Numerous guard prospects in the NCAA Tournament can raise their draft stocks further with excellent performances. Before that, however, it is important to point out who the top guard prospects in March Madness are. Let’s dive into the very best guards and the qualities that make them highly-touted prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft.
2025 NBA Draft: Top Guard Prospects In The NCAA Tournament
VJ Edgecombe
VJ Edgecombe sits at the top of the list as he has been mocked as a player capable of going in the top five. The attributes that stand out for Edgecombe as a prospect are his athleticism, defensive ability, and scoring upside. At 6’5″, Edgecombe possesses excellent athleticism that he uses on both ends of the floor. He is one of the best defenders in the class, and he uses his athleticism to make highlight defensive plays. Not only does Edgecombe use his athleticism on defense, but it also shows up on offense as well. Specifically, Edgecombe is an extreme threat in transition, where he can throw down thunderous dunks. Furthermore, he is very good at getting to the basket and has improved as a shooter. Undoubtedly, Edgecombe’s combination of physical tools and skills make him the best guard prospect participating in the NCAA Tournament.
Kasparas Jakucionis
Another player mocked in the top five is Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis. Standing at 6’6″, Jakucionis boasts a complete offensive skill set as he can both set the table and score. For scoring in particular, Jakucionis can both score on or off the ball and do so on all three levels. Additionally, Jakucionis possesses excellent court vision, high basketball IQ, ball-handling ability, and passing skills. He is one of the better playmakers in the class, which makes him a deadly force on the offensive end when combined with his scoring ability. While he isn’t a great defender or athlete, Jakucionis and his offensive skills place him above other guard prospects.
Tre Johnson
Texas guard Tre Johnson got into the NCAA Tournament through the First Four, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t a top prospect that teams will want. Unquestionably, Johnson is one of the best scorers in the class. He can score anywhere on the court but makes his living in the mid-range and from three. Furthermore, Johnson is specifically one of the best shooters in the class. He has an excellent shooting form and his free-throws number looks good. Additionally, Johnson has flashed playmaking abilities over the past several weeks, making him even more dangerous as an offensive player. His scoring talent easily places him as one of the better guard prospects in the class.
Jeremiah Fears
While Oklahoma Sooners guard Jeremiah Fears has had an up-and-down season, he has been swinging back up these past several weeks. The 6’4″ Fears excels at using his speed and handle to get to the rim and finish. Furthermore, he is great at drawing contact for free throws when he gets into the paint. While Fears isn’t a consistent three-point shooter, he can knock down shots in the mid-range and is a good free throw shooter. Both are indications that he can turn his three-point shot around for the better. Also, Fears has shown playmaking abilities. He needs to clean up his turnovers, but he can be a real facilitator. While he isn’t a great defender by any means, Fears does have active hands and can get steals. Given his up-swing, it will be interesting to see how Fears performs in the tournament.
Jase Richardson
One of the best risers among draft prospects has been Michigan State guard Jase Richardson. Standing at 6’3″, Richardson has showcased himself as a reliable, versatile guard who rarely makes mistakes. He scores on all three levels, both with and without the ball. Furthermore, Richardson is a capable passer and connective playmaker. Defensively, Richardson has been a solid defender who can read off-ball actions well. Overall, Richardson is a smart and versatile guard who keeps upping his game. He can be a big reason for Michigan State going deep in March Madness.
Nique Clifford
Colorado State guard-wing Nique Clifford has been on an absolute heater these past two weeks and has fully shown himself as a first-round prospect. At 6’5″, Clifford is an athletic player who leverages his physical gifts on both ends. Offensively, Clifford can score on all three levels, with great improvement in regard to his three-point shooting. He can play with and without the ball, though he has shown that he operates well in an on-ball role. His athleticism allows him to be a threat in transition or when going to the basket. Additionally, Clifford has been a capable playmaker for his team. Defensively, Clifford can be a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions well. He is also a strong rebounder for his size. The upperclassman has a strong, versatile skill set and is someone to watch for in the tournament.
Kam Jones
Marquette guard Kam Jones is another upperclassman who is another impressive guard prospect to watch. Standing at 6’4″, Jones has excelled on the offensive end and has been the offensive engine for his team this season. He is an effective scorer on all three levels. In previous years, Jones played in a more off-ball role, primarily as a three-point shooter. Also, Jones is a good playmaker and passer. Jones isn’t a great defender, but his offensive contributions outweigh those flaws. A good run in the tournament will help cement him as a top guard prospect in the class.
Labaron Philon
Alabama guard Labaron Philon rounds out the top guard prospects as he has shown excellence as a crafty, defensive guard. Another 6’4″ guard, Philon is a bit limited as an athlete. However, he makes up for that limitation with high basketball IQ and craftiness. Offensively, he uses his handle to break down opponents and find his way to the rim. He can score at the rim and from mid-range. He must improve as a three-point shooter, however. Philon is also a solid playmaker who can make impressive passing reads. Defensively, Philon is an excellent on-ball defender who can smother opposing guards. He is great at forcing turnovers or picking off passes. It will be interesting to see how Philon performs in the tournament because a great performance will be a major boost to his draft stock.
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