Duke is loaded. Not only do the top-seeded Blue Devils have three projected lottery picks, including the likely No. 1 overall pick in freshman Cooper Flagg, they have at least three other players who could get selected in the NBA’s June draft.
And Duke isn’t the only team who is playing in the NCAA men’s tournament with multiple potential draft picks. Connecticut, Tennessee, Florida, Illinois and North Carolina each have at least two players who could get drafted.
As March Madness continues on the men’s side, let’s take a look at projected draft picks who are playing in first-round games Friday:
V.J. Edgecombe, Baylor
Freshman, guard, 6-5, 180, 19 years old
2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.3 apg, 2.1 spg, 43.5% FG, 34.5% 3PT, 77.9% FT
Projected pick: Top-five lottery pick
The Bahamian native has displayed his athleticism, has shown he can be explosive and has an elite knack for steals. He will be able to contribute at the NBA level and can be aggressive at the point of attack. The freshman is a high-level off-ball scorer but can improve when it comes to on-ball scoring. Edgecombe logged significant minutes at the end of the season. He had 19 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three steals in 36 minutes in a Big 12 tournament victory against Kansas State and 11 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block in 36 minutes in a Big 12 tournament loss to Texas Tech.
First-round matchup: No. 8 Mississippi State vs. No. 9 Baylor, 12:15 p.m. ET, CBS; streaming: Fubo, Paramount+
Labaron Philon, Alabama
Freshman, guard, 6-4, 177, 19
2024-25 stats: 10.9 ppg, 3.5 apg, 3.6 rpg, 1.3 spg, 45.7% FG, 30.1% 3PT, 75.6% FT
Projected pick: Mid to late first round
Philon excels in transition with his speed and ability to finish at the rim; is capable on catch-and-shoot 3s but needs work on that part of his game. He’s a heady defender who disrupts opponents with his ability to get steals. The Crimson Tide finished the regular season with seven games against ranked opponents, going 3-4, and Philon had 15 points in an overtime victory against top-ranked Auburn on March 8. He had a team-high 21 points, four assists and three steals in an SEC tournament victory against Kentucky but just three points on 1-for-9 shooting in a conference tournament semifinals loss to Florida.
First-round matchup: No. 2 Alabama vs. No. 15 Robert Morris, Friday, 12:40 p.m. ET, tru; streaming: Sling
Nique Clifford, Colorado State
Fifth-year graduate season, guard, 6-6, 200, 23
2024-25 stats: 19.0 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.2 spg, 50.7% FG, 39.8% 3PT, 77% FT
Projected pick: Late first round
Clifford is a versatile wing who does a lot – scoring, rebounding, passing and defending. He has a quick burst on drives to the basket and can finish with force or finesse. He logged big minutes for Colorado State and was excellent in the Rams’ final six games before the NCAA Tournament, posting 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.5 steals and shooting 60% from the field, including 54.8% on 3s. He had 36 points against Boise State at the end of the regular season and recorded two double-doubles in the Mountain West tournament.
First-round matchup: No. 5 Memphis vs. No. 12 Colorado State, Friday, 2 p.m. ET, TBS; streaming: Sling
Cooper Flagg, Duke
Freshman, guard-forward, 6-9, 205, 18
2024-25 stats: 18.9 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 4.1 apg, 1.5 spg, 1.3 bpg, 48.8% FG, 36.8% 3PT, 83% FT
Projected pick: No. 1 overall
The do-it-all young star leads the Blue Devils in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals. Flagg has outstanding footwork, especially in the low post. He can use either hand on shots in the paint, knows how to run plays, can hit catch-and-shoot 3s and is an active weakside defender. Flagg, who has added more muscle since the start of the year, is a physical player who initiates contact, is confident and plays with force when necessary. He is leading Duke to an impressive season, which includes the ACC regular-season title and ACC tournament title. Flagg sprained his left ankle in Duke’s first game of the ACC tourney, missing the second half against Georgia Tech, the semifinal game against North Carolina and final against Louisville. He is available to play Friday.
First-round matchup:No. 1 Duke vs. Mount St. Mary’s, 2:50 p.m. ET, CBS; streaming: Fubo, Paramount+
Kon Knueppel, Duke
Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7, 217, 19
2024-25 stats: 14.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.7 apg, 47.2% FG, 39.2% 3PT, 91.4% FT
Projected pick: Top-10 lottery pick in the first round
He can ignite an offense with his 3-point shot, thanks to an efficient motion, seemingly always ready to receive the ball in his shooting pocket. He can also lace shots from midrange, take care of the ball and is money on free throws. In the ACC tournament, Knueppel averaged 21 points (28 against Georgia Tech) and shot 48.6% from the field, stepping up with Flagg injured.
First-round matchup: No. 1 Duke vs. Mount St. Mary’s, 2:50 p.m. ET, CBS; streaming: Fubo, Paramount+
Khaman Maluach, Duke
Freshman, center, 7-2, 250, 18
2024-25 stats: 8.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.2 bpg, 69.3% FG, 74.6% FT
Projected pick: Mid to late lottery pick in the first round
Playing about 20 minutes per game, Maluach is a mobile big who excels in pick-and-rolls and has the hands to catch lobs for easy dunks; soft touch at the rim; shot-blocker/rim protector; active on the offensive glass; will get stronger and has a great aptitude for the game, learning concepts quickly. Maluach, who played for South Sudan at the 2024 Paris Olympics, posted 11.7 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game and shot 76.2% from the field in three ACC tournament games.
First-round matchup: No. 1 Duke vs. Mount St. Mary’s, 2:50 p.m. ET, CBS; streaming: Fubo, Paramount+
Derik Queen, Maryland
Freshman, center, 6-10, 246, 20
2024-25 stats: 16.3 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.1 spg, 1.1 bpg, 52.9% FG, 76.8% FT
Projected pick: Late lottery pick in the first round
An active, physical big man, Queen has a soft touch around the rim with either hand but has a power game, too. He can run the court and handle the basketball well for a power forward-center. He is another potential first-round pick with good hands and footwork and has the mechanics to become a shooter who can stretch the floor. Queen had 23 points and 10 rebounds against Illinois and 31 points and three rebounds against Michigan, shooting 56.7% from the field in Big Ten tournament games.
First-round matchup:No. 4 Maryland vs. No. 13 Grand Canyon, 4:35 p.m. ET, TBS; streaming: Sling
Kam Jones, Marquette
Senior, guard, 6-5, 205, 23
2024-25 stats: 19.2 ppg, 6.0 apg, 4.4 rpg, 1.4 spg, 48.5% FG, 31.6% 3PT, 64.3% FT
Projected pick: Mid to late first round
All-Big East first-team selection, Jones is a strong, physical guard who can finish on drives to the rim, possesses solid footwork and isn’t afraid of contact. He has improved as a playmaker/passer this season and is a solid rebounder with at least 10 five-plus rebound games. The left-hander had a dip in his 3-point shooting percentage this season but has shown the ability to make them off the dribble and on catch-and-shoots as a 37% shooter from deep in his four-year career. Jones was solid in the Big East tournament with 28 points (11-for-22 shooting, 5-for-10 on 3s), five assists and four rebounds in a victory against Xavier and 24 points (3-for-12 on 3s) and seven rebounds in a loss to St. John’s.
First-round matchup:No. 7 Marquette vs. No. 10 New Mexico, 7:25 p.m. ET, TBS; streaming: Sling
Carter Bryant, Arizona
Freshman, forward, 6-8, 225, 19
2024-25 stats: 6.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.0 bpg, 47.4% FG, 36.6% 3PT, 67.3% FT
Projected pick: Mid to late first round
The athletic forward provides a solid combination of strength and fluidity. He has lateral quickness to stay in front of the ball and the ability to block shots. He can still improve on his technique as a finisher and in scoring efficiency and gets limited minutes. He will get an increased opportunity to impress scouts and executives at the draft combine if he enters the draft.
First-round matchup: No. 4 Arizona vs. No. 13 Akron, 7:35 p.m. ET, truTV; streaming: Sling
Liam McNeeley, UConn
Freshman, forward, 6-7, 210, 19
2024-25 stats: 14.5 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.3 apg, 39.1% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 86.1% FT
Projected pick: Mid to late lottery in the first round
What McNeeley may lack in fluid athleticism, he more than makes up for with a smooth, natural shot and knack for drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line. He also has a quick release and plenty of range to suggest that he should get early minutes. He has bounced back since suffering an ankle injury New Year’s Day that had sidelined him for a few weeks. McNeeley struggled with his shot at times down the stretch of the regular season. In a Big East tournament loss to Creighton, McNeeley had 13 points on 6-for-20 shooting (0-for-5 on 3-pointers), and in his final eight games before the NCAA Tournament, he shot 34.1% from the field and 28.2% on 3s.
First-round matchup:No. 8 UConn vs. No. 9 Oklahoma, 9:25 p.m. ET, TNT; streaming: Sling
Alex Karaban, UConn
Junior, forward, 6-8, 225, 22
2024-25 stats: 14.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.9 apg, 1.6 bpg, 43.9% FG, 35.7% 3PT, 83.9% FT
Projected pick: Late first round, early second round
After initially declaring for the 2024 draft, Karaban withdrew and opted to return to UConn. In the NBA, Karaban figures to be more of a complimentary player, with a knack for finding open gaps in a defense. His ability to catch and shoot should translate instantly. He shot the ball well at the end of the regular season, going 27-for-56 from the field and 12-for-26 on 3s in five games before the Big East Conference tournament. After accumulating 18 points, nine rebounds and six assists in a Big East tournament victory against Villanova, Karaban had just six points, one rebound and one assist in a loss to Creighton.
First-round matchup:No. 8 UConn vs. No. 9 Oklahoma, 9:25 p.m. ET, TNT; streaming: Sling
Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma
Freshman, guard, 6-4, 182, 18
2024-25 stats: 17.0 ppg, 4.1 apg, 4.1 rpg, 1.6 spg, 43.6% FG, 27.5% 3PT, 84.5% FT
Projected pick: Mid to late lottery pick in the first round
Solid start to his freshman season; quick on the dribble; has strength going to the rim and can finish; operates well in the pick-and-roll as a scorer and passer; needs to improve his 3-point shot but potential is there. Fears scored a season-high 31 points and added five assists and four rebounds in a win against ranked Missouri. Fears had a strong SEC tournament, producing 29 points, six rebounds and five steals plus five turnovers in a victory against Georgia and 28 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals (just one turnover) in a loss to Kentucky.
First-round matchup: No. 8 UConn vs. No. 9 Oklahoma, 9:25 p.m. ET, TNT; streaming: Sling
Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois
Freshman, guard, 6-6, 205, 19
2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 4.7 apg, 44.8% FG, 32.9% 3PT, 84.1% FT
Projected pick: Top-10 lottery pick in the first round
Jakucionis is a playmaker – a scorer and passer. He has range with a nice 3-ball, can shoot off the dribble from deep, including on step-back 3s, and looks for an open teammate when he draws multiple defenders. Jakucionis sees the court well with savvy passes and likes to get to the rim for layups. But he can be turnover-prone. He struggled offensively in the Big Ten tournament, going 1-for-6 with no assists in a victory against Iowa and scoring 15 points on 4-for-10 shooting with 10 rebounds and four assists in a loss to Maryland. He had 12 turnovers – six each game – in the conference tournament.
First-round matchup:No. 6 Illinois vs. No. 11 Xavier, 9:45 p.m. ET, CBS; streaming: Fubo, Paramount+
Will Riley, Illinois
Freshman, forward, 6-8, 195, 19
2024-25 stats: 12.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.3 apg, 42.9% FG, 32.1% 3PT, 71.6% FT
Projected pick: Late first round, early second round
Great size for a shooting guard who can make 3s and find open teammates. Looks for offensive rebounds. Like many young players, he needs to improve his shot. He struggled to score in Big Ten games early in conference play but found his shooting touch as the season progressed, scoring 27 points against Minnesota, 22 against Purdue and 21 against Iowa.
First-round matchup: No. 6 Illinois vs. No. 11 Xavier, 9:45 p.m. ET, CBS; streaming: Fubo, Paramount+
Jase Richardson, Michigan State
Freshman, guard, 6-3, 185, 19
2024-25 stats: 12.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.9 apg, 51.2% FG, 41.2% 3PT, 84% FT
Projected pick: Late lottery, mid-first round
Richardson has improved as the season has progressed and has turned into the Spartans’ steady hand with the basketball as a shooter (inside and out) and facilitator. He is an active defender with surprising bouts of athleticism. He also has a knack for collecting rebounds, big plays and poise under pressure. He ended the regular season and Big Ten conference tournament as a starter and perhaps the most important player for the Spartans. He is the son of former Michigan State star and NBA player Jason Richardson, a two-time dunk contest champion and 14-year veteran.
First-round matchup: No. 2 Michigan State vs. No. 15 Bryant, 10 p.m. ET, TBS; streaming: Sling
Drake Powell, North Carolina
Freshman, guard-forward, 6-6, 195, 19
2024-25 stats: 7.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.0 apg, 49.5% FG, 37.4% 3PT, 64.8% FT
Projected pick: Late first round, early second round
Active on both ends of the court as a shot-blocker and physical and versatile defender, and as a player who likes to run the court, launch catch-and-shoot 3s and go one-on-one in the halfcourt. Playing on a deep team especially on the perimeter, Powell doesn’t possess eye-popping offensive stats but his shooting stats reveal his potential.
First-round matchup: No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 11 North Carolina, 4:05 p.m. ET, TNT; streaming: Sling
Ian Jackson, North Carolina
Freshman, guard, 6-4, 190, 20
2024-25 stats: 12.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 46% FG, 40% 3PT, 72.8% FT
Projected pick: Late first round, early second round
An athletic scoring guard, Jackson has a jump shot, likes getting to the rim and uses his quickness in the open court. Has strength and initiates contact. Crafty at the rim in tight spaces. His scoring and shooting fluctuated but he was a key player during the Tar Heels’ late-season push to get into the NCAA Tournament and is North Carolina’s second-leading scorer.
First-round matchup: No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 11 North Carolina, 4:05 p.m. ET, TNT; streaming: Sling
Isaiah Evans, Duke
Freshman, guard-forward, 6-6, 175, 19
2024-25 stats: 7.6 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 44.6% FG, 43.9% 3PT, 81.3% FT
Projected pick: Late first round, early second round
On a loaded Blue Devils team, Evans is an outstanding shooter with a role and minutes that vary game to game. He had a nice stretch late in the season scoring 17, 17, 16 and 19 points in consecutive games.
First-round matchup:No. 1 Duke vs. Mount St. Mary’s, 2:50 p.m. ET, CBS; streaming: Fubo, Paramount+
Tyrese Proctor, Duke
Junior, guard, 6-6, 183, 21
2024-25 stats: 12 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.2 apg, 43.1% FG, 38.2% 3PT, 69.7% FT
Projected pick: Early to mid second round
Proctor struggled with his 3-point shot late in the season – 12-for-43 in Duke’s eight games before the NCAA Tournament began – however, he was 6-for-14 on 3s with 19 points against Louisville in the ACC championship game.
First-round matchup:No. 1 Duke vs. Mount St. Mary’s, 2:50 p.m. ET, CBS; streaming: Fubo, Paramount+
Sion James, Duke
Fifth year, guard, 6-6, 220, 22
2024-25 stats: 8.7 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 53.2% FG, 42.2% 3PT, 82.1% FT
Projected pick: Second round
James, who played four seasons at Tulane before joining Duke, is another one of the Blue Devils’ strong shooters who makes the most of his offensive opportunities. He finished the regular season and ACC tournament strong, scoring 16 points and 12 points in two games against North Carolina and 15 points against Louisville in the ACC title game.
First-round matchup:No. 1 Duke vs. Mount St. Mary’s, 2:50 p.m. ET, CBS; streaming: Fubo, Paramount+
PJ Haggerty, Memphis
Sophomore, guard, 6-3, 191, 21
2024-25 stats: 21.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 3.8 apg, 1.8 spg, 48.4% FG, 38.1% 3PT, 81.9% FT
Projected pick: Mid second round
Haggerty, who led Memphis in scoring and was the American Athletic Conference player of the year, had 23 games with at least 20 points, including 42 against Wichita State in the AAC tournament.
First-round matchup:No. 5 Memphis vs. No. 12 Colorado State, Friday, 2 p.m. ET, TBS; streaming: Sling
Augustas Marciulionis, Saint Mary’s
Senior, guard, 6-4, 200, 23
2024-25 stats: 14.3 ppg, 6.1 apg, 3.0 rpg, 1.4 spg, 44.9% FG, 34.8% 3PT, 79.6% FT
Projected pick: Mid to late second round
Marciulionis is the son of Basketball Hall of Famer Sarunas Marciulionis. He was named West Coast Conference player of the year for the second consecutive season.
First-round matchup: No. 7 Saint Mary’s vs. No. 10 Vanderbilt, 3:15 p.m. ET, truTV; streaming: Sling
Alex Condon, Florida
Sophomore, forward-center, 6-11, 230, 20
2024-25 stats: 11.2 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.4 bpg, 50.2% FG, 32.7% 3PT, 61.3% FT
Projected pick: First round, early second round
On a roster filled with talent, Condon provides scoring and rebounding with eight double-doubles this season, including 27 points and 10 rebounds in a late-season victory against Alabama.
First-round matchup: No. 1 Florida vs. No. 16 Norfolk State, 6:50 p.m. ET, TNT; streaming: Sling
Walter Clayton Jr., Florida
Senior, guard, 6-3, 195, 22
2024-25 stats: 17.5 ppg, 4.3 apg, 3.8 rpg, 1.3 spg, 44.4% FG, 37.7% 3PT, 85.7% FT
Projected pick: Mid second round
Clayton led the Gators in scoring and averaged 20.7 points and shot 50% on 3s in the SEC tournament, scoring 22 points against Tennessee in the championship game.
First-round matchup: No. 1 Florida vs. No. 16 Norfolk State, 6:50 p.m. ET, TNT; streaming: Sling
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