The top up-and-coming players to watch in March Madness 2024: College basketball’s best

Excitement is in the air as March Madness kicks off today, delivering fans some of the most exhilarating basketball moments of the year. With playing games today and tomorrow, followed by a jam-packed schedule on Thursday and Friday, basketball fans are in for a treat with 32 games in just four days.

While the spotlight often shines on the star players, this year’s draft prospects also command attention, especially those competing in the tournament. With names like Isaiah Klier and Devin Carter missing out because their teams did not make the cut, the focus shifts to the upcoming talents ready to leave their mark on the court.

Top NBA draft prospects for 2024

Rob Dillingham - Kentucky

Rob Dillingham from Kentucky is a remarkable basketball player who stands out. He is a prolific scorer with exceptional shooting ability, making him a promising prospect for the NBA. Despite being smaller than some of his peers, Dillingham’s elite shooting skills are undeniable. He has been shooting an impressive 45% from beyond the arc this season.

Reed Shepard - Kentucky

Reed Shepard is reminiscent of Kentucky greats like Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. He is efficient on both ends of the floor, making him a formidable force with the potential to excel at the next level.

Ja’Kobe Walter - Baylor

Walter is a prolific scorer playing on the wing, with remarkable size, length, and natural strength. He can play both offense and defense at his best, showcasing his versatile skills on the court. He has been working on developing his guard skills and untapping his potential for defense. Walter has a strong build with a long and lean structure, but he may not be as agile as other players. He is a solid athlete with powerful strides that can quickly move him up and down the court. While he was one of 3SSB’s top scorers, he did not score efficiently, with a shooting percentage of only 36% from the floor, including 29% from behind the arc and 43% on two-point field goals.

Donovan Clingan - UConn

Clingan is dominant in the paint, standing at 6′10″ and weighing 220 pounds. He is a highly-coveted big man known not only for his great size but also for his agility, footwork, improvement in outside shooting touch, and passing ability. He is an unselfish player dedicated to working hard on his game every day to be the top big man in the country. He came to UConn after a spectacular high school career at Bristol Central High School in Connecticut, where he played under Coach Tim Barrette.

Stephon Castle - UConn

A UConn player is being evaluated for his potential as a true point guard at the next level. He is a great passer but also a natural secondary playmaker. He makes high-level plays on the open floor, can change his pace in the pick-and-roll, and is imposing due to his size, strength, and balance. However, he lacks some of the shake and change-of-direction of a typical point guard. He has potential versatility on defense and can impose his will on the game. His inconsistency as a shooter is his most significant issue, but he has an effective short pull-up game. Overall, he projects as a highly versatile defender and downhill playmaker, especially in the half-court, and has the potential to be a true big point guard with a developed jumper and a true killer instinct.

Other notable players

Notable mentions include Kyle Filipowski, Dalton Knecht, and Jared McCain, each bringing their strengths to the game.

While some prospects like Ryan Dunn and Cody Williams face challenges, particularly in areas like outside shooting, their defensive prowess and physicality offer value to prospective NBA teams.