Mar 23, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Jase Richardson (11) dribbles defended by New Mexico Lobos forward Atiki Ally Atiki (6) in the second half during the NCAA Tournament Second Round at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The Brooklyn Nets still have some games left in their 2024-25 season before they can think about what will happen this offseason and beyond for their current rebuild. However, one of the biggest events in sports is happening right now and that is the NCAA Basketball Tournament, which will be beginning the Sweet 16 on Thursday.
While many college basketball fans are getting their fix of watching some of their favorite teams compete for a National Championship, there are plenty of reasons for NBA fans to be interested in the proceedings as well. For example, many of the players that are expected to be playing in the NBA next season usually end up participating in March Madness.
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Many basketball fans are aware of Duke forward Cooper Flagg and what he means to not only college basketball, but to the NBA as well. However, given that there has been so much said about Flagg, it’s fair to wonder about the other players that the Nets could look to draft if Flagg is off the board by the time their pick comes around.
Here are five players for the Nets, and Nets fans alike, to keep an eye on as the NCAA Tournament heads into the Sweet 16 portion of the event:
Jase Richardson, Michigan State, SG
Mar 15, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Jase Richardson (11) dribbles the ball while Wisconsin Badgers guard Max Klesmit (11) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Jase, the son of former NBA player Jason Richardson, caught the eyes of NBA scouts midway through Michigan State’s regular season as he showed off his ability to score in a way that projects to the next level. Richardson had a stinker in his team’s matchup against New Mexico in the second round, but given how he played heading into the Tournament, he should be fine.
Kon Knueppel, Duke, SF
Mar 23, 2025; Raleigh, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Kon Knueppel (7) drives to the basket as Baylor Bears guard Jeremy Roach (3) defends during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Knueppel is not going to wow anyone with his athleticism, a factor that is vital to how good a player can be in the NBA. However, Knueppel has the kind of game that can work on almost any team with his ability to shoot the basketball along with his uncanny ways of contributing in transition and making something happen when he puts the ball on the floor.
Khaman Maluach, Duke, C
Mar 21, 2025; Raleigh, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Khaman Maluach (9) passes the ball against the Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
At the moment, it seems like Maryland center Derik Queen has overtaken Maluach for the best center in the upcoming Draft and that makes sense given how Queen willed his team to the Sweet 16 with his shotmaking and offensive skill set. However, Maluach looks like the kind of big that can step on an NBA floor next year and produce as a pick-and-roll man while showing some ability to possibly develop an outside shot in later years.
Carter Bryant, Arizona, SF
Mar 23, 2025; Seattle, WA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Carter Bryant (9) reacts against the Oregon Ducks in the first half at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Without sounding like Bryant will only be a 3-and-D wing in the NBA, that is something that he has shown he can do at an elite level during his freshman season at Arizona. Bryant, standing at 6-foot-8 and 220 pounds, looks like the kind of player that could provide something right away as a rookie and with his athleticism, it’s possible that he has one of the higher ceilings among the players expected to be selected in the first round.
Egor Demin, BYU, G/F
Mar 22, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Brigham Young Cougars guard Egor Demin (3) reacts against the Wisconsin Badgers during the second half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The appeal of Demin is simple: a player who stands at 6-foot-9 that can handle the ball the way he does is attractive to any NBA team looking for a guard that can be more than just a player that defends other guards. Demin, whose weight is unlisted along with a few other BYU players, obviously has a slight frame that may prevent him from defending NBA forwards, but his size, vision, and the shooting ability that he’s shown so far in the Tournament could cause him to rise up draft boards if he continues to show the full package.
This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets 2025 NBA Draft: 5 players to watch ahead of NCAA Men’s Sweet 16
