March Madness is upon us. With the Sixers’ chances of keeping their pick increasing with each loss, let’s take a look at a few prospects they could target.
With playoff hopes fading into a distant memory, Sixers fans have turned their focus to Tankathon, lottery odds, and top prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft. As we approach the NCAA Tournament, player stocks are sure to rise and fall across mock draft boards league-wide during March Madness.
With weeks of high-level basketball on the horizon, which players should you keep an eye on as potential fits for the Sixers? Let’s break down a few key prospects.
The top guys
At the top of the draft board, three names have led the conversation all season: Duke’s Cooper Flagg and Rutgers’ dynamic duo of Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey. Each brings elite talent and game-changing potential. However, in a surprising twist, Rutgers failed to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament despite boasting two top-three projected prospects. As a result, Harper and Bailey won’t have the opportunity to showcase their skills on college basketball’s biggest stage.
Flagg has dominated headlines (for reasons we’ll get into), but even with Harper and Bailey not playing, several players will be looking to climb the draft board. Among them are Baylor’s V.J. Edgecombe and Texas’ Tre Johnson, both of whom have the chance to make a statement in March Madness.
Cooper Flagg (Duke, Forward)
Cooper Flagg has been the projected No. 1 pick for most of the season, and for good reason. At 6-foot-9 with elite athleticism, defensive instincts, and a developing offensive skill set, he has all the tools to become a franchise-changing player at the next level. His combination of size, versatility and intensity on both ends of the floor makes him one of the most complete prospects in recent years.
Defensively, Flagg is already elite. His shot-blocking ability is off the charts, using his length and timing to protect the rim while also being agile enough to defend on the perimeter. He plays with relentless energy, contesting shots, jumping passing lanes, and making hustle plays that don’t always show up on the stat sheet. His defensive versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, which will make him invaluable in the modern NBA.
On offense, Flagg is still refining his game, but the flashes of shot creation and playmaking have been extremely promising. He’s a capable three-point shooter who can stretch the floor, and he’s comfortable attacking off the dribble, finishing through contact, or finding open teammates when defenses collapse on him. His ball-handling and self-creation are still developing, but his ability to make plays within the flow of an offense is already at a high level.
With Duke entering the tournament as a title contender, Flagg will have the opportunity to further cement his case as the best player in the draft. If he dominates against top competition in March Madness, it will only reinforce what scouts already believe — he’s a future NBA star in the making.
It’s worth noting that Flagg suffered an ankle injury against Georgia Tech Thursday in the ACC Tournament. It sounds unlikely he’ll play in Friday’s matchup against rival North Carolina.
V.J. Edgecombe (Baylor, Guard/Forward)
V.J. Edgecombe is one of the most explosive athletes in the 2025 draft class, blending elite speed, leaping ability, and defensive intensity into a two-way skill set that NBA teams covet. At 6-foot-5 with a strong frame and impressive length, he plays with a relentless motor and has the versatility to impact the game in multiple ways.
Offensively, Edgecombe thrives in transition, using his quick first step and leaping ability to attack the rim with force. He’s a powerful finisher who can play above the rim, making him a constant lob threat and a difficult player to stop when he gets downhill. While his outside shot is still a work in progress, he has shown improvement as a catch-and-shoot threat. If he can develop a more consistent perimeter game, his offensive upside will rise significantly.
Defensively, Edgecombe is one of the best perimeter defenders in the draft. His combination of lateral quickness, strength and effort allows him to guard multiple positions effectively. He’s aggressive in passing lanes, capable of forcing turnovers, and has the tools to become a lockdown defender at the next level. His energy and willingness to take on tough defensive assignments make him a player who can immediately contribute on that end.
Baylor’s tournament run will be a crucial opportunity for Edgecombe to showcase his offensive growth against top competition. If he can prove he can knock down shots and create more consistently in the half-court, he could solidify himself as a top-five pick in the draft.
Tre Johnson (Texas, Guard)
Tre Johnson is one of the most dynamic scorers in the 2025 draft class, with a smooth shooting stroke and the ability to create his own shot from anywhere on the floor. At 6-foot-6, he has solid height for a guard but lacks the ideal strength and length to consistently play forward at the next level. His slight frame may make it difficult for him to match up against bigger, more physical wings, at least in the short term.
Offensively, Johnson’s skill set is built around his three-level scoring ability. He has a fluid jumper with deep range, a quick first step that allows him to create separation, and the footwork to knock down midrange shots off the dribble. His ability to score in isolation and operate in pick-and-roll situations makes him a dangerous offensive weapon. He is comfortable playing both on and off the ball, giving him versatility in different offensive systems. While primarily a scorer, he has shown flashes of playmaking ability, particularly when drawing defensive attention and kicking out to open teammates.
Defensively, Johnson’s impact will depend on his physical development. He has solid instincts but will need to improve his strength and consistency to hold his own against NBA-caliber wings. His defensive ceiling will be something scouts closely evaluate during the tournament, especially when facing stronger, more athletic competition.
Texas is positioned for a strong March Madness run, giving Johnson the perfect stage to prove he can translate his scoring ability to the next level. A dominant showing against elite defenders could help answer lingering questions about his physicality and solidify his status as a top pick.
These are the headliners, but the draft class is loaded with talent beyond just the top names. Let’s take a look at a few other prospects who could shake up the lottery with strong tournament performances.
Potential lottery wildcards
Kon Knueppel (Duke, Guard/Forward)
One of the most polished shooters in the 2025 draft class, Kon Knueppel is a 6-foot-6 wing with elite scoring instincts and a high basketball IQ. Playing for Duke, Knueppel has established himself as a knockdown shooter who can thrive both off the catch and off the dribble, making him an ideal fit for the modern NBA’s emphasis on floor spacing.
Knueppel’s greatest asset is his three-point shooting, as he boasts a smooth and consistent stroke with deep range. He excels in catch-and-shoot situations, coming off screens, and even creating his own shot off the dribble. His ability to move without the ball and find open looks makes him a dangerous scoring threat in any system. Beyond his shooting, Knueppel is an underrated playmaker, capable of making quick reads and smart decisions with the ball. He’s not the most explosive athlete, but he compensates with strong fundamentals, footwork, and craftiness in the half-court.
Defensively, there are some concerns about his lateral quickness and ability to guard quicker wings at the next level. While he plays with effort and a solid understanding of team defense, he may struggle against elite NBA athletes. However, his size, strength, and awareness should allow him to hold his own in the right system.
With Duke positioned for a deep tournament run, March Madness will be a crucial stage for Knueppel to prove he can impact the game beyond his shooting. If he can showcase defensive versatility and playmaking against top competition, he could solidify himself as a lottery pick and a valuable addition to any NBA team in need of floor spacing and high-IQ offensive play.
Khaman Maluach (Duke, Center)
One of the most intriguing big men in the 2025 draft class, Maluach is a 7-foot-2 center with elite length, mobility, and defensive instincts. Originally from South Sudan and a product of the NBA Academy Africa, Maluach has quickly adapted to the college game and established himself as a dominant interior presence for Duke.
Defensively, Maluach is a high-level shot-blocker with great timing and the ability to alter shots without fouling. He moves well for his size, allowing him to step out and defend in space better than most traditional centers. His rebounding and rim protection make him a potential anchor for any NBA defense.
Offensively, he’s still developing, but his soft touch around the rim, ability to finish lobs, and emerging midrange shot make him a valuable piece. While he’s not a primary scoring option, his length and efficiency around the basket give him a strong foundation to build on.
With Duke poised for a deep tournament run, March Madness will be a huge opportunity for Maluach to showcase his skills against elite competition. A dominant showing could solidify his place as a lottery pick — or even push him into the top five conversation.
Kasparas Jakucionis (Illinois, Guard)
Kasparas Jakucionis is one of the most intriguing international prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft, offering a blend of size, playmaking and versatility at the guard position. At 6-foot-6, he has the height and feel for the game that make him an appealing option for teams looking for a big lead guard with strong decision-making skills. Playing in the Spanish ACB and for Lithuania’s youth national teams, he has gained valuable experience against high-level competition.
Jakucionis’ best attribute is his playmaking. He has excellent vision, a natural feel for running an offense, and the patience to manipulate defenses. He makes smart reads in the pick-and-roll, finds teammates with precision passing, and rarely forces bad shots. His size allows him to see over defenses, and he plays with a level of poise that’s rare for young guards.
As a scorer, Jakucionis is more methodical than flashy. He has a reliable shooting stroke, particularly as a spot-up threat, but his off-the-dribble shooting and finishing around the rim remain areas of improvement. He lacks elite burst, which can make it harder for him to create separation, but he compensates with craftiness, change of pace, and an ability to score in the midrange. His ability to stretch the floor will be key to his NBA projection, as teams will want to see whether he can consistently knock down threes.
Defensively, his size gives him an advantage, but his lateral quickness is a concern when defending quicker guards. He competes with effort and uses his length well, but improving his foot speed and overall athleticism will be important for his transition to the NBA.
Jakucionis may not have the name recognition of some other top prospects, but his skill set and experience playing against professionals make him a player to watch. If he can showcase improved shot creation and defensive versatility leading up to the draft, he could rise up boards as a potential top-10 pick.
Liam McNeeley (UConn, Forward)
Liam McNeeley is one of the best shooters in the 2025 draft class and a highly skilled offensive weapon. At 6-foot-7, he has the size and versatility to play multiple roles on the wing, making him a valuable asset in today’s NBA. Playing for UConn, he has displayed a smooth shooting stroke, a high basketball IQ, and the ability to fit seamlessly into different offensive systems.
McNeeley’s biggest strength is his perimeter shooting. He has deep range, a quick release, and the ability to knock down shots off the catch or coming off screens. His off-ball movement is excellent, constantly putting himself in position for open looks. While primarily known as a shooter, he’s also a smart passer who makes the right reads and keeps the offense flowing. He isn’t the most explosive athlete, but his footwork, craftiness and ability to create space allow him to score effectively at multiple levels.
On defense, McNeeley is disciplined and plays with good effort, but his lack of elite quickness could limit his ability to stay in front of faster, more physical wings. His awareness and positioning help make up for it, but NBA teams will be watching closely to see how he holds up against top competition.
With UConn looking to defend its national title, McNeeley will have a major opportunity to prove he can impact the game beyond just his shooting. A strong tournament run could solidify his place as a lottery pick and reinforce his value as a high-level floor spacer with playmaking upside.
As the madness of March unfolds, the spotlight will shine on these prospects, providing them with a platform to solidify their draft stock — or shake up the lottery conversation entirely. With the Sixers potentially in line for a high pick, fans will have plenty of reason to tune in and scout the next wave of NBA talent. Whether it’s a top-tier name like Cooper Flagg or a rising wildcard, this tournament could be a glimpse into the future of the franchise.