As the NCAA tournament approaches, it’s not just about the teams fighting for victory—individual players are facing a critical opportunity to enhance their draft stock. For many hopefuls eyeing a professional career, this tournament serves as their final showcase, and a chance to turn heads at the next level. Here are the top contenders across different categories whose performances during March Madness might just shape their futures in the NBA.

Top Prospects with Much to Prove

In the spotlight, we have elite prospects looking to solidify their standing as potential first-round picks. Their performances now could make all the difference.

Tre Johnson, Texas

Tre Johnson is maintaining a significant presence on the court, but his recent performances raise some questions. Standing at 6-foot-6, Johnson demonstrates a multifaceted scoring ability, particularly with his dribble pull-up; however, his offensive decision-making has been inconsistent. During the SEC tournament, he appeared frustrated at times with his team’s offensive strategy, leading to patchy effort levels. With Texas having a slated path in the tournament, showcasing a more well-rounded game could elevate his draft prospects. A strong performance could shift his potential from mid to high first-round territory.

Liam McNeeley, UConn

Originally considered a lock for the lottery, McNeeley’s season has not gone as expected. A standout at Montverde Academy, he has struggled to adapt to the higher levels of competition. While he’s skilled at avoiding mistakes, he needs to improve his impact on defense and find more creativity in finishing at the rim. His shooting percentages raise concerns, especially when it comes to his two-point shooting. March Madness could present him with the platform to turn this narrative around.

Boogie Fland, Arkansas

The tournament is a pivotal moment for Fland, who emphasizes scoring and creativity on the court. After a hand injury sidelined him, he’s interested in reigniting conversations surrounding his draft stock. If he can perform well against tough teams like Kansas, he could make an impression on NBA scouts, showcasing his skills that can translate well at the professional level—a standout performance could clinch his place on several draft boards.

Danny Wolf, Michigan

Wolf has the potential to dazzle NBA scouts, especially with his exceptional footwork and playmaking abilities for a 7-footer. However, his high turnover rate and inconsistent shooting raise concerns. Still, if he can translate flashes of brilliance into sustained performances during the tournament, he might attract the attention that could help him climb the draft rankings.

Seasoned Players Making Their Case

Not every prospect is fresh out of high school—some are older and have a chance to prove their worth.

Johni Broome, Auburn

Broome’s reputation as a dominant post player is well-known, but concerns linger about his ability to translate those skills to the NBA. While he has a knack for scoring in advantageous positions, his shooting from beyond the arc is critical to his future. As such, whether he can expand his game during the tournament will be key to his draft outlook.

Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton

Kalkbrenner has built up quite a career at Creighton, displaying impressive skills in both scoring and defending. His ability to space the floor adds another dimension to his game that could be appealing to teams in need of versatile big men. With the right performances in the tournament, he could solidify his place as a late-round pick.

Breakout Stars Waiting to Shine

Some players may be flying under the radar but have the potential to make a serious impact during March Madness.

Bennett Stirtz, Drake

Bennett Stirtz has made significant waves in the college realm, showcasing impressive scoring and playmaking abilities. His performance against high-major teams shows that he isn’t intimidated by the competition. With a statistics-driven approach, Stirtz could quickly move from an unknown to a name worth remembering.

Ryan Conwell, Xavier

Conwell’s journey through multiple conferences has prepared him for his moment in the spotlight. His efficient shooting and confident play could very well make him a surprise name in this year’s draft conversation. Known for his ability to create shots from beyond the arc, he’s destined to have an impactful tournament.

Hayden Gray, UC San Diego

While not expected to be a high draft pick, Hayden Gray’s rare talent in stealing the ball makes him stand out in his own right. His defensive prowess and sharp instincts could lead to unexpected moments during the tournament. If he can leverage these skills, he may just turn some heads.

As the NCAA tournament unfolds, the stakes are sky-high. For these players, the opportunity to enhance their draft stock and achieve their dreams of going pro is on the line. Who will seize the moment? The excitement is palpable, and the eyes of the basketball world are watching closely.