Episode Summary: Future NBA Stars Who Will Bust Your Brackets This March

Podcast: Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective
Host/Authors: Brian Windhorst, Wendy, Kevin Pelton, Jonathan Gavoni
Release Date: March 19, 2025

In this episode of The Hoop Collective, Brian Windhorst and his team delve into the NCAA Tournament, spotlighting collegiate athletes poised to make significant impacts in the NBA. As the tournament unfolds, the discussion centers around standout prospects, their performances, and their potential to disrupt NBA drafts and brackets.

1. Top Prospect: Cooper Flag – Duke University

Timestamp: 00:35 – 05:44

The episode kicks off with an in-depth analysis of Cooper Flag from Duke University, widely regarded as the number one prospect in the upcoming NBA draft.

• Performance Overview:
  Wendy praises Flag's exceptional season, noting, "He smashed right through those and, you know, exceeded them by any measure, was the best player in college basketball this year" (04:20).

• Statistical Dominance:
  Flag boasts a 30+% usage rate, leading Duke with impressive efficiency. His shooting has been on "another level for the last two months," complemented by significant improvements in ball handling.

• Versatility and Leadership:
  "He's an incredible defender, he's an incredible glue guy, he does a little bit of everything," Wendy emphasizes Flag's all-around contributions (04:10).

• Injury Update:
  A scare during the ACC quarterfinals with a suspected ankle sprain raised concerns, but Flag is "very minor" and expected to return for the tournament's next rounds (05:30).

2. Prospect Analysis: Vijay Edgecombe – Baylor University

Timestamp: 16:55 – 19:02

Next, the focus shifts to Vijay Edgecombe from Baylor University, a dynamic small forward drawing attention for his athleticism and skill set.

• Athletic Prowess:
  Wendy describes Edgecombe as "probably the most athletic player in college basketball," comparable to Cohen Carr from Michigan State (17:15).

• Skill Development:
  Throughout the season, Edgecombe enhanced his ball handling, passing, and finishing, alongside making "gigantic strides with his outside shooting" in the Big 12 play.

• Defensive Impact:
  "He plays exceptionally hard, he blocks shots, he gets steals, he gets rebounds," Wendy highlights his defensive contributions, making him a "very safe guy" with tremendous upside (18:45).

• Team Dynamics:
  Baylor's strategy to utilize Edgecombe more effectively towards the season's end has positively impacted his performance, solidifying his status as a top prospect (19:00).

3. Emerging Stars: Trey Johnson – Texas University

Timestamp: 19:53 – 23:28

Trey Johnson from Texas University is spotlighted as a scoring machine and a potential "March darling."

• Scoring Ability:
  Described as "an absolute bucket getter," Johnson has multiple 30-point games in the SEC, showcasing his prolific scoring from all areas on the floor (20:13).

• Areas for Improvement:
  Despite his scoring prowess, concerns about his defensive consistency and shot selection persist, with occasional struggles in mid-range and under physical pressure (21:20).

• NBA Readiness:
  Kevin Pelton questions Johnson's efficiency at the NBA level, drawing comparisons to players like Cam Thomas and Adam Morrison, noting his potential to drive winning versus current defensive capabilities (22:10).

4. Additional Top Prospects

Kaman Malawat & Kanuppal Khan – Duke University

Timestamp: 24:40 – 29:07

Beyond Flag, Duke boasts other high-ranking prospects:

• Kaman Malawat:
  Praised for his defensive tenacity, Malawat "changes everything" on the court with his mobility and rebounding. He's envisioned as an anchor for NBA defenses, likened to future all-stars (26:15).

• Kanuppal Khan:
  While some NBA scouts are apprehensive due to his shorter arms, Wendy remains optimistic, comparing him to Klay Thompson for his shooting prowess and defensive understanding (27:20).

Jeremiah Fears – Oklahoma University

Timestamp: 30:22 – 35:40

Jeremiah Fears, a standout point guard from Oklahoma University, is discussed for his high usage and efficiency:

• Gameplay:
  Fears displays a high volume of playmaking, handling the ball adeptly and leading his team in assists. His two-point percentage and turnover rate are notable for his position (33:25).

• NBA Projections:
  Pelton projects Fears to be a valuable draft pick, potentially going to Houston, fitting the profile of players desirable for their young talent and high-efficiency (34:57).

Derek Queen – Maryland University

Timestamp: 35:40 – 38:41

Derek Queen from Maryland is highlighted for his exceptional offensive skills:

• Offensive Efficiency:
  Queen excels in the post with "great hands" and "pick and roll finishing," though he faces questions about his shooting consistency and defensive versatility (36:08).

• Draft Considerations:
  While his two-point percentage is strong, Pelton expresses concerns about his adaptability to the NBA's level, referencing similar challenges faced by players like Adam Morrison (37:15).

Jace Richardson – Michigan State University

Timestamp: 39:04 – 40:02

Jace Richardson, following in his father's footsteps at Michigan State, is recognized for his shooting and playmaking:

• Gameplay Evolution:
  Initially a bench player, Richardson stepped up amid team changes, becoming a "big time shot maker" with a "great pace to his game" (39:04).

• Model Projections:
  Pelton acknowledges Richardson's late-season surge, maintaining his place in the top projections despite limited early data (40:02).

5. Underrated Prospects and Late Bloomers

Bennett Stertz – Drake University

Timestamp: 43:56 – 47:31

Bennett Stertz from Drake University emerges as a surprising top prospect:

• Performance Metrics:
  Despite limited exposure, Stertz leads in rebounds, steals, assists, and points per possession, driven by extensive playing time and a high-paced team strategy (44:13).

• Scouting Insights:
  NBA teams show interest, recognizing his all-around contributions, though questions remain about his ability to maintain consistency against higher-tier competition (45:29).

Derek Queen and Others

Timestamp: 51:19 – 52:21

Additional prospects like Isaiah Evans from Duke and Danny Wolfe from Michigan are discussed for their unique skills and potential impact:

• Danny Wolfe:
  A 7-foot point guard from Michigan, Wolfe is praised for his pick and roll proficiency and defensive versatility, marking him as a "unique player" with NBA star potential (51:31).

6. Closing Remarks and Future Projections

Timestamp: 52:21 – 53:05

The hosts wrap up the episode by highlighting emerging talents and potential dark horses who could ascend in rankings as the tournament progresses. Emphasis is placed on the unpredictability of late-round performances and the importance of continuous scouting.

Notable Conclusion Quote:
Jonathan Gavoni humorously acknowledges the learning curve, stating, "I depend on you to make me not sound so stupid when it comes to college basketball" (52:47).

This episode provides a comprehensive look at the NCAA Tournament's most promising players, offering listeners valuable insights into their collegiate performances and projected NBA trajectories. With detailed analyses and expert opinions, fans and scouts alike gain a clearer picture of the future stars ready to make their mark in professional basketball.