reliable inside scorer and offensive rebounder whereas additionally flushing out his capturing vary. He made extra three-pointers this season than he did the primary three years of his profession mix. Oregon’s debut season within the Huge Ten was successful with non-conference wins over Alabama and Texas A&M plus a successful document in convention. Bittle made them go on each ends.

18. Joshua Jefferson, F, Iowa State

Iowa State has been excellent virtually yearly beneath head coach T.J. Otzelberger, and it discovered one other gem by getting Jefferson to switch in from Saint Mary’s. The bruising 6’8 huge man has taken a transparent step ahead in his growth regardless of leaping to a way more tough convention within the Huge 12. Jefferson makes use of his energy to create area on the block, and has mushy contact as an inside finisher. He’s been an superior passer for the Cyclones, zipping dimes to cutters for straightforward buckets. He’s additionally been an opportunistic defender leaping the passing lanes to get ISU transition alternatives going the opposite method. The Cyclones are a balanced staff with out a true star, however Jefferson has began to really feel like their most vital participant.

Photograph by Michael Hickey/Getty Photos

17. Derik Queen, C, Maryland

It’s laborious to wrap your head round all of the expertise on Montverde Academy final season, with star freshmen like Cooper Flagg (Duke), Liam McNeeley (UConn), Rob Wright (Baylor), and Derik Queen scattered across the nation. Queen has been an on the spot influence offensive participant in each sense as a beefy 6’10 huge man with a uncommon potential to create with the ball in his palms. He doesn’t shoot threes and his protection is proscribed, however few huge man can take a defender off the dribble and provides them buckets the way in which Queen can. Maryland enters March with a terrific beginning lineup and no depth. If it’s going to make a run, Queen must proceed to place the staff on his extensive shoulders in crucial a part of the 12 months.

16. VJ Edgecombe, G, Baylor

Edgecombe jumps off the display from the second you watch him with nuclear athleticism that he leverages for game-breaking performs at each ends of the ground. The Baylor guard began his school profession by detonating Mark Few’s poor son with a poster dunk in his debut. By the common season finale, he was going viral for LeBron-like chasedown blocks. Edgecombe has grown into the Bears’ main man simply in time for his or her March run, along with his improved three-point shooter and wonderful defensive playmaking taking centerstage. He’ll be a top-5 NBA draft decide this June, and it’s simple to see why.

15. L.J. Cryer, G, Houston

Cryer was on the finish of the bench for Baylor’s unimaginable 2021 nationwide championship staff as a real freshman. As a fifth-year senior, he’s the staff chief for a Houston squad that enters the bracket with a No. 1 seed eager for its personal natty run. The Cougars have all the time solid their identification on protection and toughness, however Cryer helps make their offense go. The 6’1 guard is ripping 43 p.c of his three-pointers and 91 p.c of his free throws whereas doing job taking good care of the ball. Kelvin Sampson’s staff of dawgs will deal with the soiled work, but it surely’s on Cryer to splash sufficient pictures to get Houston over the end line.

14. Mark Sears, G, Alabama

Sears took Alabama to the Remaining 4 for the primary time in program historical past a 12 months in the past, then bypassed delicate NBA curiosity to attempt to do it once more this 12 months. Whereas Sears has taken a small step again in his super-senior 12 months, he appears to be enjoying his finest ball on the proper time, and it has Alabama earmarked as one of many favorites to win the nationwide championship. Head coach Nate Oats has an extremely deep roster stuffed with offensive weapons, however there’s no query that Sears is the straw that stirs the drink. After holding his staff buzzing towards one of many hardest convention schedules you’ll ever see, Sears is battle examined and prepared for March. The Crimson Tide will go so far as he takes them, and there’s purpose to consider that might be all the way in which.

13. Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State down

Jase Richardson didn’t make his first begin or play greater than 25 minutes in a sport till the second week of February. Since then, he’s turn into Michigan State’s finest participant and driving drive behind a Huge Ten championship. The son of MSU legend Jason Richardson, the freshman guard is a deadeye shooter, a mistake-free ball handler, and a nimble finisher across the rim. Head coach Tom Izzo all the time has his staff peaking at he proper time, and it seems like he’s completed it once more by forcing Richardson into the highlight in time for March.

12. JT Toppin, C, Texas Tech

Toppin parlayed his breakout freshman season at New Mexico right into a starring position for Texas Tech this 12 months, the place he’s confirmed his sport interprets towards significantly better competitors. The lengthy and bouncy 6’9 huge man is swatting pictures, aggressively attacking the glass, and offering constant scoring punch for the Pink Raiders. It’s uncommon to discover a huge man who can get off the ground so effortlessly as a leaper, and it’s made Toppin a terror on putbacks and as a roaming rim protector. Any staff within the nation would like to have his mixture of dimension, vitality, and bounce, and it’s helped make Texas Tech a No. 3 seed coming into the sector of 68.

11. Bennett Stirtz, G, Drake

Stirtz spent his first two seasons at DII Northwest Missouri State. When Drake employed their head coach Ben McCollum following Darren DeVries departure for West Virginia, he introduced alongside his level guard. All Stirtz has completed in his first season in DI is flip into the largest mid-major star within the nation, with a ability set so spectacular that it ought to earn NBA seems. The 6’4 guard does all of it for the Bulldogs, self-creating scoring alternatives within the halfcourt, producing steals defensively, and getting higher and higher along with his three-point stroke. There’s nothing sneaky about his athleticism with extra dunks this 12 months than future NBA No. 2 total decide Dylan Harper. Drake gained 30 video games this 12 months because of Stirtz’s brilliance, and so they would possibly simply be getting began.

Photograph by Sarah Stier/Getty Photos

10. RJ Luis Jr., F, St. John’s

St. John’s is reborn beneath Rick Pitino, and R.J. Luis Jr. embodies their bodily, in-your-face mentality. Luis has taken a star-leap in his junior 12 months as a 6’7 athletic terror on the wing who can swap onto any place, drive takeaways, and placed on a present above the rim. Pitino’s finest groups have all the time gained with protection, and this Pink Storm group isn’t any completely different. Luis is their most versatile defender as somebody who can blow up a ball display or decide off a go like a free security and go the opposite method for a rating. Like most of his teammates, Luis struggles to shoot from the skin, however he has no downside overpowering opponents on the rim. Can St. John’s make a Remaining 4 run with out dependable shooters? Simply know they’re going to struggle like hell to make it occur.

9. PJ Haggerty, G, Memphis

Penny Hardaway and Memphis struck gold by luring Haggerty away from their AAC foe Tulsa for his redshirt sophomore 12 months. The 6’3 guard needs to be on any brief checklist for probably the most impactful transfers within the nation this 12 months. His 21.2 factors per sport is top-5 amongst all DI gamers. Haggerty is a real three-level scorer: he will get to the rim (and the foul line) with ease, he has a deep mid-range bag, and he’s a 41 p.c three-point shooter this season. Haggerty will compete on the defensive finish, too, forcing steals and getting his staff out in transition. The Memphis guard is a strolling bucket, and he’s able to placed on a present in March.

8. Kam Jones, G, Marquette

Kam Jones spent the final two years enjoying within the shadows of Tyler Kolek and Oso Ighodaro. With each off to the NBA, Jones turning into the main man for Marquette, and he’s delivered. The senior guard has taken an enormous step as a playmaker, going from a 16.7 p.c help price final season to 39.5 p.c this 12 months. He’s additionally one of many nation’s higher rim attackers, ending his pictures on the basket at a 64 p.c clip. Whereas his three-point shot has fallen off a bit with a much bigger workload, Jones’ growth as a facilitator whereas nonetheless carrying an enormous scoring burden is the kind of evolution each coach hopes for.

7. Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton

Retaining an elite 7’1 middle in class for 5 years used to sound an not possible dream for a school program, however one way or the other Creighton pulled it off with Ryan Kalkbrenner. The massive man will exit faculty after this March run as a four-time Huge East Defensive Participant of the 12 months, and two-time First-Staff All-Huge East middle. Nearly the one factor lacking from his resume is a Remaining 4 journey after the Bluejays fell painfully shut in a final second loss to San Diego State within the Elite Eight in 2023. This isn’t Creighton’s finest probability to make a deep run, however Kalkbrenner is actually going out on prime: he’s one of many 10 most effective scorers within the nation with a 69.4 true capturing share whereas additionally being an elite shot blocker. Kalkbrenner is a real dwelling legend for Creighton, and he’s acquired another NCAA match run left in him.

6. Braden Smith, G, Purdue

Shedding Zach Edey — arguably the best school basketball participant of the final 40 years — might have been the start of the tip for Purdue’s golden period. As a substitute, Braden Smith emerged into an authorized famous person himself throughout his junior season, giving the Boilermakers one other First-Staff All-American-caliber participant. Smith is the smallest participant on the ground always, however he’s all the time in full management of the sport. The purpose guard is an excellent pick-and-roll manipulator, an improved shot creator, and a three-point sniper who can’t be left open. Smith has pulled off the uncommon worry of accelerating his utilization whereas elevating his effectivity and slicing again on his turnovers this season, and he has Purdue dreaming of creating one other deep run by the bracket.

5. John Tonje, G, Wisconsin

Is there a greater story in school hoops this 12 months than Tonje? After a gradual four-year profession at Colorado State, Tonje transferred to Missouri, the place he suffered a season-ending foot damage after solely eight video games. He was granted a sixth 12 months of eligibility, bolted for a Wisconsin staff decimated by transfers, and rapidly changed into one of many easiest scoring guards within the nation. Tonje has been a grasp bucker-getter this season, averaging 19 factors on an array of acrobatic finishes on the rim to go together with strong spot-up three-point capturing. He’s taken the Badgers with him on his ascent: after being picked to complete twelfth within the Huge Ten coming into the season, Wisconsin now seems like a sneaky staff to make a deep run.

4. Nique Clifford, F, Colorado State

Nique Clifford took a significant leap in his fourth season of faculty basketball after he transferred from Colorado to Colorado State, rising as an elite defensive wing who confirmed severe indicators of progress on the offensive finish. Clifford examined the NBA draft waters however determined to return to the Rams for his super-senior 12 months, and it proved to be a superb resolution. Clifford exploded as a scorer this season who can overwhelm defenders along with his size and energy going to the rim whereas additionally stroking three-pointers at a virtually 40 p.c clip. Clifford completely dominated the Mountain West match to deliver residence the auto-bid for the Rams, averaging 25 factors per sport whereas making performs for teammates as a passer, crashing the glass, and defending at a high-level. Clifford could also be just a little older than a typical first-round draft decide at age-23, however his ability set has NBA written throughout it.

Photograph by Todd Kirkland/Getty Photos

3. Walter Clayton Jr., G, Florida

Florida has an opportunity to win the nationwide championship for the primary time since Billy Donovan was on campus, and having the most effective guards within the nation in Walter Clayton is an enormous purpose why. The Gators knocked off elite SEC opponents like Auburn, Alabama, and Tennessee this season because of Clayton’s superior shot-making and skill to function in ball screens. Clayton’s background as a former big-time soccer recruit exhibits up on the defensive finish, the place he’s robust on the level of assault and may drive takeaways along with his fast palms. After two years at Iona beneath Rick Pitino, Clayton has confirmed he can excel towards the very best of faculty basketball, and the Gators are searching one other title due to it.

2. Johni Broome, F/C, Auburn

Broome has a case as the most effective up transfers in school basketball historical past. After two nice years at Moorehead State, he transferred to Auburn, the place he’s spent three seasons serving to do the unthinkable by elevating Auburn right into a basketball faculty and turning himself into arguably the very best participant within the nation. The 6’9, 240-pound huge man has such a flexible ability set: he can doll out punishment as a put up scorer, arrange teammates along with his high-post passing, present elite rim safety as a shot blocker, and clear the glass as a rebounder. Broome’s three-point shot regressed some this 12 months, but it surely didn’t matter as he served because the fulcrum for maybe the very best staff within the nation. This is likely one of the nice developmental tales of contemporary school basketball, and he desires to write down the proper closing chapter to his profession in March Insanity.

1. Cooper Flagg, F, Duke

There’s no higher present of drive in sports activities than dominating older competitors at a younger age, and Cooper Flagg has completed it about in addition to anybody ever has at Duke. Flagg spent simply three years in highschool and was solely 17 years previous for half of his freshman 12 months, however he’s nonetheless been the very best participant within the sport this season. The longer term No. 1 NBA draft decide has great versatility at each ends of the ground. At 6’9 with a 7-foot wingspan and explosive athleticism, Flagg can overpower opponents on his strategy to the rim offensively whereas locking down whole sections of the ground on protection. He’s leveled up rapidly as a shot-creator, giving Duke an outsized wing who could make superior reads as a passer when he’s not rolling to the rim. Flagg has additionally been unimaginable as a shooter since turning 18 years previous on Dec. 21: he’s hit 45 p.c of his threes, and is not somebody defenses can dare to shoot. Flagg ought to be a senior in highschool proper now; as a substitute, he’s the very best participant within the NCAA match. Let’s simply hope he’s wholesome for it. It’s potential the USA hasn’t produced a basketball prospect this gifted since LeBron James. That is solely the beginning of an incredible profession for Flagg, however the opening chapter has been thrilling.