Here are 12 players you need to watch, from lottery locks to potential sleepers, who could swing their draft stock this next few weeks.
Look, everyone knows Flagg. He averaged 16.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.5 steals for the Blue Devils, shooting 48% from the field and a respectable 34% from three. His NBA comp is a bigger, more athletic Andrei Kirilenko – a true two-way force. He’s projected top-2, and frankly, I think he’s the clear No. 1. What to watch for: Can he dominate offensively against elite tournament defenses? We know he’ll play D, but sustained creation is key.
Bailey’s raw athleticism is undeniable. He put up 14.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, hitting 44% from the floor but only 30% from deep. He’s got flashes of a young Jaylen Brown – explosive, powerful, still refining the jumper. He’s a likely top-5 pick. The tournament needs to show consistency in his shot selection and decision-making. Can he avoid those "what was he thinking?" moments against pressure?
Another Duke freshman, Evans is a sleek scorer. He averaged 15.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, shooting 46% overall and 36% from three. He reminds scouts of a slighter Paul George, capable of scoring from all three levels. His draft range is 3-8. He needs to show he can handle physical defenders in the tournament and not get pushed off his spots. His frame is still developing.
Yes, three Duke guys in the lottery discussion. McCain is the gritty guard who does a bit of everything. He posted 13.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, with impressive splits of 47/40/88. He’s got shades of a more athletic Donte DiVincenzo. Projected 5-10. His tournament task: lead Duke’s offense when Flagg or Evans aren't hot. Can he consistently create for himself and others under pressure?
Harper, like Bailey, is a big-bodied guard with a pro frame. He averaged 15.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists for the Scarlet Knights, shooting 43% from the field but just 29% from three. His comp is a more athletic Marcus Smart, a tough, physical guard who can run an offense. He’s looking at picks 8-15. The three-point shot *has* to show improvement in the tournament, even in small flashes. Teams will pack the paint against him.
Edgecombe is an athletic marvel, a high-flyer with defensive potential. He put up 14.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game, shooting 45% overall and 33% from deep. He’s got that Caris LeVert-type game, long and slithery. He's projected 10-20. Can he show more consistent playmaking in the half-court? He's often a finisher, not a creator.
Dillingham is a pure bucket-getter, a microwave scorer off the bench for Kentucky. He averaged 14.8 points, 2.9 assists, and shot a red-hot 48% from the field and 44% from three. Think Lou Williams with more burst. He's likely 12-25. The tournament needs to show he can contribute beyond scoring. Can he defend tougher matchups without fouling, and make smart reads when not looking for his own shot?
Edwards is the quintessential "3-and-D" wing with good size. He averaged 10.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and shot 47% from the field, 37% from three. A less flashy Otto Porter Jr. type. He’s in the 15-30 range. Watch for him to hit his open threes and play disciplined defense. If he goes cold, his value drops fast.
Yes, another Duke guy. Maluach is a project big, but his size and defensive potential are undeniable. He's still raw, with numbers around 8 points and 7 boards in international play, but he averaged 2.5 blocks. A young Clint Capela comparison comes to mind, a rim protector and rebounder. He's currently 25-40. His tournament minutes will be limited, but scouts want to see flashes of coordinated movement, rim protection, and soft hands around the basket.
Duke has a loaded class. Knueppel is the sharpshooter. He put up 13.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and shot 45% from three in high school. His game screams Luke Kennard. Projected 30-50. For Knueppel, it's simple: knock down those open looks, show you can move without the ball, and prove you're not a defensive liability.
Fland is a true point guard with excellent court vision and a solid handle. He averaged 12.1 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in high school, shooting 35% from three. Think a slighter Tyus Jones. He's in the 35-55 range. Can he run the offense effectively against bigger, stronger college guards without turning it over? His decision-making will be under the microscope.
Power is the stretch-four with good passing instincts. He averaged 9.8 points and 5.2 rebounds, with 38% from three in high school. He’s a younger Kelly Olynyk. Projected 40-60. Can he show enough defensive mobility to stay on the floor against athletic forwards? His shooting will always be there, but defense is the question mark.
Here's my hot take: Despite all the Duke talent, I think Ace Bailey at Rutgers is going to have the most impactful tournament for his draft stock. He's got a chance to be the true breakout star on a team that needs him to carry a huge load. If he leads Rutgers on any kind of run, his stock could push into the top-3 discussion.
This tournament isn't just about cutting down nets. For these guys, it’s about proving they belong in the NBA. Watch closely; the next wave of stars is about to make their case. I'm betting Flagg proves why he's the consensus number one overall pick with a dominant two-way performance deep into the tournament.
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