The second weekend of March Madness lived up to expectations, with all four number-one seeds making it to San Antonio—a feat we haven’t seen since 2008. This promises an intense level of competition and excitement. Here are some players who elevated their game during the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight rounds, along with a few who stumbled slightly. With NIL money pouring in and presenting athletes with plenty of choices, even first-round prospects face a dilemma—whether to continue in college for lucrative deals or jumpstart their NBA careers. As Bill Walton aptly describes, these "winners of the genetic lottery" have some pretty enviable decisions to make.
Stock Up
Thomas Haugh, 6’9 210 SF, Florida, Sophomore:
Nobody had a better weekend than Florida’s "secret weapon," Thomas Haugh. Late in the game, with the Gators down by nine and just over three minutes on the clock, odds were clearly not in Florida’s favor according to Draft Kings. But what no one counted on was Haugh’s clutch performance. With a little over three minutes remaining, he grabbed an offensive rebound, hit a three-pointer, and then followed up with another three-pointer to cut the lead down. Ultimately, his performance, alongside Walter Clayton Jr., helped Florida outscore Texas Tech 18-4 in the game’s final minutes for a five-point win. Coming off the bench, Haugh logged 20 points and 11 rebounds over 30 minutes while also playing a strong defensive game. Though he started the tournament without much NBA draft hype for 2025, his stock is rising thanks to his shooting and defensive skills.
Walter Clayton, 6’3 190 PG/SG, Florida, Freshman:
Time and again, Clayton has proven he’s the man for big moments in the tournament. When a critical basket was needed against Texas Tech, Clayton delivered by hitting two crucial three-pointers. He’s shown resilience, toughness, and an ability to score in various ways, including driving to the basket. The only concerns about his prospects are whether he has the natural instincts to effectively run an NBA team and his potential size disadvantage compared to other NBA guards. Despite these, his performances over the last month and a half have boosted his stock, possibly placing him in the mid to late first-round area.
Cooper Flagg, 6-8 220 SF/PF, Duke, Freshman:
Flagg put on quite a show during the Sweet Sixteen against Arizona, scoring 30 points along with six rebounds and seven assists. Though his game against Alabama was less explosive, he managed to shoot a combined 4-for-7 from outside in the two games, showcasing his reliable shot under pressure. Duke faces Houston next, and how Flagg performs against such a strong defense will be crucial. If Duke aims to win it all, they’ll need standout performances from their star freshman.
Khaman Maluach, 7-2 260 C, Duke, Freshman:
Just in time for tournament play, Maluach is making his presence known. Against Alabama, his impact was especially notable when he was off the floor. With 14 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks, his size and defensive presence are becoming increasingly valuable, though his shot-blocking stats aren’t as high as some might expect. His free throw shooting at 75% adds more intrigue to his offensive potential. Considered somewhat of a project, he’s an enticing talent with potential first-round pick potential.
Johni Broome, 6’10 250 C, Auburn, Senior:
Despite battling injuries, Broome has boosted his stock significantly during this tournament, drawing comparisons to Willis Reed’s famous performance. Against Michigan and Michigan State, Broome scored 22 and 25 points, even outperforming Michigan’s sizeable frontcourt. At nearly 23 years old, he’s aiming to cap off his collegiate career by vying for an NCAA title, having averaged a double-double throughout the season.
Jase Richardson, 6-3 190 PG/SG, Michigan State:
Jase, who isn’t a natural point guard, has performed well in the tournament’s remaining matches, despite shooting struggles from three. His ability to make smart decisions and show leadership on the court speaks volumes about his potential to develop into a solid playmaker. Though he might be better in catch-and-shoot scenarios, his strong end to the season has placed him as a potential late lottery pick in the NBA draft.
Tahaad Pettiford, 6’1 170 PG, Auburn, Freshman:
Showing remarkable composure in tournament games, Pettiford is fearless. He averaged 17.5 points coming off the bench for Auburn and consistently hit big shots when needed. Concerns about his size and defense at the pro level linger, but teams will likely be willing to overlook those, impressed by his competitive spirit and reliability.
Caleb Love, 6’3 185 SG, Arizona, Senior:
Love ended his college career strongly by helping Arizona reach the Sweet Sixteen, where he notched an impressive 35 points against Duke. His shooting efficiency, especially in crucial games, may improve his draft odds as a versatile guard with athleticism and experience. He’s definitely made his mark.
Kon Knueppel, 6-6 220 SG/SF, Duke, Freshman:
Despite being a freshman, Knueppel consistently stands out for his high basketball IQ and skill. Though not the most physically gifted, he is sort of like a young Kyle Korver—a sharpshooter with great understanding of the game. His recent performances, especially when Flagg was unavailable, have boosted his reputation.
Danny Wolf, 6-11 240 PF/C, Michigan, Freshman:
Danny Wolf showcased everything in his final college game. Strong in both scoring and passing, he’s making his case for a first-round pick. Though some defensive limitations are present due to lack of speed, his basketball smarts and versatility are his assets.
Milos Uzan, 6-4 190 PG, Houston, Junior:
Uzan has made his mark on the Cougars with a memorable game-winning play against Purdue. Given his performance in the tournament, he’s likely to receive first-round considerations in upcoming NBA drafts. His game against Duke could further elevate his value.
Derik Queen, 6-10 250 C, Maryland, Freshman:
Despite Maryland’s loss, Queen shined against Florida, wrapping up his season with impressive numbers. Exhibiting determination and skill, he’s entering the 2025 NBA draft with increased prospects due to his performances during the tournament.
Labaron Philon, 6-2 170 PG, Alabama, Freshman:
Philon has been nothing short of impressive during the tournament run, even while being the youngest starter on his team. With solid numbers and a composed demeanor, he faces a tough decision regarding declaring for the draft, though staying in college might be tempting financially.
Karter Knox, 6-6 220 SG/SF, Arkansas, Freshman:
With a knack for 3-and-D, Knox’s season showcased his potential. Despite some limitations in his offensive development, his shooting prowess and defensive chops keep him in first-round conversations. Whether he declares for the draft remains to be seen.
Stock Down
Vladislav Goldin, 7-1 250 C, Michigan, Senior:
Though Goldin had a rough outing against Auburn, he still shows promise overall. Struggles against Broome didn’t help his stats, yet his senior year indicates improvement. Despite his place in the "down" section, his overall stock remains strong from previous performances.
Chaz Lanier, 6-5 190 SG, Tennessee, Senior:
Lanier ended the tournament with shooting difficulties, having trouble finding success from beyond the arc. Still, his career stats speak volumes, and while his weekend was disappointing, he remains a likely first-round candidate due to his consistent performance throughout his career.
By creating or reshaping their legacies, these players have energized this year’s tournament, awakening the excitement and buzz that makes March Madness an unforgettable event every year.
