2024 NBA Draft: ESPN ranks Top 25 players in NCAA Tournament that have the NBA’s attention

The NCAA Tournament kicked off with First Four matchups on Tuesday night, with two more set for Wednesday. And then things really get going, with the Round of 64 tipping off on Thursday.

And that means dozens of the top 2024 NBA Draft prospects will be in action across the Tournament. ESPN college basketball and draft writers Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo took a look at the top prospects in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

Check out the Top 25 players to look for in the NCAA Tournament.

1. Rob Dillingham, guard, Kentucky

Dillingham has a good shot at being the first non-international player picked and a chance to perhaps be the No. 1 overall selection. He’s a bit on the small side at 6-foot-1, but his scoring prowess from all levels of the floor will have teams enticed.

He and Kentucky begin tournament play on Thursday at 7:10 p.m. against Oakland.

2. Reed Sheppard, guard, Kentucky

And if Dillingham isn’t the first player drafted out of the college ranks, it could very well be his teammate. Sheppard deals with some of the same size limitations as Dillingham, albeit he’s a little taller.

But Sheppard’s ability to play in control, in rhythm, and without panic at a high level belies his youth.

3. Donovan Clingan, center, UConn

Short of floor stretching shooting and passing, Clingan offers just about everything a team might want from a 7-footer. He’s got a massive wingspan that makes him a fearsome defensive presence, and he’s highly effective as a screener, roller and finisher around the rim on offense.

UConn begins tournament play on Friday at 2:45 p.m. vs. Stetson.

4. Dalton Knecht, forward, Tennessee

Knecht has been an offensive revelation for Tennessee, shouldering the scoring burden and showing he can pour it in from all over the court. However, there are some holes to his game that will need work, namely on the defensive end and as a playmaker.

Tennessee kicks off the NCAA Tournament against St. Peter’s at 9:20 p.m. on Thursday.

5. Ja’Kobe Walter, guard/forward, Baylor

Walter started the season as one of the most lethal shooters in the country, both coming off screens and off the bounce. But he cooled during conference play and NBA teams will have to sort out if he can be a consistent, high-level shooter at the next level.

Baylor starts tournament play against Colgate on Friday at 12:40 p.m.

6. Cody Williams, guard/forward, Colorado

Williams, the younger brother of Oklahoma City Thunder rising star Jalen Williams, has intrigued evaluators with his length, defensive upside and raw talent. He’s been battling injuries of late, but a strong finish in the tournament could secure lottery pick status for Williams.

7. Kyle Filipowski, forward/center, Duke

The production has never been an issue for Filipowski in college, especially as Duke runs much of its offense through him. He can still show more on defense, but with a versatile offensive skillset at his size, a strong string of tourney performances could lock up Filipowski as a potential first rounder.

Duke starts the NCAA Tournament against Vermont on Friday at 7:10 p.m.

8. Zach Edey, center, Purdue

Edey is a bit of a difficult draft assessment. He’s dominated college basketball for years but doesn’t have floor-stretching ability on offense that some teams covet. But his overall ability to play offense at the rim and provide a decent defensive floor will get Edey drafted — just how high depends on his play this March, to some extent.

Purdue kicks off the NCAA Tournament against either Grambling or Montana State on Friday at 7:25 p.m.

9. Stephon Castle, guard, UConn

Castle doesn’t really play a starring role for UConn, but he’s shown why he was a highly-coveted recruit in the 2023 signing class. A combo guard with the ability to run the point and defend multiple positions, a strong March for the top overall seed could secure Castle as a lottery pick.

He could especially benefit from a few offensive outbursts against higher-level competition.

10. Yves Missi, center, Baylor

Missi is a bit of a project, but has all the tools to develop into a long-term NBA center. Plus, he’s young, which comes with some moments of raw play and mistakes, but means a longer runway to get him to his ceiling.

If he can settle down in the NCAA Tournament and give Baylor solid minutes down low, NBA teams will surely be taking note.

Prospects No. 11 through 50 to check out in March Madness

11. Kevin McCullar Jr., forward, Kansas*
12. Jared McCain, guard, Duke
13. Justin Edwards, guard, Kentucky
14. Tristan da Silva, forward, Colorado
15. Ryan Dunn, forward, Virginia**
16. Johnny Furphy, guard/forward, Kansas
17. Tyler Kolek, guard, Marquette
18. Terrence Shannon Jr., guard/forward, Illinois
19. DJ Wagner, guard, Kentucky
20. Keshad Johnson, forward, Arizona
21. Oso Ighodaro, forward/center, Marquette
22. Pelle Larsson, guard, Arizona
23. K.J. Simpson, guard, Colorado
24. Baylor Scheierman, guard/forward, Creighton
25. Ugonna Onyenso, center, Kentucky

* Kansas men’s basketball announced on Tuesday that McCullar would miss the NCAA Tournament.

** Virginia lost in the First Four to Colorado State on Tuesday evening.

ESPN also ranked players No. 25 through 50 to check out in the NCAA Tournament, which you can check out here.