“Before they shake Adam Silver’s hand, they’ll have to survive 40 more minutes of madness.”
Where the Madness Meets the Mock Boards
The 2025 NCAA Men’s Final Four isn’t just a clash of titans — it’s the ultimate scouting theater. Four No. 1 seeds remain, and with them, a roster of future pros. This year’s blue bloods and title-hungry squads don’t just want a banner — they want their names called on draft night.
From top lottery locks to second-round sleepers, the Final Four features over 20 legit NBA prospects — all playing under the brightest lights in college basketball. Here’s a breakdown of the names every GM, scout, and hardwood junkie should know.
March 2025 has given us a Final Four drenched in elite pedigree and pro potential. But while the banners are still up for grabs, the scouts are already scribbling notes. With one weekend left before a champion is crowned, here are the 2025 NBA Draft-eligible names still dancing in the Final Four.
Duke Blue Devils (1 Seed)
Cooper Flagg | Forward | Freshman | Projected Top 2 Pick
The crown jewel of the 2025 draft class. Flagg’s blend of athleticism, IQ, defensive versatility, and offensive polish at 6’9″ has scouts salivating. He’s been a two-way killer all tournament and has a shot to go No. 1 overall depending on team fit.
Tyrese Proctor | Guard | Sophomore | Draft-Eligible
Proctor is a high-feel playmaker who has steadily improved as a floor general. He’s eligible and projects as a late-first to early-second round pick depending on team need for a cerebral combo guard.
Sion James | Guard/Wing | Graduate | Draft-Eligible
A physically mature guard with defensive chops and leadership. Fringe second-rounder with Summer League upside.
Maliq Brown | Forward | Junior | Early Entry Candidate
Brown’s hustle, rebounding, and defensive IQ make him a deep sleeper. If he declares, he’s a potential mid-second round riser.
Florida Gators (1 Seed)
Walter Clayton Jr. | Guard | Junior | Draft-Eligible
Explosive scorer with deep range and confidence. Clayton’s shot-creation and size make him a real sleeper to crack the late-first if he tests well.
Will Richard | Wing | Junior | Draft-Eligible
Prototypical 3-and-D prospect with ideal frame and shooting mechanics. Reliable defender who fits the modern wing mold. Late-second round to undrafted range.
Thomas Haugh | Forward | Sophomore | Possible Early Entry
Skilled, versatile forward with strong passing instincts. Not a lock to declare, but if he does, his size and IQ intrigue.
Houston Cougars (1 Seed)
JoJo Tugler | Forward | Freshman | Rising Stock
Tugler is a powerful, high-motor forward with bounce and switchability. Still raw, but upside is real. Potential late-first to early-second round depending on pre-draft workouts.
Milos Uzan | Guard | Sophomore | Draft-Eligible
Smooth, efficient guard with elite pace control. Projects as a dependable backup guard with second-round interest.
Emmanuel Sharp | Guard | Sophomore | Draft-Eligible
Confident shooter with strong frame. Lacks elite size but has a scorer’s mentality. G-League potential with late draft buzz.
Auburn Tigers (1 Seed)
Chad Baker-Mazara | Wing | Senior | Draft-Eligible
Length, shooting, and confidence. A potential late bloomer who could find traction in pre-draft workouts. Late-second round upside.
Tahaad Pettiford | Guard | Freshman | Not Eligible Until 2026 ❌
Note: Not eligible for the 2025 draft.
Denver Jones | Guard | Junior | Draft-Eligible
Microwave scorer with a solid NBA body and bounce. If he can show consistent efficiency, Jones may sneak into the second round.
Miles Kelly | Wing | Junior | Draft-Eligible
Transfer who’s flashed deep shooting range and toughness. A classic 3-and-D project who fits into a modern NBA rotation.
Final Word:
This Final Four isn’t just a battle for a banner. It’s a live audition. Every drive, every switch, every closeout is now under the microscope of NBA scouts.
Some of these players will walk away as champions. Others will walk into green rooms.
But all of them — every one — will define the next 96 hours of college basketball history.
Joseph Angel | Chief NCAA Final Four Analyst for TheNSR Network
