With just eight days remaining until March Madness begins, CBB experts already have a solid idea of who’ll make the 2025 NCAA Tournament. That being said, the players who’ll go dancing don’t just get a chance to win an NCAA Championship. Many will also gain exposure that they may not have previously had, which could help them achieve their dream of reaching the NBA.
5 Under-The-Radar CBB Players Heading Into March Madness
Among the players whose teams are projected to make the cut, here are five potential NBA prospects to keep your eye on.
PJ Haggerty – Memphis
Coached by former NBA star Penny Hardaway, Memphis has gone through growing pains but emerged as one of the nation’s top teams, going 26-5 on their way to winning the AAC Championship. On the court, their driving force was junior PJ Haggerty. A stupendous scorer, the 6-foot-3 guard averaged 21.3 points per game in the regular season, shooting 49.1 percent from the field and 41.8 percent from 3. He was also second in the conference, with 56 total steals in 2024-25.
Bennett Stirtz, Drake
Drake junior Bennett Stirtz has started to gain attention, but he hasn’t been discussed enough. His averages –19.1 points, 5.7 assists, and 2.2 steals per game –are eye-popping. His efficiency –the 6-foot-4 guard averaging 49.3 percent shooting from the field and 38.6 percent from three –pops off the page. Neither one of them does justice to the film though. A high IQ two-way force, Stirtz has every skill at his disposal. Literally every skill.
Walter Clayton Jr., Florida
Florida senior Walter Clayton Jr. is one of the most consistent players you’ll find, averaging 17.2 points and 1.4 steals per game over the past three seasons. The confident guard’s best asset is his shooting stroke, allowing him to score efficiently despite his diet of tough jumpers. To that point, Clayton has made 44.2 percent of his field goals and 38.1 percent of his 3-pointers since 2022-23.
Magoon Gwath, San Diego State
San Diego State freshman Magoon Gwath is dangerous. Listed at 7-foot-0, the stretch-center has converted 37.2 percent of his 3-point attempts. Yet, he’s also blocked a conference-high 2.6 shots in just 24.9 minutes per game. These stats only scratch the surface of who Gwath is as a player. Like the NBA’s unicorns, he’s a three-level scorer capable of creating for himself off the dribble. Defensively, he can absorb space like gravity when guarding on the perimeter, and uses his length well in the paint.
Donovan Dent, New Mexico
New Mexico junior guard Donovan Dent is undoubtedly having the best season of his collegiate career, averaging a conference-high 20.4 points per game, all while still dishing out 6.5 assists per game. With him carrying the offense, the Lobos have been able to go 25-6, their best record since 2012-13 (29-6). Given Dent’s exceptional scoring instincts, shooting touch, and passing ability, it’s fair to say he’s offensively inclined. However, his active defense can’t be ignored.
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