As March Madness grips the nation, college basketball’s brightest stars are ready to take center stage. With the NCAA Tournament underway, the spotlight is firmly on the players shaping the 2024-2025 season. From seasoned veterans to breakout freshmen, these ten athletes have set themselves apart with standout performances and leadership.

Read more: Top 10 Most Handsome NCAA College Basketball Players

Here are KnowInsiders’ top 10 college basketball players dominating the conversation this March.

1. Cooper Flagg (Duke University)

Top 10 Best NCAA College Basketball Players in 2025
Cooper Flagg

Birthdate/Age: December 21, 2006 (18)
Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
Career Highlights
Led Nokomis Regional High to a state title as a freshman
Transferred to Montverde Academy and starred nationally
USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2022)
2024-2025 Season
20.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists per game
ACC Player of the Year
Set Duke’s freshman scoring record (42 points vs. Notre Dame)
Next Step
Projected No.1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft

2. Johni Broome (Auburn University)

Birthdate/Age: June 20, 2003 (21)
Position: Power Forward / Center
Career Highlights
Transferred from Morehead State in 2022
SEC Player of the Year (2025)
2024-2025 Season
17.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.3 blocks per game
Led Auburn to SEC regular-season title
Next Step
First-round NBA Draft prospect with elite interior defense

Read more: 2025 March Madness - Men's NCAA Tournament: Full Schedule, Dates, Locations, and Viewing

3. Mark Sears (University of Alabama)

Birthdate/Age: February 19, 2002 (23)
Position: Point Guard
Career Highlights
Led Alabama to 2024 Final Four
Transferred from Ohio University in 2022
2024-2025 Season
19.2 points, 5.0 assists, 44% 3-point shooting
Next Step
NBA teams value his scoring and big-game experience

4. RJ Davis (University of North Carolina)

Top 10 Best NCAA College Basketball Players in 2025
RJ Davis

Birthdate/Age: October 21, 2002 (22)
Position: Shooting Guard
Career Highlights
Four-year starter at UNC
2024-2025 Season
16.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, key perimeter defender
Next Step
A proven leader with pro-level shooting range

5. Kadary Richmond (St. John's University)

Birthdate/Age: August 22, 2001 (23)
Position: Point Guard
Career Highlights
Transferred from Seton Hall in 2023
Anchored St. John's Big East regular-season crown
2024-2025 Season
14.0 points, 6.2 assists, 2.1 steals per game
Big East Defensive Player of the Year
Next Step
NBA-ready defender and floor general

6. L.J. Cryer (University of Houston)

Birthdate/Age: September 27, 2003 (21)
Position: Shooting Guard
Career Highlights
Transferred from Baylor in 2023
2024-2025 Season
18.0 points per game, 43% from deep
Next Step
Lethal shooter with instant-offense potential at the next level

7. PJ Haggerty (University of Memphis)

Birthdate/Age: May 15, 2004 (20)
Position: Point Guard
Career Highlights
Transferred from TCU
AAC Freshman of the Year (2024)
2024-2025 Season
16.8 points, 4.5 assists, 1.9 steals per game
Next Step
Underrated playmaker on NBA scouts’ watchlists

Read more: How to Watch March Madness 2025 Legally for Free and Low Cost

8. Kam Jones (Marquette University)

Top 10 Best NCAA College Basketball Players in 2025
Kam Jones

Birthdate/Age: March 7, 2003 (22)
Position: Shooting Guard
Career Highlights
Helped secure Big East Tournament title (2024)
2024-2025 Season
17.3 points, 3.0 assists, late-game specialist
Next Step
Solid second-round pick with elite perimeter scoring

9. RJ Luis Jr. (St. John's University)

Birthdate/Age: April 18, 2004 (20)
Position: Small Forward
Career Highlights
Key piece in Rick Pitino’s defensive system
2024-2025 Season
13.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 steals per game
Next Step
Versatile defender with upside as a 3-and-D wing

10. Zakai Zeigler (University of Tennessee)

Top 10 Best NCAA College Basketball Players in 2025
Zakai Zeigler

Birthdate/Age: August 2, 2002 (22)
Position: Point Guard
Career Highlights
SEC All-Defensive Team honoree
2024-2025 Season
11.5 points, 6.7 assists, 2.3 steals per game
Next Step
Lockdown defender ready to contribute as a backup NBA point guard

Closing Statement

From the nation’s top freshman to seasoned veterans, these athletes are primed to shape March Madness and elevate their NBA stock. Whether you’re watching for buzzer-beaters or future lottery picks, these players are the names to know in 2025.

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